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2020 Kawasaki Cruiser Lineup
Popular Vulcan V-twin line returns essentially unchanged this year.
Kawasaki has released its 2020 lineup of street motorcycles for the new model year, and it looks like all the cruiser and cafe racer models are returning machines from 2019. The Vulcan V-twin line is back in force, with the 900cc and S models holding down the fort unchanged except for color options, while the Vaquero and Voyager long-haulers are back to represent the touring cruiser category, and also have no changes. The W800 meanwhile, returns for 2020 with the same price tag and, well, the same everything. Here’s a deeper dive into the individual models.
2020 Vulcan S/ABS/Café
As it did last year, the Vulcan S cruiser comes in three configurations so if the low, lightweight, and sporty silhouette of this nimble twin appeals to you, you’ve got a couple of options. Choose from the base-model Vulcan S, the up-spec Vulcan S ABS, or the stylized Vulcan S ABS Café.
All three share basically the same hybrid lines as well as Ninja-derived power with a liquid-cooled 650cc twin engine at the core. The compact design means the Vulcan S will fit most riders easily and has one of the lowest weights of any cruiser in the class, for quick maneuverability, better acceleration, and less stressful stops. It also has the popular Ergo-Fit sizing system, which allows for up to 18 combination adjustments just by moving the seat (three placement options), footpegs (also three options), and handlebar (two different unit configurations).
The Vulcan S comes in Metallic Spark Black with an MSRP of $7,099; while the ABS option can be had available in Metallic Spark Black and Metallic Matte Mysterious Gray for $7,499. The Vulcan S ABS Café is available in Phantom Blue/Ebony with an MSRP of $8,099. Nice to see that all prices are unchanged from 2019.
Related: 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS
2020 Vulcan 900 Classic
The midsize Vulcan 900 Classic meanwhile returns with its classic looks, accessible ergonomics, and pretty friggin’ friendly price. Liquid-cooling and a belt final drive mean reliability too. For 2020, the Vulcan 900 Classic is available in Phantom Blue/Pearl Blizzard White with a price of $7,999, the same as last year.
2020 Vulcan 900 Custom
Every motorcycle series needs a little bit of attitude, and it’s the 900 Custom’s job to inject a touch to the Vulcan lineup. The tall 21-inch front tire lends some cool to the front end, while blacked-out mufflers and chunky tire anchor the rear. In between is a low-slung gunfighter-type seat and sleek, sculpted lines. For 2020, you can get the Vulcan 900 Custom in Metallic Matte Graphite Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black with an MSRP of $8,499.
2020 Vulcan 900 Classic LT
The light touring Vulcan 900 Classic LT takes the base-model Vulcan 900 and fattens the back end with a 180/70 x 15 rear tire and piles up some traveling goodies to make quick work of longer jaunts. In this case that’s a large, adjustable windshield, a pair of leather saddlebags, and a passenger backrest. 2020 brings a new color option for the 900 Classic LT—Metallic Phantom Silver/Metallic Carbon Gray—but MSRP is unchanged, at $8,999.
2020 Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS
This beefy hot-rod bagger needs no introduction, so we’ll just say the 1,700cc Vaquero brings a new color option for 2020 but leaves the price tag unchanged for the new model year. Although it straddles the line between tourer and cruiser, you’ll still find loads of welcome functionality with a frame-mounted fairing, cruise control, triple disc brakes with K-ACT ABS, belt drive, and integrated hard bags to pack all your stuff into. A healthy 107.6 pound-feet of torque from the 1,700cc V-twin lets you easily eat up the byways. For 2020, the Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS’s new color option is Candy Imperial Blue, but the price is still $16,799.
2020 Vulcan 1700 Voyager
At the top of the Vulcan food chain is the fully loaded 1700 Voyager ABS touring cruiser which resurfaces for 2020 with all 1,700cc of its liquid-cooled V-twin displacement intact, along with gobs of storage capacity, a plush touring saddle, large fuel tank, cruise control, ABS, and more. The 2020 price of $17,499 is unchanged from last year, but the Vulcan Voyager ABS comes in a new Metallic Carbon Gray/Metallic Spark Black colorway this year.
2020 W800 Café
Kawasaki’s classic cafe racer model, the W800 again makes the lineup with its air-cooled, 773cc, vertical-twin engine untarnished. In fact, nothing here is different from last year’s model. The same modern double-cradle frame design and updated suspension components; the retro machine’s air-cooled bevel gear-driven vertical-twin engine; and the elegant tank design riffing on the W1 for inspiration. You’ll get the same colorway for 2020 as well as the same price, with a Metallic Matte Fusion Silver/Metallic Spark Black treatment and an MSRP of $9,799.
(Story and photos from MotorcycleCruiser.com)