EN 500 Vulcan

2000 Kawasaki EN 500 Vulcan Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 2000 Kawasaki EN 500 Vulcan custom - cruiser motorcycle, Kawasaki relies on a 499 cc (30.5 cu in) liquid-cooled twin, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 50 HP (36.5 kW) at 9,000 rpm while maximum torque reaches 45 Nm (33.2 lb-ft) at 7,200 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 100.2 HP per liter and a 1,800 rpm working window between peak torque (7,200 rpm) and peak power (9,000 rpm), the engine character is reflecting a performance-oriented street tune that balances strong mid-range pull with an energetic top-end rush.

On the scales, the EN 500 Vulcan measures 174 kg (384 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.29 HP/kg (3.48 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 780 mm (30.7 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,595 mm (62.8 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 15-liter (4 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 160 km/h (99 mph).