Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD 2009

By austin on Dec 20, 2008 in Cruiser/Touring, Kawasaki

Cool-Motorcycles reviews Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD 2009

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Affordable cruiser styling, outstanding small displacement efficiency
The ranks of first-time motorcycle buyers are swelling just as fast as the price of gas. The Vulcan® 500 LTD is Kawasaki’s answer to motorcyclists yearning to ride into the cruiser lifestyle. A low seat height, friendly power delivery and affordable purchase price make it an excellent entry level motorcycle and an easy platform on which to develop those all-important riding skills.

However, the Vulcan 500 LTD isn’t just limited to beginners. More experienced riders will appreciate its ample power and comfortable accommodations, while the Vulcan 500 LTD’s practicality, efficiency and reliability as a transportation source are sure to be appealing to riders of all calibers.

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A healthy dose of sportbike genes in the Ninja® 500R-based parallel twin-cylinder engine gives the Vulcan 500 LTD serious cruiser muscle to outperform its rivals. The powerplant provides a smooth, predictable torque delivery that’s ideal for boulevard cruising, yet it still has plenty of gusto for strong acceleration at highway speeds.

However, there’s more to the 500 LTD than its excellent engine. An equally user-friendly chassis with a long and low, matte black steel frame really puts it into the great category. A stepped seat, bobbed rear fender, tank-mounted speedometer and chrome-plated wire-spoke wheels give it the classic cruiser looks sure to please the custom style crowd. The rider calming low, 28-inch seat height rounds out the Vulcan 500 LTD’s rider friendly chassis.

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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 flow 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
• Tuned pipes enhance low-speed pulling power

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

Tank-Mounted Speedometer
• Tank-mounted Speedometer with 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

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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.
Curb Weight : 471.9 lb.
Overall Length : 91.3 in.
Overall Width : 32.7 in.
Overall Height : 44.3 in.
Ground Clearance : 4.7 in.
Color : Metallic Imperial Red
Warranty : 12 months
Good Times™ Protection Plan : 12, 24, 36 or 48 months