| MODEL | KAWASAKI VN 500 VULCAN 1990 - 1991 |
| Year | 1990 - 1991 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 498 cc / 30.4 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 74 x 58 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 60 hp / 43.7 kW @ 9800 rpm (rear wheel 54.2 hp @ 9500 rpm) |
| Max Torque | 46 Nm @ 8500 rpm |
| Ignition | Coil |
| Induction | 2 x Keihin CVK34 carburettors |
| Start System | — |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Gear Box | 6 speed |
| Clutch | Wet plate |
| Final Drive | Belt |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | — |
| Front Suspension | 36 mm telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Dual shocks, preload adjustable |
| Front Brakes | Single 300 mm disc |
| Rear Brakes | 180 mm drum |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | — |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 186.0 kg / 410.1 lbs |
| Wet Weight | 169 kg / 372.5 lbs |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 100/90-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/90-15 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 11 Litres / 2.9 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | — |
The first-generation 498 cc Vulcan 500, a cruiser built around a parallel twin close to the Ninja 500R sportbike engine. It has a six-speed gearbox, a belt final drive, a 300 mm front disc and dual preload-adjustable rear shocks. It was the model that started the Vulcan 500 cruiser line in the 1990s.
