I put 35,000 on my Vulcan 1500 Classic. What a beauty of a cruiser. I put the pipes and bags and the usual goodies on. Talk about a lot of bang for the buck. Self adjusting valves and I handled the oil changes etc. This bike did not see the service shop unless it needed rubber or brakes. My choice was the Vulcan and I never was sorry.
My father had one, same deal bags and pipes and the thing rose beautifully. He ended up selling it and getting the Vulcan 1700? I know it's a 1700 , hard bags, luggage thing, radio, blue tooth the works and it's beautiful but I loved the way his old 1500 looked. It was red and white.
My father sold his HD Street Glide, kept his Vulcan. After years of wanting a HD, he couldn't get his HD to feel as comfortable as his Vulcan. I know it's not a Road King, but that just says how comfortable the Vulcan is and I've ridden both of his machines. I love his 98 Vulcan and the Vance & Hines pipes that make it sound amazing. Great bike.
What matters is not what you're riding, but the fact that you are riding it... I have a Vulcan 500 since last January (I was on a Kymco Zing 125 before that). This is the best I could afford, plus my beginner's license allows me up to 47.5hp tops and the Vulcan 500 outputs 46hp... It gets me where I want to go, I'm enjoying it, and I'm going to go moto camping with it. I don't care that it's an old bike, a cheap bike, or just a 500cc. This is what I have and I'm enjoying riding it. Period.
I have an 06 Nomad 1600, and she gets visually accosted every day that I'm in the garage. A few more months, and my mistress will be making me smile again.
@@They_Intend_To_Destroy_Us I had a Harley Dyna for 2 years and loved it. Next I had a Suzuki Boulevard for about a year. Wasn’t crazy about that but didn’t hate it. From that I got my Vulcan and I’m going on 12 years now.
Thanks for the vids. I bought an 03 1500 classic from a friend who could no longer ride. I absolutely love it. Plenty of power, it feels great and it was a steal.
I've had 3 Vulcans all purchased new. A '96 1500 Classic, a 2002 1500 Mean Streak, and an '06 10'th anniversary 1500 Classic. All 3 bikes were amazing in ride and quality. Left them all bone stock except for Kawi's "Fire and Steel" Sissy bars and luggage racks on both Classic's and a set of Saddleman bags on the Mean Streak. Exceptional bikes for the price. That said, I now own a '09 Road Glide (purchased new) and I'm very happy with it. Again...bone stock with only Harley sissy bar and luggage rack. My favorite of them all was the Mean Streak. Best handling, ergos, suspension, and BEST FACTORY SEAT I've ever sat on. Took that bike to Nova Scotia and back (live in CT). None of them had less than 50K on them when sold (anniversary bike totaled in a slow speed accident where a car turned in front of me). As for your comparison, I believe that the Vulcan can be more closely compared to a Softail Deluxe or Heritage in both size and weight. Wheel base, rake/trail, and frame geometry are all very similar. Harley FL's are a much larger bike.
The Vulcan would be more comparable to the Softail than the Road King. The saddle bags are soft sided and much smaller. That being said, there is no denying the Vulcans are great bikes. My 2015 Vulcan 900 Classic was a great bike. I looked into Vaqueros when it was time to upgrade, but I ultimately settled on my Road Glide.
Been riding my 2005 custom Vulcan Mean Streak for 13 years now, no doubt better bang for buck. I have every performance upgrade and the turns heads. I still love Harleys and can't knock 'em. Love the Road and Street Glides, and the new Fay Boys are beautiful.
I will have to say I had a Vulcan 1500 Classic back in the day and I will say I never had any issues with it until I was hit by a person that ran a stop sign. I came out ok of that but the bike didn't. I now at this time own a Harley Ultra Limited and love it, it is my second Harley in a row now just moved up from a Heritage Classic to the touring bike now( Had to make the wife happy on the back on those long rides). The thing is it is your money and your choice, the thing is with both you are on two wheels and in the wind. Personal preference and financials sometimes have to be the deciding factor also. I am a Harley owner and hate those guys out there that look down on those that aren't on a Harley, give it up and just let it be 2 Wheels and in the Wind. And now that I have retired from the Army I have to say the upgrade was also had to happen for me to the bigger more comfortable bike for my wife because we are logging some miles.
Here in japan it’s an easy choice unless you’re a gaijin with HD riding friends. It makes total sense to buy the Vulcan and get the warranty and access to great mechanics and parts. In fact it should be obvious. But when you have American buddies who only ride HD and anything else is looked down on, to the point they won’t ride with you or even have photos taken together on the ride., then the choice is not clear. The human ego is a bizarre thing
@@humbleservant1294 too bad. you lack common sense. because no harley junk survived here where i live. japanese bikes however? they’re everywhere. some are even working since the 80s
I love my 98 Vulcan 1500 Classic. Very comfortable, reliable, and sounds great. Bought it for $3000 five years ago and just oil changes and tires since then.
Wait what? "It's not what you ride it's where you are going?" as in "it's not the journey its the destination?" Hell, for me it's the opposite. Most rides, I have NO idea of where I'm going...I just get on my bike and either roll left or right out of my drive...NO idea where i'll end up lol. Jez sayin.
My first “big bike” was a 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1500 Fi. Still my favorite bike of all time. Unmatched handling and perfect reliability. In 2012 went to a FLHR Road King, but still love the Nomad. Thanks for a nice Vulcan review.
Hey Sean watching your videos are a big part of why I bought my first bike A 2009 Harley Nightster 1200 It’s awesome, only 6,800 miles on it I really enjoy watching your vids and I like the scripture reading at the beginning of your vids
Daniel Hurst I have a '15 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 950, it just all around has such a quality feel to it. Everything is nice and solid, it rides very smooth, it has a huge aftermarket so building a unique bike is pretty easy and above Yamaha designed it perfectly, as It looks like a true sportster. I was blown away when I rode for the first time.
For the money, Kawasaki is layin' it down, especially if you are buying used... you can pick these big bikes up in great shape for tiny coin compared to harley. Not saying they're "better" but forv the money they are hard to beat...
@Brian Landers sure, absolutely. All I'm saying is that for the money Kawasaki makes a great bike. I've got a harley that I personally would never part with, but I'd add kow to my fleet anytime. Especially if I wanted a sport bike. I really like the newer vulcans as well, I cant remember what the full dress Vulcan is called, but that is a really nice bike. My buddy has one, we swapped on and off for a trip to the smokeys last year, and I really liked it. I'd consider getting one if I ever had issues with my road king
I’ve had metrics. Currently ride an ‘06 Road King. The thing I like about Harleys is the design. I think they look better. The body work is steel. You won’t find plastic chrome on a HD. Everything is metal. You get the sound and feel. I’ve punched out baffles and swapped pipes. It’s the motor. Its a different vibe and feel. The $$$ on a used Harley is well spent IMHO as you’ll get it back and you can score a great used bike with low miles for $7-8k Metrics are great bikes! Amazing value and a different feel and vibe that’s great if you want a great dependable smooth rider. I love them all but just wanted to point out the Harleys have an edgier feel, more visceral and raw that some may or may not be into. I equate it to guitars. You can have a real Gibson Les Paul or another brand that’s a “copy” but doesn’t have the same lines, materials, and vibe. If you’re riding it’s all good!
I had a 05 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 and a 05 Yamaha V-STAR1100 . I rode the 500 mostly around town and have taken 2 K mile trips with no problems and the 1100 as well . The bigger bike was a bit more comfy and could carry a lot more . I liked them both . The Yamaha was a bagger and the Kaw was a street cruiser .
I have owned two Vulcans. The first one (VN1600) caught fire on the highway after the clutch went out. I previously rode that bike for many, many miles with no problems. I had the bike in a Honda dealer shop to install a fuel commander, which is why I think it gave up the ghost. I bought a '12 VN1700 Nomad with less than 2K miles for about $8k with the insurance money. I put on a K&H exhaust and had the ECM Ivanis. I test rode a '19 Road King Ultra. It was nice, but the HD dealer wanted $24k for the bike with 19k miles. I am now looking for a Voyager. They are great bikes that are far less expensive than an HD and have a better value. If you're into HD, buy a Road King, but if you are into riding... well, you know.
