Kawasaki Vulcan 500 Review
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- My review of the Kawasaki Vulcan 500. I have had this bike for almost two years and wanted to share my thoughts on the bike. If you are looking for a first bike or are interested in the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 this video may interest you. I appreciate all the reviews on RUclips and have found them very helpful; I hope you find this video helpful.
I just bought this exact bike. BEFORE I saw this review. And now I feel much better about it. Ever since I passed my training course, I have had my heart set on one of these as I have heard nothing but good things about it being a good starter bike. As a matter of fact, a biker buddy of mine said, "it's the perfect starter bike". I don't know how many people agree, but I now feel I made a good buy. $3100 out the door, and the dealer says I'll get pretty much most of that back if / when I want to sell / trade it. THANK YOU SO MUCH for a wonderful review.
Is this good for a 6'2" guy?
Not sure. I'm 5'10". My son is slightly taller and he doesn't like it. I'd say, if you can find one, try it on for size. You're the only one who'd know. I hope this helps.
You can try, I doubt it. I'm only 5' 7" and it fits me perfectly so it's got to feel tight to someone 6' 2"
I think it's a great starter bike. It's pretty fast but not fast enough to encourage you to get killed. But you won't get bored fast like a 250 either. It's 46 HP and that's not bad.
Do you still have it? If so what are your thoughts after three years? I'm thinking of getting one.
Pretty much right on point with that review of the Vulcan 500cc, I bought mine last April, as my first bike i had just taken the course and got my license, and since then I try to ride 60 to 70 miles every day I can, I've put a little over 17,000 miles on it with no complaints!! Looking to step up to the Vulcan s650 as soon as possible!! Ride safe, and enjoy!!
Great video! My son just bought one. He’s loving it, has never driven a bike before and he’s been riding around already like a pro! It’s a beautiful bike. I have already forwarded him this video. Thanks for your review, appreciate it.
Great review. Am a new rider, looking for a used cruiser. Have been looking at Rebel 250's but now think I will expand my search to the Vulcan 500. Thank you.
It's a LOT more bike than the Rebel 250. For not a lot more money or even the same money.
Don't buy the rebel . Great bike but you'll want bigger within 6 months . Go with the 500 vulcan . Awesome bike .
Great review!
I been riding on and off for over 20 years and I still love my 250 Rebel for city runs. The 250 Rebel is very under power but so nimble for city applications. I’m 5’-6” so the Rebel is a bit small but this Vulcan 500 will be perfect. I test drove the Vulcan 500 before. This bike is not slow by any mean. In fact it’s engine is the same engine of the Ninja 500 sport bike so it’s smooth n accelerates quite quickly compare to the typical cruiser. I’m trying to get one.
I've got a 1997 version and it looks just like this. Plenty fast enough for me. Update: Been five months and I've put over 4000 miles on it. I can't get enough and it fits me perfectly. I've been riding down to 45 degrees and just ordered heated gloves.
My thanks to the poster. This video was very helpful to me when I was shopping for a first bike about a year ago. I put about ten thousand miles on mine, and would recommend it to anyone as a great general purpose starter bike. I expect that this video will be getting views for a long time, and I'm too lazy to make my own review, so I thought I would add a couple of notes here from my own experience.
First, I think this class of bike is an excellent choice for new riders. The cruiser(ish) configuration puts the center of gravity low, which makes the bike feel much lighter than a sport bike or adventure bike the same weight would feel. It also means decent sized saddle bags can be had that provide enough storage to make the bike practical for generally getting around. I read a lot of opinions about staying with a small light bike to start. I worried about going as big as 500cc (so many recommend 250s). With this bike, from the first test ride, I never felt uncomfortable with the weight or power. And when I decided to start commuting on it, it always had enough power to keep me moving through traffic. I traded it in for a bike better suited to commuting in the rain--I never felt like I outgrew the Vulcan.
Finally, a couple of specifics for this bike that I don't believe Alan mentioned in this video. The Vulcan 500 doesn't seem to be as popular as some others (like the V-Star 650) for whatever reason--I suspect the looks--which has the side effect that customization options are comparatively limited. If you start doing serious miles and go shopping for a more comfortable seat, for example, you won't find as many options for this bike. If you're looking for a long-term bike, that could be important. On the up side, if you're planning to work on the bike yourself, the parallel twin engine configuration on the Vulcan 500 may save you some work (if it's not clrear what I'm talking about, find a video or two of some poor guy wrestling the carbs out from between the cylinders of a V-Twin).
Happy riding!
