Motorcycle specifications KawasakiVN 1500 CLASSIC 2000 Sumo boy

presentation of the VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000

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.

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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

Published on 10/12/20
by Greg

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Key facts Kawasaki VN 1500 CLASSIC (2000) : What you need to know before you buy

Highlights

• Aesthetics
• Finition
• Price

Weak points

• Gearbox
• Comfort

Prices

	Basic version
France	11,499€

Bikers' reviews

of 23 reviews Read reviews

Model sold in 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Replace VN 1500 CLASSIC 1999

VN 1500 CLASSIC 1999

Replaced by

VN 1500 CLASSIC 2001

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.

Gallery

Competitors

Honda 1500 F6C Valkyrie 2000

Honda VT 1100 C2 Shadow 2000

BMW R 1200 C 2000

Harley-Davidson 1450 SOFTAIL FAT BOY FLSTF 2000

Harley-Davidson 1450 ROAD KING FLHR 2000

Yamaha XV 1600 WILD STAR 2000

Suzuki VS 1400 INTRUDER 2000

Find others Cruiser of 2000

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 23 reviews

Sujet boite de vitesse

Ricos Model 1998

Hello, I have a 1998 vn1500 and I find it strange it has a 4??? box I did some research there are only boxes 5 .....si someone has an answer ... thank you. 10/11/2021 17:29 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Ricos

Gaga

Hello, I too have a 4-speed and I often wondered if this was normal. It's nice to know that there's someone else out there 03/27/2024 08:49 Rating : 4/5 Participate in the conversation

Belle découverte

Espandora Model 1999

I've owned a 1999 vn 1500 classic for 3 years. It had been sitting in a pharmacist's garage for 15 years without being driven, and was started up for the second time with a new battery, no smoke, no blown gaskets and no oil leaks. I bought it back with 3556 km. I spent a lot of time and a bit of money restoring it, but today it's a pleasure to drive
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. 10/10/2020 09:44 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Espandora

Jean Sé Model 1997

I bought a VN 1500 with 15,000 km from 1997 that didn't run much, changed the consumables and fluids and the engine is rather pleasant
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. 06/20/2020 12:37 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Jean Sé

chauffe marcel

vieux loup blanc Model 1999

hello, I own a VN sumo from 1988, completely resrtured in 2017, a real jet plane, a big defect even in winter, about 50 km, and here is that madam heats, and puts the radiator fan on, and does not consume a drop of water, I get nothing!!!! 02/16/2020 14:39 Rating : 4/5 Respond to vieux loup blanc

Réponse à Vieux Loup Blanc.

Jerry

Hi! I'm replying late I think but if it can help you or someone else; I just learned that there is an oil pump pinion, which, on carburetor models, would have wear problems, leading to engine overheating or even breakage in the worst case scenario

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... 11/05/2020 09:50 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

Seconde vitesse passe très mal sur kawasaki VN 1500

James Model 1996

bonjour,je viens de faire l'acquisition d'un 1500 VN CLASSIC et la seconde passe très mal,de quoi cela peut venir? j'ai le niveau d'huile correct! It has 38500 KMS 11/07/2018 17:57 Rating : 3/5 Respond to James

pignon pompe a huile story

dede la seringu Model 1999

I suspect that the engineers at kawa have deliberately installed this nylon pinion as an organ of programmed obsolescence.This material is self-lubricated in no case should it rotate in oil.Do you think it possible to federate in numbers to obtain compensation for this very expensive repair.Hi there
posts 07/15/2018 10:00 Rating : 2/5 Respond to dede la seringu

mon vn 1500 classic tourer chauffe

marti Model 1996

hello
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? 06/06/2018 11:30 Rating : 4/5 Respond to marti

gege Model 1999

I own a 1999 Classic that I bought back and put back on the road after 15 years out of action. New battery, spark plugs and fluid change, and off I went again. Very nice machine, lively engine and good feel. If it doesn't break down, basic maintenance is very easy and accessible.
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. 04/23/2018 13:13 Rating : 4/5 Respond to gege

boite

domy Model 1996

can the 4-speed gearbox be converted into a 5-speed 1500vn 1996? 01/03/2018 08:38 Rating : 4/5 Respond to domy

modifications donnees techniques

bilalien Model 1996

It's a living motorcycle. You ride to the rhythm of the vibrations at 90 km and wind up the kms to the sound of the exhausts. I've got some Jardine exaust and it moves 😊 09/17/2017 07:50 Rating : 5/5 Respond to bilalien

gam Model 1997

i'm 70 years old and I've had 13 motorcycles.and it's the vn 1500 classic that gives me the most pleasure.I found it second hand in new condition .a little heavy of course .for the little legs it's perfect when you stop with your feet flat .plus it's beautiful . 12/02/2016 11:43 Rating : 5/5 Respond to gam