I think I might just buy two Vulcan's, HD have always been overpriced and definitely not value for 💰 Yeah they look cool but dress a Vulcan up a little and look just as cool and save a truck load of cash 😁
I started riding on a HD Dyna Low-Rider in 2006... traded it in for a new HD Electra-Glide Classic in 2008 because I wanted to do some touring. In 2017, (after not having a bike for 7 years) I bought a 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 with only 4K miles on it. Why? Because it cost me $6400. I couldn't touch a Harley bagger with comparable mileage for that kind of coin. I LOVED my Kawi Vulcan and named it "Roadrunner" because of the wimpy sounding OEM horn. The Vulcan had a custom color-matched Memphis Shades batwing fairing and windshield... this bike was badass... but, I was having HD withdrawal symptoms so 10 months later I sold it and bought a 2006 HD Electra-Glide Ultra Classic with 28K miles for under $10K. This bike has a super-bad custom paint job, auxiliary lighting, pulsing LED brake light. Oh yes... and 40 skulls...14 in the paint and 26 in controls and other places. I've since added a set of 130 db Howard's Hog Horns, a rider backrest, luggage rack, taller windshield, triple fairing pouch, etc. Next month I'm off for a 2500 mile ride. I think metric bikes are great... well engineered, and very dependable. I just bought son his first bike- a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 with only 3700 miles on it. Vulcans are GREAT bikes... but what can I say? I'm addicted to Hogs!
I own a 1994 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 en. It’s fantastic for me! The engine has only done 22,000 miles and is still purring sweet. I’m looking at maybe getting the new Vulcan S 650 as its pretty cool. Great review.
Vulcan 1700 line, introduced back in 2009, consisted of 5 variants - Classic, LT, Nomad, Vaquero and Voyager. I think they're down to two models, Vaquero and Voyager in US, totally discontinued in Europe. Vulcan series has been unchanged since it's inception, with exception of ABS added in 2010 I believe, different exhaust tips and heat management... Classic and LT - no cruise control, two exhaust pipes on the right, Nomad, Vaquero and Voyager - yes cruise control, located on the right side, one exhaust pipe on each side . All in all, fantastic bikes...
Vulcans are a great option for those folks who don't want to pay the harley prices. They are great bikes I have 4 of them now. The big boy is my VN2000 with a 125 CI 2053CC motor!!! LOVE IT!!!!
Checking back in after picking up a '94 Vulcan 88... I wanted to hate it, but it's actually not bad at all. It's the only big cruiser I've ridden, so I can't compare it to Harley's big twins, and obviously it isn't comparable to Sportsters or the UJMs I've had, but overall it's a very nice bike, especially for being that old.
I had a 2003 Vulcan 1500 and a friend had a 2003 Road King. I rode both. The Vulcan seemed more manageable to ride I think because the weight is lower where the Road King felt top heavy.
I've always loved Vulcans. I prefer the 900 Custom for the skinny 22in front tire and slanted forks. That baby leans like a sport bike and runs great in corners. But I recently but a 1200 Nightster and loving it so far.
I had a 2008 Vulcan 1500. Brand new out the door I paid $7,800 for it back then. The two guys that work one had a roadking the other one I forgot what he had. Best bike I ever had. 4 valves per cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled. All I did was put Cobra pipes on it. Never had to do any adjustments on the throttle bodies or nothing. Never backfired ran like a champ. Close race with the road king but I was able to take him every time. He used to get ticked off because everybody at work told him you paid 21 Grand for your bike and look what Danny got for $7,800 a hell of a lot better bike. They used to aggravate him about it oh, and he would get mad at me. I love that bike I wish I never had to sell it
I had a Vulcan 1600 and loved it. The plus was great shifter that was easy to find gears. Draw back was it was the clumsiest bike I've ever driven at slow speeds. My VTX 1800 replaced it and handles so much better but wished I had that shifter because Honda's transmission shifter stinks. Real trick finding neutral. On the other hand, I still want to drive a Road King. It's got to be a good handling bike because there are a lot of fat old out of shape guys driving them around with ease and not dropping them and I know they couldn't do that with a Kawasaki.
I have a 2009 that is identical to this one you are riding (even color). My Vulcan has standard electronic cruise control. The shifts are a loud (mostly from first to second because of positive neutral finder) but shifting is very nice otherwise (I have never missed a gear and shifts feel good).
I went from a 08 Vulcan 1600 to a 09 Road king.....big difference, perfomance handling everything....its like your trying to compare apples to oranges.
This was my first cruiser transitioning from sport bike. A 2012 900 Classic... hard to let it go, but I was ready for a change. sold it to my neighbors nephew that wanted to ride cross country after his deployment. He met a girl in Colorado... she hopped on and he sold it when they got to Vegas and they got married. Kills me bc I would have bought it back!!!! Great bike.
I would love to buy a HD but I found my Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic for $3000 and I'm very happy with it. Its a little heavy, which took some getting used to, and the transmission is a little hinkey (probably due to the age -- its a ''98), but otherwise its fun and fast. Its my first bike and I'm having a ton of fun. Harleys are great bikes but the price is prohibitive for a lot of Joe-six-packs like me.
Brother. Just wondering your height and weight? I’m 5’5 130. Currently have a Yamaha vstar 650 and made a long solo trip from upstate ny to Tampa Florida. Long way avoided major highways. I’m looking for more power now but concerned about the weight of the 1500 at slow speeds I may be trading my bike for a 97 1500
I thought the Nomad was their version of the road king and the Vulcan is their version of the heritage. Love my 04 Vulcan 1500 classic... Hate to say it but it's a better ride than my street glide, and I'll put twice the miles on it than the Harley, and the best part is I only paid $2,600 for the bike! There's nothing wrong with riding metric bikes as a matter of fact every Harley-Davidson in production today has Chinese Parts on them!
Your right,harley davidson has a lot of foreign parts on them but misinformed folks still think it is all american.Far as metric cruisers go the majority have radiators which is a big plus in heavy slow moving traffic and the benefit of that is great.Peace bro and ride safe.
Indeed all of Harley Davidson parts are made in China, Japan, United kingdom, just to name a few. Parts are then shipped to the US and assembled here. I'm old school. I liked the chromed out look of any cruiser. I own a Harley Davidson Softail Deuce. It was and still is my 1st bike. Click my face if you care to take a look at'er. I am looking for my next big cruiser, and it seems that a kawasaki Vulcan 1700 very well could fit the bill. No matter what you ride stay safe.
Owing both a 2015 Vulcan LT Classic and a 2018 Road King Special. I love my Road King over the Vulcan. Hands Down. The ride is so much more enjoyable and comfortable. My wife who has bad knees is not score on long rides. I took my Road King from Iowa to North Carolina a 948 mile trip in one day. Something I know I could never do in the Vulcan. Hard lockable bags over synthetic leather. More customization options on the Harley making it my own versus a cookie cutter. But don't take my word for it. Get on both and ride both. Just because I love my Harley doesn't mean its for you. Get on something you love, and not what everyone else wants you to ride. Forget the peer pressure and make your own decisions.
RK all the way! My 2013 is a one off. Looks nothing like stock. 65k trouble free miles. 810 lbs and I can throw it around in the city, twisties, and dirt roads. Had a bunch of metrics and still do. Rk's my favorite bike ever.
That clunky feeling and sounding shifts from the Japanese bikes is from the forward controls. I had an '03 VTX1800c that I replaced the stock forward controls with a set of billet aluminum and it was night and day difference! It felt smoother and easier to get into gears with the longer throw. And it no longer sounded like I was dropping a hammer in a bucket every time it shifted into a gear.
@@Rozys-l1q could be a worn out clutch fork allowing the dogs to clatter, a worn bearing, or a broken clutch spring. Unfortunately, you'll have to pull it apart and inspect the parts to know for sure.
Well, if you're bothered about a reliability, comfort, low running costs and not dying, then buy a Vulcan. I had a farboy, I loved that bike, but God's teeth it was a pig to maintain, now I have a VN1500 Drifter, no stress at all, but finding bis for it is a nightmare! At least with HD you'll never have an issue finding parts.
