Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic
- Production years
- 2005–2009
- Brand
- Kawasaki
Choose model year
1 / 1
Selected year: 2009
Technical specifications
- Engine capacity
- 1,552 cm³
- Power
- 93 hp (70 kW)
- Dry weight
- 306.2 kg
- Seat height
- 688 mm
Overview
The Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic is a cruiser produced from 2005 through 2009. For 2009, its liquid-cooled, 1,552 cm³ V-Twin makes 93 hp (70 kW), and the bike weighs 306.2 kg dry.
A 1,679 mm wheelbase and 2,504 mm overall length give the bike a long footprint, while its 306.2 kg dry weight calls for deliberate handling in tight, low-speed maneuvers. The rear wheel has 94 mm of travel, less than the fork’s 150 mm, so it has less suspension movement over bumps.
Specifications
Engine
Engine
- Bore x stroke
- 102.0 x 95.0 mm
- Engine capacity
- 1,552 cm³
- Compression ratio
- 9.0:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Engine type
- V-Twin
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Ignition
- TCBI with digital advance
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Performance and transmission
Performance and transmission
- Power
- 93 hp (70 kW)
- Power weight ratio
- 0.3050 HP/kg (dry)
- Clutch
- Hydraulic release
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Gearbox
- Manual 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
Dimensions and weight
Dimensions and weight
- Dry weight
- 306.2 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 20.1 L
- Ground clearance
- 130 mm
- Overall height
- 1,130 mm
- Overall length
- 2,504 mm
- Overall width
- 1,039 mm
- Seat height
- 688 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1,679 mm
Chassis and suspension
Chassis and suspension
- Frame
- High-tensile steel, double cradle
- Front suspension
- 41mm hydraulic fork
- Front wheel travel
- 150 mm
- Rake
- 32.0°
- Rear suspension
- Dual air-assisted shocks
- Rear wheel travel
- 94 mm
- Trail
- 168 mm
Brakes and wheels
Brakes and wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Front tyre
- 130/90-16
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear tyre
- 170/70-16
Colours and equipment
Colours and equipment
- Colours
- Metallic Diablo Black, Metallic Diablo Black/Luminous Polaris Blue
Model years
2006
Engine capacity: 1,550 cm³ → 1,552 cm³; Power: 93 hp (69 kW) → 93 hp (70 kW)
2008
Seat height: 696 mm → 688 mm
| Specification | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,550 cm³ | 1,552 cm³ | 1,552 cm³ | 1,552 cm³ | 1,552 cm³ |
| Power | 93 hp (69 kW) | 93 hp (70 kW) | 93 hp (70 kW) | 93 hp (70 kW) | 93 hp (70 kW) |
| Dry weight | 306.2 kg | 306.2 kg | 306.2 kg | 306.2 kg | 306.2 kg |
| Seat height | 696 mm | 696 mm | 696 mm | 688 mm | 688 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 20.1 L | 20.1 L | 20.1 L | 20.1 L | 20.1 L |
Pros and cons
Advantages
Low seat
At 688 mm, the seat makes it easier for many riders to reach the ground at a stop.
Shaft final drive
The shaft drive avoids the chain cleaning and adjustment that chain-driven bikes require.
Dual front discs
Two 300 mm front brake discs provide braking at both sides of the front wheel.
Things to consider
Substantial at low speed
Its 306.2 kg dry weight and long wheelbase make tight turns and parking maneuvers more demanding.
Limited rear suspension travel
The rear wheel has 94 mm of travel, leaving less movement to absorb bumps than the 150 mm front fork travel.
Rider fit
Rider fit calculator
Calculated in your browser
Don't know it? Leave this empty and we'll estimate it from your height.
Estimated from your height: 79 cm
How to measure
Stand barefoot with your back to a wall. Hold a book firmly between your legs, then measure from the floor to the top edge of the book.
Estimated ground reach
Both feet likely flat
You should have a stable stance at a stop, although seat width and suspension setup still matter.
Seat height
688 mm
Approx. loaded height
658 mm
Estimate assumes about 30 mm of suspension sag. Seat width, footwear, luggage and suspension settings can change real reach. Always sit on the motorcycle before buying.
Fuel range calculator
Enter your expected fuel consumption to estimate the distance on a full tank, with or without a fuel reserve.
Tank 20.1 L at 5.5 L/100 km
Lower consumption = longer range.
Estimated range
365 km
With 10% reserve
329 km
This is a planning estimate, not a measured result. Speed, route, weather, load and riding style can change real consumption.
FAQ
How much power does the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic make?
Its 1,552 cm³ V-Twin makes 93 hp (70 kW).
What is the seat height?
The seat height is 688 mm.
Does the Vulcan 1600 Classic use a chain or shaft drive?
It uses a shaft final drive.
What changed in the seat height for 2008?
It dropped from 696 mm in 2007 to 688 mm in 2008, and remained 688 mm for 2009.