jose atunes

j,ai 60 ans j,ecris mal en francais (portugais)mai j,ai eu pas mal de moto j,ai une vn 1500 annee 2000 donc j,herite du fameux pignon de pompe a huile en plastique tous les modèles a carbus (pas les autres)27 mk e beaucoup de ennuis joint de cache culbu le joint c,est pas le probleme!you have to disassemble the engine from the frame 6 hours minimum to disassemble a lot of things to get it out 7 euro the gasket is 1000 for the mecano work c,cronique che every 1500 or 1600 inquire...and I'm not telling you the rest today (I'm a bit of a colert)...I don't ride fast I live on an island (acores)the main nacianal is only 27 km long I'm going to dismantle the engine again and repair it to sell it on Lisbone I had a cb 4 legs 1977 I did 75 mik without ever dismantling (I thought I'd bought a motorcycle for my old age )I was wrong.salut a vous est secusez mon français 10/08/2017 23:33 Rating : 1/5 Participate in the conversation

probleme d embrayage patine a chaux

atilali Model 1999

bonjour je possede une 1500 vn de 1998 elle a 26 m km et quand et elle froide tous vas bien et quand elle a chauffe l'embrayage patine 06/07/2016 20:25 Rating : 3/5 Respond to atilali

Forte consommation - réglage carbus ?

raphy Model 1999

i have just bought a vn 1500 classic from 2000 model 1999 i find that it consumes quite a lot it gives for in viron 8,5 to the 100 with a capacity of 16l of the livers i arrive to meter 18l but i do only 140 kms max before falling in reserve and i don't push it is it that an adjustment car-bus improves the consumption and how much it can cost me thank you 03/07/2015 07:24 Rating : 3/5 Respond to raphy

panne

fifi 38 Model 1999

i own a 1997 vn 1500 classic... it starts and stops after 30 seconds after changing the carb diaphragms...?????? 01/30/2015 20:27 Rating : 3/5 Respond to fifi 38

1500 vn classic

claudius Model 1998

i own a 1500 vn classic from 1998, it's a very good bike, the brakes are a bit limited for a duo, but what an engine! otherwise good behavior on the road for a custom, finally pay attention to the fuel consumption, plan on 7 to 8 liters per 100 kms, it made me all weird at first since before I owned a sportster 883 which consumed 4 liters per 100 kms, but a sportster in duo is forgotten, good road to all. 09/05/2014 20:06 Rating : 4/5 Respond to claudius

Mon 1500 VN classic n'avance plus

alex082 Model 1999

I have a 1500 VN Classic 1999 with 46352Km, at 12:00 I took 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
What do you think of this breakdown, is it serious?
Thank you for your answers
Alex-82 06/30/2014 12:42 Rating : 4/5 Respond to alex082

sam 72 Model 2002

i've owned a 97 1500vn for 8 years. very good machine except for the synchro on the 2 and 3. i've done 90000kms with it. i'm thinking of buying the 1700tourer soon, but i'll keep the 1500. 08/16/2010 23:10 Rating : 5/5 Respond to sam 72

JO Model 2002

i've had a '96 1500 classic with gearbox 4 since 1998. I've never had any problems with it, and it's a pleasure to drive. It's super-easy to maintain - filters, oil changes, spark plugs, axles - and anyone can do it
06/19/2010 11:38 Rating : 5/5 Respond to JO

fred Model 2002

I bought the VN 1500 Classic a few months ago and I'm used to harleys, but I don't get the same pleasure out of it
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. 01/22/2008 16:55 Rating : 5/5 Respond to fred

alex082

Hi 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
06/30/2014 15:58 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

the tigers Model 2002

beautiful '96 machine bought in 2000 with 19,000km, now has 49,000km, doesn't like the cold and a truck shifts gears better than I do, but pleasant ride, affordable price for a large engine and pleasant duo trip if the watch stays at home 01/23/2007 16:01 Rating : 5/5 Respond to the tigers

bro Model 2002

I've owned one since 2003 and I've driven it all the way from CANADA TO ALASKA. It's a little marvel to drive, the only complaint I have is that at 38,000km I have to open the transmission because the 2nd one has arrived, I find that a bit too much when I compare it to my 1982 750 Susuki on which I've never opened the engine or the transmission for more than 25 years...
well, what can I do? depending on the dealer, it can happen.............. 03/09/2006 00:50 Rating : 5/5 Respond to bro

nanard Model 2002

at 52,000 km, constantly monitored by my mechanic. i broke the engine, not very happy with kawa who know about the linkage problems on this model. 05/14/2005 14:26 Rating : 5/5 Respond to nanard

pianos07 Model 2002

A beautiful machine and an extraordinary pleasure to own! 02/28/2005 07:43 Rating : 5/5 Respond to pianos07

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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000

What is the power of the VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000?

The VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000 develops a power of 64 ch (63.10 hp)

What is the torque of the VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000?

The maximum torque of the VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000 is 11.40 mkg to 3,000 rpm.

What is the maximum speed of the VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000?

The VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000 is capable of reaching a top speed of 170 km/h (105.60 mph) on the track.

What is the weight of the VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000?

The VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000 has a a dry weight of 289 kg (637 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 303 kg (668 lb).

What is the fuel consumption of the VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000?

Average fuel consumption is estimated at 8.50 l/100km (0.28 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.

QWhat is the seat height of the VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000?

To ensure good accessibility, the VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000 offers a minimum seat height of 700 mm (27.56 in).

What is the price of the VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000?

The price of the VN 1500 CLASSIC 2000 is 11,499€ in France