2015 - 2017 Indian Chief Classic

The base model cruiser in the Indian Motorcycle lineup, the Chief Classic carries the vintage badging and iconic lighted War Bonnet that is still the hallmark of the brand even through the fits, starts and financial turmoil of various owners during the post-WWII years, right up to the turn of the century.

Since Polaris acquired it in 2011, Indian has become its top-selling motorcycle brand. Carried forward for 2017, the Chief Classic has the styling and valenced fenders that identify it as classic Indian and it has rider amenities and features such as ABS, cruise control, keyless starting, electronic fuel injection and a manually-adjustable single-shock swingarm.
For a cruiser, I expect it to have a low seat height and the Chief Classic doesn’t disappoint. At 26 inches, even I can reach the ground. The swept-back bars and forward foot controls give you an easy-cruising windsock riding position and the Chief Classic has a soft, responsive throttle and a smooth, quick-responding clutch with very good low-speed stability. At least that’s now it seems to me.

The keyless ignition relieves me of fumbling with the key. I can start the bike with the key fob in my pocket or use a code I pre-programmed in the ignition system.

The center-console instrument cluster includes an analog tach and speedometer along with a digital multi-function display for all the usual warning and indicator lamps as well as rider information displays. The instruments are easy to read, but with a full-face helmet, you might find you have to bob your head to see them.

Bling is the thing on the Chief Classic. The folks at Indian chromed everything that could be chromed.

For comfort on the road, add a quick-release low windshield to control wind buffeting. You can install and remove the windshield without tools.

Chassis



Indian pays tribute to the classic styling by keeping the elegant sweep of the valenced fenders — a hallmark of the brand since 1940 — along with the iconic tank emblems and front-fender figurehead. Large 46 mm forks carry the front end on 4.7-inches of travel, and the single rear adjustable pneumatic shock affords 3.7-inches of travel, which is fine for a cruiser.

Dual four-piston calipers in the front and a twin-piston caliper on the rear are hidden behind painted-to-match brake covers that blend right in with the fenders. With 300 mm discs all the way around and ABS, you have ample stopping power. All this rolls on 16-inch, 60-spoke laced wheels and Dunlop American Elite tires.

Drivetrain



The triple-cam, V-twin Thunder Stroke 111 engine is the powerhouse here, breathing through a 54 mm throttle body to put out an awesome 119 pound-feet of torque. To keep the nice parallel look of the pushrod tubes, three cams operate the four-pushrod valvetrain.

Conceived and developed by Polaris Industries, this is the engine that is "honoring our past and powering our future," says Indian. It’s the first clean-sheet, proprietary Indian motorcycle engine in over 70 years.

With a true dual exhaust, the acoustically engineered system delivers the low rumble of the V-twin by eliminating high-pitch sound. If that isn’t enough for you, add a Stage 1 slip-on exhaust to accentuate the sexy exhaust note and add a pair of fishtail exhaust tips. When that rich, throaty exhaust draws attention, it should look as good as it sounds.

The six-speed transmission has a positive neutral find, which is always a good thing. With the sixth-gear overdrive, cruising is seemingly effortless doing 45 mph at 1,700 rpm and a whole lot of low-to-mid range torque.

Pricing



MSRP on the 2015 Chief Classic is $18,999. Your color choices are Thunder Black, Indian Red, or a two-tone Indian Red/Thunder Black. For 2016, you get a price break with MSRP at $18,499, though the color choice was made for you — Pearl White. For 2017, you can still get the Pearl White for $18,499 or opt for the Burgundy Metallic over Thunder Black for $19,499.

Indian covers your Chief Classic with a two-year limited warranty as long as you register with Indian at the time of purchase. If you don’t register, you’ll be SOL on any warranty work later.

Competitors





This Thunder Stroke 111 engine made me do a double-take on these Indian bikes. It’s got mad torque that comes on so early, which is one thing I always liked about Harleys .

In comparing it to, say, a Heritage Softail Classic that comes in about $600 less in 2015 and something like $1100 less in 2016, the Chief Classic has more torque. To get the Twin Cam 110 engines in the CVO line, which has comparable torque, you have to spend a heckuvalot more cash.

