Motorcycle Road Test: 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic

The wide two-part saddle sits... 

   

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The wide two-part saddle sits lower, and has firmer but comfortable padding. Riders have different takes on whether its shape is ideal. The "ramp" where it steps up is fairly steep and creates pressure points for average and tall pilots

SPECIFICATIONS
2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic
Designation: VN1600
Suggested base price: $10,499
Standard colors: Red, black, beige
Extra cost colors: None
Standard warranty: 12 mos., unlimited miles
Recommended service interval: 8000 miles

Engine & Drivetrain
Type: Liquid-cooled, 50-degree tandem V-Twin
Valve arrangement: SOHC; 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement, bore x stroke: 1470cc, 102 x 95mm
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Carburetion: Digital fuel injection, two 36mm throats
Lubrication: Wet sump, 3.7 qt.
Minimum fuel grade: 90-octane
Transmission: Wet, multi-plate clutch, 5 speeds
Final drive: Shaft, 2.619:1

One of the first things we'd... 

   

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One of the first things we'd do is throw away the passenger grab strap, which is the worst thing for a passenger to hold on to. On the 1600 that means you will have to find some way to fill these slots in the chrome fender rails.

Chassis
Wet weight: 743 lb
Wheelbase: 66.7 in.
Overall length: 98.6 in.
Seat height: 26.8 in.
GVWR: 1153 lb
Rake/trail: 32.0 degrees/7.0 in.
Wheels: Cast alloy, 16 x 3.00 in. front, 16 x 4.50 in. rear
Front tire: 130/90-16, Bridgestone Exedra tubeless
Rear tire: 170/70-16 Bridgestone Exedra tubeless
Front brake: 2, single-action, two-piston calipers, 11.8-in. discs
Rear brake: Single-action, two-piston caliper, 11.8-in. disc
Front suspension: 43mm stanchions, 5.9 in. travel
Rear suspension: two dampers, 3.7 in. travel, adjustments for spring preload and rebound damping
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Handlebar width: 35.1 in., 1.0 diameter

Electrical & Instrumentation
Charging output: 588 watts
Battery: 12v, 18AH
Forward lighting: 7.0-inch 55/60-watt headlight, position lights
Taillight: single-bulb taillight, license light
Instruments: Electronic speedometer; LCD fuel gauge, oil-pressure, odometer/tripmeter/clock; warning lights for high beam, turn signals, neutral, engine diagnostics, low fuel

Performance
Fuel mileage: 34 to 43 mpg, 39.1 mpg avg.
Average range: 207 miles
22-yard top-gear acceleration from 50 mph, terminal speed: 71.1 mph
Quater-mile acceleration: 14.21 sec., 90.2 mph

The chrome fork nacelle is...        read full caption The chrome fork nacelle is a visually significant styling change, providing clean routing for cables and wires from the handlebar. They tuck neatly behind the plate through slots between it and the top triple clamp. The big multi-reflector headlight and self-canceling turn signals have new, less obtrusive mounts as well.	Kawasaki's five-position cam-type...        read full caption Kawasaki's five-position cam-type adjusters in the control levers for the front brake and hydraulic clutch permit you to quickly and easily set the levers closer to or farther from the hand grip for different size hands or to accommodate heavier or lighter glove weights. Every bike should have them.	The taillight comes from the...        read full caption The taillight comes from the Drifter That plastic license mount with its ugly reflectors might vibrate off if we bought a 1600, requiring a chrome replacement.