VN 800

1997 Kawasaki VN 800 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1997 Kawasaki VN 800 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 55 HP (40.1 kW) at 7,000 rpm while maximum torque reaches 64 Nm (47.2 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 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 710 mm (28 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 2 indexed model years from 1996 to 1997, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.