The Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic, 20 Years With A Damn Good Bike
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- Taking a morning ride to celebrate 20 years with the Vulcan. This has been a great bike, which I would fully recommend to anyone looking for a good cruiser/touring bike.
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![Sounds better than a Harley? | VTX [RAW] POV | Pure Engine Sound | V&H Pipes | Motorcycle ASMR](/img/tr.png)
Bought 2k Vulcan 1500 classic in stunning creme red.Love this bike.No its not fast but sure it puts smiles on my face riding it.I come from sportbike background when I had half a dozen of 600cc 900cc rocket ships and that was all fun when young but now at middle age I just want to chill enjoy the ride smell the grass and forget the world...
Yes the Vulcan is a perfect bike for those relaxing rides. It won't keep up with a 600 but you can sit on it all day and not be sore all night! Thanks for watching and ride safe!!
Little update on vulcan 1500
I replaced stock NKG6_9 front cylenders to NKG5 and little hotter and gap .36 and bike is noticeably more responsive more power from this simple mode.
Thought to share
Just got a 2001 Kawasaki Vulcan. I'm having a great time with it.
Good man, I’ve just purchased a 2001 VN 1500 classic tourer with about 20k on the clock and after riding bikes like an original Z900 an my last bike a Yamaha XJR 1330 I love the layed back experience !
Picked up a 99 today with 11k miles for $3k. Mint! Lots of upgrades and Vance and Hines exhaust. Runs perfect. I gifted it to my son.
That’s a heck of a good gift!! I’m sure you son appreciates that one!! He’ll have a lot of good times with that bike!
I JUST bought a 2004 Vulcan 1500 with 74,000 miles on it and it's fine. Oh my, how these bikes are SO nimble and perfectly balanced. OIn the 8th day, God made the Vulcan. That's how good it is.
It’s a great bike to pile on many more miles!! And in comfort!
@@moreonwandering2984 THANK YOU !!!!!
Mine is a 2004 love it 29k
@@jenmac287 Awesome !!! I had to replace the motor, and got one with only 20k miles on it on and the shop said it's like new !
We bought a VN1600D1 Nomad brand new in 2005. Two tone black and silver. Still have it! 100% stock, never gave us any issues.
Kawasaki never got the credit they deserved with these fine motorcycles. Also have a 2006 KLR650 that is another great machine.
Yep, Kawasaki makes great bikes! Thanks for watching!
Just bought my ex-boss' 2003 Vulcan Nomad 1500 FI in spring of 2023. 7597 miles on the clock. I'm up to 12k miles and loving the ease of maintenance so far, comfortable ride, decent handling, great stock seat. I added a batwing fairing and a different passenger sissy bar. Great hard bags with the Nomad package, front and rear floorboards, nice highway bar and other touches. Hope to ride it for many years.
5 years as the owner of a 1500 classic 96. The best bike I've ever owned. There is something about it that I don’t know how to explain. Well, in general, he is now like a member of the family. But really, sometimes there aren’t enough gears :)
yes, I'm always looking for that extra gear too!
Nice! I just picked up a project one to fix up! 96' 1500
I have an 05 fi. Bought it in 08 from a gentleman that couldn’t ride due to health reasons. He put just under 4000 miles on it. The bike has been absolutely incredible for me. There have been times when I wished it had the 6th gear but other than that, it’s been an absolute flawless bike. Enjoyed your video. Thanks.
The 5 speed works, but i do still also always look for 6th. Still a Great Bike!
I bought a '97 brand new. Nothing but trouble. I had the whole engine replaced under warranty, but it was never right. That bike couldn't ge out of it's own way. Friend of mine bought the one that sat beside it on the showroom floor and rode it for years without issue. Mine was obviously an outlier. The dealer took it back on trade for a Honda. Stuff happens. 🙂
I bought a 2001 Vulcan 1500 last year. Guy I got it from bought it brand new in 01.. the dealer did $ 11,000 in custom paint, wheels and every chrome accessory and performance upgrade you can think of before it left the lot. The previous owner put Mustang seats with driver back rest and hard bags on her. Only had 13,000 miles on it when I bought it.. What a great bike.. Puts my co workers Harleys to shame sitting beside them..
It is a great bike, and with only 13000 miles you'll have plenty of time enjoying that bike!!
I've got 105km on mine but I have since replaced it with a '02 Nomad mostly for a more comfortable two-up riding. I don't use the Vulcan often but I really enjoy it when I do.
UPDATE: I totally restored the clutch from the master cylinder to the springs in the clutch assembly. I also found a bad connector in the charging system and repaired it. I removed that sack of cement Corbin seat, went back to stock. I've been using it daily, she's like new plus went through 106,000 miles. I'm then original owner and turned age 80 in February.😊
I just purchased this bike 2 times same model and year it's so nice
I often wondered, if anything happened to mine, if I would look for another one from the same year just to have it again. I guess I'm not alone in that thought!!
I have a 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 and I’m loving it
All the Vulcan line seem to be well built and comfortable for all day riding, can’t go wrong with a Vulcan!!
