Cruisers
1998Kawasaki VN 800 Classic
27 fields on record
The 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Classic is a traditionally styled cruiser with valanced fenders and wire wheels. Its liquid-cooled 805cc V-twin makes 55 hp at 7,000 rpm and 64 Nm through a five-speed gearbox. A low 710 mm seat and a 15-litre tank make it a relaxed mid-size cruiser.
- Capacity
- 805.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 235.0 kg
- Seat height
- 710 mm
- Power
- 55.0 HP (40.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for laid-back boulevard cruising and short highway jaunts rather than outright speed or aggressive cornering.
- Built for
- A classic-styled, unhurried cruiser that rewards a relaxed riding style with steady torque and easy, predictable handling.
- Not ideal for
- Not suited for riders seeking sharp sport handling, off-road capability, or high-speed touring 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
- 805.0 ccm
- Power
- 55.0 HP (40.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM
- Torque
- 64.0 Nm (6.5 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2340 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 88.0 x 66.2 mm
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 170.0 km/h (105.6 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1600 mm
- Seat height
- 710 mm
- Dry weight
- 235.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 15.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Front wheel travel
- 150 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 100 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Rear brakes diameter
- 180 mm
- Front tyre
- 130/90-H16
- Rear tyre
- 140/90-H16
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 | 1998 | 2000 | 2002 | 2004 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 805 cc | 805 cc | 805 cc | 805 cc | 805 cc |
| Dry weight | 225 kg | 235 kg | 235 kg | 235 kg | 235 kg |
| Seat height | 725 mm | 710 mm | 705 mm | 715 mm | 720 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.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki VN 800 Classic?
The 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Classic has a Capacity of 805.0 ccm (49.12 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki VN 800 Classic have?
The 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Classic has a Power of 55.0 HP (40.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki VN 800 Classic have?
The 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Classic has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki VN 800 Classic?
The 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Classic has a Torque of 64.0 Nm (6.5 kgf-m or 47.2 ft.lbs).
How much does the Kawasaki VN 800 Classic weigh?
The 1998 Kawasaki VN 800 Classic has a Dry weight of 235.0 kg (518.1 pounds).
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