"Kawasaki Volcano" - a motorcycle with a thirty-year history

The legendary Japanese motorcycle "Kawasaki Vulkan" appeared on the roads of Japan, Europe, and then the whole world in 1984. It was a classic cruiser chopper with a 41-liter engine. from. And the volume of 699 cu. See exactly this volume of cylinders opened the "Vulkan" motorcycle road to the US market, as American standards allowed to import motorcycles with engine capacity up to 750 cubic meters. Cm at reasonable tariffs, and if this figure exceeded 750 cubic meters. Cm, the cost of imports has increased significantly. After the abolition of these restrictions in 1986, the Kawasaki Corporation increased the volume of the Vulcan engine cylinder to 900 cubic meters. Cm, and then (in 2002) - up to 1500 cubic meters. See Maximum volume in 2000 cu. Cm was achieved in 2004. This motor was installed on the base model VULKAN 2000 Classic LT. The engine with a V-shaped arrangement of two cylinders developed a capacity of 116 liters. from.

The lineup

In just thirty years of successful production of the Kawasaki Vulkan motorcycle, nine models were produced and serially produced:

• "Kawasaki Vulkan-750", 1984-2006.
• "Kawasaki Vulkan-400", 1986-2004.
• "Kawasaki Vulkan-500", 1990-2009.
• "Kawasaki Vulkan-1500", 1987-2008.
• "Kawasaki Vulkan-800", 1995-2006.
• "Vulcan-1600", 2002-2009
• "Kawasaki Vulkan-2000", 2004-2010.
• "Volcano-900", from 2006 to the present.
• "Kawasaki Vulkan-1700", from 2009 to the present.

The whole range of the Kawasaki Vulkan motorcycle was produced in the classic version of the cruise bike, with comfortable seats, comfortable shock absorption and smooth gear shifting. All these signs correspond to two-wheeled vehicles intended for long trips.

Exterior

Motorcycles "Kawasaki Vulkan" differ impressive design, they can be found among hundreds of other motobikes on chrome wheel arches, unilateral arrangement of exhaust pipes and futuristic form of seats. The main difference of "Vulcan" is its rapid contours, creating the impression of a "cheetah in jumping", which is strengthened by chamfered rear shock absorbers and a rear wing of elongated shape.

"Kawasaki Vulcan-400"

Kawasaki Corporation introduced the Vulcan-400 model in 1986 as a medium-powered cruise motorcycle. Twin engine with a capacity of 398 cu. Centimeters of the classic V-shaped configuration developed power of about 30 horsepower, cooling it - a liquid. The crankshaft rotation was transmitted to the rear wheel by means of a belt drive, which was soon replaced by a chain drive. The transmission of the motorcycle was too wide, the six-speed gearbox did not fully justify itself, since the first gear was almost unused due to the too low ratio of gear ratios, and the Vulcan movement began with the second gear.

After some time, the 6-speed box was replaced with a five-speed box, and this constructive solution not only improved the characteristics of the motorcycle, but also lowered its price - sales increased significantly. "Kawasaki Vulkan" in different versions was sold practically in all countries of Europe, the Middle East, the USA and Canada.

"Kawasaki Volcano-900"

The Vulkan-900 model, introduced in 2006, for a long time became the most popular modification. This motorcycle is currently in the lead on sales all over the world. "Volcano-900" can be recognized by the characteristic sound of the engine, restrained by a powerful growling of pistons 88-millimeter diameter. Engine capacity of 903 cu. Cm brand VN900BE develops a capacity of 42 liters. With., Gas distribution - four-valve, the arrangement of cylinders - V-shaped. Transmission of rotation from the engine to the rear wheel belt. Transmission - Return, five-speed.

The engine is started by an electric starter, the fuel tank holds 20 liters of fuel. Disc brakes on both wheels, front tire tires - 130 / 90-16M / C 67H, rear - 180 / 70-15M / C 76H. The frame of the motorcycle is welded combined, tubular-profile. Front fork - telescopic, reciprocating action, rear fork - pendulum, with effective hydraulic shock absorbers.

Motorcycle "Kawasaki-1500 volcano"

The fourth model of the Kawasaki family, Vulkan-1500, was released in 1987, and its production continued until 2008. The modification of the motorcycle was focused on long trips with maximum comfort. The car was equipped with large luggage trunks, located on the sides of the rear wheel, a high double seat with a backrest and a 24-liter fuel tank. The rudder configuration is extended, the steering rod is adjustable in height and angle of inclination. The instrument panel as such is not available, all sensors are placed in a multispidometer of circular shape.

The engine is 1470 cc. Cm develops a capacity of 90 liters. With. The arrangement of cylinders - in-line, V-shaped, cooling - liquid. Gas distribution - 4-valve on one cylinder, ignition - electronic with computer focusing of a spark. A powerful engine required the installation of an adequate transmission, and after repeated tests it was decided to stop on a 4-speed transmission. The motorcycle brake system is effective, the disc brakes on both wheels.

The Japanese concern Kawasaki is currently preparing several new models for Kawasaki Vulkan motobike.