Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Repair Manual 1987-1999

• Kawasaki Vulcan 88, A1-A9 models (US and Canada, 1987-1995)
• Kawasaki VN-15, A1-A9 (except US and Canada, 1987-1995)
• Kawasaki Vulcan 1500, A10-A13 (US and Canada, 1996-1999)
• Kawasaki Vulcan 88, B1-B4 (US and Canada, 1987-1992)
• Kawasaki VN-15SE, B1-B4 (except US and Canada, 1987-1992)
• Kawasaki Vulcan 1500, C3-C4 (US and Canada, 1996-1997)
• Kawasaki VN-15, C1-C4 (except US and Canada, 1994-1997)

This chapter provides complete service procedures for the clutch, clutch release mechanism and external shift mechanism.

The clutch is a wet multiplate type which operates immersed in the engine oil. It is mounted on the right-hand end of the transmission main shaft.

The inner clutch hub is splined to the main shaft and outer housing can rotate freely on the main shaft. The outer housing is geared to the crankshaft.

The clutch pushrods ride within the channel in the transmission main shaft.

The clutch is equipped with a feature called a Deceleration Torque Limiter. The clutch inner hub and outer housing are equipped with ramps and torque limiting springs that enable the bike to be slowed down abruptly by engine compression without letting the rear wheel to hop or lockup.

The ramp movement releases the clutch plates a small amount creating a slight gap between the plates. This allows the clutch to slip, releasing the reverse torque being applied to the engine via the back wheel.

During normal riding and acceleration the ramps are not engaged and the clutch operates in the normal way.

1. Remove the engine from the frame as described in Chapter Four.



2. If still in place, withdraw the clutch push rod (Figure 11) from the transmission shaft.


NOTE: Mark the end of the gearshift arm with the location of the split in the linkage rear arm (A, Figure 12). This will ensure correct alignment of the 2 parts during installation.


3. Remove the bolt (B, Figure 12), securing the linkage rear arm to the gearshift arm. Remove the rear arm from the gearshift arm.


NOTE: Note the location of the clutch slave cylinder hose hanger on the lower bolt (Figure 13). The hanger must be reinstalled in the same location.

• General Information
• Troubleshooting
• Lubrication, Maintenance and Tune-up
• Engine Upper End
• Engine Lower End
• Clutch and External Shift Mechanism
• Transmission, and Internal Shift Mechanism
• Fuel, Emission Control and Exhaust Systems
• Electrical Systems
• Cooling System
• Front Suspension and Steering
• Rear Suspension and Final Drive
• Brake System
• Body and Frame
• Wiring Diagrams