KAWASAKI VN2000 (2004 - on) Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.