The Vulcan name has been used by Kawasaki to denote their "custom" or "cruiser" type motorcycles since 1984, using mostly V-twin powered motorcycles ranging from 125cc to 2000cc.
Few entry-level customs can boast as many big-bike features as Honda's VLX. Just like its larger stablemates, VLX is powered by a 52-degree V-twin engine. And like the big boys, VLX boasts three-valve cylinder heads for maximum power and twin spark plugs in each combustion chamber for maximum efficiency.
VLX also has the lowest seat height of any of our cruisers for both a comfortable riding position and easy flat-footed stops. Then there's VLX's unique 'hardtail' rear suspension that emulates the 'rigid' look of custom choppers. But thanks to its hidden Monoshock design and seven position preload adjustment, there's 90mm of plush suspension travel.
The term softail refers to motorcycles and bicycles that feature a moveable rear suspension system with springs or shock absorbers to absorb bumps. On motorcycles, the shock absorbers or springs are hidden underneath out of view to give the appearance of a hard-tail or rigid frame. The word softail is a registered trademark of Harley-Davidson motorcycles coined with the release of the FXST Softail in 1984. Since then, the word has expanded to include other motorcycles with hidden rear suspensions as well as bicycles incorporating a rear suspension. By : Wikipedia.com
The next new Ducati engine to appear after was the 90°V twin, initial Grand Prix racing versions being 500 cc, and the production bikes were 750 cc. There was also the Ducati 750 Imola Desmo that won at Imola in 1972. These engines had bevel gear shaft drive to the overhead camshaft, and were produced in round, square, and Mille crankcases. In the 1980s these gave way to the belt drive camshaft engines that have continued to this day, in air and liquid cooled form. The Mille used a plain bearing crank, like the belt models.