2006Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic

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The 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic is a mid-sized cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling with manageable power. Its 1470cc V-twin engine delivers strong low-end torque ideal for relaxed riding and highway cruising. Known for reliable performance and traditional aesthetics, it appeals to cruiser enthusiasts wanting accessible, comfortable long-distance capability.

Capacity: 1470.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 292.1 kg
Seat height: 701 mm
Power: 88.8 HP (65.3 kW)

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What’s new for the 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic

vs the 2005

Spec	2005	2006
Torque	—	113.8 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 83.9 ft.lbs)
Front suspension	41mm hydraulic fork	41mm Hydraulic Telescopic Fork
Rear suspension	Dual hydraulic shocks	Twin Shocks, 5-Way Adjustable Preload

Other years 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding45%

Daily riding65%

Touring72%

Two-up70%

Track10%

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 701mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1470.0 ccm
Power: 88.8 HP (65.3 kW)
EPA Certificate No.: 6KAXC1.47AAD-004
EPA CO Emissions: 5.7 CO g/km
Torque: 113.8 Nm (11.6 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3040 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 102.0 x 90.0 mm
Compression: 8.6:1
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: 1661 mm
Overall length: 2504 mm
Overall width: 981 mm
Overall height: 1120 mm
Seat height: 701 mm
Dry weight: 292.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 15.90 litres
Ground clearance: 124 mm

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: 41mm Hydraulic Telescopic Fork
Rear suspension: Twin Shocks, 5-Way Adjustable Preload
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, Ebony/Galaxy Silver

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 cc	1470 cc	1470 cc	1470 cc	1470 cc
Dry weight	292 kg	292 kg	299 kg	299 kg	299 kg
Seat height	701 mm	701 mm	701 mm	701 mm	701 mm
Fuel capacity	15.9 L	15.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L