I had a Vulcan Nomad for 10 years. Only spent $400 on repairs in those 10 years. It was a very good bike with 2 exceptions... Seat comfort for long rides, and cruise control for long rides. If you want a afternoon runner to go have some fun with these are great bikes that won't break the bank! If you going to go cross country, then you may want to upgrade.
I just got home from riding my '09 Vulcan nomad. Just like this bike except with hard bags and cruise control. I love it. FYI the first year of the 1700's was '09. The nomad had cruise control, your model looks like the 1700 LT which doesn't have cruise control.
Just bought a 1993 Vulcan 1500. I really like it SUPER clean, one owner, garage kept, 15,000 miles. Im not an expert on riding. Any info or advice would be appreciated. God bless
I bought a new 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan Meanstreak in 06. love the bike so much I decided to keep it. After buying a new 2018 Harley Road Glide last year. I refuse to buy HD until they upgraded the engines. Harley M8 has a lot of similarities as my 05 Vulcan 1600. 4 valves per cylinder, dual spark plugs per cylinder and a counter balancer. I love my new Harley, but my Vulcan has never been to the shop since new, only for tires and oil change. My HD been in for a defective front wheel, power plug smoked when I tried to charge my phone, and a clutch recall. Kawasaki makes solid bikes, I only have 3K on my Harley and I do feel its solid as well.
The Nomad's (almost identical to this except the color matched hard bags) have everything you need, nothing you don't. The "significantly cheaper" is accurate. I bought a 2007 1600 nomad new from the dealer for 11k. The comparable Harley (which I did consider) was nearing 20k. Hydraulic lifters, automatic cam tensioner, I am just shy of 90,000 miles on my 07 and beyond gas, oil, tires, brakes, it has required astoundingly little in maintenance costs. This bike looks almost exactly like mine except the bigger motor. The paint scheme is identical tool. I have loved the bike (still have it) and it fires up and runs like a champ every time. For me, the Harley was just priced out of my range as the only disqualifying factor.
sean, FYI and to answer your question: 2009 was the first year of this bike you're testing in this vid. I have the 2008 Nomad, almost a completely different animal from what you have there. Mine is the last year of the 1600cc, 5-speed , shaft driven unit. Even the fenders, saddle bags, and switch gear are slightly different. Other than that you're description of the Vulcan line is pretty accurate on how their line up compares to Harleys. Nothing against HD, but I feel I got a great bike for the money, as is the case with most metrics. Commonly people will also add a memphis shades batwing unit to the Nomad (as mine had when I picked it up last June) which expands its usability and competition with Harley street glide as well. Great Video.
The last 9 years of my police career I was a motor officer on a 1999 Road King. (KZ1000 before that) When I retired what I missed most was riding. However, on a cop's pension a Harley wasn't in my realm. I looked and looked and found my Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad, sat on it, test drove it and was sold. I went back to the academy with it and did our advanced 3 "gauntlet' course and ran it smoother than I used to do it with the Road King. I love Harleys but this has been my bike ever since. Cheap to keep too.
I had a 2010 Vulcan 900 special edition a few years back, possibly the best bike I ever owned, it even had a backfire profile built in (great for the little villages) Loved the bike, comfy, reliable, great on fuel,,,, NOW, I have a Softail Night train 88 twin cam carb model. (took me a long time to find one). I am in love, I will never change.. If you have to ask why, you dont understand.
I put 93,000 miles on an 07 Vulcan 900 and finally replaced it with a 2010 Vulcan 1700. The 1700 had less than 20K miles and has a Mustang seat -- I love the bike. Well balanced, handles well and inspires confidence when riding. If you can't afford the Harley, give the 1700 family of bikes consideration - I really don't think you'll be disappointed.
Always love your videos Sean. Reviews AND the scripture. I agree with your perspective that there's a bike for everybody, so there's no need to bash. Ride on!
For me it’s about sound and feel of the Harley that I like, and satisfaction of working on what I’m riding. others seem too be a little too smooth but are very good and reliable bikes just not the same rumble as I get from my HD
I had a 1500 2003 Vulcan Nomad for13 years. Just sold it and bought a Roadliner. Downside to Vulcan was the poor front suspension....wobbly takeoff and low speed manoeuvring. Test rode Road Kings....they had far better front setup. In Australia Harleys are very expensive....and I have another bike and cars...so much so I expect to accept less negative drawbacks. The Nomad was comfortable ...has good gearing for open road. It lacked the low down thump of air cooled ohv vtwins....like older Harleys. The Nomad i sold had 60000 miles was reliable ....shiny...roomy....they are very good....and not costing on a Porsche or Audi level
Not brag, but to give a review, I have a 2000 Vulcan 1500 Classic. It has Vance&Hines straightshots, and sounds so nice. The ride is so smooth, its light for its size, and cruises so well. Its an all around comfortable bike, and I must say, the braking is good and strong. Mine has dual hydraulic disk, so that obviously makes it better, but its still easy as heck to control. Great Bike especially for newer riders who want a Harley but are afraid of the bills if you drop it. I always did like Kawasaki over other imports because they seem to be doing everything right when it comes to torque outputs for their engines.
I had the first year (2009) Kawasaki Voyager ABS. It turned out not to be the bike my dreams were made of. It wasn't as smooth shifting as my Nomad, the cruise control wandered up and back constantly which was quite annoying. The radio was awful. I found the motor/transmission ratios mismatched if that makes any sense at all. I sold it after one year of riding and one year of sitting and bought a Harley Ultra Limited. Our 22nd bike. Problem solved! Now after 6 years of riding the Harley, every time I get on I think "Wow" and once settled in for a ride on a nice day I ask my wife "how far do you think we could go on this bike?" Trust me, if that is the way you feel on whatever you are riding, guess what - you have found the right one!
I ride a 2005 kawasaki vulcan nomad 1600. Bought it used for 3 thousand bucks. I've done a few things to it, but enjoy riding it regardless. I agree it doesn't matter what you're ridin, but where you're going.
Great video. I really fell for the Indian tribute bikes Kawasaki did based on the 1950’s era Indian Chiefs. Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter 1500’s and 800’s. So they used the Harley and Indian models to design from. All bikes are awesome. You have a great business and job.
i own a 1999 Vulcan Nomad 1500. great bike, never a problem. i bought it from a guy getting a divorce he had a Roadking and a Nomad both for sale. i asked which was his favorite he said the Nomad. i bought it for 4k with basically no mileage on it and half the price of the Harley and never looked back. it has Vance and Hines bagger exhaust and the carb has been re-jetted and has a KN filter. i am told this year engine is a single pin crank design like a Harley with the overhead cam. sounds nice, rides nice, looks nice, and is very dependable. never owned a Harley, this is just fine for me.
I’d love to try it, I’m sure it’s a great bike. But my gut feeling is that there’s no way it can make me feel as good as ridin my Road King. The sound and the feel...
I have the Vulcan S and I think japanese cruiser are great. Good quality and not too expensive. Unfortunately I can't ignore the sound. Talking about the sound, no cruiser is compareable to HD or maybe Indian. I wish I wouldn't think that way but I think someday I will switch to HD or Indian.
It's me again. Two years owning with 0 issues. Parts somewhat cheaper. Rides nice. Stock seat gets uncomfortable after an hour. I use Airhawk pad but different seat would be best solution.
Ok I'm a Road King rider myself and yes it goes hard but that Vulcan would only have to have more than 54.6mm (2 1/4 inches) of rear suspension travel and no hinge in the middle of the chassis for it to be better, no it doesn't make my heart flutter like my Road King but I bet my back would love it. No cruise control would suck though.
I have never owned anything but Harley's and old Indian chiefs but I have been looking at the Kawasaki 1500 for a road trip. They are around pretty cheap and you're getting a lot of bike for the money and if something happen to it on the road better it than one of my Harley's.
Neighbor had one of these " cheaper " Nomads and spent a Year trying to sell ( give it away ) and couldn't get anyone to bite. This was during the real motorcycle riding days a few years back. Loved His new Harley.
