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.
Admire it as is, or select additional enhancements to add your own touch from any of Kawasaki’s accessory line — available through Kawasaki dealers.
Details & 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
Specifications
| Engine Type |
Four-stroke, DOHC, eight-valve parallel twin |
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| Bore & Stroke |
74.0 x 58.0 mm |
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| Carburetor |
Keihin CVK32 x 2 |
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| Frame |
Double-cradle, steel |
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| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel |
41mm hydraulic fork / 5.9 in. |
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| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel |
Dual hydraulic shocks with five-way adjustable spring preload / 3.9 in. |
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| Front Tire Size |
100/90-19 |
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| Front Brake Type |
Hydraulic disc |
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| Rear Brake Type |
Mechanical drum |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity |
4.0 gal. |
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| Color |
Metallic Imperial Red |
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| Good Times™ Protection Plan |
12, 24, 36 or 48 months |
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* Note: Specifications and pricing are subject to change.
