Starter Motor for Kawasaki Vulcan 88 1500 1600 1987–2008 | 21163-1109

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.