Kawasaki VN1500 Valcon

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Kawasaki VN 1500 Vulcan

Make Model	Kawasaki VN 1500 Vulcan
Year	1987 - 90
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 1 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single disc 1 piston caliper
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.