Motorcycle specifications KawasakiVN 1600 Classic Tourer 2008 More trunks

kawa's big custom GT is taking advantage of its friends' bigger engines to join the big twin club. Following in the footsteps of the 1600 VN Classic and 1600 Mean Streak, the Tourer now boasts a displacement of 1552 cm3, 82 cm3 more than its predecessor. This imposing, classy custom is even more roadworthy, with a large windshield and side saddlebags, as well as a new sissy-bar and passenger handgrips (standard). Big torque for travelling as a couple, does tempt you?!?

the scraping of the footrests, the hard-working torque coming out of the twin-cylinder's guts, the limited braking when approaching a bend... Are we riding an Italian Hypersport? Not really - just the opposite: at the helm of the biggest vessel in Kawasaki's road-going fleet.
It's almost time for take-off, and while the passenger is cleaning up her face, we're contemplating the front of the VN 1600 Tourer: imposing, long, well finished, the VN "cruiser" flatters you, invites you in, wants to take to the open sea. Its suitcases are just waiting to hold the luggage for a week's cruising, the controls are velvety smooth, and its size encourages you to get out of town quickly. A machine like this needs to breathe the air of great escapades. Perhaps we should have used the intercom to discuss the route with Madame? Broutille! The large Plexiglas window in front of the driver's seat lets you chat quietly until the 1600 has turned onto the main road.

what more do you need to enjoy the road ahead? A cigar perhaps, or a smile from the Miss sitting back there. A glance in the mirror and we're off and running. The joy on that sweet face makes the afternoon so much more pleasant. Madame can be happy: she's been offered a choice seat. With a good seat, boot-length footrests, remarkable grab handles and a sissy-bar that cradles the loins, it's going to be a great trip for everyone.
Under the large 20-liter fuel tank, the 12 mkg available at mid-range easily pushes the 375 kg of the beast (well, much more with the 2 kids on board). Its mission: to wind on the torque - ours: to enjoy it. Fancy a bit of madness as you approach the mountain switchbacks? Forget it. The room to maneuver on the angle is frankly reduced. If you lean a little, you'll be fine - If you lean a little, you'll get sparks under your feet - If you lean a lot, you won't be able to continue on the road balancing on your cylinder guards... and the rest of the way tumbling down the embankment. No, be less generous and concentrate on braking. The 300 mm double front disc will soon need help. Use and abuse the rear brake to slow down the Kawa Tourer, and remember that a bike like this needs to be ridden smoothly.

M.B
(Test text inspired by L. Boloré's article - Moto-Journal n°1 690
manufacturer's photos)