Introduced in 1990, the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 was one of the longest-running versions of the cruiser nameplate. However, by the 2005 model year, the Vulcan 500 was approaching the end of its production run. (Its manufacturer, Kawasaki, halted production in 2009.) Only one model of the 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 is available, and it has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $4,899.
The 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 uses a four-stroke liquid-cooled parallel twin (two-cylinder) engine. It displaces at 498 cubic centimeters, which is why this particular cruiser bears the ""500"" suffix. The bore and stroke of the engine is 74 x 58 millimeters (2.92 x 2.29 inches), and it has a compression ratio of 10.2 to 1. Fueling the engine is a 32-mm injector from Keihin Corp., and the engine is ignited by the bike’s electric starter.
Paired with the engine of the 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 is a six-speed manual transmission, and the bike uses a chain drive. Kawasaki implemented both components to reduce the cost of the bike. For fuel, each 2005 Vulcan 500 has a gas tank with a peak capacity of 5.5 gallons (20.8 liters).
The 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 uses a front-disc-brake rear-drum-brake layout, which is not as effective as the top-level disc brake system, but better than an all-wheel drum brake set-up. The suspension on each cruiser consists of a 1.6-inch (41-mm) telescopic fork and twin-sided steel swing arm with two rear shock absorbers. The 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 uses front 19-inch and rear 15-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in tubed tires.
Kawasaki made each 2005 Vulcan 500 out of a steel frame for sturdiness. The fenders and side covers that cover the frame have a Metallic Sonic Blue color finish. The two-level vinyl seat on the bike can accommodate the driver and one passenger. For digital instrumentation, the 2005 Vulcan 500 offers a trip odometer and speedometer. A halogen headlight and pair of side mirrors provide the driver with enhanced visibility.
Each 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 has a length of 91.3 inches (2,319.5 mm), width of 32.7 inches (830.6 mm), height of 44.3 inches (1,125.2 mm), and wheelbase of 62.8 inches (1,595.1 mm). Its ground clearance and seat height are measured at 4.7 inches (119.4 mm) and 28.1 inches (713.7 mm), respectively. The dry weight for the 2005 Vulcan 500 is estimated at 439 lbs. (199.1 kilograms).
For those who want a cruiser of moderate power, the 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan is worthy of note. It is not the best performing cruiser of the 2005 model year – in fact, it is on the low-end of the Vulcan family. However, it is suitable for casual riders or people who don’t need a performance powerhouse.