[Toasterovin]

My local metric shop had a Vulcan 2000 demo bike in house. The salesman let me take it out for a test drive. My experience went as follows....

The bike felt very big and beefy. I was pretty excited to ride something that was actually “real competition” to the VTX.

I started out just running through the gears a few times just checking out the feel of the bike. I felt like I was riding my Pop’s Road King as far as the size of bike goes. The feel of the bike was real smooth.

I noticed that the Vulcan 2000 cornered way better than my VTX 1800C. It seemed like you could lean into the corners a lot more. The VTX sits too low for this.

Now for the important part, POWER The Kal 2000 accelerated quite nicely. I got it up to 60mph and then dropped the wrist in 5th gear. It seemed like the engine was bogging, but I was gaining some serious speed. The power was awesome, but for 200 more CC’s, I was expecting more. You know, I was hoping my head would blow right off my shoulders! Again, the engine sounded and felt like it was bogging, but the bike was kicking butt. I tried the same thing at 60mph, instead I kicked it down into 4th gear. It still accelerated big time, but the engine feel and sound was strange.

From a dead stop, the bike wants to go, just like the VTX. You can grab rubber in 2nd gear easy. However, it did feel like you had a rocket attached to a train as far as size of bike goes. I could definitely tell I was on a bigger bike. Of course I am used to riding my VTX and I am sure that had something to do with it.

I took the bike back and got back on my VTX. Man, I felt like I was riding a feather. I noticed my bike was a lot snappier and way more nimble. Of course I have a fuel injection tuner, pipes, and K&N.

So, would I buy a Vulcan 2000? Sure, why not? It’s a great bike. I bet it would run good with some aftermarket goodies on it. I would rather buy a Vulcan 2000 than a Road King, that’s for sure. Would I trade my VTX in on it? No friggin way.

 

[Big-X]

Interesting review. I try to avoid temptation so I just avoid other bikes.

 

[FL_VTX_GA]

Progressive springs and shocks gave me all the cornering room I need. At 190 pounds, leaning into the corners won't help as much on a heavier bike.

 

[justbugging]

just wanted to say I love my VTX 1800 C man all ya do is give it the gas and hold on!!! (Nothing like it is their???) like you said I am sure its a good ride, but like you. I will keep my VTX I Love It. Ya know Power is great and with a machine we are rideing you have to REMEMBER to respect it. Theirs nothing like being at a stop light, if ya want to go around just go for it but be safe right? Now I seen a 1500 Bolavard cant spell any way, they say thats a running bike dont know, do you have any feed back on that one? I am new to the site but am still learning to use the site and learning every ride about my VTX. Question to any one out their. I never thought I"d say this but really thinking on a windshield, I am 55 and the wind sometimes is tough.Do you think it would hurt my horsepower? Any way keep that machine up stright, and keep on going down that road. Eddie (Justbugging)

 

[nighthawk]

I test rode the 2000 at biketoberfest. I thought it rattled like a paintmixer and home depot, sure glad I pee d before I toke it out. I still prefer the vtx over the vulcan.

 

[dracul]

I like these Kawai monsters as well. Except for the fact that the awesome R3 emerged right after the big twin Kaw and effectively eclipsed it with far greater power and agility I'd be considering one now. But if you are considering a cutting edge power-twin then the 'Zuki 109 is a far better starting place...or perhaps one of the HD V-Rod iterations; all very ballsy rides. For me, however, the three cylinders of the R3 offer a much greater platform for performance modifications. The massive Triumph already has a turbo option which boosts the beast to over 200 HP (with comparable torque)!!!!! For less than 20K it's hard to beat.