Both manufacturers have their own history to draw upon, and it shows in the overall designs. The Heritage runs on the rigid-looking Softail frame, and displays a somewhat chunky appearance with the abrupt elevation changes along the top lines. Indian, on the other hand, blessed the Chief Classic with a grace and flow that seems a bit sleeker, plus the full fenders front and rear lend a certain visual weight to the lower lines.

Personally, I’ve always been a fan of the Heritage, but this Chief really has a nice look about it, and is classic Indian all the way. Both enjoy chrome shrouding around the headlamp nacelle, but I have to question Indian’s decision to run on mag wheels — laced wheels with chrome spokes would look fabulous.

Both rides look great set up for a solo rider, but I doubt the Chief looks as good under pillion, bags and windshield as the Heritage, so if you plan on doing some light touring/weekend trips, the Heritage will get you there in its stock condition. However, if you just plan on prowling the urban jungle and cruising the boulevard, the Chief Classic will certainly fill the bill, and turn heads doing it.

He Said

My husband and fellow writer, TJ Hinton, says, "Much the same as the Chieftain , this bike definitely shows its roots. Indian history is readily apparent at a glance and I really like the nostalgic look of the bike. I’d like to say it really takes me back, but who am I kidding, I wasn’t alive in the 1940s. Indian gets bonus points for going with the gangster white-wall tires."

She Said

"I can’t deny that the Chief Classic is a nice looking bike and as a cruiser, it’s an awesome performer. I have to admit, though, that I prefer the gorgeous desert tan leather on the Chief Vintage . I really like that Thunderstroke 111 engine. It’s made me a real Indian fan."

Specifications

Drivetrain:Engine Type:Thunder Stroke® 111, V-TwinDisplacement:111 cubic-inchesCooling System:Air/Oil CoolerValvetrain:Two Valves Per Cylinder, Hydraulic LiftersBore:3.976 inches (101 mm)Stroke:4.449 inches (113 mm)Compression Ratio:9.5 to 1Electronic Fuel Injection System:Closed Loop Fuel Injection / 54 mm BorePeak Torque (J1349:119.2 pound-feet at 3,000 rpmRev Limit:5,400 rpm/Driven Clutch:Wet, Multi-plateTransmission/Primary Drive:Gear Drive Wet ClutchGear Ratio (Overall):1st:9.403 to 12nd:6.411 to 13rd:4.763 to 14th:3.796 to 15th:3.243 to 16th:2.789 to 1Final Drive:Belt - 2.2 to 1Exhaust System:1 into 2 with Catalytic Converter, Split Dual Exhaust with Cross-OverChassis:Swingarm:Cast AluminumSuspension: Front:Telescopic Fork, 46 mm Cartridge Forks with Dual Rate SpringsSuspension: Front Travel:4.7 inchesSuspension: Rear:Single ShockSuspension: Rear Travel:3.7 inchesBrakes: Front:Dual/ Floating Rotor/ Four-Piston Calipers Dual Front/ 300 MM with ABSBrakes: Rear:Single/ Floating Rotor/ Two-Piston Caliper/ 300 MM with ABSTires: Front:Dunlop® American Elite 130/90B16 67HTires: Rear:Dunlop® American Elite 180/65B16 81HWheels: Front:60-Spoke 16 inches x 3.5 inchesWheels: Rear:60-Spoke 16 inches x 5 inchesRake:29 degreesTrail:6.1 inchesDimensions:Overall Length:103.5 inchesOverall Height:46.3 inchesOverall Width:40.4 inchesSeat Height:26.0 inchesWheelbase:68.1 inchesGround Clearance:5.5 inchesDetails:Fuel Capacity:5.5 GallonsFuel Requirements91 octane minimum (R+M/2 Method)Reserve Fuel:1 GallonGVWR:1260 PoundsMaximum Load Capacity:448 PoundsWeight - Empty Tank:778 PoundsWeight - Full Tank:812 PoundsStandard Equipment:ABS; Cast Aluminum Frame with Integrated Air-Box; Cruise Control; Keyless Start; Light Bar; Genuine Leather SeatsGauges:Tank Mounted Electronic Speedometer with Odometer; Dual Tripmeters; Digital Tachometer; Ambient Air Temperature; Fuel Range; Average Fuel Economy; Battery Voltage; Gear Position Display; Real-Time Clock; Vehicle Trouble Code Readout; Heated Grip Level (With Heated Grips Installed); Low Engine Oil Pressure; 9 LED Telltale Indicators: Cruise Control Enabled, Cruise Control Set, Neutral, High Beam, Turn Signal, ABS, Check Engine and MPH Unit Designation; Tank-Mounted Electronic Fuel Gauge with Low Fuel LED IndicatorPower Points:Front - 10 amp maximum / Rear - 10 amp maximum / Combined - 10 amp maximumColor Options:2015:Thunder Black, Indian Red, two-tone Indian Red/Thunder Black2016:Pearl White2017:Pearl White, Burgundy Metallic over Thunder BlackPrice:2015:$18,9992016, 2017:$18,499

