Kawasaki VN 1500 CLASSIC TOURER (1998–2000) — Specs
Identity
Manufacturer: Kawasaki
Model: VN 1500 CLASSIC TOURER
Category: Touring
Type: Motorcycle
Years: 1998 → 2000
Engine
Displacement (cc): 1471
Cylinders: 2
Power (hp): 64
Power (kW): 47
Torque (Nm): 130
Dimensions
Overall length: 2450 mm
Overall width: 980 mm
Overall height: 1450 mm
Wheelbase: 1620 mm
Ground clearance: 140 mm
Weight (kg): 331
Tank (L): 16
Tires
Front tire: 130/90-16
Rear tire: 150/90-15
Front pressure (bar): 2
Rear pressure (bar): 2.5
Drivetrain
Final drive: Shaft drive
Ignition
Spark plug: NGK DPR5EA-9
Plug gap: 0.9 mm
Fluids & Filters
Engine oil: SAE10W-40, API SE
Engine oil (with filter, L): 3.1
Engine oil (without filter, L): 2.9
Oil filter: Hiflofiltro HF204
Air filter: Hiflofiltro HFA2911
Coolant (L): 2.3
Brake fluid: DOT 4
Fuel consumption
Estimated range: ~280 km on a full tank (16.0 L)
Service
Battery: OEM battery specification
Service interval (km): 10000
Service interval (months): 12
Valve check (km): 24000
Parts and consumables for this motorcycle
Data is gathered with care, but without guarantee. Always confirm critical information with your dealer or workshop.
Service notes
Service interval: every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Valve clearance check every 24,000 km. Engine oil: oil grade SAE10W-40, API SE, 3.1 L with filter change, 2.9 L without filter change. Spark plug: NGK DPR5EA-9 (gap 0.9 mm). Brake fluid: DOT 4. Coolant capacity: 2.3 L. Drive: shaft drive. Tire pressure: front 2 bar, rear 2.5 bar (cold). Tire size: front 130/90-16, rear 150/90-15. Always confirm critical values with the workshop manual or an authorised dealer.
OEM and quality aftermarket parts that fit this bike. Always confirm with your dealer before ordering.
Engine oil
Spec: SAE10W-40, API SE, 3.1 L (with filter), 2.9 L (without filter)
- OEM OEM recommended engine oil (SAE 10W-40)
- Premium Motul 7100 4T (100% Synthetic, Ester)
- Premium Motul 5100 4T Technosynthese (Semi-Synthetic)
Which Motul for this bike?
| Motul 7100 4T ✓ | Motul 5100 4T | |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Motul 7100 4T — 100% fully synthetic | Motul 5100 4T — semi-synthetic |
| Best for | Sport, Naked, Adventure (600cc+), track | Standard, Cruiser, Scooter, daily use |
| RPM protection | Excellent — ester base, stable under load | Good — for normal riding conditions |
- Standard Repsol Moto Racing 4T (Synthetic)
- Standard Elf Moto 4 Tech (Semi-Synthetic)
Fully Synthetic vs Semi-Synthetic
| Fully Synthetic | Semi-Synthetic | |
|---|---|---|
| Base oil | 100% chemical synthesis (ester or PAO) | Mineral oil + synthetic additives |
| Heat resistance | Excellent — stable at extreme heat & RPM | Good — suitable for normal temperatures |
| Cold start | Better — reaches engine faster when cold | Good — adequate for normal climates |
| Change interval | Longer (up to 10,000 km) | Shorter (5,000–7,000 km typical) |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Oil filter
Spec: Hiflofiltro HF204
- Premium Hiflofiltro HF204
- Premium K&N KN-204
Air filter
Spec: Hiflofiltro HFA2911
- Standard Hiflofiltro HFA2911
Spark plug
Spec: NGK DPR5EA-9, gap 0.9 mm
- OEM NGK DPR5EA-9
- Premium NGK DPR5EAIX-9
- Standard NGK DPR5EA-9
Front brake pads
Spec: EBC FA229HH
- Premium EBC FA229HH
Rear brake pads
Spec: EBC FA229HH
- Premium EBC FA229HH
Front tire
Spec: 130/90-16, 2.0 bar
- OEM OEM 130/90-16
Rear tire
Spec: 150/90-15, 2.5 bar
- OEM OEM 150/90-15
Battery
- Premium Yuasa YTX20HL-BS (typical 1300cc+ cruiser/tourer)
Brake fluid
Spec: DOT 4
- Standard TotalEnergies HBF4
Coolant
Spec: 2.30 L coolant capacity
Service interval
Spec: 10 000 km / 12 months
- OEM Engine oil + oil filter change
- OEM Air filter inspection
- OEM Spark plug check
- OEM Brake fluid replacement: every 2 years
Valve check
Spec: 24 000 km
- OEM Hydraulic lifters — no manual adjustment needed
Suspension
Spec: 41 mm telescopic fork / 395 ml SAE 10W-20
- OEM Fork: 41 mm telescopic fork
- OEM Fork oil grade: 395 ml SAE 10W-20
Drive chain
