KAWASAKI released its Vulcan range of cruisers in 1985, initially as the shaft-drive VN700, followed soon by a 400 and then the big mutha VN1500, which eventually grew as big as two litres before scaling back to 1700cc in 2009.
The factory released a zillion variants over the decades, some with parallel-twin engines, with the mid-capacity V-twins enduringly popular. The VN800A, styled like a Harley Softail with a bobbed rear guard and 21-inch front wheel, was launched in 1995. A second version, the VN800B (also known as the Classic or Drifter), was released the following year. It had 16-inch wheels with full fenders reminiscent of a classic Indian. Both models were discontinued in 2006, replaced by the VN900.
Our feature bike owner Stephan is dismissive of the VN900 but there…