Kawasaki VN 1600 Classic

The temptation begins with a liquid-cooled 95ci V-twin engine tuned for low- and mid-range power. Each of the big cylinders features a single overhead cam actuating four valves, and hydraulic lash adjusters automatically maintain valve clearance for smooth engine performance, reduced valve clatter and low maintenance. Plus, automatic chain tensioners keep cam timing accurate and provide greater reliability.

A digital fuel injection system with dual 36mm throttle bodies feeds the engine to deliver responsive power at all engine speeds and helps reduce exhaust emissions.

The Vulcan 1600 Classic’s hydraulically actuated clutch provides smooth, progressive torque to the five-speed transmission and quiet shaft drive for great around-town acceleration and relaxed highway cruising.

A gear-driven counter balancer and rubber engine mounts reduce handlebar and floorboard vibration for smoother acceleration. Dual alternators provide enough output to power electrical accessories.

To match the 1600 Classic’s sleek lines, the chamberless dual mufflers are slash-cut for major style points and also feature catalyzers to meet emissions regulations.

The chassis features a single backbone frame, which utilizes two 40mm x 40mm square cross-section tubes. This design permits the use of a larger fuel tank and a detachable right-side downtube allows the engine to be removed more easily.

A large, 41mm telescopic fork provides rigidity for superb steering feel and excellent ride quality, while dual rear shocks with four-way adjustable damping deliver exceptional comfort for long days in the saddle. Cast seven-spoke wheels allow the use of large tubeless tires and wide fenders to give the 1600 Classic its tough look. The front wheel also features large diameter 300mm dual disc brakes and, combined with a single 300mm disc brake on the rear, delivers impressive stopping power.

The design details that make the 1600 Classic a one-of-a-kind American classic include a wide, pullback handlebar, stepped seat, side covers that proudly display the Kawasaki logo and a multi-reflector headlight. Features of the integrated instrument cluster include an LCD screen, tank-mounted ignition switch, fuel-injection warning lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, tripmeter and clock. Rider floorboards look great and improve rider comfort.

• Engine: Four-stroke, SOHC, V-twin, 8 valves

• Displacement: 1,552cc / 95ci

• Bore x stroke: 102.0mm x 95.0mm

• Compression ratio: 9.0:1

• Cooling: Liquid

• Induction: Digital fuel injection with dual 36mm throttle bodies

• Ignition: TCBI with digital advance

• Transmission: Five-speed

• Frame: High-tensile steel, double cradle

• Rake / trail: 32 degrees/ 6.6 in.

• Suspension type, front: 41mm hydraulic fork

• Suspension type, rear: Dual air assisted shocks

• Suspension adjustments, rear: Four-way rebound damping

• Wheel travel, front: 5.9 in.

• Wheel travel, rear: 3.7 in.

• Tire, front: 130/90 x 16

• Tire, rear: 170/70 x 16

• Brakes, front / rear: Dual 300mm hydraulic discs / 300mm disc

• Overall length: 98.6 in.

• Overall width: 40.9 in.

• Overall height: 44.5 in.

• Ground clearance: 5.1 in.

• Seat height: 27.4 in.

• Dry weight: 675 lbs.

• Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.

• Wheelbase: 66.1 in.

• MSRP / Colors: $10,599 Ebony; $10,799 Metallic Ocean Blue/Metallic Phantom Silver, Ebony/Candy Fire Red

1,552cc OHC V-Twin

• 95 cubic inch displacement

• Tuned for low- and mid-range power to deliver gutsy acceleration in the typical cruising range

• Oversquare 102mm x 95mm bore and stroke help ensure punchy response and a broad spread of satisfying power

Liquid Cooling

• Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life

• Provides sustained power during hard use

• Ring-type cooling fan is quiet and efficient

Four Valves per Cylinder

• Compact combustion chamber for increased compression ratio without detonation on today’s gasolines

• Dished piston crowns allow for 9.0:1 compression ratio

• Boosts low-end torque

• Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow

Hydraulic Valve Lash Adjusters

• Keep valves quiet with no adjustment required

Fuel Injection System

• Digital fuel injection with dual 36mm throttle bodies

• Produces easy starting, smooth running, high performance and reduced exhaust emissions

Fuel Pump

• Vertical return-type fuel pump inside tank prevents fuel starvation during hard braking or acceleration

Dual Plug Digital Ignition

• Microprocessor-controlled timing

• Two spark plugs in each combustion chamber cut detonation for extra durability

Gear-Driven Engine Balancer

• Counter-rotates at engine speed to cancel vibration

• Allows use of single-pin crankshaft for a pleasant “power pulse” feeling

Five-Speed Transmission

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

High-Capacity Oil Pump

• Provides reliable lubrication during extended periods of high-speed, high-temperature operation

Positive Neutral Finder

• Just lift the shift pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily, every time

• A Kawasaki exclusive

Shaft Drive

• A reliable and quiet, low-maintenance system

Hydraulic Clutch

• Easy to operate and maintain

Chamberless Dual Mufflers

• Dual slash-cut mufflers give increased power feel

• Catalyzers built into each muffler to meet emissions regulations

• Engine Control Unit (ECU) controls the electromagnetic solenoid valve of the secondary air system to further reduce emissions

Frame

• Uses twin 40mm x 40mm square cross section tubes to create single backbone

• Use of single backbone accommodates larger capacity fuel tank

• Detachable right-side downtube allows engine to be removed more easily

Long and Low

• Overall package is longer and lower than Vulcan® 1500 Classic

41mm Telescopic Fork

• Provides increased rigidity, superb steering feedback and excellent ride quality

Dual Rear Shocks

• Deliver superb comfort and high stability

• Four-way rebound damping adjustable

• Air-assisted features adjustment for road and loading conditions

Brakes

• Dual 300mm diameter discs and 300mm single rear disc provide abundant stopping power

Headlight and Turn Signals

• Front turn signals feature an integrated lamp/stay design for classic style

• Auto-canceling turn signals

• Multi-reflector housing for better illumination and cruising style

7-Spoke Cast Wheels

• Equipped with tubeless tires

• Bright, polished edges give the 1600 Classic a tougher look

Integrated Instrument Cluster

• Features LCD screen and tank-mounted ignition switch

• Incorporate fuel-injection warning lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, tripmeter and clock

• Ignition switch mounted on top of instrument cluster for easy access

Details

• Self-canceling turn signals automatically shut off after eight seconds or traveling 213 feet

• Wider fenders enhance style

• Chrome-backed mirrors are stylish and corrosion resistant

• Locking left-side cover holds tool kit, while providing space for small items