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Starter Motor for Kawasaki Vulcan 88 1500 1600 1987–2008 | 21163-1109
Starter Motor for Kawasaki Vulcan 88 1500 1600 1987–2008 | 21163-1109
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Product Overview
Restore dependable starting performance with this 12V electric starter motor, designed for compatible Kawasaki Vulcan 88, Vulcan 1500, and Vulcan 1600 motorcycles.
Featuring a 9-tooth drive gear and a durable metal housing, this starter motor helps provide smooth and consistent engine cranking when the original unit becomes weak, slow, intermittent, or unable to start the engine.
The wear-resistant internal components are designed to withstand repeated starting cycles, engine heat, vibration, and demanding riding conditions. Its direct-replacement configuration helps simplify installation when the OEM number, mounting-hole spacing, drive gear, terminal position, and housing dimensions match the original starter.
Product Compatibility
Kawasaki Vulcan 88 Fitment
| Brand | Model | Model Code | Year Range | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki | Vulcan 88 | VN1500A | 1987–1995 | 1471cc |
| Kawasaki | Vulcan 88 SE | VN1500B | 1987–1990 | 1471cc |
Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Fitment
| Brand | Model | Model Code | Year Range | Engine |
| Kawasaki | Vulcan 1500 | VN1500A | 1996–1999 | 1471cc |
| Kawasaki | Vulcan 1500L | VN1500C | 1996–1997 | 1471cc |
| Kawasaki | Vulcan 1500 Classic | VN1500D / VN1500E | 1996–2008 | 1471cc |
| Kawasaki | Vulcan 1500 Nomad | VN1500G | 1999–2001 | 1471cc |
| Kawasaki | Vulcan 1500 Drifter | VN1500J / VN1500R | 1999–2005 | 1471cc |
| Kawasaki | Vulcan 1500 Nomad FI | VN1500L | 2000–2004 | 1471cc |
| Kawasaki | Vulcan 1500 Classic FI | VN1500N | 2000–2002 | 1471cc |
| Kawasaki | Vulcan 1500 Mean Streak | VN1500P | 2002–2003 | 1471cc |
Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Fitment
| Brand | Model | Model Code | Year Range | Engine |
| Kawasaki | Vulcan 1600 Classic | VN1600A | 2003–2008 | 1552cc |
| Kawasaki | Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak | VN1600B | 2004–2008 | 1552cc |
| Kawasaki | Vulcan 1600 Nomad | VN1600D | 2005–2008 | 1552cc |
These detailed model ranges are listed for replacement starters corresponding to Kawasaki OEM numbers 21163-1109 and 21163-1271.
Additional Cross-Reference Applications
| Brand | Model | Year Range | Fitment Notes |
| Suzuki | VZ1600 Marauder | 2004 | Confirm OEM cross-reference K2116-31271 |
| Suzuki | Boulevard M95 | 2005 | Confirm OEM number and physical dimensions |
These Suzuki models are commonly cross-referenced to the same starter family, but customers should confirm the original part number and starter configuration before ordering.
OEM Cross-Reference Numbers
Kawasaki
- 21163-1109
- 211631109
- 21163-1271
- 211631271
Suzuki Cross Reference
- K2116-31271
- K211631271
Aftermarket Cross References
- Arrowhead: SMU0186
- Lester: 18692
- J & N Electrical: 410-54122
- PIC: 191-350
- Barsanco: 620-126
- EMS: KS-27
- NICHE: 519-CSM2338O
Replacement catalogs identify 21163-1271, SMU0186 and 18692 as common cross-reference numbers for the 21163-1109 starter family.
Your original starter does not need to display every number listed above. However, at least one compatible OEM or interchange number should match the original unit or the official parts catalog for your motorcycle.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | Electric Starter Motor |
| Voltage | 12V |
| Drive Gear | 9 Teeth |
| Mounting-Hole Distance | 46.8 mm / 1.84 in |
| Drive Gear Diameter | 11.4 mm / 0.44 in |
| Overall Length | 175.06 mm / 6.89 in |
| Overall Width | 68.44 mm / 2.69 in |
| Fitment Type | Direct Replacement |
| Vehicle Type | Motorcycle |
| Housing Material | Metal |
| Condition | New |
| Package Quantity | 1 Starter Motor |
Common aftermarket references describe this starter family as a 12V, 9-tooth or 9-spline, counterclockwise PMDD starter. Rotation terminology may vary depending on which end of the starter is viewed, so compare the drive-end configuration and product photos with the original unit before ordering.
