The Kawasaki VN-15 SE motorcycle specifications include a 1,470 cc (89.70 cu in) engine, power of 70 hp (51.1 kW) @ 4,500 rpm, a 4-speed gearbox, and a listed weight of 281 kg (619.5 lb).
Key specifications
The 1989 model is treated as the standard specification. Only later model years with a different supplied value are shown below.
How the Kawasaki VN-15 SE 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 5% lower than the Kawasaki database average. Around the 59th percentile across Kawasaki models.
About 114% higher than the Kawasaki database average. Around the 94th percentile across Kawasaki models.
About 35% heavier than the Kawasaki database average. Around the 86th percentile across Kawasaki models.
About 22% smaller than the Kawasaki database average. Around the 28th 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.
70 hp — more powerful than about 59% of Kawasaki models with power data.
1,470 cc — larger displacement than about 94% of Kawasaki models.
281 kg — heavier than about 86% of Kawasaki models, or lighter than about 14%.
12 L — larger than about 28% of Kawasaki fuel tanks in this database.
Mechanical overview
Additional useful specifications
| Front tire size | 100/90-19 |
|---|---|
| Rear tire size | 150/90-15 |
| Front tire width | 100 mm |
| Front tire aspect ratio | 90% |
| Front rim diameter | 19 in |
| Rear tire width | 150 mm |
| Rear tire aspect ratio | 90% |
| Rear rim diameter | 15 in |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 0.249 hp/kg |
| Power-to-weight | 249.1 hp/tonne |
| Specific power | 47.6 hp/L |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 1.13:1 (Oversquare) |
Model information
| Category | Classic |
|---|
Engine specifications
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,470 cc (89.70 cu in) |
| Power | 70 hp (51.1 kW) @ 4,500 rpm |
| Bore × stroke | 102.0 x 90 mm (4.0 x 3.5 inches) |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Cooling system | Liquid |
| Fuel control | Overhead Cams (OHC) |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Gearbox | 4-speed |
|---|---|
| Final drive | Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive) |
Brakes, wheels and tires
| Front brakes | Single disc |
|---|---|
| Rear brakes | Single disc |
| Front tire | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 150/90-15 |
Dimensions and weight
| Wet weight | 281 kg (619.5 lb) |
|---|
Fuel and emissions
| Fuel capacity | 12.00 L (3.17 US gal) |
|---|
Performance
| Top speed | 173.0 km/h (107.5 mph) |
|---|
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.