KAWASAKI VN2000 (2004 - on) Review

Kawasaki VN2000 motorcycle review - Riding

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	3 out of 5 (3/5)
Power:	103 bhp
Seat height:	Low (26.8 in / 680 mm)
Weight:	High (750 lbs / 340 kg)

Prices

New £11,045

Used £7,000 - £7,300

View bikes for sale

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Cruising is all about having a relaxed mindset and there’s no better way to ease yourself into that state than the big Kawasaki Vulcan VN2000. It ticks all the right boxes – lots of black paint, lots of chrome, a huge 200-section rear tyre and, of course, a lolloping wildebeest of an engine.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Kawasaki VN2000 is not to be rushed, with its soft suspension and low (read ‘non-existent’) ground clearance hurried cornering will cost you plenty in replacement footboards. Keep it smooth, keep it slow and keep your powder dry until the road opens up. Braking is average, like all customs the geometry weighs against it.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Kawasaki VN2000's fuel-injected, V-twin, two-litre SOHC motor is terrific, with enormous, thudding power pulses that could propel you at least 50 yards with each cycle at tickover. It’s not quite of a par with a 1600cc Harley for sheer rip, but it’s not far off. Top pub fact: this pair of pistons are the biggest in motorcycling.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

With its Japanese build quality, belt-drive and low state of engine tune the Kawasaki VN2000 should run forever. Keep its chrome away from winter salt or you’ll quickly wreck it.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

If you like big cruiser-style bikes there’s a wide choice at this price point, new or used. For British buyers it would be hard to ignore Triumph’s Rocket III with its almighty 2.3 litre presence or any one of the big Harleys with their terrific residuals and credibility. Find a Kawasaki VN2000 for sale.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

There is a veritable smorgasbord of official bolt-ons to personalise your Kawasaki VN2000, with everything from tassles to tankbags, with most of it dripping in chrome.

Specs
Engine size	2053cc
Engine type	8v V-twin, 5 gears
Frame type	Steel double cradle
Fuel capacity	21 litres
Seat height	680mm
Bike weight	340kg
Front suspension	None
Rear suspension	Preload
Front brake	Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake	200mm disc
Front tyre size	150/80 x 17
Rear tyre size	200/60 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	42 mpg
Annual road tax	£117
Annual service cost	-
New price	£11,045
Used price	£7,000 - £7,300
Insurance group	15 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	103 bhp
Max torque	131 ft-lb
Top speed	120 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	13.4 secs
Tank range	-

Model history & versions

Model history

2004: Kawasaki VN2000 launched.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI VN2000 (2004 - on)

3 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI VN2000 (2004 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your KAWASAKI VN2000 (2004 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	3.3 out of 5 (3.3/5)
Engine:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality:	3 out of 5 (3/5)
Value vs rivals:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Equipment:	4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)

3 out of 5 Great engine and looks. Poor finish.

03 July 2018 by Ian Neal

Year: 2009

This is a nice bike, but the finish is poor.

Ride quality & brakes 2 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Get the intake and exhaust breathing properly by fitting a Power Commander. Doing this rids it of some of its tightness and narrow power band. I saw 125 bhp after some simple mods.

Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: Private buy.

3 out of 5 defective chrome

20 March 2011 by ab5gu

I bought a new 2009 kawasaki Vulcan 2000 with 1300 miles that is now 5 months old. The chroming on the stamped pieces sucks. The mirrors, brake fluid cover, fork covers are all popping rust through the chrome. I took it to the dealer and he agreed that it is a warranty issue. Kawasaki America shot it down. They claim it is from environmental causes, but will not define ” environmental causes” ( the planet you live on has oxygen in the atmosphere?). I was on the customer service line for an hour and explained how chrome is applied, and that on a 5 month old bike this is outrageous. They claim it is an environmental cause, even though the bike is garaged. The bad pieces are the Thailand mfg’d pieces, as all the other chrome is fine. All customer support will answer ” I don’t know, but it is environmental causes”. Crappy way to treat a customer.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

5 out of 5 VN2000ptolemyx's bike

24 January 2008 by ptolemyx

Bought new in may 04.16,000 miles without a single problem including a 4,000 mile tour of Spain.The torque is awesome, with a hypercharger intake, custom exhaust and Power Commander wheelspin in 3rd off the throttle up to an indicated 135! I find the handling surprisingly good for such a huge machine. Comfort is excellent, 300 plus mile days are easy. I've tried the big Suzuki and Honda cruisers and had a good look at the Yam, but still rate the VN2000 the best of them.I will not be changing. P.S. I rode Harleys for over a decade and personally find the VN2000 better in every respect, including the styling.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5