Cruisers
1996Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic
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The 1996 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic is a heavyweight cruiser designed for riders seeking laid-back, accessible performance. Its liquid-cooled 1470cc V-twin engine delivers smooth, manageable torque ideal for long-distance cruising. Known for comfortable ergonomics and classic styling, this bike suits touring-focused riders prioritizing comfort and reliability over sportiness.
- Capacity
- 1470.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin
- Gearbox
- 4-speed
- Dry weight
- 257.0 kg
- Seat height
- 750 mm
- Power
- 64.0 HP (47.1 kW) @ 4700 RPM
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
- 1470.0 ccm
- Power
- 64.0 HP (47.1 kW) @ 4700 RPM
- Torque
- 110.8 Nm (11.3 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- V-Twin
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2490 HP/kg (dry)
- 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
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1660 mm
- Seat height
- 750 mm
- Dry weight
- 257.0 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 1996 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic has a Capacity of 1470.0 ccm (89.70 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic have?
The 1996 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 1996 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic has a Gearbox of 4-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic?
The 1996 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic has a Torque of 110.8 Nm (11.3 kgf-m or 81.7 ft.lbs).
How much does the Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic weigh?
The 1996 Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic has a Dry weight of 257.0 kg (566.6 pounds).
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Similar bikes
Same category, weighted similarity
1995 Kawasaki VN 1500 Vulcan
1470 cc · 257 kg · 750 mm
1992 Kawasaki VN-15 SE
1470 cc · 281 kg
1998 Suzuki VL 1500 Intruder Legendary Classic
1462 cc · 292 kg · 700 mm
1999 Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide
1449 cc · 271 kg · 673 mm
1999 Suzuki VL 1500 LC Intruder
1462 cc · 296 kg · 700 mm
2001 Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce Injection
1449 cc · 305 kg · 719 mm
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