Cruisers

1996Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan

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The 1996 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan is a mid-size cruiser with a liquid-cooled V-twin. Its 805cc engine makes 55 hp and 62.8 Nm through a five-speed gearbox and chain. A low 735 mm seat and 225 kg dry weight make it easy and comfortable to ride.

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

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 735mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 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	1995	1996	1997	1998	2000	2001
Capacity	805 cc	805 cc	805 cc	805 cc	805 cc	805 cc
Dry weight	225 kg	225 kg	225 kg	225 kg	232 kg	232 kg
Seat height	735 mm	735 mm	735 mm	735 mm	735 mm	735 mm
Fuel capacity	15 L	15 L	15 L	15 L	15 L	15 L