@@moreonwandering2984 No doubt that’s what the Vulcan all about ✌️
Vulcans are sick! Got the 04 800 Classic with 39K for 2.4K 5 minutes from my house! Love it ❤
Nice... a very pleasant voice and engaging conversation
I bought an 800 chassis off the side of the road. Checked... it's not stolen 😅
Working on the build now. Im excited to ride what it comes out of it all.
That should be a fun build. Your bike from the frame up…Good Luck with the project!!
@@moreonwandering2984 for $200 for rolling chassis..can't go wrong.
Have an 03 1500 carbed. Awesome bike i just wish i had a 6th gear haha
Yeah I’m always giving it the extra shift too, 6th hasn’t shown up yet.
I have an 04 1500 with carb and the only thing I dislike about my Kawie is the positive neutral. I feel like a newbie every time I try to hit second and wind up in neutral.
@mallack4286 haha mines also has a built in feature where sometimes I'm making a turn in 2nd gear it pops back into neutral 😅😅
I always wanted to test ride one of those bikes as a comparison to my two Yamahas an 07 Royal Star Tour Deluxe and 00 Royal Star Venture. Both are fine cruisers and they also only have 5th gear but with the ratio, you can hit the cruise control at 80-85 and cruise comfortably. Plus, they both come standard with electronic cruise control and big hard saddlebags. They are reliable all day as well, I have put 81k miles on my 07 and recently bought the 00 Venture 3 months ago with only 9k miles on it. I have done plenty of out-of-town trips on my 07 and the 00 will be helping with the trip duties. I just did a trip from Washington DC (I live on the border in VA) to Tennessee, North Carolina, and back on the 07. I have found that the Yamahas are much more reliable than an HD, which I have plenty of miles on as well as a trained motor officer for the past 25 years.
Years ago I did get a chance to take out a Royal Star tour Deluxe and I remember that the v -4 was very nice!! You can’t go wrong with A Yamaha! Although I do love the Harley's as well, yes they are much less reliable than the well built Japanese cruisers and touring bikes. Ride Safe and thanks for keeping the rest of us safe!
I own a 2005 Suzuki V-Strom 650. They are wonderful budget adventure bikes, the engine has a reputation as one of the most reliable Suzuki has ever made.
This one is definitely on the short list of good bikes I’m looking at. In my area there were a few good ones earlier this spring, but not as many right now. I may have to keep watching when it gets closer to fall for some to show up on the used market again.
This is very nice road and area - where exactly is that? Nice classic motorcycle - left up! Greetings!
Love mine 29k runs great carb. Same color,.
great bike and a great color!!
I have. 2005 Vulcan Nomad 1600 with a batwing fairing. And a 2015 Honda Stateline 1300 good ole bikes.😎
Good ole bike indeed!! I wish the still made the nomad option in the Vulcan line-up with the bags and classic windshield!
@@moreonwandering2984 mine has a color matched batwing fairing. My bike is the silver and blue it has a stereo in it. Love the hard bags and the fairing. I’m a new subscriber to your channel . Keep up the good work.
I love that color reminds me of Black Cherry as for the bike Kawasaki model i is my favorite i have been doing research and so far like what i read and see, Peace.
My son is going to look at a 2002, if it runs as well as it looks, it’s coming home with him for me, my first bike. Im a new rider. Keep fingers crossed!
Hope all goes great and good luck with the new ride!!
@@moreonwandering2984 - It all worked out and I'm happy to say, it is now mine and I absolutely love riding this bike.
@@nja3224 congratulations on the new bike!! Ride Safe, Ride as often as possible and keep it fun!!
Just got a 2008 1500 classic. I love the gearing and shifting. Never thought I'd like a 5 speed, but they got this right. Did you do a seat upgrade? It's not bad but might be because it's the original seat.
Hard to beat those 1500 Vulcans -- I had a `99 Nomad (Classic with hard-bags and a windshield -- also oil-pump gear and iffy clutch), did some early upgrades and rode that rascal over 110K miles in rain or shine until a deer jumped in my lap one winter night (yes, really...). Rode the Nomad all over mid0Atlantic and back and forth to the Dakotas many times -- lots of 22-24 hours days on it; but the deer KO'ed it...
I have some ADV bike recommendations... a 650 vstrom, a tenere 700, or a 750 transalp. Vstrom will be the cheapest. They have the Japanese reliability and are great bikes for the road less traveled. I have the nomad 1600 as well, but serious 2up rides we take the goldwing. I also have a 300L to learn off-road, which is making me better on my 650 vstrom off-road. I hope this helped and enjoy the ride... whatever the bike.
I have one and it's my jewel.
I have VN1600 mean streak very comfy for a heavy lump
Comfy heavy lump, that's a great way to describe the Vulcans! All day comfort! Thanks for watching and Ride Safe
Looking at getting an 05 18k miles for $3k. I'm very excited
I’m always going to suggest a Vulcan as a good bike. I’ve had great luck with mine and always hear good thing about other Vulcans as well. Good Luck with the new bike and ride safe!!
