2000 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic Motorcycle reviews

I ride a carbureted Kawasaki Vulcan Classic. I bought mine brand new right from the dealer still in the crate! I put my own personal touches on the bike. I switched to a Saddleman Explorer Special seat for a little more comfort, had Cobra Deluxe Slash Cut Drag Pipes and a Dynajet carb kit installed for more power and better breathing (pipes sound great, highly recommend them), and Kawasaki fire and steel accessories (windshield, engine guard, backrest, passenger floorboards and other chrome additions - beautiful stuff!). Overall, the bike has been a wonderful machine to ride, and very reliable. I never had to worry about breakdowns like some other brands I've owned. I really don't see me riding anything else other than Vulcan motorcycles. As far as I'm concerned, Kawasaki makes top-of-the-line cruisers, F.I. and carbureted models. No need to switch here, you won't go wrong. Show less

OK, I waited a couple of years to write this so I could give it a complete review. So here goes, after 24,000 miles, and two trips across the country (Montana, Utah, Maine, etc.) I have absolutely no problems with this bike. I have added V & H pipes (Longshots), a Mustang seat for the long rides and some highway pegs. I continue to use Mobil 1 15-50 Full synthetic oil and have been trough 2 sets of tires, one of which was cut short due to running over a large screw...however I highly recommend this bike to anybody, it would be a great buy as a used bike as it is almost bulletproof and having ridin' with literly hundreds of other vulcan riders (from the VROC) I can say that this is the rule rather than the exception...I just hope Kawasaki keeps up this line for many years to come...there are now plenty of aftermarket pieces you can add to get your own custom look. Show less

Bought my Classic Fi with 6000 miles on it; now have nearly 20,000 miles on the bike, and it has never had a wrench on it aside from normal maintenance! With windshield and other accessories installed, the machine will cruise easily at 80 mph two-up. It is amazingly smooth for a big twin, pulls hard, is very stable on the highway, and handles like a smaller machine. I have been riding for 40 years, with over 250,000 miles on a WIDE variety of motorcycles--and this bike is GREAT! Kawasaki has done themselves proud with this model. Show less

I want to write this to help anyone thinking about purchasing a big Vulcan. I have ridden since the age of 5 and have owned just about every brand of bike under the sun. For 10 years I was a Harley fanatic...then I decided I needed something I could depend on and not need a chiropractor after every ride. Last March I purchased a Vulcan 800 Classic...fantastic bike, VERY quick...but after 6 months and 6,000 miles, I decided I needed to rejoin the big leagues. I got a great deal on the last 2000 VN1500E at the dealership. Hands-down the best bike I have ever owned. Big. Powerful. Comfortable. Beautiful. Reliable. I bought the bike in November of 2000 and have already logged 4,000 mi. In 5 weeks I head off for a 2-week ride to Canada. Can't wait for the experience. Anyway, the most important thing to know is that aftermarket pipes are mandatory. I bolted on a pair of Cobra Fattys. They are the least expensive set and yet have the best sound, in my opinion. With the baffles removed, the exhaust note borders on obnoxious, a deep bark that threatens to knock out your neighbor's windows as you accelerate down the drive...just the way I like it. But, the pipes shed 20+ pounds from the bike and they allow it to breath...I guarantee you will be surprised by the improved performance. (Be warned if you want a show bike, these are not the pipes for you...they do blue quite a bit). Next, I opted to purchase a genuine Kawasaki windshield...yes, you pay more, but I truly believe I got a better quality product, not to mention, the installation was virtually effortless...everything fit perfectly, which is more than you can say for most aftermarket parts. Okay, regarding the bike itself...don't be afraid to explore the bike's higher RPMs; you will be surprised how much power is hiding up there. In top gear, at 80 mph, the bike is just waking up. The stock seat is a bit firm, but not unduly uncomfortable. My real gripes - I've noticed a few factory blemishes in the black paint...nothing major, but the finish certainly isn't show-quality. The Kawasaki parts that are available to "customize" your bike are ridiculously expensive. The 1500 is a thirsty gal...expect about 31 mpg around town and if you are lucky, about 40 on the highway. Expect to replace the rear tire before your third oil change. Anyway, when all is said and done, consider this...my best friend just bought a 2001 Harley Road King at a cost of nearly $21,000. I paid $9,000 and got virtually the same bike with a larger motor, though without the saddlebags and windshield. So I ask you...are two saddlebags, one windshield, and a name worth $12,000 to you? Any questions just e-mail me... Show less