2001 Vulcan 1500 My Harley friends really Give Great Compliments on my Vulcan. Heck some that don't know say Great Harley till they realize it's A Vulcan they are truly surprised. Great bike Loving it .. Respect to Harley Davidson Riders .
Heritage vs Vulcan would make more scense. I had a Vulcan and now I have a RoadKing. If you like cleaning your bike and working on your bike yourself and want to go long distances get road king, short distance quick riding and reliability over sound and performance go with Vulcan. I will say I love my roadking but I liked my Vulcan to. I did go far with it but you had to really push it.
Harley is a status symbol. They are fantastic motorcycles. They are also fanatically over priced. I can get the equivalent for literally half the price or less? Well thank God for that I love riding I would love a Harley been riding since the 80's ridden Harleys, Hondas, Suzukis, Kawasaki BMW, triumphs, bsas, buy what you like that you can afford and just ride
Hi thanks for sharing! Could you tell me what causes the clunking when you shifting up and down? I've noticed it in other different motorcycles out there as well,the one you've demonstrated is my favorite but to me it's such a downside and it's really annoying! it kind of not wanting me to get that one when I really like everything else about it and it's giving me a feel like something is on its way breaking. Thank you for responding back in advance!
Kawasaki has electronic cruise control, lower right handle bar. It works great. I have a 2009 Kawasaki 1700 Nomad. Exact same color scheme you are riding.
OK, I love the big 4 Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, when it comes to dirt bikes, enduros, ATVs, side-by-sides, etc. Though I’m not a bullet bike guy, the four of them knock it out of the park with those types of bikes. For some reason, though, I can’t get on board with their Harley style bikes. I know they’re great bikes, but it feels like you’re pretending to have a Harley. And I’ve never owned a Harley, so it’s not like I’m a big “Harley guy.” Great video, though. Thanks for posting!
Nothing you said had any meaning. You missed both reasons why I ride a Harley (and mine is a 1997 model) When you stopped, I did not see the mirrors shaking, and you yourself said it was smooth, like that was a good thing. Not to me it isn't. A Harley shakes like crazy at idle, then smooths out a bit at cruising speeds. But you can always feel that engine hammering away down there. The second thing is sound. Newer Harleys have messed that up a bit. But my 1997 Superglide ( the least expensive Harley big twin) with aftermarket slip ons, makes an absolutely beautiful sound, both at idle, under acceleration, and at cruising speed. It has that wonderful offbeat idle no other v-twin has, it sounds like a top fuel dragster under hard acceleration, and it has a low pitched throaty rumble at cruising speed. I heard nothing but a bit of gear whine from the Kawasaki. The Vulcan does look good, but that's all it is. Looks, no substance. The Japanese know how to build an engine with the same characteristics as the Harley engine, they simply refuse to do so. And unless they do, I will never ride one again. As for maintenance, yes Harleys require a bit more. But I am an auto mechanic by trade, and I enjoy working on mechanical things. Especially mechanical things without computers or electronics. I am a vintage bike and car fanatic. New, computerized, smooth, and quiet are not for me. My stock EVO engine should last at least 100,000 miles, then I will rebuild it. You can't do that with Japanese bikes, or even newer Harleys.
I had an 04 Vulcan 1600 mean streak and now I have an 01 Vulcan 1500 classic. I've owned an 01 HD Dyna that was a 1450cc. And I gotta say that it seems the Vulcans had less power than my Dyna. But they ran great! My Dyna ran great too though, but was 3x the cost haha
I like your attitude. I like smaller bikes.. you get to wring them out a bit more... it's all in what you like...just get your ass on the bike and enjoy it! I have a Vespa and a Motorcycle... they each have their place and enjoy them both. Vespa in town, Motorcycle on the road. No prejudice. There is the camaraderie of two wheeled living..a shared risk.. you want to feel close to the edge? Ride a Vespa at 70mph... it feels like you're sitting on a 70mph barstool. But riding a 500cc single is fun too... thumping along country lanes..
You touched on a comparison, but, didn't really dive into it...you said you'd expect the maintenance costs to be lower on the Kawasaki. To me, that speaks to quality and reliability. I assume (and published stats confirm) that Kawasakis are more reliable than HDs. Not bashing, quoting stats. The cost of maintenance is, to be sure, a consideration, but, to me that's secondary to reliability. I need a bike that'll get me there, and get me home. Even if I could afford the more expensive maintenance, I can't afford to get stranded. What's your take? What's your experience, since you're happy with both? And remember, it's not JUST about where you going. It's about having a friend there to open the door when you get there.
This is late, but I just bought a 09 vulan 1700 with 17k miles on it for 5k! I live the hell out of it. My buddy has an ex policeman screaming eagle, and wishes he had mine! So there it is... Ride safe and love it all the time! Yehaw
I put 35,000 on my Vulcan 1500 Classic. What a beauty of a cruiser. I put the pipes and bags and the usual goodies on. Talk about a lot of bang for the buck. Self adjusting valves and I handled the oil changes etc. This bike did not see the service shop unless it needed rubber or brakes. My choice was the Vulcan and I never was sorry.
My father had one, same deal bags and pipes and the thing rose beautifully. He ended up selling it and getting the Vulcan 1700? I know it's a 1700 , hard bags, luggage thing, radio, blue tooth the works and it's beautiful but I loved the way his old 1500 looked. It was red and white.
My father sold his HD Street Glide, kept his Vulcan. After years of wanting a HD, he couldn't get his HD to feel as comfortable as his Vulcan. I know it's not a Road King, but that just says how comfortable the Vulcan is and I've ridden both of his machines. I love his 98 Vulcan and the Vance & Hines pipes that make it sound amazing. Great bike.
What matters is not what you're riding, but the fact that you are riding it...
I have a Vulcan 500 since last January (I was on a Kymco Zing 125 before that). This is the best I could afford, plus my beginner's license allows me up to 47.5hp tops and the Vulcan 500 outputs 46hp...
It gets me where I want to go, I'm enjoying it, and I'm going to go moto camping with it. I don't care that it's an old bike, a cheap bike, or just a 500cc. This is what I have and I'm enjoying riding it. Period.
You go for it 👌.. Q: "it's not what you ride.. it's how you get there "
That is what makes AMERICA great !! Buy what you want , with your hard earned money !! Great Channel SRK !!!!
And like every other country except the 3rd world
@Daver G lmao yeah well i was counting some African countries too lol
Wonder how it feels like to ride inside north korea
@@seanbutler2291 - Wanna go far? Try Russia. It covers eleven time zones.
So other people can’t buy what they like outside of the USA? Other countries don’t have freedom as well? Life in a bubble.
I have a 2005 vulcan Classic 1500 and never once did I wish i had a different bike. Love it.
I have an 06 Nomad 1600, and she gets visually accosted every day that I'm in the garage. A few more months, and my mistress will be making me smile again.
Lemme ask you a question (btw yes it's an awesome bike) Have you ever owned another bike?
@@They_Intend_To_Destroy_Us I had a Harley Dyna for 2 years and loved it. Next I had a Suzuki Boulevard for about a year. Wasn’t crazy about that but didn’t hate it. From that I got my Vulcan and I’m going on 12 years now.
What’s the top speed of yours? I had an 05 as well and it went 130mph. But the guy I sold it to said it was bored out to be bigger
@@larryrecar7574 I’ve had it up to a little over 115 once but that was a very rare moment. It felt like it had more to give but I backed off.
Thanks for the vids. I bought an 03 1500 classic from a friend who could no longer ride. I absolutely love it. Plenty of power, it feels great and it was a steal.
I've had 3 Vulcans all purchased new. A '96 1500 Classic, a 2002 1500 Mean Streak, and an '06 10'th anniversary 1500 Classic. All 3 bikes were amazing in ride and quality. Left them all bone stock except for Kawi's "Fire and Steel" Sissy bars and luggage racks on both Classic's and a set of Saddleman bags on the Mean Streak. Exceptional bikes for the price. That said, I now own a '09 Road Glide (purchased new) and I'm very happy with it. Again...bone stock with only Harley sissy bar and luggage rack. My favorite of them all was the Mean Streak. Best handling, ergos, suspension, and BEST FACTORY SEAT I've ever sat on. Took that bike to Nova Scotia and back (live in CT). None of them had less than 50K on them when sold (anniversary bike totaled in a slow speed accident where a car turned in front of me).