SINNIS RETROSTAR 250 (2015-on) Review

Overall Rating3 out of 5

There’s no getting away from the fact that it’s a basic Chinese roadster in retro clothing, but it’s been done better than most and is lavished with all the right styling touches. More essentially, it’s an honest ride and is cheap.

Ride Quality & Brakes3 out of 5

It’s not going to set your undercrackers aflame, of course; brakes and tyres are basic and slightly crude. But in this retro guise that seems to matter less and the ride was always going to be some kind of pleasing, charming trip down memory lane rather than anything demanding performance. You can quite happily bimble across town on a weekly commute or purr through this green and pleasant land aboard it on a mild summer’s Sunday ride-out.

Engine3 out of 5

It’s powered by a simple 249cc, carb fed single cylinder that is based on an old Suzuki design. Seventy-odd mph is the top whack from the air-cooled, 20bhp motor, still, despite its size; it delivers a punchy performance, helped in part by the bikes low weight.

Build Quality & Reliability3 out of 5

Sinnis have proved with the Retrostar that it was only a matter of time before the much-maligned Chinese-built bikes improved their spec and quality. While the bike is relatively nicely finished, the overall reliability is still unproven as it’s still early days for the machine.

Insurance, running costs & value4 out of 5

The Retrostar offers good value and comes in considerably cheaper than both Herald’s and Francis-Barnett’s variant models, which are essentially the same bike with mild tweaks in either the styling or consumable parts. It’s a simple bike using technology that is largely out-dated now, making parts cheap and fairly straightforward to fit.

Equipment2 out of 5

Essentially, it’s a bike built and sold at a low price and as such, doesn’t come with many extras at all. The speedo, though having an MPH dial, is clearly a crudely converted KPH item (the analogue odometer still displays kilometres) while the suspension and brakes are a little crude, too. There’s no denying that you get an awful lot of retro style for your money though.

KAWASAKI W800 (2011-on) Review

Overall Rating5 out of 5

Our first test of Kawasaki’s new W800 suggests that Britain’s own Triumph, after for five years having things all its own way in the ‘retro roadster’ class, has a new, real rival on its hands. Not only is the Kawasaki W800 cheaper and better specced than its closest Bonneville rival, the Kawasaki’s uprated engine means there’s now no discernible performance difference either.

Ride Quality & Brakes4 out of 5

The Kawasaki W800’s handling compliments that perfectly. Its old school, upright riding position, cute, slim proportions and wide-ish bars blend seamlessly with the responsive but soft delivery to make the W800 ridiculously easy to just get on and ride.

Only when you start to push silly-hard does the single front disc start to seem inadequate (but the rear drum is sensitive and useful), the forks seem boingingly oversoft, the big 19-inch front wheel and chunky, deep-treaded, period-style Dunlop tyre seem to under-steer and scrabble a little for grip. The rest of the time it’s fine.

Engine4 out of 5

The two biggest updates to the Kawasaki W800 are the growth in capacity and switch to fuel injection. The Kawasaki W800’s five-mill overbore takes it up from 676cc to 773cc, and is thrummingly pleasant: brisk enough for this kind of bike and happy to cruise along at 80-90.

