VN 1500 Classic

1996 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1996 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic custom - cruiser motorcycle, Kawasaki pairs a 1470 cc (89.7 cu in) v2, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 64 HP (46.7 kW) at 4,700 rpm while maximum torque reaches 110.8 Nm (81.7 lb-ft) at 3,300 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox. With a specific output of 43.5 HP per liter and a 1,400 rpm working window between peak torque (3,300 rpm) and peak power (4,700 rpm), the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the VN 1500 Classic measures 257 kg (567 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.25 HP/kg (4.02 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.

Within MotoLibrary's Kawasaki archive, this model family spans 4 indexed model years from 1996 to 1999, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.