Very nice video. I sent it to my son who is finally getting around to shopping for his first bike, and he's a DOCTOR. You told him almost exactly the same things I told him, but you know how kids are. It's always more credible if it's not your parents telling it, especially if it's on RUclips. Thanks for taking the trouble to post that. There's a lot to be learned there for anybody getting a bike for the first time.
I'm just getting back in . I bought a vulcan 500 with 19000 on it for 900 bucks 2006 . Love it . I've owned 03 vstar 650, 83 golfing,honda 750 ,sportster . Love this so far . I pulled the tank to repair a large dent & paint it . This has got me in the wind again at 65 yrs young . Love it....
Great review . Im keeping mine .Been riding 40 yrs , many models and cc sizes later . Flat love it
What a great review! One of the best I've seen on RUclips. Thanks.
Thanks
Great review !! Thanks for taking the time - lots of info, pix and always good to hear first-hand experiences.
Really helpful and informative !! been looking for a solid Kawasaki Vulcan 500 video review this was extremely well done. Thank you!
Great review...like, really great. My first experience with bikes was 12 years ago and I rode for 2 months, had a nasty scare, parked it and sold it the next day.
Fast forward 12 years...Needed to scratch the itch again and looked for months at different options...fell in love with the Vulcan 500 ...missed one by about an hour and another popped up the next day that I bought. I haven't had it out more than a few minutes down the laneway but I am in love AND this review helped solidify the feeling I made the right choice! Thanks for video...really enjoyed it.
Came across your review of nine years ago lol! Good review. I wondered about the countryside and then see you’re in Oregon - thought I recognized the type of area and was sure that was Mt Hood. I’m from Vancouver, BC.
The Vulcan is a very comfortable bike at higher speeds (60-80mph). The bike is very stable (no wobbles) and is smooth (very little vibration). The only issue I had was the wind. Without a windscreen the headwind is noisy and can bounce your head around a bit. Once you get over 70 the acceleration is slow (going from 70 mph to 80 mph takes a couple of seconds).
Yeah i Need a windscreen too
Awesome review!
Looking at one I’m interested in buying and couldn’t find alot of videos on this bike. This video was really helpful! 😁 Thank you!!
The 6:19 skid was awesome. You have to practice skills to get good and to know the limits of your bike... well done and great video... thank you.
I use to own a 440Ltd model that my dad bought me back in the 80's. I'm looking for a midsized cruiser for him now. This looks like a good buy if I can find a used one. They don't make many small cruiser bikes now days.
That'd be so cool, he bought you one and you bought him one decades later.
Hey man, great review and thanks. i've made up my mind by watching this video and i've decided that i'm going to buy this bike. i'm still a beginner and with my height (5ft10) this bike much more suitable for me.
Have owned a 2005 for a month or so and love it. I’m 6’ and found it’s slightly cramped and I need to upgrade… but this bike is all around A+ for what it is. I rode 1000cc years ago and got this dirt cheap to get back into it, and it’s plenty good enough power wise for any traffic.
This is an excellent review. Very thorough, especially for newbies.
Thanks for sharing!
I'm looking at getting one here today for $300 lol. It doesn't run but figured for $300 i can fix it up and still be fine on my investment and been reading that this would be a good first bike for me even though im 6'4
Great bike, I enjoy my 2009 a lot, very nimble in traffic very quick.
Have a '91 Vulcan 500 too. I love it, 3 hour round trip every day, and it takes it like a charm. Only problem is that I gotta change oil every 1500 miles before it sounds funny (I know recommended is 500 miles). Just wish I didn't crash it last week :(
I want a Honda Shadow 600 to 750 ,but this is a great review,and I would definitely consider the Vulcan 500 as my starter bike...Subscribed
I love my Vulcan 500. It can outrun a lot of bigger cruisers and no one expects it. 0-60 in about 5 secs
just bought a 2009 vulcan 500 today 7k miles $1650 cash. looking forward to enjoying my first motorcycle
Im looking at a 05 500cc vulcan with 4.8k miles. You think $1500 is a good price? Im tryna resell it
@@TrumpWonGetOverIt i am prolly not the person to ask, but where i am that seems like a good deal to me. my limited understanding is these are the same bike in essence from the mid 90s to 2009. just expect to maybe have to clean the carbs or something if the guy hasnt ridden it in a year or so like mine. so i would leave some room for work like that which may pop up is my advice, unless you do your own work. like 20-500 aside just in case, dont spend all your "bike money" on the bike itself lol
@@MrBraffZachlin bought it. Runs like new hell yeah!
Great choice . You'll love it
Alan, Awesome insights on video. Just completed 3-day riding class this past weekend and now searching for 1st bike. Leaning towards a cruiser - yamaha vstar, vulcan, or suzuki. thanks again, very informative you tube post.
