Kawasaki Motorcycles
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.
Kawasaki 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.
Kawasaki 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.
Kawasaki 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.