Think ‘middling car performance’ but with a bit of extra pep away from the lights and you won’t be far wrong. The Kawasaki W800’s new fuel-injection helps in this and is faultless: crisp, instant throttle response with nary a glitch or hiccup anywhere in its revs. There’s not much point wringing its neck, mind, as things start to tail off and get a bit breathless above 5000rpm or so.

The only other slight criticisms are that, if anything, it’s a little bit TOO civilised: a touch too soft, smooth and quiet. It really is crying out for a set of rortier pipes with which to bounce decibels off some village cottages. Overall, though, the new W800’s performance is not just adequate, it’s amazingly user-friendly both for retro fans and novices alike. 

Build Quality & Reliability4 out of 5

The Kawasaki W800 doesn’t just have the authentic specification, it’s beautifully and classily done, too: the two-tone paint is deep, the chrome good, the alloy finishes beautiful. It’s too early to pronounce on reliability yet, but on the strength of how it’s built and put together the W800 is a pretty classy act.
Insurance, running costs & value4 out of 5

On face value the new Kawasaki W800, seems pricey compared to the base Triumph Bonneville. But that’s not comparing like with like. In truth, the closest rival to the W800, with its wire wheels, twin dials, two-tone paint, fork gaiters and so on, is the Bonneville T100 which is actually £100 MORE and still not as well specced. On that basis, the Kawasaki W800 is decent value. Triumph should be worried.

Equipment5 out of 5

The old W650 was generally considered an authentic and classily-detailed ‘reproduction’ thanks to its great-looking engine, alloy-rimmed wire wheels, proper chrome mudguards, retro-style twin dials, kickstart, knee pads etc. But the new Kawasaki W800 takes things up another level. There’s a new, more ‘ribbed’ seat and lower handlebars.

The engine’s cylinders, rear hub/drum and fork sliders are now alloy finished instead of black and there are new, improved mirrors, exhaust heat shields, a different tank badge and more. It all adds up to a gorgeously – yes really – complete and authentic machine which is simply leagues above, say, Triumph’s Bonneville.

CB 100 BY DEUS BALI

SHOP

CB 100 BY DEUS BALI




If I were looking for a lifestyle change, hanging out in Bali building custom bikes and surfboards would be near the top of my list. The guys at Deus have obviously been thinking along the same lines, because they’ve just set up the Deus Canggu bengkel (workshop). And this bike is one of the first fruits of their labors.

Called ‘Inari’, after the Japanese Shinto spirit of fertility and success, it’s based on a humble 1976 Honda CB 100—one of the most popular bikes in Indonesia. Virtually nothing of the original machine remains, though: the engine has almost doubled in size to 180cc, and the front and rear suspension is from a Yamaha 225. And despite the CB 100’s diminutive size, she carries her Bratstyle influence well. 




Yes, she’s a lightweight bike, but the motorcycling environment in Bali is very different to what most of us are used to—and the local custom scene reflects that. Here, Deus is creating smaller bikes with robust suspension and simple mechanicals that don’t require a degree in electronics to fix.




According to their Bali guys, “We are currently building ‘The Deus Temple of Enthusiasm’ in Canggu. This 2000m2 site will be a clever combination of new and 100-year-old traditional Indonesian wooden houses, taking reference from a Kampung, or traditional Indonesian home village.

“This somewhat eclectic collection of buildings will house the showroom, art gallery, workshop facilities, photographic studio, artists studio, and even a surfboard shaping bay. Connected by a wide veranda full of tables and chairs is the Deus Cafe, where eventually Canggu locals, pro surfers and artists will rub elbows with riders gassing up on caffeine whilst out on their Bali excursions. A melting pot of ideas and ideologies, a Warung (stall) of Knowledge.”




It’s a good location: Canggu is an area increasingly popular with expats, with the new Canggu Club nearby, and just up the road is a beautiful house owned by Deus founder Dare Jennings. I’m green with envy already.

Check out the Deus Bali blog for more images of this CB 100—plus Deus’ other equally charming builds.