As for your comparison, I believe that the Vulcan can be more closely compared to a Softail Deluxe or Heritage in both size and weight. Wheel base, rake/trail, and frame geometry are all very similar. Harley FL's are a much larger bike.
The Vulcan would be more comparable to the Softail than the Road King. The saddle bags are soft sided and much smaller. That being said, there is no denying the Vulcans are great bikes. My 2015 Vulcan 900 Classic was a great bike. I looked into Vaqueros when it was time to upgrade, but I ultimately settled on my Road Glide.
Been riding my 2005 custom Vulcan Mean Streak for 13 years now, no doubt better bang for buck. I have every performance upgrade and the turns heads. I still love Harleys and can't knock 'em. Love the Road and Street Glides, and the new Fay Boys are beautiful.
I will have to say I had a Vulcan 1500 Classic back in the day and I will say I never had any issues with it until I was hit by a person that ran a stop sign. I came out ok of that but the bike didn't. I now at this time own a Harley Ultra Limited and love it, it is my second Harley in a row now just moved up from a Heritage Classic to the touring bike now( Had to make the wife happy on the back on those long rides). The thing is it is your money and your choice, the thing is with both you are on two wheels and in the wind. Personal preference and financials sometimes have to be the deciding factor also. I am a Harley owner and hate those guys out there that look down on those that aren't on a Harley, give it up and just let it be 2 Wheels and in the Wind. And now that I have retired from the Army I have to say the upgrade was also had to happen for me to the bigger more comfortable bike for my wife because we are logging some miles.
Well done
I just got off my Vulcan, love it so much I talked my brother into buying one...from you!! He is super excited for it to arrive!
Here in japan it’s an easy choice unless you’re a gaijin with HD riding friends. It makes total sense to buy the Vulcan and get the warranty and access to great mechanics and parts. In fact it should be obvious.
But when you have American buddies who only ride HD and anything else is looked down on, to the point they won’t ride with you or even have photos taken together on the ride., then the choice is not clear.
The human ego is a bizarre thing
Anyone that acts like that quickly loses "buddy" status. Don't have time for posers.
Japanese bikes are superior to Harley junk anyways. anyone with a common sense would take japanese
@@zhila5958 Not even close
@@humbleservant1294 too bad. you lack common sense. because no harley junk survived here where i live. japanese bikes however? they’re everywhere. some are even working since the 80s
@@zhila5958 I would say it’s you who lack the common sense my friend.
I love my 98 Vulcan 1500 Classic. Very comfortable, reliable, and sounds great. Bought it for $3000 five years ago and just oil changes and tires since then.
Wait what? "It's not what you ride it's where you are going?" as in "it's not the journey its the destination?" Hell, for me it's the opposite. Most rides, I have NO idea of where I'm going...I just get on my bike and either roll left or right out of my drive...NO idea where i'll end up lol.
Jez sayin.
it's what makes you happy when you look at it....
Its more like "it's not about what you're riding, it's about the journey and destination"...
I think you missed the point. Its not what your riding its where your going.....(Heaven or Hell)
@@DirtFishing I know, just kidding bud :-) ...I only care what I ride...and still have no idea where lol. Stay safe!
@@davej3736 I just like to get out and ride no matter where i'm going......;o)
My first “big bike” was a 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1500 Fi. Still my favorite bike of all time. Unmatched handling and perfect reliability. In 2012 went to a FLHR Road King, but still love the Nomad. Thanks for a nice Vulcan review.
How do you safely drive while talking and take both hands off the bars? Not good
Hey Sean watching your videos are a big part of why I bought my first bike
A 2009 Harley Nightster 1200
It’s awesome, only 6,800 miles on it
I really enjoy watching your vids and I like the scripture reading at the beginning of your vids
Love those low mileage Harleys' that travel on trailers and live under cover. Buy a metric bike and ride it--more smiles per mile.
Love Harley's, having said that it's impossible not to say these Kawa and Yama are not a better bang for the buck.
Daniel Hurst I have a '15 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 950, it just all around has such a quality feel to it. Everything is nice and solid, it rides very smooth, it has a huge aftermarket so building a unique bike is pretty easy and above Yamaha designed it perfectly, as It looks like a true sportster. I was blown away when I rode for the first time.
look up harley vs victory,harley is junk.bottom line
For the money, Kawasaki is layin' it down, especially if you are buying used... you can pick these big bikes up in great shape for tiny coin compared to harley. Not saying they're "better" but forv the money they are hard to beat...
@Brian Landers sure, absolutely. All I'm saying is that for the money Kawasaki makes a great bike.
I've got a harley that I personally would never part with, but I'd add kow to my fleet anytime. Especially if I wanted a sport bike. I really like the newer vulcans as well, I cant remember what the full dress Vulcan is called, but that is a really nice bike. My buddy has one, we swapped on and off for a trip to the smokeys last year, and I really liked it. I'd consider getting one if I ever had issues with my road king
trix4free vaquero.
I’ve had metrics. Currently ride an ‘06 Road King. The thing I like about Harleys is the design. I think they look better. The body work is steel. You won’t find plastic chrome on a HD. Everything is metal. You get the sound and feel. I’ve punched out baffles and swapped pipes. It’s the motor. Its a different vibe and feel. The $$$ on a used Harley is well spent IMHO as you’ll get it back and you can score a great used bike with low miles for $7-8k Metrics are great bikes! Amazing value and a different feel and vibe that’s great if you want a great dependable smooth rider. I love them all but just wanted to point out the Harleys have an edgier feel, more visceral and raw that some may or may not be into. I equate it to guitars. You can have a real Gibson Les Paul or another brand that’s a “copy” but doesn’t have the same lines, materials, and vibe. If you’re riding it’s all good!
I had a 05 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 and a 05 Yamaha V-STAR1100 . I rode the 500 mostly around town and have taken 2 K mile trips with no problems and the 1100 as well . The bigger bike was a bit more comfy and could carry a lot more . I liked them both . The Yamaha was a bagger and the Kaw was a street cruiser .
I agree with ur commentary completely, ur a good guy, surely ur name is written in the lambs book of life...
I have owned two Vulcans. The first one (VN1600) caught fire on the highway after the clutch went out. I previously rode that bike for many, many miles with no problems. I had the bike in a Honda dealer shop to install a fuel commander, which is why I think it gave up the ghost. I bought a '12 VN1700 Nomad with less than 2K miles for about $8k with the insurance money. I put on a K&H exhaust and had the ECM Ivanis.
I test rode a '19 Road King Ultra. It was nice, but the HD dealer wanted $24k for the bike with 19k miles. I am now looking for a Voyager. They are great bikes that are far less expensive than an HD and have a better value.
If you're into HD, buy a Road King, but if you are into riding... well, you know.
I love mine. I bought it used. It was 5 years old with 4k miles. I put 10k on in the first year. Such a great city commuter.
I think I might just buy two Vulcan's, HD have always been overpriced and definitely not value for 💰 Yeah they look cool but dress a Vulcan up a little and look just as cool and save a truck load of cash 😁
Yep i agree I got mine for 3000 put some cobras stripped it down and this thing is legit
I agree 💯😊 $$$
And you will probably have way better service and alot less headaches,I own a 2003 vulcan classic 1600 great bike!
I started riding on a HD Dyna Low-Rider in 2006... traded it in for a new HD Electra-Glide Classic in 2008 because I wanted to do some touring. In 2017, (after not having a bike for 7 years) I bought a 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 with only 4K miles on it. Why? Because it cost me $6400. I couldn't touch a Harley bagger with comparable mileage for that kind of coin. I LOVED my Kawi Vulcan and named it "Roadrunner" because of the wimpy sounding OEM horn. The Vulcan had a custom color-matched Memphis Shades batwing fairing and windshield... this bike was badass... but, I was having HD withdrawal symptoms so 10 months later I sold it and bought a 2006 HD Electra-Glide Ultra Classic with 28K miles for under $10K. This bike has a super-bad custom paint job, auxiliary lighting, pulsing LED brake light. Oh yes... and 40 skulls...14 in the paint and 26 in controls and other places. I've since added a set of 130 db Howard's Hog Horns, a rider backrest, luggage rack, taller windshield, triple fairing pouch, etc. Next month I'm off for a 2500 mile ride. I think metric bikes are great... well engineered, and very dependable. I just bought son his first bike- a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 with only 3700 miles on it. Vulcans are GREAT bikes... but what can I say? I'm addicted to Hogs!
