Kawasaki VN 400 Vulcan
The Kawasaki Vulcan 400 begins its history in 1985 and the model Kawasaki EN400 Vulcan. This motorcycle was built on the basis of an in-line 2-cylinder engine, which was quite resourceful and powerful, and in character bears little resemblance to classic cruisers.
By 1995, the EN400 was leaving the market, giving way to the Kawasaki VN400 Vulcan. The new model already had the usual V-shaped engine and chain drive (the EN400 was equipped with a belt drive). It was this model that gained significant popularity not only in Japan, but also in Russia (mainly due to its low cost and similarity to the older 800 cc model). Model Kawasaki VN 400 Vulcan is based on the older version Kawasaki VN800 Vulcan, differing only in engine size, carburetor and other minor changes. The interchangeability of parts of one and second model is very high - most of the VN400 parts are fully compatible with the VN800.
The main modifications of the Kawasaki VN400 Vulcan:
- Kawasaki Vulcan 400 (VN400A / B) - basic version. It appeared in 1995 and was offered until 1998 inclusive. Featuring a Harley-Davidson Softail Custom design. In Japan, it is also called - Vulcan II.
- Kawasaki Vulcan 400 Classic (VN400C) - the classic version of the motorcycle. The most popular modification. It was offered from 1996 to 2003 inclusive. It features classic elongated fenders and 16 'wheels.
- Kawasaki Vulcan 400 Drifter (VN400D) - Indian style version of the bike - deep fenders, saddle, 2-in-1 exhaust. It differs from other versions by the rear disc brake. It was offered from 1999 to 2002 inclusive.
The main features of the Kawasaki VN400 Vulcan model are liquid cooling, a 5-speed gearbox and a chain drive to the rear wheel. Suspensions are presented in the form of a conventional telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock (adjustable in preload) at the rear. The model is very simple and reliable, without any pronounced "diseases" and problems.
2003 was the last year of production for the Kawasaki VN400 Vulcan. Currently, this model is found in large quantities at Japanese auctions and is quite often brought by the efforts of gray importers to the Russian market.
The main competitors of the Kawasaki VN 400 Vulcan in the class:
- Honda Steed 400 / Honda Shadow 400
- Yamaha XV400 Virago / Yamaha XVS400 Drag Star
- Suzuki Intruder VS400 / Suzuki Intruder VL400 Classic
Specifications
Specifications Kawasaki VN 400 Vulcan:
| Model | Kawasaki VN400 Vulcan |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle type | cruiser |
| Release year | 1995-2003 |
| Frame | steel tubular |
| Engine type | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V-shaped |
| Working volume | 399 cc cm. |
| Bore / Stroke | 62.0 x 66.2 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.8: 1 |
| Cooling | liquid |
| Number of valves per cylinder | SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Fuel supply system | carburetor, 1x Keihin CVK32 |
| Ignition type | transistor |
| Maximum power | 33.0 h.p. (24 kW) at 8500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 32.0 Nm (3.3 kgf * m) @ 4500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Drive type | chain |
| Front tire size | 80 / 90-21 48H - VN400A / B 130 / 90-16 67H - VN400C, VN400D |
| Rear tire size | 140 / 90-16 71H |
| Front brakes | 1 disc, 300mm, 1-piston caliper - VN400A / B 1 disc, 300 mm, 2-piston caliper - VN400C 1 disc, 300 mm, 2-piston caliper - VN400D |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 180mm - VN400A / B / C Single disc, 270 mm, 2-piston caliper - VN400D |
| Front suspension | 41mm telescopic fork, 150mm travel |
| Rear suspension | pendulum Uni-trak with monoshock (adjustable preload), stroke - 100 mm |
| Motorcycle length | 2360 mm - VN400A / B 2375 mm - VN400C 2490 mm - VN400D |
| Motorcycle width | 825 mm - VN400A / B 930 mm - VN400C 1005 mm - VN400D |
| Motorcycle height | 1170 mm - VN400A / B 1130 mm - VN400C 1125 mm - VN400D |
| Wheelbase | 1625 mm - VN400A / B 1600 mm - VN400C 1615 mm - VN400D |
| Saddle height | 710 mm - VN400A / B 700 mm - VN400C 760 mm - VN400D |
| Acceleration to 100 km / h | |
| Maximum speed | 140 km / h |
| Fuel tank capacity | 15.0 L (including reserve - 3 L) - VN400A / B 14.0 L - VN400C, VN400D |
| weight (dry) | 225 kg - VN400A / B 234 kg - VN400C 248 kg - VN400D |