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 |
