Kawasaki 500 Vulcan LTD (1996-99)

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The Kawasaki 500 Vulcan LTD was produced from 1996-1999 and featured a parallel twin-cylinder engine with a 498cc capacity and liquid cooling. The engine had a compression ratio of 10.2:1 and was powered by 2x 32mm Keihin carburetors. It produced a maximum power of 50hp at 8500rpm and a maximum torque of 4.8 kgf-m at 7300rpm. The clutch was wet plate and the transmission was 6-speed with final drive via chain. The front suspension was 36mm telescopic forks while the rear suspension used dual shocks with preload adjustment. Brakes consisted of a single 300mm disc at the front and an 180mm drum at the rear. The bike had a rake angle of 33.0 degrees, a wheelbase of 1595mm, and a seat height of 714mm. The dry weight of the bike was 199.1 kg, and it had a fuel capacity of 15 litres. Braking distance from 60-0 and 100-0 was 13.6m and 36.9m, respectively. The standing 1/4 mile time was 14.8 seconds with a top speed of 160.8km/h.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan LTD / VN 500

Year: 1996 – 99


Engine: Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Capacity: 498 cc / 30.4 cy-in
Bore x Stroke: 74 58 mm
Cooling System: Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
Induction: 2x 32mm Keihin carburetors
Ignition: Digital TCBI
Max Power: 50 hp / 36.5 kW @ 8500 rpm
Max Power Rear Tyre: 44.8 hp @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque: 4.8 kgf-m / 32.6 lb-ft @ 7300 rpm
Clutch: Wet Plate
Transmission: 6 Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Front Suspension: 36mm Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension: Dual shocks preload adjustable,

Front Brakes: Single 300mm disc
Rear Brakes: 180mm drum
Front Tyre: 100/90-19
Rear Tyre: 140/90-15
Rake: 33.0 degrees
Wheelbase: 1595 mm / 62.8 in
Seat Height: 714 mm / 28.1 in
Dry Weight: 199.1 kg / 439 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 15 Litres / 4.0 US gal
Braking 60 – 0 / 100 – 0: 13.6 m / 36.9 m
Standing 1/4 Mile: 14.8 sec / 137.7 km/h
Top Speed: 160.8 km/h

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