Table of contents

• Second-hand advice Kawasaki VN 1600 With almost extraterrestrial reliability
• sightseeing
• Market situation
• Technical specifications
• Facelift

Kawasaki

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Used purchase

Second-hand advice Kawasaki VN 1600

Second-hand advice Kawasaki VN 1600
With almost extraterrestrial reliability

The mighty 1600 cardan cruiser with almost extraterrestrial reliability is considered a safe bet among used people. The model variants also offer a lot for the money.

Thorsten Dentges

03/18/2010

If one speaks of Vulcans at this point, it does not mean extraterrestrials like Mr. Spock, but the owners of a Kawasaki cruiser of the VN series (American addition: “Vulcan”). Many Vulcans actually got pointed ears at the end of 2002 after they had received a message that a new 1600 model would replace the successful VN 1500 model. The 1500s, in the range from 1995 to 2002 – a year longer as the “Classic Tourer” variant – sometimes bitched around a bit. For example with the oil supply, there were total failures here and there. Or the transmission – not always stress-free either. And the 1600s? Quirks? Nothing. A technically perfect, very reliable motorcycle. The one offered from 2004 to 2008 deserves even more praise VN 1600 Mean steak. Compared to the Classic, it is clearly the better motorcycle because it starts with a sporty chassis and top brakes. However, the hot rod look of the Mean Streak didn’t really impress anyone outside of the Vulcan world at first, the Classic version was better at the time the zeitgeist. That has changed. Cruisers in dragster packaging are currently much more popular, which is why the 72 PS 1600 Mean Streak (Classic: 67 PS) is a particularly hot topic on the used market. Incidentally, this also applies to the Classic Tourer, which was presented in 2005 and is somewhat overweight at around 370 kilograms, as it can score better with Vulcans who constantly look towards the horizon. The standard VN 1600 Classic is the cheapest to shoot second-hand, but due to the low stock it is generally traded high. A new Vulcan must therefore bring in a decent amount of start-up capital, but with the guarantee that the money is well invested.

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sightseeing

Gargolov

The exhaust system is nice, but Vulcans still need retrofitting here. The original sound is a bit weak, and the ear finally goes along with it.

The ideal case: only one previous owner, sale through a reputable (contract) dealer, inspection booklet kept on a beam table, chrome surfaces sparkling. Then there is only one thing to talk about: the price. If this fits your budget, you can confidently strike, because weaknesses are virtually unknown with the VN 1600. Only with the Classic there were two recalls (2004 and 2007) due to leaking oil filters (chassis numbers VNT60AE000058 to 003459) or cracks in the area of ​​the front or rear tank attachment points (fire hazard, JKBVNT60AAA000042 – JKBVNT60AAA005907). But as already mentioned, interested parties hardly have to worry about such matters during regular inspections, because professional workshops have usually fixed such defects long ago. The only thing left to look at is the accessories supplied. Less important for the Mean Streak, because fans rarely want to disturb the clean look. The “Tourer” is already fully equipped, but with the Standard Classic, parts such as a windshield, pannier bags or additional headlights are an attractive addition.

Market situation

Gargolov

One can hardly speak of sportiness in fat cruisers, but the 1600 swings easily around the corner in comparison.

The Classic sold around 1,000 times, the Mean Streak around 450 times and the Tourer only around 300 times. Accordingly, the second-hand offer is thin, but if you search specifically, you will find attractive offers for which the interested party should plan longer journeys. According to the Schwacke list, prices start at 5500 euros when the machines have over 50,000 kilometers on the clock. In reality, however, such high mileages are rarely found on the VN 1600, rarely more than 30,000 kilometers are on the clock. Buyers are found even more rarely than extremely high mileage when the price demands exceed the 10000 pain threshold. One or the other private provider thinks that years of loving care for the machine must be rewarded, and in fact good maintenance decides on a higher price, but well-cared for copies of the first two years of construction can already be located around 6000 euros.

Availability on the market: low

Price level in euros	Years of construction	Mileage	Low 5200-6400	2003-2005	over 20,000
Medium 6500-7900	2003-2006	5000-20000
High 800-9500	2005-2008	under 10000
Type	in program	Sales
VN 160-A, B and D	from 2003	1728

Tests in MOTORCYCLE:
9/2003 (VT), 7/2004 (FB model Mean Streak)
FB = driving area, VT = comparison test
Repeat orders by phone 0711 / 182-1229

Internet:
Fansites:
www.vulcanier-germany.de,
www.vn-biker.de

Used offers:
https://www.1000ps.de/gebrauchte-motorraeder

Technical specifications

Gargolov

In the cruiser class, the top speed is of little interest. It is more important that the speedometer presents itself in the highest gloss.

Data of type VN 1600-A; 2003 model year

Engine:
Water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke 50-degree V-engine, four valves per cylinder, wet sump lubrication, electronic injection, uncontrolled catalytic converter, hydraulically operated multi-plate oil bath clutch, five-speed gearbox, cardan.
Bore x stroke 102 x 95 mm
Cubic capacity 1553 cm³
Rated output 49 kW (67 hp) at 4700 rpm
Max. Torque 127 Nm at 2700 rpm

Landing gear:
Double loop frame made of steel, telescopic fork, single-joint two-arm swing arm made of steel, two spring struts, air-assisted, adjustable rebound damping, double disc brake at the front, disc brake at the rear.
Tires 130/90 H 16, 170/80 HB 16

Mass and weight:
Wheelbase 1680 mm, steering head angle 58 degrees, caster 168 mm, weight with a full tank * 345 kg, payload * 178 kg, tank capacity 20 liters.

Measurements (MOTORRAD / 2003):
Top speed ** 168 km / h
Acceleration 0-100 km / h 5.7 sec
Draft 60-100 km / h 6.5 sec
Consumption 6.4 l / 100 km (country road), 7.8 l / 100 km (at 130 km / h), super

* MOTORCYCLE measurements; ** Manufacturer information

Facelift

2003
The VN 1600 Classic (Type A) inherits the successful VN 1500, which in 2003 remained in the range in the model variants Drifter, Mean Streak and Classic Tourer FI. Price for the 1600s: 11,390 euros.

2004
Mean Streak (Type B) model for 12,195 euros with five hp more power (72 hp) and 80 cm³ more displacement. In addition, the Mean Streak has a sportier chassis with an upside-down fork and the three-piston brake system adopted from the ZX-9R sports motorcycle. Other differences: stiffer swing arm, larger mirrors, less deeply drawn front fenders, rear section including rear light completely different, slimmer design.

2005
Market launch of the Classic Tourer model variant (type D) with reinforced frame, backrest for pillion passenger, redesigned seat cushion, running boards also for the passenger, luggage set and windshield as standard. Weight: 374 kilograms. Price 14 195 euros.

2008
The 1600 series is being replaced by the VN 1700 (Classic and Mean Streak) model.

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