2008Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic

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The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic is a heavyweight cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Its massive 2053cc V-twin engine delivers abundant low-end torque ideal for lazy, commanding rides. Known for smooth handling and accessible ergonomics despite its size, it appeals to experienced cruiser enthusiasts and touring riders.

Capacity: 2053.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 340.2 kg
Seat height: 681 mm
Power: 120.9 HP (88.9 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Torque	191.2 Nm (19.5 kgf-m or 141.0 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM	191.2 Nm (19.5 kgf-m or 141.0 ft.lbs)
Front suspension	49mm hydraulic telescopic fork	49mm telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Rear suspension	Single shock, eight-way rebound damping	Triangulated steel pipe swingarm with direct-action single shock, fully-adjustable spring preload, eight-way rebound damping / 3.9 in.
Rear brakes	Single disc	Double disc

Other years 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding35%

Daily riding55%

Touring70%

Two-up65%

Track10%

Best for: Built for straight-line torque-fueled cruising and boulevard presence rather than nimble handling or outright top speed.
Built for: A big-inch, big-torque V-twin cruiser that favors relaxed, throttle-roll-on riding with a commanding, muscular presence.
Not ideal for: Not suited for riders wanting agile cornering, off-road capability, or a lightweight, flickable ride.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 681mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 2053.0 ccm
Power: 120.9 HP (88.9 kW)
EPA Certificate No.: 8KAXC2.05AAC-018
EPA CO Emissions: 1.0 CO g/km
Torque: 191.2 Nm (19.5 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3554 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 103.0 x 123.2 mm
Compression: 9.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1735 mm
Overall length: 2535 mm
Overall width: 1026 mm
Overall height: 1156 mm
Seat height: 681 mm
Dry weight: 340.2 kg
Wet weight: 380.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.80 litres
Ground clearance: 135 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Front suspension: 49mm telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Rear suspension: Triangulated steel pipe swingarm with direct-action single shock, fully-adjustable spring preload, eight-way rebound damping / 3.9 in.
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°
Trail: 183 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Double disc
Rear brakes diameter: 320 mm
Front tyre: 150/80-16
Rear tyre: 200/60-16

Other

Color options: Metallic Diablo Black, Atomic Silver
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Capacity	2053 cc	2053 cc	2053 cc	2053 cc	2053 cc
Dry weight	340 kg	340 kg	340 kg	—	—
Seat height	681 mm	681 mm	681 mm	681 mm	681 mm
Fuel capacity	20.8 L	20.8 L	20.8 L	20.8 L	20.8 L