VN-15 SE (reduced effect)

1991 Kawasaki VN-15 SE (reduced effect) Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Kawasaki's custom - cruiser motorcycle platform, the 1991 Kawasaki VN-15 SE (reduced effect) utilizes a 1470 cc (89.7 cu in) liquid-cooled v2, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 60 HP (43.8 kW) at 4,300 rpm while maximum torque reaches 117 Nm (86.3 lb-ft) at 3,300 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 40.8 HP per liter and a 1,000 rpm working window between peak torque (3,300 rpm) and peak power (4,300 rpm), the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the VN-15 SE (reduced effect) measures 281 kg (619 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.21 HP/kg (4.68 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 750 mm (29.5 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,665 mm (65.6 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 16-liter (4.2 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 180 km/h (112 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Kawasaki archive, this model family spans 4 indexed model years from 1989 to 1992, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.