VN 800 Classic

1996 Kawasaki VN 800 Classic Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by Kawasaki for the custom - cruiser motorcycle segment, the 1996 Kawasaki VN 800 Classic pairs a 805 cc (49.1 cu in) v2, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 55 HP (40.1 kW) at 7,000 rpm while maximum torque reaches 62.8 Nm (46.3 lb-ft) at 3,300 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 68.3 HP per liter and a 3,700 rpm working window between peak torque (3,300 rpm) and peak power (7,000 rpm), the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the VN 800 Classic measures 225 kg (496 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.24 HP/kg (4.09 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 725 mm (28.5 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 8 indexed model years from 1996 to 2004, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.