Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan

Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan appeared in 1990 and replaced the Kawasaki 454 LTD. Unlike the classic V-engine layout, the Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan gets an in-line 2-cylinder engine from the Kawasaki GPZ 500.

Subsequently, this engine was installed on a large number of models - in addition to GPZ500, on Kawasaki ER-5, Kawasaki KLE 500 + on domestic Japanese models with a slightly reduced volume - Kawasaki EX-4, Kawasaki KLE 400. Moreover, this engine became the progenitor of the modern engine installed on the Kawasaki Versys 650, Kawasaki ER-6 and Kawasaki Vulcan S models. The first versions of the Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan produced 60 hp. power and 46 Nm of torque. At the time of its release, the Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan was a classic short wheelbase cruiser with a steel frame, cast wheels, classic suspensions (telescopic fork in front, double shock absorber in the rear), rear drum brake and belt drive.

Major generations of the Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan:

• Kawasaki EN500A Vulcan (1990-1996) - first generation. The model is distinguished by the classic appearance of the 80-90s, a forced engine, alloy wheels and a belt drive.
• Kawasaki EN500C Vulcan (1996-2009) - second generation. The model has a more modern appearance, a reconfigured engine (less power, but better traction), spoke wheels and a chain drive. This modification may be referred to as Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan Classic or'Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD.

For the domestic Japanese market, a 400 cc version was available - Kawasaki EN 400 Vulcan.

The Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan model was produced until 2009 and was targeted at foreign markets - this motorcycle was not sold in Japan. In 2014, Kawasaki releases the Vulcan S (EN650S) model, which, although it does not position itself as a successor to the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD, can still be called such - an inline 2-cylinder "road" engine wrapped in a modern cruiser.

The main competitors of the Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan in the class:

• Honda Steed / Shadow 600
• Suzuki LS650 Savage
• Yamaha XV535 Virago / Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star

Photos

Kawasaki EN500A Vulcan (1990-1996)	Kawasaki EN500C Vulcan (1996-2009)
File:2008-kawasaki-vulcan-500-10 1600x0w.jpg Kawasaki EN500C Vulcan (1996-2009)	Kawasaki EN500C Vulcan (1996-2009)

Specifications

Specifications Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan:

Generations	Kawasaki EN500A (1990-1996)	Kawasaki EN500C (1996-2009)
Motorcycle type	cruiser
Engine type	2-cylinder, 4-stroke, in-line
Working volume	498 cc cm.
Cooling	liquid
Bore / stroke	74x58 mm
Compression ratio	10.7: 1	10.2: 1
Number of valves per cylinder	4 valves per cylinder (DOHC)
Fuel supply system	carburetor x2 Keihin CVK34	carburetor x2 Keihin CVK32
Ignition type	transistor
Maximum power	60 hp at 9800 rpm (54.2 hp at 9500 rpm - on the wheel)	46 hp at 8000 rpm (34 hp - versions for Germany and Switzerland, 45 hp - France)
Maximum torque	46 Nm @ 8000 rpm	45 Nm @ 6,000 rpm (39 Nm - German and Swiss versions)
Gearbox	6-step
Drive type	belt	chain
Frame	steel tubular
Front suspension	36mm telescopic fork, 150mm travel
Rear suspension	swingarm with two shock absorbers (adjustable preload), stroke - 100 mm
Front tire size	100 / 90-19
Rear tire size	140 / 90-15
Front brakes	1 disc 300 mm, 1-piston caliper
Rear brakes	drum
Dimensions (L x W x H)	2265x840x1230 mm	2320x830x1125 mm
Saddle height	730 mm	715 mm
Wheelbase	1555 mm	1595 mm
Fuel tank capacity	11.0 l	15.0 l
Maximum speed	172 km / h	160 km / h
Acceleration to 100 km / h	n / a	6.7 sec
Motorcycle weight (curb)	199 kg	214 kg

Documentation

• Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan