KAWASAKI Vulcan 1500 Classic (1996-1998) Specs, Performance & Photos

Kawasaki introduced the Vulcan series in 1986, a name used by the motorcycle manufacturer for their custom and cruiser motorcycles with the VN designation. The series comprised models with displacement ranging from 125 to 2,53cc and mostly V-twin engines.

In 1996, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer introduced the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic, a cruiser motorcycle powered by a 1,470cc V-twin engine with a single-pin crankshaft and a five-speed manual transmission.

The bike was fitted with standard features, such as a round headlight, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a dual seat, valanced fenders, a dual exhaust system with two silencers mounted on the right side, and wire-spoke wheels.

It was built on a double cradle steel frame with a 41 mm telescopic fork on the front that offered 150 mm of travel and four-way air-adjustable dual shocks on the rear, offering optimum suspension performance and handling.

In the braking department, the bike packed two 300 mm discs coupled to dual-piston calipers on the front wheel and a 270 mm disc with a two-piston caliper on the rear wheel, delivering optimum stopping performance.

As for the power figures, the 1996 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic had its soul brought to life by a 1,470cc four-stroke V-twin liquid-cooled engine managed by CVK40 Keihin carburetors, delivering 64 hp at 4,700 rpm and 114 Nm (84 lb-ft) torque at 2,800 rpm.