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Custom - Cruiser · 1999

VN 800 Vulcan

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MotoLibrary Score
50 /100 Balanced
Power/Weight
0.24 hp/kg
Top Speed
170 km/h
Engine
805 ccm

1999 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1999 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan custom - cruiser motorcycle, Kawasaki features a 805 cc (49.1 cu in) liquid-cooled v2, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 56 HP (40.9 kW) at 7,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 69.6 HP per liter, 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 Vulcan measures 232 kg (511 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.24 HP/kg (4.14 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,625 mm (64 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 15-liter (4 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 170 km/h (106 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Kawasaki archive, this model family spans 4 indexed model years from 1995 to 2001, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.

Specific Output
69.6 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.24 HP/kg (4.14 kg/HP)
Engine
Displacement 805.0 ccm (49.12 cubic inches)
Engine Type V2, four-stroke
Engine Details V2, four-stroke
Power 56.0 HP (40.9 kW)) @ 7000 RPM
Cooling Liquid
Transmission
Gearbox 5-speed
Final Drive Chain (final drive)
Performance
Top Speed 170.0 km/h (105.6 mph)
Chassis
Wheelbase 1625 mm (64.0 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 232.0 kg (511.5 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.2414 HP/kg
Fuel Capacity 15.00 litres (3.96 US gallons)
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Power
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Fuel Capacity
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Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
Rider Profile

Who Is This Bike For?

🟡
Intermediate
Requires some riding experience.
✌️
Best For
Cruising & Touring
⚖️
Handling
Heavy bike — requires confident handling
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