Cruisers
2008Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic
33 fields on record
The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic is a heavyweight cruiser designed for riders seeking traditional styling with modern reliability. Its massive 1552cc V-twin engine delivers commanding low-end torque ideal for comfortable highway cruising. Known for its authentic retro aesthetic and manageable handling despite its size, it appeals to cruiser enthusiasts who value classic charm with contemporary engineering.
- Capacity
- 1552.0 ccm
- Engine
- V -Twin twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 2-speed
- Dry weight
- 306.2 kg
- Seat height
- 688 mm
- Power
- 93.4 HP
What’s new for the 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic
vs the 2007| Spec | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1552.00 ccm (94.70 cubic inches) | 1552.0 ccm (94.71 cubic inches) |
| Weight | 306.2 kg (675.0 pounds) | 306.2 kg (675.1 pounds) |
| Seat height | 696 mm (27.4 inches) | 688 mm (27.1 inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 20.06 litres (5.30 gallons) | 20.10 litres (5.31 US gallons) |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 2-speed |
| Front brakes | Double disc | Single disc |
| Wheelbase | 1,679 mm (66.1 inches) | 1679 mm (66.1 inches) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for relaxed, torque-driven cruising and boulevard riding rather than outright speed or sport handling.
- Built for
- A classic V-twin cruiser with a laid-back stance, shaft drive smoothness, and a heritage custom look.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or high-speed sport performance.
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
- 1552.0 ccm
- Power
- 93.4 HP
- Engine type
- V -Twin twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3050 HP/kg
- Bore x stroke
- 102.0 x 95.0 mm
- Compression
- 9.0:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- TCBI with digital advance
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 2-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Clutch
- Hydraulic release
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1679 mm
- Overall length
- 2504 mm
- Overall width
- 1039 mm
- Overall height
- 1130 mm
- Seat height
- 688 mm
- Dry weight
- 306.2 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 20.10 litres
- Ground clearance
- 130 mm
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- High-tensile steel, double cradle
- Front suspension
- 41mm hydraulic fork / 5.9 in.
- Rear suspension
- Dual air-assisted shocks / 3.7 in.
- Rake (fork angle)
- 32.0°
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 130/90-x16
- Rear tyre
- 170/70-x16
Other
- Color options
- Metallic Diablo Black, Metallic Diablo Black/Luminous Polaris Blue
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 | 1550.00 ccm (94.58 cubic inches) | 1552.00 ccm (94.70 cubic inches) | 1552.00 ccm (94.70 cubic inches) | 1552.00 ccm (94.70 cubic inches) | 1552.00 ccm (94.70 cubic inches) |
| Dry weight | 306.2 kg (675.0 pounds) | 306.2 kg (675.0 pounds) | 306.2 kg (675.0 pounds) | 306.2 kg (675.0 pounds) | 306.2 kg (675.0 pounds) |
| Seat height | 696 mm (27.4 inches) | 696 mm (27.4 inches) | 696 mm (27.4 inches) | 688 mm (27.1 inches) | 688 mm (27.1 inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 20.06 litres (5.30 gallons) | 20.06 litres (5.30 gallons) | 20.06 litres (5.30 gallons) | 20.06 litres (5.30 gallons) | 20.06 litres (5.30 gallons) |
| Color options | Black, Beige, Red | Metallic Ocean Blue/Metallic Phantom Silver, Ebony/Candy Fire Red | Ebony, Two-Tone Candy Cardinal Red / Metallic Phantom Silver | Metallic Diablo Black, Metallic Diablo Black/Luminous Polaris Blue | Metallic Diablo Black, Metallic Diablo Black/Luminous Polaris Blue |
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 1600 Classic?
The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic has a Capacity of 1552.0 ccm (94.71 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic have?
The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic has a Power of 93.4 HP.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic have?
The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic has a Gearbox of 2-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic weigh?
The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic has a Dry weight of 306.2 kg (675.1 pounds).
Shop this bike
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