I own a 1994 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 en. It’s fantastic for me! The engine has only done 22,000 miles and is still purring sweet. I’m looking at maybe getting the new Vulcan S 650 as its pretty cool. Great review.
I own a vulcan 500. Great bike, great motor. Do you still own it?
Vulcan 1700 line, introduced back in 2009, consisted of 5 variants - Classic, LT, Nomad, Vaquero and Voyager. I think they're down to two models, Vaquero and Voyager in US, totally discontinued in Europe. Vulcan series has been unchanged since it's inception, with exception of ABS added in 2010 I believe, different exhaust tips and heat management... Classic and LT - no cruise control, two exhaust pipes on the right, Nomad, Vaquero and Voyager - yes cruise control, located on the right side, one exhaust pipe on each side . All in all, fantastic bikes...
i am planning to buy voyager 2016 model, what is your opinion??
@@Diesel6Power i think i go for the nomad 2010 model, can i travel easy long distances with her?
@@Diesel6Power thanks a lot
Vulcans are a great option for those folks who don't want to pay the harley prices. They are great bikes I have 4 of them now. The big boy is my VN2000 with a 125 CI 2053CC motor!!! LOVE IT!!!!
My Honda has a smaller engine. Honda civic. Car. What the heck, dude? :-)
My Vulcan is a 2009 when I was in Sturgis upgrades my seat to the Ultimate I recommend getting brand no matter what bike you’re on it’s great....!!!!!
Kawasaki Vulcans are excellent coming from a hd rider...
i plan to own one of both currently riding a vulcan S and looking to add a iron 1200 to the stable.
I’ve got a Vulcan 500 en from 1994. Love it! Would love a Harley as a weekend ride but my old Vulcan is just so easy for everyday rides
@@flounder2760 sportsters are the best bike Harley had ever made or will ever make so that's a good choice fam
Yes its better than all hardly Davidson
Checking back in after picking up a '94 Vulcan 88... I wanted to hate it, but it's actually not bad at all. It's the only big cruiser I've ridden, so I can't compare it to Harley's big twins, and obviously it isn't comparable to Sportsters or the UJMs I've had, but overall it's a very nice bike, especially for being that old.
I had a 2003 Vulcan 1500 and a friend had a 2003 Road King. I rode both. The Vulcan seemed more manageable to ride I think because the weight is lower where the Road King felt top heavy.
I've always loved Vulcans. I prefer the 900 Custom for the skinny 22in front tire and slanted forks. That baby leans like a sport bike and runs great in corners. But I recently but a 1200 Nightster and loving it so far.
I had a 2008 Vulcan 1500. Brand new out the door I paid $7,800 for it back then. The two guys that work one had a roadking the other one I forgot what he had. Best bike I ever had. 4 valves per cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled. All I did was put Cobra pipes on it. Never had to do any adjustments on the throttle bodies or nothing. Never backfired ran like a champ. Close race with the road king but I was able to take him every time. He used to get ticked off because everybody at work told him you paid 21 Grand for your bike and look what Danny got for $7,800 a hell of a lot better bike. They used to aggravate him about it oh, and he would get mad at me. I love that bike I wish I never had to sell it
I had a Vulcan 1600 and loved it. The plus was great shifter that was easy to find gears. Draw back was it was the clumsiest bike I've ever driven at slow speeds. My VTX 1800 replaced it and handles so much better but wished I had that shifter because Honda's transmission shifter stinks. Real trick finding neutral.
On the other hand, I still want to drive a Road King. It's got to be a good handling bike because there are a lot of fat old out of shape guys driving them around with ease and not dropping them and I know they couldn't do that with a Kawasaki.
I have a 2009 that is identical to this one you are riding (even color). My Vulcan has standard electronic cruise control. The shifts are a loud (mostly from first to second because of positive neutral finder) but shifting is very nice otherwise (I have never missed a gear and shifts feel good).
I had a 1600 Vulcan classic 06 until last week and loved it but now I’m on a road glide 18 was time for a change and always wanted a Harley
I love my Vulcan 800. Really looks good after a few aftermarket parts. Just hard to find
I got my vulcan 800 not long ago in a nice sapphire blue and man is it a great bike
I went from a 08 Vulcan 1600 to a 09 Road king.....big difference, perfomance handling everything....its like your trying to compare apples to oranges.
Like,how you start all your test rides with scripture, I pray recovery time my wife and I climb on our trike. Love the videos , stay safe.
KAWASAKI VULCAN is Definitely a Badass, Mile's more reliable.
I own a 05 vulcan and I love it
This guy is the sole reason I went for a Vulcan for my next/current bike. 06 1500 classic with 12 inch apes love it to death
LOVE THE SCRIPTURE READING
This was my first cruiser transitioning from sport bike. A 2012 900 Classic... hard to let it go, but I was ready for a change. sold it to my neighbors nephew that wanted to ride cross country after his deployment. He met a girl in Colorado... she hopped on and he sold it when they got to Vegas and they got married. Kills me bc I would have bought it back!!!! Great bike.
I would love to buy a HD but I found my Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic for $3000 and I'm very happy with it. Its a little heavy, which took some getting used to, and the transmission is a little hinkey (probably due to the age -- its a ''98), but otherwise its fun and fast. Its my first bike and I'm having a ton of fun. Harleys are great bikes but the price is prohibitive for a lot of Joe-six-packs like me.
Brother. Just wondering your height and weight? I’m 5’5 130. Currently have a Yamaha vstar 650 and made a long solo trip from upstate ny to Tampa Florida. Long way avoided major highways. I’m looking for more power now but concerned about the weight of the 1500 at slow speeds I may be trading my bike for a 97 1500
I thought the Nomad was their version of the road king and the Vulcan is their version of the heritage. Love my 04 Vulcan 1500 classic... Hate to say it but it's a better ride than my street glide, and I'll put twice the miles on it than the Harley, and the best part is I only paid $2,600 for the bike! There's nothing wrong with riding metric bikes as a matter of fact every Harley-Davidson in production today has Chinese Parts on them!
Your right,harley davidson has a lot of foreign parts on them but misinformed folks still think it is all american.Far as metric cruisers go the majority have radiators which is a big plus in heavy slow moving traffic and the benefit of that is great.Peace bro and ride safe.
Tim Nelson right on brother my Vulcan 1500 classic is water cooled and I plan on putting a lot more miles on her take care buddy
Indeed all of Harley Davidson parts are made in China, Japan, United kingdom, just to name a few. Parts are then shipped to the US and assembled here. I'm old school. I liked the chromed out look of any cruiser. I own a Harley Davidson Softail Deuce. It was and still is my 1st bike. Click my face if you care to take a look at'er. I am looking for my next big cruiser, and it seems that a kawasaki Vulcan 1700 very well could fit the bill. No matter what you ride stay safe.
Sounds like the Jetsons car
@@twouppers4541 I have the 1700 Vaquero. Love it, great bike. You'll need to make it yours by adding this or that, but the foundation is great.
I had a 07 Kawasaki 2000 classic. I loved it!! So much toqure and power.. I never should have gotten rid of it. ☹️
Owing both a 2015 Vulcan LT Classic and a 2018 Road King Special. I love my Road King over the Vulcan. Hands Down. The ride is so much more enjoyable and comfortable. My wife who has bad knees is not score on long rides. I took my Road King from Iowa to North Carolina a 948 mile trip in one day. Something I know I could never do in the Vulcan. Hard lockable bags over synthetic leather. More customization options on the Harley making it my own versus a cookie cutter. But don't take my word for it. Get on both and ride both. Just because I love my Harley doesn't mean its for you. Get on something you love, and not what everyone else wants you to ride. Forget the peer pressure and make your own decisions.
