Cruisers
2008Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic
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The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic is a traditional cruiser designed for riders seeking authentic V-twin character and relaxed riding dynamics. Its 1470cc air-cooled engine delivers strong low-end torque, making it ideal for casual highway cruising and leisurely rides. Known for reliable performance and classic styling, this middleweight cruiser appeals to experienced riders valuing comfort and straightforward mechanical simplicity.
- Capacity
- 1470.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 298.9 kg
- Seat height
- 701 mm
- Power
- 88.8 HP (65.3 kW)
What’s new for the 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic
vs the 2007| Spec | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Dry weight | 299.4 kg (660.1 pounds) | 298.9 kg (659.0 pounds) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for relaxed highway cruising and boulevard riding rather than sport performance or commuting agility.
- Built for
- A classic torque-rich V-twin cruiser that rewards a laid-back throttle hand with smooth, low-rev pulling power and shaft-drive reliability.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering response, off-road capability, or outright top-end speed.
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
- 1470.0 ccm
- Power
- 88.8 HP (65.3 kW)
- EPA Certificate No.
- 8KAXC1.47AAD-006-R01
- EPA CO Emissions
- 6.0 CO g/km
- Torque
- 114.7 Nm (11.7 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2971 HP/kg
- Bore x stroke
- 102.0 x 90.0 mm
- Compression
- 9.0:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- TCBI with Digital Advance
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1666 mm
- Overall length
- 2504 mm
- Overall width
- 996 mm
- Overall height
- 1140 mm
- Seat height
- 701 mm
- Dry weight
- 298.9 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 18.90 litres
- Ground clearance
- 124 mm
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- High-tensile steel, double cradle
- Front suspension
- 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
- Rear suspension
- Twin Shocks, with five-way adjustable preload / 3.4 in.
- Front wheel travel
- 150 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 86 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 32.0°
- Trail
- 165 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
Other
- Color options
- Ebony, Two Tone: Candy Cardinal Red / Pearl Crystal White
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 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1470.00 ccm (89.70 cubic inches) | 1470.00 ccm (89.70 cubic inches) | 1470.00 ccm (89.70 cubic inches) | 1470.00 ccm (89.70 cubic inches) | 1470.00 ccm (89.70 cubic inches) |
| Dry weight | 292.1 kg (644.0 pounds) | 292.1 kg (644.0 pounds) | 299.4 kg (660.0 pounds) | 298.9 kg (659.0 pounds) | 298.9 kg (659.0 pounds) |
| Seat height | 701 mm (27.6 inches) | 701 mm (27.6 inches) | 701 mm (27.6 inches) | 701 mm (27.6 inches) | 701 mm (27.6 inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 15.89 litres (4.20 gallons) | 15.89 litres (4.20 gallons) | 18.92 litres (5.00 gallons) | 18.92 litres (5.00 gallons) | 18.92 litres (5.00 gallons) |
| Color options | — | Ebony, Ebony/Galaxy Silver | Ebony, Metallic Titanium / Metallic Ocean Blue | Ebony, Two Tone: Candy Cardinal Red / Pearl Crystal White | Ebony, Two Tone: Candy Cardinal Red / Pearl Crystal White |
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 Vulcan 1500 Classic?
The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic has a Capacity of 1470.0 ccm (89.70 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic have?
The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic has a Power of 88.8 HP (65.3 kW).
How many gears does the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic have?
The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic?
The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic has a Torque of 114.7 Nm (11.7 kgf-m or 84.6 ft.lbs).
How much does the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic weigh?
The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic has a Dry weight of 298.9 kg (659.0 pounds).
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