Thanks. Have you found a bike?
Not yet. Just starting search now. Targeting a low mileage used asian bike, 500 - 750cc.
hey what bike did you get
Can you raise the seats on these if you are a little on the tall side?
Im a new rider, and found my 2002 500 for $800. It does need the front fork seals replaced but otherwise it’s great!
I have a 92 Vulcan 500. I don't know how much has changed between my year model and yours but at 50MPH, I can drop a gear and be doing 75-80 in a couple seconds. If you aren't in the power band of your current gear and you just open the throttle, yeah it'll take longer to get up to speed.
Thank you, Alan. You might by now be well sick of answering comments, but I am in the early stages, and same boat as you were, i.e. looked at a few of the 250s, and the first most prominent suspected possible is a Yamaha V-Star 650, Classic.
In a nut, I had a cpl years of scootering under my belt a few years ago, daily driving, and only some big empty spaces sits on a friends old Yamaha 700, many years ago (and one ride on a Goldwing). I'm 5'8, strong for my size, etc, but SAFETY is the deal (once a day, on two wheels, it seemed somebody tried to kill you, not on purpose).
WHile I love the look of the Vstar best, the Classic, the big mud guard, fatter front tire, low to the ground style, etc...I have of course read that they are buzzy/vibrate at 65 and up. Not that I expect to do extended trips that way, but it is a drawback (fly in every one of these's ointments, some kind of way, nothing is perfect).
Have come across many saying your Vulcan is stronger anyway, i.e. the Ninja engine...lighter....than the Yamaha, i.e. no concerns on the freeway. The price range on either model, where I am looking.
**Now that I wasted all your time (sorry), I would add that if and after, downline, i ride one of these two middleweight cruisers a spell, the bike I think I like a lot, my cieling, is a Triumph (America, or maybe a Bonneville), 790cc used, think they bumped them up to 865 handful of years ago.
Thank you for a VERY well done video, for we beginners. **The other point I ran across, which despite my particular preference of look for the VStar Classic (fatter front tire, fat forks, fat mudguard look), SOME do say that they are STILL after a cpl years a little tough to manuever in traffic (not sure if that is owing to the added weight or the design), which is my biggest safety concern--not a fan of between the lines pulling up to lights anyway.
PEACE
Great video Alan very nicely done
Great video on the Kawasaki Vulcan 500,what weight is it?
Unfortunately, not yet. I just sold my 1988 Honda Shadow 600 and I'm saving for either a sport-y Ninja 500R or 650R. Hope fully I'll get it before school starts in 45 days! Safe riding to you also.
I have the same bike. Love it. I'm 5'9" weigh 160 lbs, my wife is 5'2" weighs 110...we're fine on it. Mine's the last model year 09...what about yours? Looks same. :)
Thanks I just got one like ur video tells me alot
good review thanks. Will consider this as my first bike.
It's been 10 + month last time, I have watched this video, and I think you did a great job on the bike, only thing is my bike gets much better mpg, and now after 18,000 miles it still gets mid sixties mpg, and up to 73 mpg, but the windscreen I think seems to make a big difference, not only in fuel use, but in top speed as well, in the times I tested the bike, on a track, it would run 105+ mph. The area I live in these bikes hold their value, more so than some, it's not uncommon to get retail value selling as a private party. You can go to a larger front sprocket if you drive on the interstate more often, and that is a big help. Another place to get help, and info is the forums, highly recommend them for any type bike. Well thats 2 cent more.
I only got 40mpg on my 1995 Vulcan 500 but I rode it hard I wouldn't shift into second gear in till 40 mph which is just shy of the rev limiter
redneckon2wheels There have been some changes in the bikes, from the year you have and the K4 500 ltd I have, and I don't always run my bike bike like you, one reason no tachometer; ) lol 2nd there is no real reason too for me. Only 40 mpg would be rather sad to me, that is why I bought my bike because it could get such good mpg, Whichever model year one may have, they are both great bikes in they own rights. Take care..
I've gotten 50 before but not very often theirs no fuel gage so I just average it out at about 40mpg
What year do you have ?
And I didn't have a windshield so that probably hurt it a little bit
Hey man I appreciate all the tips.. I'm exactly 6ft tall, do you think I can get by with the low riding seat while still being noticeably comfortable?
I have a used 1995 Vulcan 900. It has lots of power. grate on gas. very easy to work on. and extremely reliable. If you hollow out the pipes it sounds like a Harley. you will set off car alarms. I love this bike.