RK all the way! My 2013 is a one off. Looks nothing like stock. 65k trouble free miles. 810 lbs and I can throw it around in the city, twisties, and dirt roads. Had a bunch of metrics and still do. Rk's my favorite bike ever.
That clunky feeling and sounding shifts from the Japanese bikes is from the forward controls. I had an '03 VTX1800c that I replaced the stock forward controls with a set of billet aluminum and it was night and day difference! It felt smoother and easier to get into gears with the longer throw. And it no longer sounded like I was dropping a hammer in a bucket every time it shifted into a gear.
I'm glad it's not just me. I bought an 07 Vulcan 2000 classis Lt and could not believe how loud the shifting was.
Mine clatters 1st 2nd. Now I double clutch in 2nd it shifts. Better Think it's the clutch? V2K.
@@Rozys-l1q could be a worn out clutch fork allowing the dogs to clatter, a worn bearing, or a broken clutch spring. Unfortunately, you'll have to pull it apart and inspect the parts to know for sure.
@@jfknospe1 thanks. I'll be gentle with it. 🇭🇲
Man I really like how you say a proverb and give thanks 👍
Well, if you're bothered about a reliability, comfort, low running costs and not dying, then buy a Vulcan. I had a farboy, I loved that bike, but God's teeth it was a pig to maintain, now I have a VN1500 Drifter, no stress at all, but finding bis for it is a nightmare! At least with HD you'll never have an issue finding parts.
Im impressed with Kawasaki
I have a vulkin...I just want to say..I loved my street glide 107... amazing ride...rode from Oklahoma to PA in 20 hours...
I had a Vulcan Nomad for 10 years. Only spent $400 on repairs in those 10 years. It was a very good bike with 2 exceptions... Seat comfort for long rides, and cruise control for long rides. If you want a afternoon runner to go have some fun with these are great bikes that won't break the bank! If you going to go cross country, then you may want to upgrade.
I own a 2001 Kawasaki vn 800 and it's such a great bike. Smooth and super easy to ride. I absolutely love it.
I have 97 vn 800 classic. Not so smooth and I can't seem to figure why, but I do enjoy it greatly.
I just got home from riding my '09 Vulcan nomad. Just like this bike except with hard bags and cruise control. I love it.
FYI the first year of the 1700's was '09. The nomad had cruise control, your model looks like the 1700 LT which doesn't have cruise control.
Just bought a 1993 Vulcan 1500. I really like it SUPER clean, one owner, garage kept, 15,000 miles. Im not an expert on riding. Any info or advice would be appreciated. God bless
I bought a new 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan Meanstreak in 06. love the bike so much I decided to keep it. After buying a new 2018 Harley Road Glide last year. I refuse to buy HD until they upgraded the engines. Harley M8 has a lot of similarities as my 05 Vulcan 1600. 4 valves per cylinder, dual spark plugs per cylinder and a counter balancer. I love my new Harley, but my Vulcan has never been to the shop since new, only for tires and oil change. My HD been in for a defective front wheel, power plug smoked when I tried to charge my phone, and a clutch recall. Kawasaki makes solid bikes, I only have 3K on my Harley and I do feel its solid as well.
The Nomad's (almost identical to this except the color matched hard bags) have everything you need, nothing you don't.
The "significantly cheaper" is accurate. I bought a 2007 1600 nomad new from the dealer for 11k. The comparable Harley (which I did consider) was nearing 20k.
Hydraulic lifters, automatic cam tensioner, I am just shy of 90,000 miles on my 07 and beyond gas, oil, tires, brakes, it has required astoundingly little in maintenance costs.
This bike looks almost exactly like mine except the bigger motor. The paint scheme is identical tool.
I have loved the bike (still have it) and it fires up and runs like a champ every time.
For me, the Harley was just priced out of my range as the only disqualifying factor.
I just bought my first kawasaki Vulcan S 650 cafe; and I keep up with HD, Dina or dinos. And triumph. It's an awesome bike, 160 kph restricted
sean, FYI and to answer your question: 2009 was the first year of this bike you're testing in this vid. I have the 2008 Nomad, almost a completely different animal from what you have there. Mine is the last year of the 1600cc, 5-speed , shaft driven unit. Even the fenders, saddle bags, and switch gear are slightly different. Other than that you're description of the Vulcan line is pretty accurate on how their line up compares to Harleys. Nothing against HD, but I feel I got a great bike for the money, as is the case with most metrics. Commonly people will also add a memphis shades batwing unit to the Nomad (as mine had when I picked it up last June) which expands its usability and competition with Harley street glide as well. Great Video.
The last 9 years of my police career I was a motor officer on a 1999 Road King. (KZ1000 before that) When I retired what I missed most was riding. However, on a cop's pension a Harley wasn't in my realm. I looked and looked and found my Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad, sat on it, test drove it and was sold. I went back to the academy with it and did our advanced 3 "gauntlet' course and ran it smoother than I used to do it with the Road King. I love Harleys but this has been my bike ever since. Cheap to keep too.
I had a 2010 Vulcan 900 special edition a few years back, possibly the best bike I ever owned, it even had a backfire profile built in (great for the little villages) Loved the bike, comfy, reliable, great on fuel,,,, NOW, I have a Softail Night train 88 twin cam carb model. (took me a long time to find one). I am in love, I will never change.. If you have to ask why, you dont understand.
Got an 05 Vulcan Nomad 1600D and it's an amazing ride. Wouldn't trade or give it up for nothing.
I put 93,000 miles on an 07 Vulcan 900 and finally replaced it with a 2010 Vulcan 1700. The 1700 had less than 20K miles and has a Mustang seat -- I love the bike. Well balanced, handles well and inspires confidence when riding. If you can't afford the Harley, give the 1700 family of bikes consideration - I really don't think you'll be disappointed.
Always love your videos Sean. Reviews AND the scripture. I agree with your perspective that there's a bike for everybody, so there's no need to bash. Ride on!
For me it’s about sound and feel of the Harley that I like, and satisfaction of working on what I’m riding. others seem too be a little too smooth but are very good and reliable bikes just not the same rumble as I get from my HD
I had a 1500 2003 Vulcan Nomad for13 years. Just sold it and bought a Roadliner. Downside to Vulcan was the poor front suspension....wobbly takeoff and low speed manoeuvring. Test rode Road Kings....they had far better front setup. In Australia Harleys are very expensive....and I have another bike and cars...so much so I expect to accept less negative drawbacks.
The Nomad was comfortable ...has good gearing for open road. It lacked the low down thump of air cooled ohv vtwins....like older Harleys. The Nomad i sold had 60000 miles was reliable ....shiny...roomy....they are very good....and not costing on a Porsche or Audi level
Not brag, but to give a review, I have a 2000 Vulcan 1500 Classic. It has Vance&Hines straightshots, and sounds so nice. The ride is so smooth, its light for its size, and cruises so well. Its an all around comfortable bike, and I must say, the braking is good and strong. Mine has dual hydraulic disk, so that obviously makes it better, but its still easy as heck to control. Great Bike especially for newer riders who want a Harley but are afraid of the bills if you drop it. I always did like Kawasaki over other imports because they seem to be doing everything right when it comes to torque outputs for their engines.
I had the first year (2009) Kawasaki Voyager ABS. It turned out not to be the bike my dreams were made of. It wasn't as smooth shifting as my Nomad, the cruise control wandered up and back constantly which was quite annoying. The radio was awful. I found the motor/transmission ratios mismatched if that makes any sense at all. I sold it after one year of riding and one year of sitting and bought a Harley Ultra Limited. Our 22nd bike. Problem solved! Now after 6 years of riding the Harley, every time I get on I think "Wow" and once settled in for a ride on a nice day I ask my wife "how far do you think we could go on this bike?" Trust me, if that is the way you feel on whatever you are riding, guess what - you have found the right one!
I ride a 2005 kawasaki vulcan nomad 1600. Bought it used for 3 thousand bucks. I've done a few things to it, but enjoy riding it regardless. I agree it doesn't matter what you're ridin, but where you're going.
