Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan - [1992] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.
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Performance Review: Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan - [1992]

Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan - [1992] image

Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan - [1992]

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Figures & Specs Summary:

  • Edition: Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan
  • Year: 1992 | Type: Cruiser
  • Engine: 498 cc (30.3 ci) 8 Valve
  • Engine Type: Horizontal In-Line | Cylinders: 2
  • Engine Stroke: Two | Valve Config: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: Carburettor
  • Cooling: Liquid | Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Transmission: 6 speed | Manual
  • Drive: Belt
  • Wet Weight: 169 kgs (372 lbs)
  • Dry Weight: 186 kgs (410 lbs)
  • Power: 60 bhp (44 kW) @ 9800 rpm
  • Torque: 33.9 lb-ft (46.0 Nm) @ 8500 rpm
  • BHP Per Ton: 355.0 bhp
  • Torque Per Ton: 200.7 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 10.4 secs
  • 0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 10.6 secs
  • Top Speed: 0 mph (0.0 kph)
  • 1/4 Mile (Est.): 0 secs @ 0 mph
  • Frame: Steel
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Kawasaki VN 500 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1992. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1993 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin and the 1993 Suzuki RGV 250 SP.This particular Kawasaki VN 500 has a 498cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Horizontal In-Line Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.

Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura - [1984] image

An alternative Horizontal In-Line engine, Cruiser style motorbike includes the Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura - [1984]

The 1992 VN 500 shares its Horizontal In-Line engine and Cruiser style configuration with the likes of the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura and the 1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the VN 500's Cruiser style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1982 Yamaha XS 400 L Maxim | 1982cc.1994 Suzuki VS 400 Intruder | 1994cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 169 kgs (372 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan in the same weight category as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS or the 2025 Yamaha T�n�r� 700 Rally, give or take 50kg.

Yamaha T�n�r� 700 - [2025] image

The 1992 Kawasaki VN 500 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha T�n�r� 700 - [2025]

In terms of power the 498cc 8 valve Horizontal In-Line 2 cylinder engine produces 60 bhp (44 kW) @ 9800 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha T�n�r� 700 [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm] or the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm].

The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 33.9 lb-ft (46.0 Nm) @ 8500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha T�n�r� 700 Rally [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha T�n�r� 700 [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki VN 500 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

Honda CRF 450 X - [2005] image

The 2005 Honda CRF 450 X has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1992 Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan.

The 1992 Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan has a Power to weight ratio of 355.0 bhp per ton and 200.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1992 VN 500 competing with the 2005 Honda CRF 450 X [379.6 bhp\ton] and the 2023 Yamaha Tracer 7 Twin GT [379.6 bhp\ton].


Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki VN 500 generating around 200.7 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1984 Suzuki XN 85 D Turbo [225.6 lb-ft per ton] and the 1985 Suzuki XN 85 D Turbo [225.6 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 10.4 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 10.6 secs, this makes the Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan similar in acceleration to the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 ABS (10.4 secs) and the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 KRT Edition (10.4 secs). This Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Honda CB 1100 cc - [2011] image

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1992 Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan and the 2011 Honda CB 1100 cc

When talking about the performance of the 1992 Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2011 Honda CB 1100 cc (0 secs) and the 1990 Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1992 version of the Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan has a maximum speed of 0mph.

Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan - [2013] image

Top Speed of the 1992 VN 500 equals the 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1992 Kawasaki VN 500 Vulcan then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).

Related Links:

1992 Kawasaki VN 500 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Kawasaki

Bike Comparison


Performance Figures & Specs:

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Quarter Mile: 14.3 secs @ 0 mph


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