2008 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1500 Classic

2008 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1500 Classic pictures, prices, information, and specifications.
Model Type
Cruiser
MSRP
$9,699
Warranty
12
Insurance
Finance
Generic Type (Primary)
Cruiser
Manufacturer Country
Japan
Parent Company
Kawasaki
Display Name
Vulcan(R) 1500 Classic
Year
2008
Make
Kawasaki
Engine Type
V Twin
Cylinders
2
Engine Stroke
4-Stroke
Torque (Ft Lbs/Nm)
84.6 / 114.7
Torque RPM
2800
Cooling
Liquid / Air
Valves
8
Valves Per Cylinder
4
Valve Configuration
SOHC
Bore (mm/in)
102 / 4.02
Stroke (mm/in)
90 / 3.55
Displacement (cc/ci)
1470 / 89.7
Compression Ratio
9.0:1
Starter
Electric
Fuel Requirements
Regular
Fuel Type
Gas
Carburetion Brand
Keihin
Fuel Injector
Yes
Fuel Injector Size (mm)
36
Carburetor
No
Carburetion Type
Fuel Injected
Transmission Type
Manual
Number Of Speeds
5
Overdrive
Yes
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel)
Shaft
Reverse
No
Wheels Composition
Steel
Tube / Tubeless
Tubed
Chromed
Yes
Front Tire Width
130
Front Tire Aspect Ratio
90
Front Wheel Diameter
16
Rear Tire Width
150
Rear Tire Aspect Ratio
80
Rear Wheel Diameter
16
Front Tire (Full Spec)
130/90 R16
Rear Tire (Full Spec)
150/80 R16
Front Brake Type
Hydraulic Disc
Front Brake Diameter (in/mm)
11.8 / 300
Rear Brake Type
Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brake Diameter (in/mm)
10.6 / 270
Front Suspension Type
Telescopic Fork
Front Suspension Size (in/mm)
1.6 / 41
Front Travel (in/mm)
5.9 / 149.9
Front Adjustable Fork Pre-Load
No
Front Adjustable Rebound Damping
No
Front Central Suspension Strut
No
Steering Damper
No
Rear Suspension Type
Twin Sided Swing Arm
Rear Travel (in/mm)
3.4 / 86.4
Rear Adjustable Shock / Spring Pre-Load
Yes
Rear Adjustable Rebound Damping
No
Number Rear Shock Absorbers
2
Rear Suspension Material
Steel
Air Adjustable
No
Steering Control
Handlebar
Length (ft)
8.22
Width (in/mm)
39.2 / 995.7
Height (in/mm)
44.9 / 1140.5
Wheelbase (in/mm)
65.6 / 1666.2
Length (ft/ft)
8
Length (ft/in)
2.6
Dry Weight (lbs/kg)
659 / 298.9
Fuel Capacity (gal/l)
5 / 18.9
Engine Displacement to Weight (cc)
2.23
Seat Type
Two-Piece
Adjustable
No
Seat Material
Vinyl
Seat Location
Driver and Passenger
Folding
No
Seat Height (in/mm)
27.6 / 701
Number Of Seats
2
Detachable Passenger Seat
Standard
Grab Rail or Strap
Standard
Frame
Steel
Floor Board Location
Driver
Hand Grips
Standard
Foot Peg Location
Passenger
Adjustable
No
Chain Guard
No
Engine Case Guard
Yes
Fork Guards
No
Saddle Bag Guard
No
Belt Guard
No
Hand Guards
No
Brush Guard
No
Heel Guards
No
Light Guard
No
Side Cover
Yes
Front Fender
Standard
Rear Fender
Standard
Top Crown
Standard
Stand Type
Kick
Handlebars
Standard
License Plate
Standard
Digital Instrumentation
Standard
Clock
Standard
Trip Odometer
Standard
Speedometer
Standard
Temperature Warning Type
Light
Fuel Level Warning Type
Gauge
Warranty (Months/Condition)
12 / Limited
Battery Warranty (Months)
0
Metallic
No
Headlight Mounts
Standard
Halogen Headlight (s)
Standard
Headlight (s)
Standard
Light Type
Halogen
Folding
Yes
Handlebar Lock
Standard
User Reviews
6 reviews
  • Very poor bike
    By  (I am an Owner) on Jul 05, 2011

    I have 9400 miles on my 2008 Vulcan 1500 classic and Head gasket leaking coolant, estimated cost to replace the head gasket is over $1000.00, it showed up one month to the day that the extended warranty expired. The customer service at Kawasaki has left me feeling that once they get your money you ...

    Read More
  • A Great Bike at a Good Price
    By  (I am an Owner) on May 04, 2011

    I have owned my Vulcan 1500 Classic for 3 years this month. This was my first bike and I am very happy with it. It has plenty of power and is a comfortable ride. I have some physical back issues, and this bike is more comfortable than most cars I ride in.

    Read More
  • VN1500 = Great Cruiser
    By  (I am an Owner) on Apr 04, 2010
    Read More
  • 2008 Kawasaki VN1500 is a Great Cruiser
    By  (I am an Owner) on Apr 03, 2010
    Read More
  • New 2008 first ever
    By  (I am an Owner) on Mar 10, 2010

    Right out of the box . unlike a car it did not come with the new smell but it only had like 1 km on the bike. Cool! The first season had to break it in. 5000 km later. learned alot about driving a 800 lb bike. riding like a enduro bike is not happening. Next season 3000km trek through Northern ontario ...

    Read More
  • Great Scoot
    By  (I am an Enthusiast) on Mar 25, 2009

    My brother in law bought an 04 1500 Classic, which I rode, and wow did I fall in love with a motorcycle. This bike is probably the best bang for your buck in the motorcycle world. No valve maintenance, fuel injection, and enclosed shaft final drive. What more could you want in a scoot. Just awesome. ...

    Read More