Just got my bike today and put over 100 miles... did not want to get off of it! My first impression was that I might have underestimated the bike, because it looked so big and huge... however, after 30 miles I started feeling pretty confident and relaxed... I bought this bike with the intention of riding it all the way to Key West... any takers? E-mail me... even if you are not in the midwest, you may be on the way over... will update later... if weather permits, 'Black Beauty' will visit Cincinnati tomorrow..... smooth riding and it handles GREAT!!!! Wow, what a bike! By the way, I am a shortie (5ft 7, 170 lbs) and can handle the bike just fine! Show less

I just bought this bike brand new, 0 miles, off the showroom floor. An since it is last year's model (2000), I got a steal on it. Kawasaki is also offering a $500.00 gift cert. as an incentive. So if you're thinkin' about one, now is the time...before spring fever REALLY hits and they're all gone. I couldn't be more pleased, even though it will only get better as she loosens up a bit. Power...just the right amount of "thumpage"...great color sheme...it's like driving a Cadillac. Floorboards...laid back feel...easy shifting...I've been dreaming about getting another bike someday (my 3rd), and now that dream is reality. I cannot wait to hit the open road for a cruise through Washington's mountains! Show less

I bought my 2000 Vulcan Classic last July and have 6,000 miles on it. I have replaced the stock seat with a butt friendly Corbin two-up and have put on a Memphis Shades shield and Rifle lowers (a great addition). I have a sissy bar and rack. I put on leather bags and bought a sissy bag and rear rack to support it. This bike is the best bike I have ever ridden; excellent torque and great power, it rumbles but doesn't punish. It winds to the rev limiter with no problem. My wife and I load it up and run 80 all day down the highway. It is a riot in the turns of the Cherohala, Blue Ridge, and Deals Gap (Tennessee) with phenomenal power out of the turns in 2nd gear. Just beware of the lean angle limitations or you'll grind off the foot pad knobs. What fun! It's a wonderful piece of engineering. Make my next one fuel injected. Show less

I wish I had a dime for everytime someone one said " Nice Harley". This is the first big bike I have owned. It has a nice smooth ride. My buddies have a Royal star and a Fatboy but I get all the compliments plus my bike came at a lower price. Thumbs up. Show less

I purchased my 2000 Classic,562 miles on it, on 9/28/00. In 3 weeks before Minnesota's winter came pushing through I managed to put 900 miles on the bike.Loved every minute of it and looking forward to a late April 01 trip to New Mexico and Texas to get this season started. The bike has looks, comfort, power and excellent handling. I've put on a Fire and Steel shield (looks good) and will have a back rest and back rack on it prior to the april trip. I paid $8000 total for it with my 85 Kaw LTD 1100 tradein. I liked the LTD but the upgrade to the Classic was money well spent. Show less

I have been tossing around the idea to get another bike since I got rid of my Harley Sportster in 1977. One of my major concerns were smoothness. I didn't want my feet and hands to go numb so I discounted getting another Harley. I drove the 2 big Yahmaha's, the Suzuki Intruder 1500 and of course the Kawasaki. The Kaw was by far the smoothest and the most responsive. I didn't want the Nomad because I wanted to dress it up myself.The bike has not disappointed me at all.My advise to anyone, would be to drive as many as you can and take your time and if you are going to buy a new one , buy it from a good dealer who you got a referral from. Show less