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Kawasaki VN 1500 Vulcan

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Make Model

Kawasaki VN 1500 Vulcan

Year

1991 - 94

Engine

Four stroke, 50° V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Capacity

1470 cc / 89.7 cu-in
Bore x Stroke 102 x 90 mm
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio 8.8:1

Induction

2x Keihin CV 40mm carburetor

Ignition

CDI
Starting Electric

Max Power

60.9 hp / 44.5 kW @ 4300 rpm

Max Torque

117.6 Nm / 12 kg-m @ 3300 rpm

Transmission 

4 Speed 
Final Drive Shaft

Front Suspension

Centre axle forks with 41mm tubes, 150mm wheel travel

Rear Suspension

Dual shock absorbers adjustable for spring preload, 100mm wheel travel.

Front Brakes

Single disc

Rear Brakes

Single disc

Front Tyre

100/90-19

Rear Tyre

150/90-15
Trail 177 mm / 6.9 in
Wheelbase 1665 mm / 65.5 in
Seat Height 750 mm / 29.5 in

Dry-Weight

252 kg / 555.5 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

16 Litres / 4.2 US gal

Standing ¼ Mile  

13.5 sec / 155.4 km/h

Top Speed

177.9 km/h / 110 mph

Kawasaki's take on the massive cruiser concept has a long history - the first VN1500 appeared in 1988, and has remained basically the same since. The massive V-twin engine at the heart of the VN is a rather high-tech design. Liquid-cooled, it has four valves per cylinder, and a single overhead camshaft per cylinder, while the latest model, since 2001, has been equipped with fuel-injection. But for all its technology, the engine feels rather asthmatic, producing only 48kW (65bhp), although it is very torquey at low revs. The chassis is a typical cruiser design - a low seat and pull-back handlebars give a cruising riding position. The chrome air-filter housing, dual exhausts and valanced mudguards make the VN look like an authentic US cruiser.