2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic Preview

One of Kawasaki’s best-selling cruisers, the Vulcan® 1500 Classic owes this success to its big-bore V-twin engine wrapped in an ageless styling that serves as a great starting point for a uniquely customized motorcycle. Riders can access an extensive line of Kawasaki accessories to create a distinctive motorcycle that will not only run with the best, but will also serve as its owner’s signature.

The heart of the 1500 Classic is its 90-cubic inch fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, SOHC V-twin engine that features elegantly sculpted cylinders and polished cooling fins. The engine is rubber-mounted and has a gear-driven engine balancer to smooth the vibrations –well enough to allow the use of a single-pin crank, which helps it produce a distinct V-twin rumble. Each of the big 50-degree V-twin’s cylinders has four valves actuated by a single overhead cam and more than 84 foot pounds of torque at 2,800 rpm.

Mated to a five-speed transmission, with Kawasaki’s Positive Neutral Finder, the gearing and the EFI V-twin power combination delivers the perfect mix for city street riding and effortless highway cruising.

The classic cruiser look is long and low, which is exactly how the Vulcan 1500 Classic’s chassis is designed. An extra-low 27.6-inch seat height, wide handlebar, forward-mounted floorboards and plush suspension system add up to a comfortable ride aboard the 1500 Classic. The speedometer, fuel gauge and warning lamps are located on a center console atop the wide 5.0-gallon fuel tank. A large-diameter, chrome halogen headlight illuminates the open road and adds to the Classic’s distinctive appearance.

Available in solid Ebony, the 2008 Vulcan 1500 Classic can be customized with a wide variety of authentic Kawasaki accessories which are available through your local Kawasaki dealer.

Features

Engine

1470cc / 90 cu. in.
SOHC, 50° V-Twin
84.6 lbs.-ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm

Liquid-Cooling

Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power during prolonged use

Auxiliary fan ensures low operating temperatures, even in traffic

Four Valves per Cylinder

Compact combustion chamber decreases engine detonation with today’s low-octane gasoline

Boosts low-end torque

Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow

Electronic Fuel Injection

Produces easy starting, smooth running, optimum performance and reduced exhaust emissions

Gear-driven Engine Balancer & Rubber-mounted Engine

Counter-rotates at engine speed to cancel vibration
Allows use of single-pin crankshaft without the heavy vibration
Engine is rubber-mounted to all but eliminate vibration at all speeds

Five-speed Transmission

Five-speed transmission combines great around-town acceleration with relaxed highway cruising

Positive Neutral Finder

Allows easy shifting from first gear to neutral after coming to a stop, every time

Shaft Drive

Reliable, quiet and low-maintenance

Chrome-plated Wire Spoke Wheels

Wide front and rear tires on sparkling 16-inch chrome wheels

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SPECS

• Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve per cylinder, 50° V-twin
• Displacement: 1,470cc / 90 cu.in.
• Bore x stroke: 102.0 x 90.0 mm
• Maximum torque: 84.6 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
• Compression ratio: 9.0:1
• Fuel injection: DFI with dual 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
• Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
• Transmission: Five-speed
• Final drive: Shaft
• Rake / trail: 32 degrees / 6.5 in.
• Front tire: 130/90-16
• Rear tire: 150/80-16
• Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
• Rear suspension / wheel travel: Twin Shocks, with five-way adjustable preload / 3.4 in.
• Brakes, front: Single 300mm hydraulic disc with two-piston caliper
• Brakes, rear: Single 270mm hydraulic disc
• Overall length: 98.6 in.
• Overall width: 39.2 in.
• Overall height: 44.9 in.
• Seat height: 27.6 in.
• Dry weight: 659 lbs.
• Wheelbase: 65.6 in.
• Fuel tank capacity: 5.0 gal.
• Color choice: Ebony
• MSRP: $9,699