Hi iam a new subscriber, I also bought a vulcan classic 900 2019, also bought a 2011 RK 2yrs ago, RK great for hwy touring , butca bitch to park, iam only 140lb, an 6ft , the kawasaki is easy to park, both great bikes
yes the RK is great for touring and riding all day, but not as probably not as pleasant at the low speed around town stuff. Ride safe and thanks for watching!!
Bought a 2002 1500 Mean Streak today with 14k Miles for 6k. Vance and Hines exhaust, such a beauty. First bike was Honda Shadow 750, went to a Kawasaki Z750 but the cruiser type called me back hahah
With only 14k on the clock that bike will offer many great rides for you, Mean Streaks are fun! Ride safe and thanks for watching!
I have a Honda Shadow 750 now and was wondering what I could upgrade to. Thanks for the answer!
South america Hellow .
I had a V2 honda shadow so 4 yr ago did change it to Vn 98 classic Green colour ,4 gears . I found 2 huge problems,Oil on spark And batt used to discharge . 2021 I met a guy which is real Expert to Kawasaki any of them . He did step by step all on bike . Engine ,cylinders both . 6 month to put all working .
Lately hit the str a lot ,No problem to let ya down 😎 Brazil Rd not so awful but I know FL tampa rd as lived b4 .
Vulcan classic 900 /1500 /800 Motorbikes to wed no break up. 😑
I imagine there are great roads to enjoy on the vulcan in Brazil!! Ride safe and thanks for watching!!
I have a 2002 Kawasaki Drifter 1500. I think it is a great bike. I've never had an issue with it. If I want a more spirited ride I take My Kawasaki versys 1000
Honda crf 250 rally is great for dirt roads bro i own a 2019 its been great
we have been looking at some 250s from each of the four Japanese brands but the wife keeps going back to the TW because of the low seat and she loves the fat tires. I wouldn't mind the crf250 rally or 300 though!!
Looking to buy one, same model... any pros and cons you want to share about the bike?
I have zero complaints about mine. Owned it for over twenty years now and I have had no issues and no regrets owning it. I do have other bikes and have bought and sold other bikes but the Vulcan stays in my collection because it is still a pleasing bike to take out for a ride.
I got 83,000 miles on my 2002 nomad. Shes never left me walking. And she only sips a shot of oil between changes.
Does that speedometer plate shine in your eyes on sunny days?
no, it's low enough that it doesn't shine in my eyes, the back of the headlight does from time to time, but not that badly.
@@moreonwandering2984 I just experienced that exact thing recently maybe cause where I’m at
Do u prefer your road king over the drifter ? Whats been a better more reliable machine ?
The Vulcan has been extremely reliable over the past 20 years, i have not had the Road King for that long so I can't say on reliability yet. The Road King does handle better then the Vulcan but both are great machines.
How much did this cost new ? Could you tell me please thankyou
I don't remember what they cost new for the Vulcan, but they we're much cheaper 20 years ago. I believe it was somewhere around 7k.
Im 6'3" im looking for my first bike. Dont want to look like donkey kong in mario kart. Not into speed bikes. Like cruisers. Any help pls
I would first suggest going to as many dealers or similar where you can sit on as many bikes as possible. Cruisers and standard bikes are a great place to start, they are usually easy to ride and have enough power to ride comfortably on most roads. If you put you feet on the pegs and feel cramped it may not be good on a long ride.
I'm 6' 2" and weigh 287. I fit just fine on my 2002 Kawasaki vulcan Drifter 1500
That was my concern lol
No walk around ????
I’ll have to add a walk around on a future video
Just hit 294,000
WOW!! That's a lotta Miles!! Ride Safe for the next 294000 and Thanks For Watching!
what year is your vulcan?
It is a 2003 Vulcan 1500 Classic, Thanks for watching.
i like the yamaha 1600 better, only because i think the big rod covers are so beautiful.....but i like all japanese cruisers
I owned a 1999 Yamaha road star 1600. I put over 100+ miles on it. A bearing on the clutch went out in my driveway. I cleaned it up and replaced that bearing around 80k. Only thing I replaced was the bearing and the drive belt at 90k. Sold it. I loved that bike. I now ride an 07 kawasaki Vulcan 1500 classic. The kawasaki is FI. A little lighter than the Road Star. Both fantastic bikes.
i read somewhere the 1600s had a transmission recall, did you avail that fix? there is a non-running for sale in my area for $1500. i offered $1300 and the guy dont want to take it yet..hehehe. the bike looks decent but thats all i want to pay for it. so it will not be hard to get my money back, if i cant make it run. i will sell it for parts@@dwRS1
Yes, those engines did look good, and I like the clean soft tail look with the Yamaha too!!
Those bikes are bad for using a lot of blinker fluid
Its not too bad if you buy it in bulk at costco
@@moreonwandering2984 I guess not
I just got this exact same bike just in a little worse condition today haven’t even rode it yet
Its a great bike, you'll have many miles of enjoyment!! Ride Safe and Thanks For Watching!!