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Edition:
Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan - [2004]
This edition of the Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2004. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2005 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Matte Black Limited Edition and the 2005 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 DOHC.This particular Kawasaki VN 800 has a 805cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Horizontal In-Line Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Horizontal In-Line engine, Cruiser style motorbike includes the Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura - [1984]
The 2004 VN 800 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 800's Cruiser style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura | 1984cc.1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S | 1984cc.
Weighing in at 239 kgs (526 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan in the same weight category as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple, give or take 50kg.
The 2004 Kawasaki VN 800 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder - [2025]
In terms of power the 805cc 8 valve Horizontal In-Line 2 cylinder engine produces 56 bhp (41 kW) @ 7000 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 3300 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki VN 800 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1989 Suzuki TS 200 R has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2004 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan.
The 2004 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan has a Power to weight ratio of 234.3 bhp per ton and 197.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2004 VN 800 competing with the 1989 Suzuki TS 200 R [259.2 bhp\ton] and the 1996 Suzuki TS 200 R [259.2 bhp\ton].
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 800 generating around 197.4 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 1998 Honda VT 1100 C3 Shadow Aero [222.2 lb-ft per ton] and the 1970 Yamaha RT-1 360 [222.2 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 15.8 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 16.1 secs, this makes the Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan similar in acceleration to the 2018 Honda NC 750 X DCT (15.8 secs) and the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 250 SE (15.8 secs). This Kawasaki VN 800 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).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2004 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan and the 2001 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan
When talking about the performance of the 2004 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.7 secs @ 94 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2001 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan (13.7 secs) and the 1977 Suzuki GS 550 DOHC (13.7 secs).
The 2004 version of the Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan has a maximum speed of 112mph.
Top Speed of the 2004 VN 800 equals the 2009 Suzuki GSF 650 N Bandit
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2004 Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan then how about a 2009 Suzuki GSF 650 N Bandit (123 mph) and the 2007 Suzuki GSF 650 N Bandit (123 mph).
