Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic, 1996-2004

Service - Repair - Maintenance Model History [http://www.motorcyclenews.com/mcn/bikereviews/searchresults/bike-reviews/kawasaki/kawasaki-vn1500-classicfi--1996--2004/] 1996: VN1500 Classic launched, updated from an earlier version dating from 1988. Six months later (November 96), it gets revised gear ratios, single valve springs and a new oil pump. 1998: A significant update. There are suspension modifications and the bike goes from a 4- to 5-speed transmission. 2002: The Classic becomes the "Classic Fi" as fuel injection is added. The model is discontinued in 2004 as the VN1600 takes over.