| | | | Detailed first look : 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Classic |  Written: 28/09/2007 : 14:11. Read 14596 times (23/day). | The bigger prodution V-Twin in the world, more than 2 liters of displacement.
A very nice engine who just waits for a long trip...
  69 votes | |
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This VN 2000 suffer of a bick personality lack, but its engine will certainly be good to hide that...
Engine
* Liquid-cooled, OHV, 8-valve, 2,053 cm³ V-Twin engine has a massive bore and stroke of 103 x 123.2 mm.
* Huge 46 mm throttle bodies fitted with dual throttle valves ensure massive torque output in the low- and medium rpm ranges and contribute to a silky smooth powerband.
* The use of dual throttle valves – a primary throttle valve directly operated by the rider and a sub-valve operated by electric motor – mitigates sudden torque increases and smoothes out the power delivery.
* Fine-atomising injectors improve performance, fuel economy and emissions. (While fuel spray from conventional injectors has a droplet size of 120 microns, the fine atomising injectors have a droplet size of approximately 70 microns.)
* 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, similar to those found in high-performance engines, with short skirts help reduce vibration. Compression is 9.5:1.
* Dual primary balancers harmonise primary vibration. Secondary vibration is minimised with the lightweight pistons and rods while the good vibrations (Cf: The Beach Boys, 1967) are left for the rider to enjoy.
* Belt final drive is quiet and efficient. Wide belt is very durable.
* Emissions meet strict Euro-III regulations.
* 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 matching that of the cylinder heads is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
* Piston-cooling oil jets are used to keep piston temperature under control.
* Lightweight alloy-steel connecting rods contribute to low vibration levels.
* The crankshaft uses huge 220 mm flywheels to enhance torque feel at low rpm.
* 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 (HV) eliminates gear noise and transmits a great V-Twin pulse feel to the rider.
* Cable-actuated clutch offers superb feel at the lever. Mounting the clutch on the left side of the engine gives the engine a classic V-Twin shape.
* 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 scavanging 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.
* All engine covers are 2- or 3-step construction, and the chromed transmission cover doubles as an oil accumulation tank.
* Compact air cleaner with attractive chrome cover is located between the cylinders.
* Starting is easy, thanks to an automatic decompressor operated by electric solenoid.
* An automatic fast idle setting ensures quick starts, even on cold mornings.
Frame
* The steel double-cradle frame uses a cast steering head mated to a large-diameter, box-section backbone.
* A 32° rake and 10 mm fork offset deliver very balanced handling characteristics, making the VN2000 Classic both highly manoeuvrable at low speeds and very stable on the highway.
* Steel pipe swingarm features a truss structure for high stiffness.
* Large tapered roller bearings are used in the steering head for high stability and high chassis rigidity.
* The use of castings around the steering head and forged parts around the swingarm pivot results in a clean design, with less welding and very high rigidity.
Suspension
* Massive 49 mm fork tubes ensure excellent steering feedback and contribute heavily to the big Classic’s good-mannered steering. (Photo 1)
* Very low-speed handling is light and free of understeer. At speed on the highway the front end delivers an unsurpassed feeling of trustworthiness and stability.
* Direct-action single rear shock, adjustable for both preload and rebound damping, is discreetly hidden under the seat and delivers a smooth, comfortable ride.
Brakes, Wheels & Tyres
* Dual 300 mm front brake discs are operated by 4-piston callipers for powerful braking.
* Slowing the rear wheel is a large-diameter 320 mm disc operated by a twin-piston calliper.
* Radial tyres contribute to stable handling.
Specifications
ENGINE
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke V-Twin
Displacement 2,053 cm3
Bore x stroke 103.0 x 123.2 mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Valve/Induction system OHV, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel system Fuel injection: φ46 mm x 2
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 5-speed, return
Final Drive Belt
Primary reduction ratio 1.500 (48/32)
Gear ratios: 1st 2.550 (51/20)
Gear ratios: 2nd 1.629 (44/27)
Gear ratios: 3rd 1.218 (39/32)
Gear ratios: 4th 0.939 (31/33)
Gear ratios: 5th 0.729 (27/37)
Final reduction ratio 2.454 (48/44 x 72/32)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
FRAME
Frame type Double-cradle, high-tensile steel
Wheel travel, front 150 mm
Wheel travel, rear 100 mm
Tyre, front 150/80R16M/C (71V)
Tyre, rear 200/60R16M/C (79V)
Rake/Trail 32º/182 mm
Steering angle, left / right 37º / 37º
SUSPENSION
Suspension, front 49 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rear Swingarm with mono-shock (non-link type).
Rebound damping: 8-way.
Spring preload: Fully adjustable.
BRAKES
Brakes, front Dual 300 mm discs.
Calliper: Dual 4-piston
Brakes, rear Single 320 mm disc.
Calliper: Twin-piston.
DIMENSIONS
Dimensions (L x W x H) 2,535 mm x 1,025/1,155 mm x 1,735 mm
Wheelbase 135 mm
Ground Clearance 680 mm
Dry weight 340 kg
Fuel capacity 21 litres
Kawasaki Press release
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