The Kawasaki VN 400 Classic motorcycle specifications include a 399 cc (24.35 cu in) engine, power of 33 hp (24.1 kW) @ 8,500 rpm, a 5-speed gearbox, and a listed weight of 233 kg (513.7 lb).
Key specifications
How the Kawasaki VN 400 Classic compares
This compares the motorcycle with all Kawasaki models in this specifications database. The blue marker is this model and the grey line is the Kawasaki database average.
About 55% lower than the Kawasaki database average. Around the 24th percentile across Kawasaki models.
About 42% lower than the Kawasaki database average. Around the 32nd percentile across Kawasaki models.
About 13% lower than the Kawasaki database average. Around the 9th percentile across Kawasaki models.
Very close to the Kawasaki database average. Around the 41st percentile across Kawasaki models.
Kawasaki database percentile rankings
Percentiles show where this motorcycle sits across the Kawasaki specifications database. They are descriptive database rankings, not performance ratings.
33 hp — more powerful than about 24% of Kawasaki models with power data.
399 cc — larger displacement than about 32% of Kawasaki models.
700 mm — taller than about 9% of Kawasaki models.
15 L — larger than about 41% of Kawasaki fuel tanks in this database.
Dimensions compared with Kawasaki average
Each measurement is compared with the average value across Kawasaki models where that dimension is available.
2,370
2,122
12% above average.
930
833
12% above average.
1,130
1,175
4% below average.
1,605
1,441
11% above average.
700
801
13% below average.
135
187
28% below average.
Mechanical overview
Additional useful specifications
| Front tire size | 130/90-16 |
|---|---|
| Rear tire size | 140/90-16 |
| Front tire width | 130 mm |
| Front tire aspect ratio | 90% |
| Front rim diameter | 16 in |
| Rear tire width | 140 mm |
| Rear tire aspect ratio | 90% |
| Rear rim diameter | 16 in |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.70 L (2.85 US qt) |
| Estimated theoretical fuel range | 250 km |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 0.142 hp/kg |
| Power-to-weight | 141.6 hp/tonne |
| Specific power | 82.7 hp/L |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 0.94:1 (Undersquare) |
Model information
| Year released | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Category | Custom / cruiser |
Engine specifications
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 399 cc (24.35 cu in) |
| Power | 33 hp (24.1 kW) @ 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 32.0 Nm (3.3 kgf-m or 23.6 ft.lbs) @ 4,500 rpm |
| Bore × stroke | 62.0 x 66.2 mm (2.4 x 2.6 inches) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Cooling system | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Carburettor. Keihin CVK 32 (with accelerating pump) |
| Fuel control | Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
| Ignition | CDA |
| Starter | Electric |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Oil capacity | 2.70 L (2.85 US qt) |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
|---|---|
| Final drive | Chain (final drive) |
| Clutch | Wet plates |
Chassis and suspension
| Frame | Double Cradle |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | Telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Swing arm – Monoshock |
Brakes, wheels and tires
| Front brakes | Single disc. 2-piston calipers |
|---|---|
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Front tire | 130/90-16 |
| Rear tire | 140/90-16 |
Dimensions and weight
| Dry weight | 233 kg (513.7 lb) |
|---|---|
| Seat height | 700 mm (27.6 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,370 mm (93.3 inches) |
| Overall width | 930 mm (36.6 inches) |
| Overall height | 1,130 mm (44.5 inches) |
| Wheelbase | 1,605 mm (63.2 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 135 mm (5.3 inches) |
Fuel and emissions
| Fuel capacity | 15.00 L (3.96 US gal) |
|---|---|
| Reserve fuel capacity | 4.00 L (1.06 US gal) |
| Fuel consumption | 6.00 L/100 km (16.7 km/l or 39.20 mpg) |
| Greenhouse gases | 139.2 CO 2 g/km. (CO2 – Carbon dioxide emission) |
Performance
| Top speed | 140.0 km/h (87.0 mph) |
|---|---|
| Power/weight ratio | 0.1416 hp/kg |
Other specifications
| Exhaust system | Double pipes |
|---|---|
| Comments | Made for Japanese market, due to limitation to 400. There was never sold outside Japan. Looks identical to the Kawasaki VN 800 Classic. |
Disclaimer: Specifications may vary by market, trim, production date and optional equipment, and scraped or historical data can contain errors. Comparison and percentile values are calculated from Kawasaki models in this specifications database. Always double-check important specifications against the motorcycle owner’s/service manual and official Kawasaki information before relying on them. Visit the official Kawasaki website.