Build sheet

Rebuilt Honda 1976 CB 100 Engine bored out to 180cc
88mm aftermarket piston
CDI added
All engine bolts swapped for stainless steel
4.5 inch chrome headlight from Japan
Deus custom headlight bracket
Smoked alloy indicator lights from Japan
Daytona speedo and bracket
Easyriders ‘Early Tail-light’ from Japan
Ventura “BSA Style” Handlebars
Kitaco handlebar controls
Clip-on mirror
Relocated ignition switch
Custom battery housing
Brown ‘British ribbed’-style grips
Front suspension from Yamaha 225, chopped 5cm
32cm ‘Old style’ Yamaha rear suspension
Alloy rims: 18” rear, 18” front, with stainless spokes
Swallow tires, 120/80 × 18 front and same for rear.
Custom galvanized Tank
Custom seat upholstery
Rear frame section modified to accept seat and shortened 3 inches
Hidden horn and rectifier/regulator
Front converted to ‘Flower disk brake’
Re-wiring of whole bike
Original rear hub swapped to Yamaha 225
Custom built Swing-arm made from steel tube

TRIUMPH STREET TWIN (2016-on) Review

Overall Rating5 out of 5

Classic looks aside - the Street Twin is a brilliant roadster in its own right. But add in the retro style, Triumph’s unrivalled heritage and a sensible price tag and you’ve got a winner.  With its smooth new liquid-cooled 900cc motor, easy handling and modern day electronic rider aids, the Triumph is a cinch to get on with, but fun, too. It’s affordable and there are a raft of accessories and kits available to turn your Street Twin into something special.

Ride Quality & Brakes4 out of 5

With its new chassis, non-adjustable Kayaba forks and preload-adjustable twin Kayaba shock set-up (with 20% more rear wheel travel over the old Bonnie), the Street Twin is agile around town offers a plush ride. A well padded seat and relaxed riding position enhances comfort and lets you ride all day with no aches or pains. The Triumph is low enough for feet-down at the lights, but not too cramped for tall riders. 

The Street Twin handles brilliantly. The 198kg (dry) machine is light, agile, has excellent full lean stability and acres of ground clearance. The single disc twin-piston Nissin brake set-up has impressive feel and power, too. 

The Triumph has an 18” front wheel for retro looks, which takes a bit of getting used to after 17-inchers, so the front end needs more muscle to get into a corner, but once you’re in and powering through, the Street Twin is completely stable. 

Engine5 out of 5

Triumph claims 54bhp from its smooth new ride-by-wire controlled, liquid-cooled, 900cc ‘high torque’, 270° parallel twin-cylinder engine. That’s more than enough for mischief on a naked retro. Power is up 22bhp over the old out-going air-cooled Bonnie (between 2750rpm and 4750rpm) and the new motor makes 18% more torque. Triumphs claims a frugal 75.5mpg and service intervals have increased from 6000 to 10,000-miles. The new ‘slip assist’ clutch is far lighter than the previous-generation Bonnie’s and the five-speed gearbox is slick and precise.

Build Quality & Reliability5 out of 5

Although designed and developed in the UK, the new Bonnie range, including the Street Twin will be made at a Triumph factory in Thailand. Build quality is excellent, from the paint finish to the welds. There are some nice detail touches, including a stitched seat, brushed ali throttle body shrouds, logo'd chrome fuel cap, finned cylinder heads and dummy exhaust headers, to hide the catalyser.
Insurance, running costs & value5 out of 5

The Street Twin offers superb value for money. Its retro rivals come in the shape of the more basic, but punchier Yamaha XSR700, the entry-level Harley Davidson Street 750 and the quirky-but-lovable Moto Guzzi V7 II Stone.

But the Triumph’s big rival is the Ducati Scrambler Icon. Both manage to pull off the neat trick of appealing to new and experienced riders alike, breezily mix classic cool with modern performance and technology and come with phonebook-thick clothing and accessory catalogues.