I have 2001 Vulcan 800 love it gets the wind in my face 👍
Great video. I really fell for the Indian tribute bikes Kawasaki did based on the 1950’s era Indian Chiefs. Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter 1500’s and 800’s. So they used the Harley and Indian models to design from. All bikes are awesome. You have a great business and job.
i own a 1999 Vulcan Nomad 1500. great bike, never a problem. i bought it from a guy getting a divorce he had a Roadking and a Nomad both for sale. i asked which was his favorite he said the Nomad. i bought it for 4k with basically no mileage on it and half the price of the Harley and never looked back. it has Vance and Hines bagger exhaust and the carb has been re-jetted and has a KN filter. i am told this year engine is a single pin crank design like a Harley with the overhead cam. sounds nice, rides nice, looks nice, and is very dependable. never owned a Harley, this is just fine for me.
Just bought my first bike it’s a 2004 Vulcan 750. Got a great deal and couldn’t be any happier with her!
Congrats!
KAWASAKI and Yamaha both offer multiple cruisers superior to the HD counterparts, in both price and power.
I’d love to try it, I’m sure it’s a great bike. But my gut feeling is that there’s no way it can make me feel as good as ridin my Road King. The sound and the feel...
I have the Vulcan S and I think japanese cruiser are great. Good quality and not too expensive. Unfortunately I can't ignore the sound. Talking about the sound, no cruiser is compareable to HD or maybe Indian. I wish I wouldn't think that way but I think someday I will switch to HD or Indian.
It's me again. Two years owning with 0 issues. Parts somewhat cheaper. Rides nice. Stock seat gets uncomfortable after an hour. I use Airhawk pad but different seat would be best solution.
How do you rate the Vulcan along side of the Yamaha Roadstar?
The Vulcan is a good bike ) I own a road king btw. The only gripe I have is the saddlebags on the Vulcan are crap..
This bike he's riding seriously needs some decent pipes. I have an '08 Nomad 1600 with a Cobra exhaust, and it sounds fantastic!
Ok I'm a Road King rider myself and yes it goes hard but that Vulcan would only have to have more than 54.6mm (2 1/4 inches) of rear suspension travel and no hinge in the middle of the chassis for it to be better, no it doesn't make my heart flutter like my Road King but I bet my back would love it. No cruise control would suck though.
Had a SGS and sold it to buy the Vulcan Nomad 1700. Best thing I’ve done in awhile. Oh, the 2011’s have cruise.
I have never owned anything but Harley's and old Indian chiefs but I have been looking at the Kawasaki 1500 for a road trip. They are around pretty cheap and you're getting a lot of bike for the money and if something happen to it on the road better it than one of my Harley's.
Neighbor had one of these " cheaper " Nomads and spent a Year trying to sell ( give it away ) and couldn't get anyone to bite. This was during the real motorcycle riding days a few years back. Loved His new Harley.
2001 Vulcan 1500 My Harley friends really Give Great Compliments on my Vulcan. Heck some that don't know say Great Harley till they realize it's A Vulcan they are truly surprised. Great bike Loving it .. Respect to Harley Davidson Riders .
I’m curious thoughts on this bike vs the Yamaha Stratoliner?
Heritage vs Vulcan would make more scense. I had a Vulcan and now I have a RoadKing.
If you like cleaning your bike and working on your bike yourself and want to go long distances get road king, short distance quick riding and reliability over sound and performance go with Vulcan. I will say I love my roadking but I liked my Vulcan to. I did go far with it but you had to really push it.
Harley is a status symbol. They are fantastic motorcycles. They are also fanatically over priced. I can get the equivalent for literally half the price or less? Well thank God for that I love riding I would love a Harley been riding since the 80's ridden Harleys, Hondas, Suzukis, Kawasaki BMW, triumphs, bsas, buy what you like that you can afford and just ride
Hi thanks for sharing!
Could you tell me what causes the clunking when you shifting up and down?
I've noticed it in other different motorcycles out there as well,the one you've demonstrated is my favorite but to me it's such a downside and it's really annoying! it kind of not wanting me to get that one when I really like everything else about it and it's giving me a feel like something is on its way breaking.
Thank you for responding back in advance!
Kawasaki has electronic cruise control, lower right handle bar.
It works great.
I have a 2009 Kawasaki 1700 Nomad. Exact same color scheme you are riding.
OK, I love the big 4 Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, when it comes to dirt bikes, enduros, ATVs, side-by-sides, etc. Though I’m not a bullet bike guy, the four of them knock it out of the park with those types of bikes. For some reason, though, I can’t get on board with their Harley style bikes. I know they’re great bikes, but it feels like you’re pretending to have a Harley. And I’ve never owned a Harley, so it’s not like I’m a big “Harley guy.” Great video, though. Thanks for posting!
Nothing you said had any meaning. You missed both reasons why I ride a Harley (and mine is a 1997 model) When you stopped, I did not see the mirrors shaking, and you yourself said it was smooth, like that was a good thing. Not to me it isn't. A Harley shakes like crazy at idle, then smooths out a bit at cruising speeds. But you can always feel that engine hammering away down there. The second thing is sound. Newer Harleys have messed that up a bit. But my 1997 Superglide ( the least expensive Harley big twin) with aftermarket slip ons, makes an absolutely beautiful sound, both at idle, under acceleration, and at cruising speed. It has that wonderful offbeat idle no other v-twin has, it sounds like a top fuel dragster under hard acceleration, and it has a low pitched throaty rumble at cruising speed. I heard nothing but a bit of gear whine from the Kawasaki. The Vulcan does look good, but that's all it is. Looks, no substance. The Japanese know how to build an engine with the same characteristics as the Harley engine, they simply refuse to do so. And unless they do, I will never ride one again.
As for maintenance, yes Harleys require a bit more. But I am an auto mechanic by trade, and I enjoy working on mechanical things. Especially mechanical things without computers or electronics. I am a vintage bike and car fanatic. New, computerized, smooth, and quiet are not for me. My stock EVO engine should last at least 100,000 miles, then I will rebuild it. You can't do that with Japanese bikes, or even newer Harleys.
I had an 04 Vulcan 1600 mean streak and now I have an 01 Vulcan 1500 classic. I've owned an 01 HD Dyna that was a 1450cc. And I gotta say that it seems the Vulcans had less power than my Dyna. But they ran great! My Dyna ran great too though, but was 3x the cost haha
2005 1600 valcan nomad best cruiser I ever owned have no problem finding accessories Rocky Mountain motor cycle and Amazon or eBay
i had had a 2003 nomad ..i loves that bike .. it was just like a road king .
I like your attitude. I like smaller bikes.. you get to wring them out a bit more... it's all in what you like...just get your ass on the bike and enjoy it! I have a Vespa and a Motorcycle... they each have their place and enjoy them both. Vespa in town, Motorcycle on the road. No prejudice. There is the camaraderie of two wheeled living..a shared risk.. you want to feel close to the edge? Ride a Vespa at 70mph... it feels like you're sitting on a 70mph barstool. But riding a 500cc single is fun too... thumping along country lanes..
You touched on a comparison, but, didn't really dive into it...you said you'd expect the maintenance costs to be lower on the Kawasaki. To me, that speaks to quality and reliability. I assume (and published stats confirm) that Kawasakis are more reliable than HDs. Not bashing, quoting stats. The cost of maintenance is, to be sure, a consideration, but, to me that's secondary to reliability. I need a bike that'll get me there, and get me home. Even if I could afford the more expensive maintenance, I can't afford to get stranded. What's your take? What's your experience, since you're happy with both? And remember, it's not JUST about where you going. It's about having a friend there to open the door when you get there.
i just bought a 94 vulcan 1500. i know you havent done any vulcan videos on one that old but it is SWEET.
This is late, but I just bought a 09 vulan 1700 with 17k miles on it for 5k! I live the hell out of it. My buddy has an ex policeman screaming eagle, and wishes he had mine! So there it is... Ride safe and love it all the time! Yehaw
Vaquero is closer to a Road Glide, not Street Glide because the fairing is fixed on the vaquero.