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 For 2004 Kawasaki have increased the capacity of their Mean Streak model from
1,470cc to 1,552cc but they are also introducing a new 2,053cc Vulcan 2000.
This should make the new VN2000 the largest displacement v-twin in the
world.
Engine
* Liquid-cooled, OHV, 8-valve, 2,053 cc V-Twin engine has a massive bore and stroke of 103 x 123.2 mm.
* 46 mm throttle bodies are fitted with dual
throttle valves ensure massive torque output in the low and medium rpm ranges
* Automotive-type fine-atomising injectors improve performance, fuel economy and emissions.
* 4-valve heads use
centrally located iridium plugs fired by high-voltage coils for high combustion efficiency.
* Twin chain-driven cams operate the pushrods that run along the exterior of the cylinders on the right
side of the engine.
* Hidden oil lines to the cylinder head balance the appearance of the left side of the engine.
* Lightweight forged “slipper” pistons. Compression ratio is 9.5:1.
* Dual
primary balancers harmonise primary vibration. Secondary vibration is minimised with lightweight pistons and rods
* Rugged 5-speed transmission. A gear position sensor signals the ECU, ensuring
that ignition timing and fuel supply is ideal for the chosen gear and speed range.
* Belt final drive is quiet and efficient.
* Following the overall design of the Vulcan 2000, the engine’s
dimensions are also long and low. Although stroke is 33 mm longer than that of the VN1500 engines, the Vulcan 2000 power plant is only 2 mm taller.
* The crankcase’s “wrinkle black” coating
juxtaposes nicely with the many chromed engine covers.
* Dual slash-cut mufflers are joined with two balance pipes
* Cylinder heads use a large 35° valve angle, helping to realise a short cylinder
head layout (intake valve diameter: 40 mm; exhaust: 36 mm).
* Hydraulic valve lash adjusters are located on the rocker arms, and high-quality SKD tappet material is used for low weight and high
durability.
* Plated cylinders are long wearing and offer excellent heat dispersion. The coolant jacket extends only part way down the cylinders, giving the cylinders an attractively tapered shape
with a small cylinder base area. Finning matches that of the cylinder heads
* Piston-cooling oil jets are used to keep piston temperature under control.
* Lightweight alloy-steel connecting rods
contribute to low vibration levels.
* A damper on the left end of the crankshaft dampens large torque fluctuations and reduces shock loads on the primary drive and transmission.
* Chain primary
drive
* ECU control items include: injection timing/volume, sub-throttle, ignition timing, radiator fan, decompression, starter motor, and fuel pump.
* Dual oil pumps are used, one in the
crankcase and one in the clutch case, each with its own scavenging pump.
* High-output, large-diameter 226 mm AC generator is mounted inboard on the crank journal, and contributes to flywheel mass.
* Large one-piece engine cases house the eleven shafts including the cams. The oil and water pumps are built into the cases, reducing the number of parts. The cases are rigidly mounted in the frame,
making the engine a stressed member and increasing chassis rigidity.
* Semi-dry sump design eliminates external oil lines and isolates engine oil from the crank wheels to prevent windage loss.
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Compact air cleaner with chrome cover is located between the cylinders.
* Automatic decompressor operated by electric solenoid aids starting
* Honeycomb catalysers in the mufflers reduce exhaust
emissions, while twin balance pipes enhance exhaust efficiency.
* An automatic fast idle setting ensures quick starts on cold mornings.
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