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2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan Overview
The 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan is a custom / cruiser motorcycle built around 2053 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 9.5:1. 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan delivers 103 hp @ 4800 rpm of peak power and 177 Nm @ 3200 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 200.4 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2008 VN 2000 Vulcan tips the scales at 332 kg, carries a 20.8-litre fuel tank and offers a seat height of 690 mm. Scroll down for the complete 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2008 VN 2000 Vulcan - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan makes 103 hp @ 4800 rpm with 177 Nm @ 3200 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Accessible seat height: At 690 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: As with any used VN 2000 Vulcan, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Low-speed confidence
At 332 kg, the VN 2000 Vulcan is a substantial machine. New owners occasionally mention that slow-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes a little getting used to. Once moving, the weight disappears - but practising slow-speed exercises builds confidence quickly.
VN 2000 Vulcan - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained VN 2000 Vulcan should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any VN 2000 Vulcan. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan have?
The 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan uses a Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder engine with 2053 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?
The 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan has a factory-quoted top speed of 200.4 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan weigh?
The 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan weighs 332 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan make?
The 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan produces 103 hp @ 4800 rpm of power and 177 Nm @ 3200 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan?
The 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan has a 20.8-litre fuel tank.
Is the 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan suitable for shorter riders?
The 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan has a seat height of 690 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan have?
The 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan uses 2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers at the front and Single 320mm disc 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan use?
The 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan runs 150/80 R16 front and 200/60 R16 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan have?
The 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
103 hp / 76 kW @ 4800 rpm
Torque
177 Nm / 130.5 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Top Speed
200.4 km/h / 124.5 mph
Fuel Capacity
20.8 Litres / 5.5 US gal
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Full 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan Specifications
Year
2008 - 09
Make Model
Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan
Seat Height
690 mm / 26.8 in
Ground Clearance
135 mm / 5.3 in
Length
2535 mm / 99.8 in
Dry Weight
332 kg / 732 lbs
Fuel Capacity
20.8 Litres / 5.5 US gal
Displacement
2053 cc / 125 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
103 x 123.2 mm
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Fuel Consumption
18.1 km/lit
Fuel Induction
Electronic fuel injection, 46mm throttle bodies
Ignition
Digital
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive
Belt
Gear Ratios
1st 2.550 (51/20) 2nd 1.630 (44/27) 3rd 1.219 (39/32) 4th 0.939 (31/33) 5th 0.730 (27/37)
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
Frame Type
Double-cradle, high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front
49 mm telescopic fork.
Suspension - Rear
Swingarm with mono-shock, rebound damping 8-way Spring preload adjustable
Rake
32.0°
Trail
182 mm
Wheel Travel - Front
150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
100 mm / 3.9 in
Brakes - Front
2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 320mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
150/80 R16
Tyres - Rear
200/60 R16
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