Kawasaki VN 1500 2004 — Specifications

Often mistaken for a Harley-Davidson, and that’s a compliment. The 2004 Kawasaki VN 1500 Tourer is the Japanese cruiser that dared to challenge the Road King on its own turf, that of large custom touring bikes. It didn't arise from nothing: it's the touring version of the VN 1500 Classic, loaded with serious accessories such as a large windscreen, rigid saddlebags, and a comfortable seat. The dashboard integrated into the tank and the well-positioned handlebars confirm the intention: you are here to devour the horizon, not to skim the pavement in curves.

Its 1470 cm3 twin engine is a masterpiece. With 64 horsepower and, above all, 113 Nm of torque available from 3000 rpm, it pulls like a tractor, without haste. Don't look for top speed, which peaks at 160 km/h, but savor this smooth and constant propulsion, rendered fluid by electronic injection introduced in 2000. Shaft drive transmission adds to the serenity of the whole. It's a reliable Kawasaki VN 1500 engine, designed for long journeys, even if its appetite for fuel requires regular stops with its 16-liter tank.

And it’s here that the problem lies, or rather where the frame rubs. With its 337 kg dry weight and very limited ground clearance, the Tourer doesn’t like to be jostled. As soon as you try to liven up the pace, the fairings touch the asphalt, authoritatively reminding you that this motorcycle is a straight-line and sweeping curves beast. The braking system, with its two front discs and one large rear disc, is effective but must manage a considerable mass. It's better to anticipate.

So, who is this Kawasaki VN 1500 Custom aimed at today? Clearly at the serene globetrotter, at the one who prioritizes comfort, presence, and the "full dresser" style over pure performance. Faced with a Honda VTX 1300 or a Yamaha XV1600 Road Star, it plays the card of complete factory equipment. For a buyer targeting a used Kawasaki VN 1500, it's a solid option. But you must accept its peaceful character and its imposing dimensions. It’s a motorcycle to assert dominance on the road, not to tame it. A good deal to transform every journey into a cruise, on the condition of not being in a hurry.