Specifications of a 2001 Vulcan 500

• Kawasaki was founded in 1896 as Kawasaki Heavy Industries, specializing primarily in shipbuilding and electrical generating. Motorcycles were a very small aspect of the company up until the early 1960s when the company acquired a motorcycle manufacturing business in Japan. The Kawasaki Vulcan 500 is the smallest in a lineup of cruiser motorcycles known as the "Vulcan" series. The 2001 Vulcan is a popular starter bike for novice riders.

Dimensions

• The dimensions of the 2001 Vulcan are 91.3 inches in length, 32.7 inches in width and 44.3 inches in height. The motorcycle weighs approximately 439 pounds and has a wheelbase length of 62.8 inches. The seat height is 28 inches, and the ground clearance is 4.7 inches.

Engine and Carburetor

• The 2001 Vulcan's parallel twin engine is a four-stroke, dual overhead cam design with eight valves and a liquid cooling system for increased consistency in operating temperatures. The concept of four valves per cylinder was introduced to achieve greater power at higher speeds. The engine has a four-gallon fuel capacity, and its displacement is 498 cc. The bore and stroke are 74 mm by 58 mm. The carburetor is a 32 mm CVK semi-flat slide. The six-speed transmission is equipped with high second and third gears and a positive neutral finder. The engine is capable of 1,300 RPM, plus or minus 50.

Suspension

• The front suspension on the 2001 Vulcan is a 41 mm hydraulic fork. Rear suspension consists of dual hydraulic shocks with a five-way adjustable spring pre-load. The front wheel travel is 5.9 inches, and the back wheel travel is 3.9 inches.

Tires and Brakes

• Front tire dimensions on the 2001 Vulcan are 100/90x19 while the rear tire is 140/90x15. The narrow front tire, combined with the thick rear tire, was the styling design for the cruiser. The brakes are hydraulic disc with a mechanical drum. The front brake is a single disc with a pin slide caliper, allowing the rider to stop quickly. The wire spoke lace wheels are chrome-plated.

Additional Features

• Styling elements on the 2001 Vulcan include a stepped, two-seater design and a rear fender with a deep valance. The speedometer is tank-mounted with turn signal lights and caution lamps. The front fork of the motorcycle has a slight kick out.