KAWASAKI
VN 1500 Sumo II - 1992
Too much muscle
Kawasaki's policy has often
been "Biggest is best." The group responded to the 750 Honda of 1969 with
a 900cc bike and matched its rival's CBX1000 with a 1300 six-cylinder. Finally,
in 1987, Kawasaki raised the stakes in the world of customs with the first
version of its Sumo 1500cc.
Might Makes Right
Often a tad slow in reacting
to its competitors, Kawasaki only adopted the traditional V-Twin engine for its
customs in 1985, with the 750 Vulcan. Yamaha had started the movement in 1981
with its XV 750, followed by a 1000 in 1982. Honda entered the ring the same
year with a 750, joined in 1983 by an 1100. Suzuki inflicted the final insult
on Kawasaki by introducing, in 1986, a 1400cc version of its VS 750 Intruder,
which had appeared the previous year. Kawasaki just had to respond and in 1987,
the 1500 Sumo clearly revealed the company's intentions by its name, taken from
the Japanese heavyweight wrestlers to be the most monumental and imposing of
all the customs.
Gentle Power of the Sumo
The Sumo was almost too
imposing, with its swelling fuel tank and twin superimposed exhaust pipes. The
second version was much more elegant," with spoked wheels and teardrop
fuel tank emphasing the sheer size of the engine, which, even though
water-cooled, still had cooling fins on its cylinders. With a massive torque of
12 mkg @ 2500 rpm, the Sumo gave its rider an impression of power well above
nom1al.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 1470cc (103x90mm)
water-cooled 50-degree V-Twin four-stroke
Power Rating: 72 hp @ 4500 rpm
Valves: Single overhead
camshaft/8 valves
Fuel System: two 36mm
carburetors
Transmission: 4-speed; shaft
final drive
Suspension: telescopic fork
(front); swinging fork with twin spring/dampers (rear)
Brakes: single disk (front
& rear)
Wheels: 100-90 H 19 inch
(front); 150-90 H 15 inch (rear)
Weight: 555 lb
The Kawasaki VN 1500 Sumo II just exudes immense power and presence.
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