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Riding Four Big Cruisers
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2004 Cruiser Comparison
Jan Morgan
Summer 2004
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Photography by Randall Cordero
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(Click to enlarge) |
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The Vulcan, at 125 cubic inches, is the
largest displacement V-twin power cruiser ever. With its water-cooled, pushrod
4-valve heads and air-cooled cylinders, this engine is simply the torque monster
of the group. Where the other bikes are content to produce a more-than-generous
95 foot-pounds of useful twist, the 116-horsepower Kawasaki effortlessly
delivers 143 ft lbs of torque at only 3,000 rpm. That’s a stunning number that
makes its slick-shifting 5-speed gearbox redundant, while offering colossal
acceleration in any gear, from any speed. Need to pass a truck? Just leave it in
fifth and twist. The 50-to-90-mph jump is accomplished in less than a moment,
accompanied by a relaxed heartbeat from this incredible powerplant.
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(Click to enlarge) |
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Visual
inspection of the Vulcan reinforces its heavy-power cruiser role. “Well, it is
built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and that about says it all,” said one of the
testers. This barrel-chested bike carries its 750-pound dry weight high, and the
side-stand keeps it parked at a shallow angle. It’s a machine for those who
prefer a little heft in their rides; just getting it off the stand requires
significant body mass and a good sense of balance.
Around town, the rider is
always aware of the Vulcan’s ample avoirdupois. However, once up and rolling,
the bike is an excellent cruiser, with unflappable straight-line stability and a
compliant ride. With elephantine torque to match its one-third ton weight, it is
completely undisturbed by such things as 40-mph winds or the wake of a semi
disappearing in the mirrors.
The Victory Kingpin is a triple-refined
American twin. The 92-cubic-inch V—polished, chrome-accented and
fuel-injected—is the “little” engine in this group. Fortified with overhead cams
and four valves per cylinder, it serves up typical big V-twin torque, supplying
effortless acceleration regardless of the selected gear.
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(Click to enlarge) |
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The Kingpin’s
workmanship and materials are first rate. Fit, finish and dead-on power cruiser
styling, combined with comfortable ergonomics and excellent brakes, make it the
thinking rider’s cruiser. The bike carries its weight low, making it very easy
to maneuver and a willing playmate on the road. It is user-friendly and always
available for that quick trip to the post office or a long weekend
cruise.
Thumb the bespoke starter switches of Big Dog’s Bulldog, and the
drag-racing-inspired, 107-cubic-inch S&S roars to life. Even at 630 pounds,
the motorcycle melts away and leaves you with just the engine in all of its
thumping, thrusting glory. Twist the throttle and the response is
instantaneous—more like a sportbike than a heavy cruiser. Equipped with a
6-speed gearbox, the enthusiastic S&S is always in a sweet spot in its
powerband, with an abundance of torque ready to roll on.
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