+Joseph Gifford
check your engine size
Sweet review! I have a blue Vulcan 500 and I totally agree with you, overall great bike! Can't complain :)
Cool video, very informative. Cheers from Chile dude.
I own one 1996 and its wonderful bike to ride. I will never sell it. Its thee best motorbike I have.
Thanks for the great 👍🏼 review!
Thanks for the video. Looken to get a Vulcan en500 2007
Great Bike. I owned a 2005 model. Regret selling it and now I'm in the market for another.
If you take the 32mm carb and replace it with the 34mm from the 90-95 model it will gain some power. I own a 800 and replaced the 36mm with a 38 and I can keep up with the factory big twin Harleys
The bike is fairly quick but not a sports bike. The 0-60 rating on the Vulcan 500 is between 5.2 - 6.0 seconds (depending on the article you read). As a comparison the Harley Davidson Sportster 883 0-60 was reported at 6.6 seconds. The Ninja 650 is between 3.7-4.2 seconds. The Kawasaki 500R and the Vulcan 500LTD have the same engine with different tuning. Either of the two Kawasaki's would be great bikes, it really depends on the style you are looking for (cruiser or sport)
Thanks for the review man!
Friggin outstanding review. Just curious, why does the bike at 13:38 look so much different (particularly the angled-up looking gas tank cover? Is this a different year, maybe? Or after market changes? Or just a photo angle perhaps? Thanks.
Thanks. Beginning at 13:09 I start showing different Kawasaki Vulcan 500's. The Vulcan 500 has been in production from 1990 - 2009 and has had a few variations over its 20 year run.
Mainly they changed the tank design . Mine is an 06 with speedo in the tank . Hugs the frame more
very informative thanks for the review!
thanks for the video well done
Nice review man. I am about too pick up a 2005 for 800
Well I got it
Hows the speed like 0-60? Is it pretty quick? I am looking at this bike and a Kawasaki 500R. This would be my first bike and I do want something with a little bit of speed.
I hawe 1993 version it was my first bike and i stil have it its best all around i ever ride
Thanks. Good review
I was considering vulcan but I got kawasaki ER5. The same engine, 50HP, naked streetbike. I guess they have the same brakes. I'ts not that good looking as vulcan though.
Excellent review!
Any maintenance issues with the dual carburetors? Also, you said you preferred to opt for the cruiser for casual short rides. But I noticed they are only about 18 lbs. difference. So I'm curious as to why the cruiser is the pick over the V-Strom in this capacity?
There is standard maintenance requirements with carburetors (cleaning and syncing). According to the manual the carbs should be checked every 3,100 miles. Although you could get away with only having the carbs checked when is starts to run/idle a little rough. I never had any issues with the carbs.
I liked riding the Vulcan on casual/short rides just because of the laid-back feel of a cruiser style bike. The Vulcan and V-Strom are basically the same weight but the Vulcan has a lower center of gravity (and seat) which make it feel lighter especially when you are on city streets with many stop signs and lights. My Vulcan did not have a windscreen which was also nice on sunny / slower cruising rides.
I am thinking of getting one as a 1st bike. It is a 1999 and it is blue (not crazy about the color). I am buying it used hopefully I can get it for $700-900 on cl. The honda Shadow VLX/750 was my first choice but no one wants to part them at a reasonable price :(
+Kage999 Its a great first bike I have a 1999 black/purple one. I'm looking for my next bike only cause I want a bigger bike with more chrome may hold on to my Vulcan as a second bike
I am looking at one for my first bike. I was looking at this or the ninja 250 at the dealer. I like this because of the saddle bags and windshield it comes with and I personally do not like the way crotch rockets look MOST the time. Would you consider crusing this longer distances or for longer then an hour with the windshield? This is gonna be my very first bike if I do decide to buy it.
Yes, the Vulcan 500 is more than capable of being a long-distance bike. The windscreen would actually help with longer rides. Be sure to keep track of your mileage if you are riding for hundreds of miles; the bike does not have a gas gauge. You will need to self-monitor when you need to refuel.
how is it for passing people on the highway?
Hey I'm thinking about buying 2006 Vulcan 500 used. Gonna see the person this Thursday. I notice in your video your in Kent. I live in Kent too. Was wondering if you can come with me to check the bike out. If you have time Thursday at 3. The bike owner lives in Renton.
