Motorcycle specifications KawasakiVN 1500 CLASSIC 1999 Sumo boy
presentation of the VN 1500 CLASSIC 1999
Designing a custom bike to compete with the benchmark US brand is no easy task. Designed to appeal to fans of the H-D Fat Boy genre, this VN 1500 (as well as the Kawasaki Classic series) was created in the Japanese manufacturer's American department. Imposing and elegant, the VN boasts not only superb plastics but also an exemplary finish. The big, fat twin expresses itself in a big, fat voice, unfortunately somewhat muffled for those who knew the previous generation of Sumo Kawas. It's available in carbureted version, while its Tourer and Drifter sisters have succumbed to fuel injection to meet anti-pollution standards.
There are no surprises when you climb aboard this big custom. The riding position is typical, with feet forward and comfort moderately convincing. Roadholding is beyond reproach, with decent braking and the engine providing the driving pleasure. Sufficiently supple and docile, the twin is a real pleasure, making you experience the road to the beat of its rocking buckets. Decency would dictate that we forget to mention the gearbox, but it hasn't passed the "impeccable" test. The VN's well-thought-out price tag will help make up for it.
M.B - manufacturer's photos
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Key facts Kawasaki VN 1500 CLASSIC (1999) : What you need to know before you buy
Highlights
- Aesthetics
- Finition
- Price
Weak points
- Gearbox
- Comfort
Prices
| Basic version | |
|---|---|
 France |
11,499€
|
Performance
- Max speed : 170 km/h (105.60 mph)
- Average fuel consumption : 8.50 liters/100km (0.28 mpg)
-
Estimated range
: 188 km (117 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.
Specifications Kawasaki VN 1500 CLASSIC 1999
- Chassis
- Frame : Double steel cradle
- Fuel capacity : 16 liters (4.23 US gallons)
- Seat height : 700 mm (27.56 in)
- Length : 2,500 mm (98.43 in)
- Width : 965 mm (37.99 in)
- Min height : 1,100 mm (43.31 in)
- Wheelbase : 1,660 mm (65.35 in)
- Dry weight : 289 kg (637 lb)
- Weight when fully loaded : 303 kg (668 lb)
- Front axle
- telehydraulic fork Ø 41 mm, Wheel travel : 150 mm (5.91 in)
- Braking 1 disc Ø 272 mm (10.71 in), 2-piston caliper
- Front tire : 130 / 90 - 16 → Order this type of tire
- Transmission
- 5 stage gearbox
- Secondary cardan shaft
- Rear axle
- 2 lateral shock absorbers, Wheel travel : 87 mm (3.43 in)
- Braking 1 disc Ø 236 mm (9.29 in), single-piston caliper
- Rear tire : 150 / 80 - 16 → Order this type of tire
- Motor
- two-cylinder en V , 4 strokes
- 2 Keihin Ø 40 mm carburetors
- Cooling system : liquid
- 1 ACT
- 4 valves per cylinder
- 1,470 cc (Bore x stroke: 102 x 90 mm)
- 64 ch (63.10 hp) to 4,700 rpm
- 11.40 mkg to 3,000 rpm
- Power-to-weight ratio : 4.58 kg/ch
- Weight / torque ratio : 25.35 kg/mkg
- Compression : 9.0:1
Gallery
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helmet
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jacket
braking
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Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 23 reviews
The style, the class, apart from its 303kg and a slightly rough gearbox in first gear, it runs terribly. Easy to maintain, no sophisticated electronics, just big, easy-to-disassemble bolts to do almost everything yourself. It's ideal for cruising and showing off
As for fuel consumption, they claim 8l, but I'm averaging 6.5l/100. 220km range For a motorcycle designed in the days when people didn't look at the liter, that's not bad. At low speeds, you have to be vigilant and anticipate where you're going to stop, but after that it's great. I love it for life. Rating : 4/5 Respond to Espandora
pleasant, the handling is fine up to 130 km/h, then it's a bit of a different world, an old-fashioned bike with an old-fashioned feel
A good bike that won't go unnoticed. Rating : 4/5 Respond to Jean Sé
I don't know if it's related, but why not, since it heats up?
I've read that it's a costly and time-consuming operation, because even if the part itself is worth nothing (approx. 40€ from what I've read), a complete kit (approx. 300€) and the M-O (over 500€ I've read), that doesn't mean that all models are affected. I've read that someone changed theirs for prevention at 50,000km and it was fine! But when in doubt... Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation
posts Rating : 2/5 Respond to dede la seringu
my vn heats up, but the expansion tank remains full and doesn't suck out the water inside. however, the radiator switches on normally
do you think the water pump needs changing? Rating : 4/5 Respond to marti
In normal driving, apart from fuel consumption (at the time), I can't find any drawbacks, and even its weight becomes normal in motion. Stopping is a little tricky if you stop in the traffic circle. Comfort is very good for me. Rating : 4/5 Respond to gege
What do you think of this breakdown, is it serious?
Thank you for your answers
Alex-82 Rating : 4/5 Respond to alex082
Rating : 5/5 Respond to JO
However, I don't intend to give it up
Easy maintenance and cardan shaft ... torquey engine
The clutch is rather light and doesn't like to be played with
The gearbox is rather capricious, especially when you have to shift into second gear
The gearbox is quite temperamental, especially when you have to shift into second gear, which sometimes turns into a mess when you're either in neutral or a nasty cracking noise reminds you that syncro is almost non-existent on the gearbox, so much so that you have to gauge your engine speed carefully before shifting into second gear, otherwise you run the risk of losing a few teeth in the crankcase. Rating : 5/5 Respond to fred
did you see this.
I have a 1500 VN Classic 1999 with 46352Km, at 12:00 I took it to go eat, for 2Km no problem, no noise or suspicious behavior. Suddenly, on acceleration, the engine revs up but doesn't move forward, the clutch handle is normal, the engine runs well, I can shift gears, but the bike doesn't move forward.
in 1st gear the engine stops, when pushing it doesn't engage.
What do you think about this breakdown, is it serious?
Thank you for your answers.
Alex-82
Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation
well, what can I do? depending on the dealer, it can happen.............. Rating : 5/5 Respond to bro