Kawasaki South Africa has received stock of the biggest V-twin motorcycle ever built. The recently launched VN2000 has already proven so popular in Harley Davidson’s homeland that an American magazine Cruising Rider has decreed it their 2004 Bike of the Year.
Because cruisers are traditionally low revving high-torque engines, Kawasaki took the overhead valve and push-rod route when designing their new monster engine — the whopping 123,2 mm stroke meant that overhead camshafts would have made the engine unacceptably tall. Thanks to the chosen layout, the liquid-cooled VN2000 power plant is just 2mm taller than that of the overhead camshaft Kawasaki VN1500, despite having a 33 mm longer stroke. Twin chain-driven camshafts drive the pushrods that run along the exterior of the cylinders, operating four valves in each cylinder head, and dual primary balancers harmonise primary vibration. Secondary vibrations are minimised by the use of lightweight connecting rods and pistons in the 103mm plated bores, while a satisfying assemblage of good vibrations is left for the rider to enjoy.
This belt-driven behemoth was designed to be ridden comfortably over long distances, so the VN2000 comes with a 21 litre fuel tank. A step-motor-driven instrument console mounted in the tank contains a speedometer, fuel gauge and warning lamps. A comfortable bucket seat and floorboards add to riding comfort.
The Kawasaki VN2000 may be the largest displacement V-twin in the world — but that doesn’t mean it’s unwieldy. An ultra-low seat height of 680mm makes it easy for shorties to reach the ground with their feet, and the low centre of gravity makes the bike’s 340kg mass a cinch to wheel around, even at low speed.
Although the VN2000 looks like a hardtail there is in fact a shock absorber tucked away under the seat, offering a full 100mm of rear wheel travel, while massive 49mm fork tubes allow the front wheel 150mm of travel. Dual 300mm front discs are clamped by 4 piston callipers, while a 320mm single rear disc with twin pot callipers does duty at the rear.
The futuristic headlight on the Kawasaki VN2000 is very different to anything else around. A streamlined nacelle houses a “gatling” triple projector beam, with a conventional high-beam lamp below. When on brights all four elements are lit up, while the dipped setting allows the three projector lamps to illuminate the road ahead evenly. The VN2000 also boasts self-cancelling indicators and an ignition switch that allows on-position key removal to protect the fuel tank from scratches. Turning the ignition switch collar to the “off” or “park” positions kills the engine and necessitates re-insertion of the key to fire it up again.
The Kawasaki VN2000 costs R146 995 and is available at all Kawasaki dealers countrywide. The motorcycle comes with a 24 month unlimited distance warranty.