KAWASAKI VULCAN 800 CLASSIC VN800B: DETAILED SPECS, BACKGROUND, PERFORMANCE, AND MORE

Looking for a good entry-level bike to kickstart your riding journey? Want a fun cruiser with good power and vintage style? The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic is the way to go!

With its funky handling, strong power, and reliability, the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic is a functional and fantastic pose machine. The bike is massive with all the right parts in all the right places, providing a smooth ride while having plenty of street presence.

The 805cc liquid-cooled engine complements the smooth, balanced design, which is reminiscent of the bigger Vulcan Classic. The lighter weight and lower seat height of the VN800B offer a big advantage for less experienced riders.

This V-twin cruiser dominates the sales floor because of its vintage design, updated performance features, and affordability.

Read on to find out the detailed specs, history, and performance of this Classic Kawasaki cruiser.

The Vulcan 800 Classic was launched by Kawasaki as a part of their renowned Vulcan (VN) series in 1996. The Vulcan is a series of V-twin-powered bikes or custom motorcycles that are comfortable and stylish.

Kawasaki Vulcan 800 is the sixth motorcycle in the series with three variants, Vulcan 8000 Classic, the 800 Drifter, and the 800A.

Kawasaki has been using the name Vulcan for their custom cruiser line since 1984, designated as the VN. All the Vulcan cruisers were powered with the traditional V-twin engine within a range of 125 to 2053cc.

The original Vulcan 800, also known as the VN8000A, debuted in 1995 with a Softail design that included a bobbed rear fender and a big front wheel. It had an 805cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine with four valves per cylinder and a five-speed transmission.

In 1996, the retro style Vulcan 800 Classic (VN800B) appeared with full fenders and 16” front and rear wheels.

Both of these Vulcan 800 models were discontinued in 2006 following the introduction of the VN900.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic is a bike with a mix of classic and modern features. The bike’s spoked wheel features, fat front tires, and well-balanced fender gave the motorcycle a classic 1950s look. Moreover, the chrome covers or casing on the fork-down tubes and headlight added to the bike’s unique look.

All models from 1996 to 2000 carried the same 805cc V-twin and were capable of producing 52 hp at 7100 rpm, along with 64 Nm of torque at 3300 rpm.

• Color Options: Black, Turquoise Gray, Golden/Black

Between 2001 and 2006, the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic models had no significant modifications, with the exception of minor design tweaks. However, two new color options were added for the 2005 and 2006 models.

• Color Options: 2005-2006: Beige, Maroon

The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic features the same styling and customization options as its 1500 Classic sibling with an 805cc V-twin, chrome wire wheels, and valanced fenders.

The frames of VN800 bikes have hidden shocks, giving them an antique or Hardtail appearance. Even without a muffler, the engine delivers considerable power of 56 hp at 7000 rpm, making the bike suitable for riders of various skill levels.

Apart from its eye-catching appearance, the VN800B features a low seat that provides exceptional foot-on-the-ground stability and comfort when not in use. It also has 16-inch wheels at the front and back.

The heart of the VN800B is an 805 cc V-twin engine that is rubber-mounted, being built with a single-pin crankshaft and a vibration-reducing gear drive balancer to minimize vibrations. The bike has liquid cooling to keep the four-valve heads and finned cylinders cool.

Moreover, the engine’s sleek lines are preserved via concealed automated tensioners for the cam chain, which allows for low maintenance and accurate cam timing. An oil filter reduces the amount of maintenance required.

Kawasaki added a 36mm Keihin Carburetor with an accelerating pump to give the Vulcan 800 Classic a rapid throttle response. The five-speed transmission increases the bike’s powerful acceleration and offers a steady engine speed on highways to take advantage of the engine’s broad torque curve of 47.2 ft/lb at 3300 rpm.

The five-speed transmission comes with the Positive Neutral Finder to make it easier to switch to neutral while stopped.

The suspension is a little loose in the corners but comfy along the straight line, with the brakes being competent but fragile. For reliable braking, the twin-piston front brake caliper grips a drilled stainless-steel rotor.

The Kawasaki 800 Classic is a cruiser that is steady at high speeds and reliable when going around town . However, there is very little ground clearance.

The ride may not be as exciting as some of the other bikes in the Kawasaki Vulcan series . The VN800 Classic may not be as fast, but it’s fun to ride. The cable clutch feels light, the carburetor is smooth and nice, the bike is inexpensive, and the handlebars are spread apart , all of which make this Classic bike excellent for beginners. You can also add saddlebags to help you carry your luggage around.

The average retail price of the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic is $6,549. However, it may vary depending upon the model year, aftermarket work, and region.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic is a light bike with a curb weight of around 234.1 kg or 516 lbs.

The Vulcan 800 Classic has six-speed gears.

The VN800B has a top speed of 167.2 km.

The Kawasaki VN800B is the ultimate epitome of a custom-cruiser, packed with various nostalgic features. Even though the VN800B is an older model, you can still update this bike with many high-quality aftermarket parts offered for Kawasaki motorcycles. These may include fairings , headlights, seats , crash bars , etc.

This fantastic cruiser can also be customized to make your road trip more convenient and fun. Luggage racks and saddlebags can be installed to carry your luggage . You can also add sissy bars and passenger backrests to make the bike even more comfortable and safe for longer rides.