Equipment4 out of 5

You get traction control and ABS as standard, as well as a Smiths-style white on black speedo, incorporating a multi-function digital display, an underseat USB socket and immobiliser. There are over 150 official Triumph accessories available, including heated grips, Vance and Hines 2-1 exhaust, a tail tidy, fly screen, handlebar grips…the list goes on. Triumph also offers three pre-prepared ‘Inspiration Kits’ to transform your Street Twin into a scrambler, flat-track and urban style. And of course there’s loads of old school Triumph-branded clothing to choose from.

CCM FT35S (2005-on) Review

Overall Rating3 out of 5

The CCM FT35S was built as the bastard offspring of a supermoto motorcycle and a flat-track racing motorcycle comes the road-legal beauty from Britain’s own CCM. Stopping just this side of total two-wheeled self-indulgence the CCM FT35S is for folk who make statements and act the goat with no thought for such dreary irrelevances as practicality or comfort.

 

Ride Quality & Brakes4 out of 5

With its colossal, fully-adjustable 48mm WP forks and fully-adjustable WP shock there’s little the CCM FT35S can’t handle. It’s stable over bumps, turns quickly and feels light and controlled. The motorcycle's riding position doesn’t lend itself to motorways, obviously, but neither does the motor. The two-piston Brembo brakes and 320mm front disc work well together, but with just 118kg of CCM FT35S to pull up that’s not surprise.

Engine3 out of 5

The 398cc, DOHC single in the CCM FT35S comes from the Suzuki DR-Z 400S.Only in this motorcycle it feels much more alive, thanks to some clever gearing (if you’ve got £450 the factory will sell you a big bore 450cc kit for your CCM FT35S or for £1600 you can swap it in for a special 499cc ‘race’ motor). The CCM FT35S' gears are slick and the motorcycle always pulls cleanly and keenly.

Build Quality & Reliability3 out of 5

The CCM motorcycle company has recently been reborn under new management after it went under in 2004, garnering a reputation for poor quality control as it went. This shouldn’t affect the CCM FT35S, which benefits from low production volumes and greater attention to detail. The constituent components are high quality on the CCM FT35S.

Insurance, running costs & value3 out of 5

There have been very few CCM FT35S' made, so prices are likely to remain high for years to come. Some motorcycles have been raced, so check carefully if you're looking at a secondhand CCM FT35S. Find a CCM FT35S for sale.

Insurance group: 9 of 17 – compare motorcycle insurancequotes now.

Equipment4 out of 5

The spec of the kit screwed on to the CCM FT35S' frame is impressive – there’s an Acumen digital dash, a lovely ally tank, a variety of colours to have your CCM FT35S painted in and you can specify the wheel sizes on new motorcycles.

2001 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic

 

- 2001 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic
.

With a nostalgic look of the '50s, the Vulcan 800 Classic features deep valanced fenders and a big, fat front tire on the spoked front wheel. Chromed covers enhance the fork downtubes and are topped off by a large chromed headlight housing. Two-tone paint graces the fuel tank while a tank-mounted speedometer gives it a custom look. The low-stepped seat adds to the low cruiser look and provides feet-on-the-ground comfort and stability when stopped.

 

2001 KAWASAKI VULCAN™ 800 CLASSIC

Style, image and a great value!

The Kawasaki Vulcan™ 800 Classic motorcycle provides all the attitude and image one expects from a classic-styled cruiser motorcycle. Add modern performance features and a great price and this V-twin cruiser is one of the best values in its class.

With a nostalgic look of the ’50s, the Vulcan 800 Classic features deep valanced fenders and a big, fat front tire on the spoked front wheel. Chromed covers enhance the fork downtubes and are topped off by a large chromed headlight housing, while a tank-mounted speedometer gives it a custom look. The low-stepped seat adds to the low cruiser look and provides feet-on-the-ground comfort and stability when stopped.

Powering the Vulcan 800 Classic is a rubber-mounted 805cc V-twin engine, featuring a single-pin crankshaft with a gear-driven balancer to reduce vibration. Finned cylinders and four-valve heads are liquid cooled for optimum thermal control. Concealed automatic cam chain tensioners preserve the engine’s clean lines and allow precise cam timing without maintenance. A spin-on oil filter helps make maintenance a quick and easy job.

