Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic - 2009 Specifications and Reviews
The 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic is a heavyweight cruiser designed for riders seeking traditional styling with modern reliability. Powered by a liquid-cooled 1470cc V-twin producing strong low-end torque, it delivers smooth, predictable power ideal for relaxed highway cruising. Known for its classic aesthetics, comfortable ergonomics, and shaft-drive dependability, this cruiser appeals to experienced riders preferring timeless American-style cruising.
General information | |
| Category | Custom / cruiser |
| Year | 2009 |
| Model | Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Transmission type,final drive | Shaft drive (cardan) |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Cooling system | Liquid |
| Ignition | TCBI with Digital Advance |
| Fuel control | SOHC |
| Fuel system | Injection. DFI with dual 36mm Keihin throttle bodies |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Bore x stroke | 102.0 x 90.0 mm (4.0 x 3.5 inches) |
| Compression | 9.0:1 |
| Torque | 114.71 Nm (11.7 kgf-m or 84.6 ft.lbs) @ 2800 |
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke |
| Capacity: | 1470.00 ccm (89.70 cubic inches) |
| | |
Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels | |
| Rear brakes diameter | 270 mm (10.6 inches) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc |
| Front brakes diameter | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
| Front brakes | Single disc |
| Rear tyre dimensions | 150/80-16 |
| Front tyre dimensions | 130/90-16 |
| Rear suspension | Twin Shocks, with five-way adjustable preload / 3.4 in. |
| Front suspension | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in. |
| Trail | 165 mm (6.5 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 32.0° |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Fuel capacity | 18.92 litres (5.00 gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1,666 mm (65.6 inches) |
| Overall width | 996 mm (39.2 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,504 mm (98.6 inches) |
| Overall height | 1,140 mm (44.9 inches) |
| Seat height | 701 mm (27.6 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Dry weight | 298.9 kg (659.0 pounds) |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
| Color options | Ebony, Two Tone: Candy Cardinal Red / Pearl Crystal White |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
Best For
Rider Profile
| Best For | Best suited to riders who already have some experience with big, heavy cruisers and are comfortable managing low-speed weight and long wheelbases. |
| Purpose | Built for relaxed highway cruising and boulevard riding rather than sport performance or commuting agility. |
| Rider Fit | Its low seat height is friendly to shorter riders, but the substantial dry weight demands confident balance and upper body strength at parking-lot speeds. |
| Character | A classic torque-rich V-twin cruiser that rewards a laid-back throttle hand with smooth, low-rev pulling power and shaft-drive reliability. |
| Not Ideal For | Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering response, off-road capability, or outright top-end speed. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
⚠ Safety Recalls (1)
KAWASAKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 VULCAN MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE MAY STALL IF THE RIDER IS COASTING WITH THE CLUTCH PULLED IN DUE TO AN IMPROPER SETTING OF THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU).
Risk: ENGINE STALLING COULD CREATE A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECU WITH ONE CONTAINING REVISED SETTINGS TO ADDRESS THE ENGINE STALLING. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI CONSUMER SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT 1-866-802-9381.
Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →
Rider Reviews
Add a Comment
Related Motorcycle Specifications
More Kawasaki Motorcycles
- Motorcycles in database: 45863
- Technical specifications: 1490298
- Images of motorcycles: 72681
- Videos: 339
- Manufacturers: 501
Please Login or Register if you would like to leave a comment.