Thursday, February 28, 2008

Kawasaki Vulcan® 500 LTD


An excellent choice for first-time buyers, Kawasaki’s Vulcan® 500 LTD is the perfect entry level motorcycle for anyone seeking the cruiser lifestyle. Its low seat height, friendly power delivery and affordable purchase price all add up to an easy platform to develop those all-important riding skills.

It might be compact and easy to ride, but that will only encourage more experienced riders to enjoy the Vulcan 500 LTD’s ample power and comfortable accommodations along with its practicality, efficiency and reliability as a transportation tool.

Based on the same engine that powers the Ninja® 500R sportbike, the Vulcan 500 LTD’s engine helps this cruiser outmuscle its competition. Its twin cylinder powerplant provides a smooth, predictable torque delivery for boulevard cruising, with plenty of muscle left for highway speeds.

It takes more than an excellent engine to make a great motorcycle, so the 500 LTD’s chassis is equally user-friendly. A matte black, long and low steel frame contributes to its classic cruiser looks, and with a saddle that’s just 28 inches from the ground, it puts just about any size rider at ease.

A stepped seat, bobbed rear fender, tank-mounted speedometer and chrome-plated wire-spoke wheels harmonize the Vulcan 500 LTD’s custom crowd style. Admire it as is, or select additional enhancements to add your own touch from Kawasaki’s accessory line.

Features

Twin-cylinder 498cc Engine
- Compact parallel-twin design based on the NINJA® 500R sportbike engine
- Special cam profiles and ample flywheel weight boost low-end torque

Liquid-Cooling
- Keeps operating temperatures consistent, resulting in longer engine life
- Allows tighter engine clearances for quieter running and more power
- Radiator hides between the frame downtubes

Four Valves per Cylinder
- Better breathing for more power at high rpm
- Compact combustion chamber for less detonation with today’s gasoline
- Augments low-end torque

Automatic Cam Chain Tensioner
- Maintains precise timing without maintenance
- Cam chain runs quietly, reliably

Gear-Driven Balancer
- Reduces engine vibration for a super-smooth ride

Six-Speed Transmission
- Allows engine’s full potential to be utilized

Positive Neutral Finder
- When stopped, just lift the shift pedal from first gear to easily find neutral

32mm CVK Semi-Flat Slide Carburetors
- Quick throttle response
- Precise fuel metering provides uniform power delivery at all engine speeds

Straight-Flow Exhaust
- Designed to boost low and mid-range power
- Tuned pipes enhance low-speed pulling power

Single Disc Front Brake
- Single piston pin-slide caliper produces quick, sure stops

Tank-Mounted Speedometer with Turn Signal Indicators and Caution Lamps
- Gives needed information at a glance
- Compact design complements the bike’s clean look

Stepped Seating
- Laid-back riding comfort for two

Chrome-Plated Wire Spoke Wheels
- Narrow 100/90-19 front tire and beefy 140/90-15 rear tire fits the LTD’s traditional cruiser styling

Specifications

Engine Type Four-stroke, DOHC, eight-valve parallel twin
Displacement 498 cc
Bore & Stroke 74.0 x 58.0 mm
Cooling Liquid
Compression Ratio 10.2:1
Carburetor Keihin CVK32 x 2
Ignition Digital TCBI
Transmission 6-Speed
Final Drive O-Ring Chain
Frame Double-cradle, steel
Rake/Trail 33°/5.9 in.
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel 41mm hydraulic fork / 5.9 in.
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel Dual hydraulic shocks with five-way adjustable spring preload / 3.9 in.
Front Tire Size 100/90-19
Rear Tire Size 140/90-15
Wheelbase 62.8 in.
Front Brake Type Hydraulic disc
Rear Brake Type Mechanical drum
Fuel Tank Capacity 4.0 gal.
Seat Height 28.1 in.
Dry Weight 439 lb.
Overall Length 91.3 in.
Overall Width 32.7 in.
Overall Height 44.3 in.
Ground Clearance 4.7 in.
Color Ebony
Warranty 12 months
Good Times™ Protection Plan 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
* Model not available in California

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