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Cruisers

1998Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan

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The 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan is a classic mid-size cruiser from the late 1990s. Its liquid-cooled 805cc V-twin makes 55 hp and 62.8 Nm through a five-speed gearbox and chain. A 735 mm seat, 225 kg dry weight and 15-litre tank make it easy and comfortable.

Capacity
805.0 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
225.0 kg
Seat height
735 mm
Power
55.0 HP (40.5 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 37Agility 42Comfort 68Off-road 10Touring 55Road manners 60
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering40%
City riding55%
Daily riding65%
Touring58%
Two-up55%
Track15%
Best for
Built as a classic mid-size cruiser for relaxed boulevard riding and weekend rides rather than performance or long-haul touring.
Built for
A laid-back, torque-driven V-twin cruiser that rewards smooth, unhurried riding over aggressive cornering or speed.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp handling, high-speed performance, or serious off-road capability.

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 us
At 735mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 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
805.0 ccm
Power
55.0 HP (40.5 kW)
Torque
62.8 Nm (6.4 kgf-m) @ 3300 RPM
Engine type
V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2444 HP/kg (dry)
Cooling system
Liquid
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
4
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1625 mm
Seat height
735 mm
Dry weight
225.0 kg
Fuel capacity
15.00 litres
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes
Expanding brake

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 19951997199820002001
Capacity 805 cc 805 cc 805 cc 805 cc 805 cc
Dry weight 225 kg 225 kg 225 kg 232 kg 232 kg
Seat height 735 mm 735 mm 735 mm 735 mm 735 mm
Fuel capacity 15 L 15 L 15 L 15 L 15 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan?

The 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan has a Capacity of 805.0 ccm (49.12 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan have?

The 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan has a Power of 55.0 HP (40.5 kW).

How many gears does the Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan have?

The 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan?

The 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan has a Torque of 62.8 Nm (6.4 kgf-m or 46.3 ft.lbs) @ 3300 RPM.

How much does the Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan weigh?

The 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan has a Dry weight of 225.0 kg (496.0 pounds).

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