Cruisers
1997Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic
29 fields on record
The 1997 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic is a cruiser built for relaxed, long-distance riders seeking a low-slung, manageable machine. Its 1471cc V-twin engine delivers smooth, accessible power with impressive low-end torque, making it ideal for those preferring comfort and stability over sportiness. Known for its approachable seat height and shaft drive reliability, this cruiser appeals to riders seeking classic styling without extreme performance demands.
- Capacity
- 1471.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin
- Gearbox
- 4-speed
- Dry weight
- 292.0 kg
- Seat height
- 720 mm
- Power
- 64.0 HP (47.1 kW) @ 4700 RPM
What’s new for the 1997 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic
vs the 1996| Spec | 1996 | 1997 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1470.0 ccm (89.70 cubic inches) | 1471.0 ccm (89.77 cubic inches) |
| Torque | 110.8 Nm (11.3 kgf-m or 81.7 ft.lbs) | 112.0 Nm (11.4 kgf-m or 82.6 ft.lbs) |
| Top speed | — | 175.0 km/h (108.7 mph) |
| Dry weight | 257.0 kg (566.6 pounds) | 292.0 kg (643.7 pounds) |
| Seat height | 750 mm (29.5 inches) | 720 mm (28.3 inches) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for relaxed boulevard cruising and long, easy highway miles rather than outright speed or sporty handling.
- Built for
- A classic American-style V-twin cruiser with strong low-end torque, shaft drive smoothness, and a laid-back, cruiser-through-town character.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or top-tier acceleration.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- Capacity
- 1471.0 ccm
- Power
- 64.0 HP (47.1 kW) @ 4700 RPM
- Torque
- 112.0 Nm (11.4 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- V-Twin
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2192 HP/kg
- Bore x stroke
- 102.0 x 90.0 mm
- Compression
- 8.6:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 4-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
Performance
- Top speed
- 175.0 km/h (108.7 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1660 mm
- Seat height
- 720 mm
- Dry weight
- 292.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 313.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 16.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Front wheel travel
- 150 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 87 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 270 mm
- Front tyre
- 130/90-16
- Rear tyre
- 150/80-16
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1470 cc | 1471 cc | 1470 cc | 1471 cc |
| Dry weight | 257 kg | 292 kg | 292 kg | 292 kg |
| Seat height | 750 mm | 720 mm | 720 mm | 705 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 16 L | 16 L | 16 L | 16 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic?
The 1997 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic has a Capacity of 1471.0 ccm (89.77 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic have?
The 1997 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic has a Power of 64.0 HP (47.1 kW) @ 4700 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic have?
The 1997 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic has a Gearbox of 4-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic?
The 1997 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic has a Torque of 112.0 Nm (11.4 kgf-m or 82.6 ft.lbs).
How much does the Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic weigh?
The 1997 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic has a Dry weight of 292.0 kg (643.7 pounds).
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Same category, weighted similarity
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2001 Suzuki VL 1500 LC Intruder
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1999 Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide
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