Kawasaki
Kawasaki has been a major competitor in the motorcycle industry for decades. And for good reason: they make great bikes. Though long a highly visible player in the motocross and sport bike arena, they also have some excellent choices in the larger sizes.
Ninja ZX-10R
The Ninja ZX-10R sportbike isn’t the first great performer they’ve produced and it won’t be the last. But it’s difficult to imagine how they’ll top this one. Honored by Cycle World in 2004 and 2005 as the Best Superbike, Kawasaki’s engineers are really going to have to come up with something incredible to beat it.
Like all well-built sportbikes, the Ninja has plenty of quick power and great handling ability. Thanks to changes in the center of gravity and other design alterations, it corners like a dream. But it’s rare for a bike in this class to be so comfortable on top of it. The peg position, handlebars, seat… everything has been ergonomically well thought out.
Vulcan 900
For those interested in something a little more street-oriented, Kawasaki has several superb choices. The Vulcan 900 is one that will stack up proudly against any of them. This mid-sized bike will satisfy all but those looking for a truly large cruiser.
The 903cc engine provides plenty of throaty power in a package that performs smoothly and at the same time looks great. You know a bike is unusual when even the engine looks so stylish. But the style can’t hide the fact that the four-valve per cylinder, liquid-cooled power plant gives this bike the ability to go anywhere, anytime you want it to.
That fact is amplified by the large capacity tank, the relatively light weight for a cruiser, the 180mm rear tire, and the classic V-twin engine design. This guy looks good on surface streets and rides comfortably over longer trips, thanks in part to the low seat height and the extended fork.
Vulcan 2000
But for those who won’t be satisfied with anything but the largest Kawasaki has to offer, there’s the Vulcan 2000. The 125ci (2048 cc) V-twin and huge flywheels give this model all the power any rider could want.
The low center of gravity makes it a joy to ride on those long hauls. You won’t have to worry about power plant troubles, either, thanks to the superbly performing electronic engine control unit. It provides smooth power at any rpm (revolutions per minute) with flawless fuel injection and excellent efficiency.
The combination of liquid-cooled top half and air-cooled fin design on the lower half keeps the Vulcan 2000 zooming along over long trips with no worries. The suspension system, with unusually large travel means an ultra-comfortable ride over those distances, too. Thanks to the styling you’ll also look good riding along those country roads.
Whether your taste runs to the quick, slam-dash of a dirt bike or to the beefy boom of a big cruiser, Kawasaki has something that will interest you.