Measurements can vary slightly depending on the measuring method and reference points. Use the measurement locations shown in the product images when comparing the replacement with the original starter.
Key Features
- Broad Vulcan Compatibility: Designed for compatible Kawasaki Vulcan 88, Vulcan 1500, and Vulcan 1600 motorcycles using OEM 21163-1109.
- 12V 9-Tooth Configuration: Built with a 9-tooth drive gear for compatible Kawasaki cruiser starting systems.
- Reliable Engine Cranking: Helps restore consistent startup performance when the original motor becomes weak, slow, intermittent, or damaged.
- Wear-Resistant Construction: Made with durable components to withstand repeated starting cycles, engine heat, and vibration.
- Direct-Replacement Design: Matches the original-style mounting and electrical configuration when the OEM number and physical specifications are correct.
Condividi

Domande frequenti sulla compatibilità
Questa parte è compatibile con il mio modello e anno specifici?
This starter motor is designed for compatible Kawasaki motorcycles including:
1987–1995 Vulcan 88 VN1500A
1987–1990 Vulcan 88 SE VN1500B
Selected 1996–2008 Vulcan 1500 models
2003–2008 Vulcan 1600 Classic
2004–2008 Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak
2005–2008 Vulcan 1600 Nomad
The exact fitment range depends on the model version. For example, the Vulcan 1500 Classic is listed through 2008, while the base Vulcan 1500 VN1500A is generally listed from 1996 through 1999.
Your original starter should use OEM 21163-1109 or confirmed replacement number 21163-1271 and match the listed physical specifications.
Devo corrispondere al numero di parte OEM?
Yes. Matching the complete OEM number is one of the most reliable ways to confirm compatibility.
This starter motor is designed to replace:
Kawasaki 21163-1109
Kawasaki 211631109
Kawasaki 21163-1271
Kawasaki 211631271
Suzuki K2116-31271
Arrowhead SMU0186
Lester 18692
J & N 410-54122
Your original starter does not need to show every number listed above. At least one compatible OEM or cross-reference number should match the original starter or the official parts catalog.
Do not assume that another Kawasaki starter number beginning with “21163” is interchangeable. The complete part number must match.
A quali modelli o situazioni non si adatta questa parte?
This starter motor is not intended for:
Kawasaki Vulcan models using a different OEM starter number
Vulcan 500, 750, 800, 900, 1700, or 2000 models
Kawasaki motorcycles outside the listed VN1500 and VN1600 applications
Applications requiring a different number of drive teeth
Starters with different mounting-hole spacing
Models with a different electrical terminal position
Motorcycles with engine swaps or modified starting systems
Applications where the original starter has a different housing shape
Models where the original drive gear diameter differs from the listed measurement
Do not assume that all Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycles use the same starter. Engine displacement, production year, and model name alone are not sufficient to confirm compatibility.
Cosa dovrei controllare prima di ordinare?
Before ordering, confirm:
Motorcycle make and model
Exact production year
Complete model code, such as VN1500A, VN1500E, VN1500J, VN1600A, or VN1600D
Exact version, such as Classic, Nomad, Drifter, Mean Streak, FI, or SE
OEM or interchange part number
12V operating voltage
9-tooth drive gear
46.8 mm / 1.84 in mounting-hole distance
11.4 mm / 0.44 in drive gear diameter
175.06 mm / 6.89 in overall length
68.44 mm / 2.69 in overall width
Electrical terminal position
Mounting-point locations
Housing and drive-end shape
Rotation direction using the same viewing position
Also test the battery, starter relay, fuse, cables, wiring, ground connections, starter clutch, and reduction gears. A fault elsewhere in the starting system can cause symptoms similar to a failed starter motor.