The 36mm Keihin carburetor is equipped with an accelerator pump for quick throttle response. To take advantage of the engine’s broad torque curve, the five-speed transmission produces strong acceleration and a relaxed engine pace at highway speeds. The transmission also features Kawasaki’s exclusive Positive Neutral Finder, which simplifies finding neutral while at a stop.

The single backbone, double cradle frame design gives the Vulcan 800 Classic stability at highway speeds and maneuverability on city streets. At the rear of the frame, a sleek, triangulated steel swingarm and hidden Kawasaki UNI-TRAK® linkage rear suspension system provide a smooth ride while maintaining the look of a hard tail cruiser. A 41mm front fork adds to the handling and offers a wide stance for the classic cruiser look.

By combining modern performance and handling with the styling of a classic V-twin cruiser, the Vulcan 800 Classic does more than make a statement about style; it’s a value that lets the good times roll.

 

2001 VULCAN™ 800 CLASSIC FEATURES

V-Twin 805cc Engine with Gear-Driven Balancer

Torque from idle to redline 
Smooth and reliable 
Balancer allows use of single pin crankshaft without the heavy vibration 
Four Valves Per Cylinder

Better breathing for more power and low end torque 
Single overhead cam design is simple, lightweight, and practical 
Liquid and Air Cooling

Finned cylinders and heads combine with liquid cooling to provide exceptional thermal control 
More consistent running temperatures mean no “power fade” on hot days and longer engine life 
Automatic fan keeps things cool even in traffic 
Includes temperature warning light 
Five-Speed Transmission

Designed to handle the engine’s unique power characteristics 
Ratios designed for great acceleration and relaxed highway cruising 
Exclusive Positive Neutral Finder 
36mm CVK Side Draft Carburetor

Equipped with an accelerator pump for quick throttle response 
Two-stage air intake with paper air filter element 
Double Cradle Frame

Right down-tube unbolts for easy engine access 
High tensile steel for strength and light weight 
Low Stepped Seat

Confidence inspiring, both-feet-on-the-ground stability 
Laid-back riding comfort for two 
Tank-Mounted Speedometer with Turn Signal Indicators and Caution Lamps

Compact design complements the bike’s clean look 
Clean-design locking gas cap 
Modern instrument cluster with nostalgic style 
Push-to-Cancel Turn Signals

No fumbling, just a simple push on the switch cancels the turn signals 
Transistor Controlled Breakerless Ignition with Digital Timing Advance (TCBI)

A hot spark at all engine speeds for easy starting, smooth running and good fuel economy 
Maintenance free 
41mm Front Fork

Excellent rigidity and 5.9 inches of travel 
Wide fork pitch for classic look 
Disc Front Brake

A single 300mm disc with hydraulic caliper keeps the front end lean while providing sure stops 
48-Spoke Custom Wheels

Chromed steel rims and spokes with “spool-style” polished aluminum front hub 
Mechanical Drum Rear Brake

Provides smooth stopping power and the right look 
UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension

Single shock absorber with 7-way cam-type preload adjuster 
Sleek Swingarm Design

Triangulated, steel swingarm looks like a “hard tail” 
Engineered for rigidity, provides precise handling with good tire and chain life 



New for 2001:

Candy Wine Red 
Metallic Nocturne Blue

 

 

Specifications:

Model 
VN800-B6

Engine Type 
4-stroke V-Twin

Displacement 
805 cc.

Bore x Stroke 
88 x 66.2 mm.

Compression Ratio 
9.5:1

Valve System 
SOHC, 8 valves

Carburetion 
Keihin CVK36

Ignition 
Digital

Starting 
Electric

Transmission 
5-speed 

Rake
32 degrees 

Wheelbase 
63.0"

Suspension, Front 
41 mm

Suspension, Rear 
Uni-Trak with 7 way cam-type preload adjuster

Tire Front 
130/90-16

Tire Rear 
140/90-16

Brakes, Front 
single 300mm disc with hydraulic caliper

Brakes, Rear 
Drum

Seat Height 
27.8"

Fuel Capacity 
4.0 gallons

Dry Weight 
516 pounds

Specifications are subject to change without notice, in accordance with national regulation and legislations.

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