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Custom - Cruiser · 2001

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

2001 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Kawasaki's custom - cruiser motorcycle platform, the 2001 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan features a 805 cc (49.1 cu in) liquid-cooled v2, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 55 HP (40.1 kW) at 7,000 rpm. With a specific output of 68.3 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 (4.22 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
68.3 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.24 HP/kg (4.22 kg/HP)
Engine
Displacement 805.0 ccm (49.12 cubic inches)
Engine Type V2, four-stroke
Engine Details V2, four-stroke
Power 55.0 HP (40.1 kW)) @ 7000 RPM
Cooling Liquid
Performance
Top Speed 170.0 km/h (105.6 mph)
Chassis
Wheelbase 1625 mm (64.0 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Brakes Single disc
Rear Brakes Expanding brake
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 232.0 kg (511.5 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.2371 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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Brakes
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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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