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Introduction
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.
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
- 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
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Technical Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, DOHC, eight-valve
parallel twin
Displacement: 498cc
Starting: Electric
Bore x stroke: 74.0 x 58.0mm
Compression ratio: 10.2:1
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin CVK32 x 2
Ignition: Digital TCBI
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: O-Ring chain
Frame: Double-cradle, steel
Rake / trail: 33 degrees / 5.9 in.
Suspension, front / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic fork / 5.9 in.
Suspension, rear / wheel travel: Dual hydraulic shocks with five-way
adjustable spring preload / 3.9 in.
Front tire: 100/90x19
Rear tire: 140/90x15
Brakes, front: Hydraulic disc
Brakes, rear: Mechanical drum
Overall length: 91.3 in.
Overall width: 32.7 in.
Overall height: 44.3 in
Ground clearance: 4.7 in.
Seat height: 28.1 in.
Curb weight: 471.9 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 4.0 gal.
Wheelbase: 62.8 in.
Color: Metallic Imperial Red
* Price and specifications subject to change
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