Funny...it's a small world. I would be happy to help a fellow biker out. Unfortunately I am not available this Thursday. It is hard to go wrong with the Vulcan 500 if it has been taken care of. It really is a great bike. I have listed a couple of tips for what to watch for on this bike: a) ask that the bike be cold (not warmed up) before you look at it. The bike will likely need to have the choke on to start even in this warm weather. Watch for white smoke when it starts. There could be a very small amount when it first starts if the bike has been sitting for a long time but it should clear up within a few seconds b) Ask for service records. Generally the Vulcan 500 requires service every 3,100 miles and also every two years (according to the manual). A 2006 should have had a variety of services performed on it. c) Check the tires, they should have decent tread left on them. d) check head light, brake lights, turn signals, etc. e) check the fluid levels (or have the owner show you the fluid levels (oil, brake, & coolant), this will tell you if they really know the bike) f) Ride the bike if the owner will let you, if not, then ask them to ride the bike up and down the street. Watch & listen for how the bike handles and sounds idling and shifting. It should be smooth. (It is normal for the bike to make an audible "clunk" sound when shifting into first gear from neutral.). g) Be sure the seller has the title.
These are pretty basic tips to start with. There are checklists online and other RUclips videos that cover buying a bike in much more detail. Generally, if the seller seems genuine and the bike looks good it should be a good bike. (FYI - there are a currently nine Vulcan 500's in this area listed on Craigslist that look nice.....in case this deal doesn't work out). Good luck and hope you enjoy the bike!
Alan Benjamin Thanks a lot for all the tips
Buy it....
Is this too small for a 6'2" person?
do you have any suggestions of a entry level cruiser for someone over 6 foot? for a first bike
Hasan Khan A V-star 650 or a Suzuki C40 would be a good bike for some one starting out over 6 foot
I have already located a suitable planet on which to establish a Vulcan colony.
Thanks.... Good video and informative
very good review
`what is the helmet that are u using in the video ? brand and model please!
The helmet in this video is a Scorpion EXO500.
I ride with my wife all the time it fite us fine ride your ride
I'm 6'3" will this bike be too small for me?
No, I'm 6'2 long legs: it fits me okay
Thanks dude
Would you be able to do longer road trips on this bike? like say 400 mile trips? or would this be more for in town and lighter trips? ive never owned a bike and im looking into getting one and im really liking this one.
+22aucutt
on the yahoo groups site a fellow down near the mex. boarder took a group ride all the ways to Alaska with no problems
Hi Alex , how tall are you?
He's about 5'8"-5'9"
How's the reliability?
The reputation for this bike is very good. I had no issues with my bike. Kawasaki has been making this engine for many years and I believe they have worked out any glitches. As some reviews say "the engine is bullet proof".
They are very good, and the valves can be adjusted with only tools, they have no shims to be replaced.
Alan Benjamin petcock isn’t lmao
@@jamdaddy7589 my petcock is also clogged up a bit right now. Only works right on reserve. Should of cleaned it today when the carbs where off. I literally didn't think about it till I read this comment.
where do the place the vin #s on those puppies
All motorcycles sold in america anyway have the Vin in the same place. The neck on the right side. Even my vintage bikes have had it the same place.
Nice catch. I spent some time checking on this; you're correct. I took the picture from a website that listed this as a "Ninja 250". I guess you can't believe everything on the internet (or RUclips for that matter).
Have you purchased a sports bike yet? - Safe riding.
I really enjoyed your video.. I have a DL650A and love it.. of coarse I'm 6 ft tall so its higher cg dosent bother me at all. It does sound best at 9xxx rpm.. at idle it sounds like a sewing machine on steroids.. sure would like to take a vulcan for a spin though ..tftv
To clarify and add to the 6' and over challenged people if you are considering the Vulcan 500 get the Vulcan Classic 500 those are the years 2000 and up I am 6'2" and fit perfect on mine and picked my bike up for 750 bucks now if you also have any extra money find an upholstery shop and have the seat covered and foam pad reworked you will not find a aftermarket seat as in Mustang Seats or Corbin Seats I have scoured through eBay and Amazon
Thanks. That was helpful. I'm buying one for $1600 98 10k
Oh, minus the clean lines of the 450, that is. On the plus side, the Vulcan had a much longer production run, where as the 450 is a rare beast indeed. I don't like the crunched up look of the Vulcan... compare it with a Rebel... on a Rebel, all the lines go straight back... with the tail pipe... Much sexier.
spotted the car I own (sc400) that I want to sell to get this bike in this video
Ironic....did you get the bike?
Count how many times bike is said in this video lol I stopped counting
Lawd $3.75 for gas!
It's that high again 😡🎃🎃👹
This comment did not age well haha
@@garrettrast2953 I live in the South West and it's $5.43 now 🤮
@@Redd_504 same here and I feel your pain man. Precisely why my interest in motorcycles peaked.
The bike looks like a total rip off of a Honda Rebel 450.