2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic

KAWASAKI’S VULCAN® 1600 CLASSIC DELIVERS WITH ITS BRAWNY TORQUE AND STYLING

Abundant power and handling for demanding riders

Following the path forged by the original Vulcan® 1500 cruiser’s design, the Vulcan® 1600 Classic continues to provide riders an experience that’s hard to forget. Its good looks materialize in the form of a low, sleek chassis matched with equally impressive V-twin power are without a doubt a big part of this successful motorcycle.

At the center of this exciting bike is a 95-cubic inch V-twin engine generating plenty of low-end torque and supplying the Vulcan 1600 Classic with more than enough power for just about anything its rider chooses to do. Extra power is nice for playtime, but when a plan calls for extended seat-time, the single-pin crankshaft and a gear-driven counter balancer work together to provide a comforting rhythm without those harsh vibrations.

Complimenting the engine’s power is a large, 41mm telescopic fork and the stout frame, which provide maximum rigidity for superb steering feel, easy side-to-side transitions and excellent ride quality. Dual rear shocks with four-way adjustable damping deliver exceptional comfort for long days in the saddle. Cast seven-spoke wheels allow the use of large tubeless tires and wide fenders to give the 1600 Classic its tough look.
 
A wide, pullback handlebar, stepped seat, dual slash-cut mufflers, and a multi-reflector headlight are several of the design details that make the 1600 Classic a one-of-a-kind American classic. Features of the tank-mounted, integrated instrument cluster include an LCD screen, ignition switch, fuel-injection warning lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, tripmeter and clock.

Features

Engine
- 1,552cc / 95 cu. in. SOHC, V-Twin
- Tuned for low- and mid-range power to deliver gutsy acceleration in the typical cruising range
- Oversquare 102 x 95mm bore and stroke helps ensure punchy response and a broad spread of satisfying power

Liquid-Cooling
- Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power during hard use
- Uses quiet and efficient ring-type cooling fan

Four-Valve Cylinder Heads
- Compact combustion chamber for increased compression ratio without detonation on today's lower-octane gasoline
- Dished piston crowns allow for 9.0:1 compression ratio
- Boosts low-end torque
- Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow

Fuel Injection System
- Digital control for maximum accuracy
- Produces easy starting, smooth running, high performance and reduced exhaust emissions

Gear-Driven Engine Balancer
- Counter-rotates at engine speed to cancel vibration
- Allows use of single-pin crankshaft without the heavy vibration

Five-Speed Transmission
- Five-speed transmission combines great around-town acceleration with relaxed highway cruising

Positive Neutral Finder
- Just lift the shift pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily, every time

Hydraulic Clutch
- Easy to operate and maintain

Chamberless Dual Mufflers
- Dual slash-cut mufflers give increased power feel
- Catalyzers built into each muffler to meet emissions regulations
- ECU controls the electromagnetic solenoid valve of the secondary air system to further reduce emissions

Dual Alternators
- Dual alternators provide enough output to power additional electrical accessories

Frame
- Uses twin 40 x 40mm square cross section tubes to create single backbone
- Single backbone accommodates larger capacity fuel tank

43mm Telescopic Fork
- Provides superb steering feedback and excellent ride quality

Dual Shocks with Four-Way Rebound Damping
- Deliver first-class comfort and high stability

Brakes
- Dual 300mm diameter discs and 300mm single rear disc supply abundant stopping power

Dished Cast Wheels
- Allow the use of tubeless tires
- Large tires and wheels give 1600 Classic a tough look

Integrated Instrument Cluster
- Features LCD screen and tank-mounted ignition switch
- Incorporates fuel-injection warning lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, tripmeter and clock

Details
- Self-canceling turn signals automatically shut off after eight seconds or traveling 213 feet
- Wider fenders enhance style
- Chrome-backed mirrors are stylish and corrosion resistant
- Locking left-side cover holds tool kit and provides space for small items

Specifications