2001 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD Motorcycle reviews

This is my first bike and I am very impressed with the size and ease of handling. It's not to heavy and has pleanty of power for its size. I ride this bike to work every day at 60 to 65 mph and get around 57 to 60 mpg. I put 88 miles on it a day to and from work. I give this bike 2 thumbs up for a beginning rider or even an expert rider . It has more peppyness than you think for a 500cc. 0 to 90 mph is a cakewalk on the highway with this bike. so far the top speed for me is 115 mph on a non windy day if you have wind resistance 110 mph . but hey who wants to go fast anyway this bike is for just crusing and relaxing. It is very comfortable on a 120 mile ride to my suprise. Show less

I use this bike to commute to work everyday (unless the roads are too icy) and for fun runs at every opportunity. Despite our northern Canadian winters, it gets 9-11 months of use each year; starts without protest even on very cold days, and never needed any mechanical attention beyond routine servicing. The dealer gently prompts me to upgrade to a more powerful machine most time the LTD goes in for maintenance work, but I honestly can't think of any pressing reason to do so. The LTD is peppy enough in highway traffic, comfortable on long runs (even though I'm tall), and never seems strained. I recently rode CBR 900 and GSX 1000-R sports bikes for comparison, and while the sports bikes clearly had much more acceleration, speed and power, the riding position was less comfortable and (particularly on the Suzuki) became quite uncomfortable after a while. Then there are questions about the purpose of motorcycling. You ride a sports bike for the very real thrill of acceleration and speed; you ride an LTD to feel the wind on your face, take in the view from the road, and smell the roses. The LTD seems well on its way to become a legend of performance and reliability among motorcyclists who value the latter qualities. Show less

If you are a true motorcycle ethusiast like I am. You read about motorcycles, and ride and enjoy motorcycles. I normally don't recommend any thing to anyone. But I know that there are lots of people that think that they must have a liter bike or bigger or it will be under powered (supposedly). I've got news for you people. Ride this bike before you buy. Two people and as fast as you want to go..no problem. Be safe. p.s This bike is fast, comfortable, it pocesses good presence on the road, (what I mean is it feels and looks like a motorcycle)good milage, looks great to boot. This bike is a steal for the price. Opinion based on 40 years of experience and ownership of numerous bikes from 100-1500 cc vtwin/inline/opposed/you name it. have fun fellow riders. Billy Show less

I bought this bike last summer and reviewed it very positively last October. This update is to tell you what went right and what went wrong after eight months of summer, fall, winter and early spring riding. What went right? Everything; there were absolutely no problems. The bike started reliably even in -10C (18F) temperatures, and it's been to the dealer only for routine servicing. What went wrong? Nothing at all. The only addition I've made so far is a Kawasaki low windshield, which improves the ride considerably. Because of the upright sitting position, wind buffeting was harsh at speeds over 60 mph. But the windshield disperses the buffeting at any speed I'm likely to go. For a reliable, speedy, and very enjoyable bike, I'm happy to recommend the LTD to anyone. Show less

I have been riding for 28 years, I started out with a honda CB100,then a yamaha DT125, then a TX650 yamaha, then a XT600 yamaha, then a KAWZX10, then a suzuki GS1100L. Just recently I purchased the 500 vulcan LTD. don't get wrapped up into the beginner/starter hype that advertisers throw out. If you are looking for a bike,that looks great and runs even beter, all I can say is ride it. It will flat out get up the road very quickly, no problem. I am thrilled with mine. Just ride it. I'm outta here. Think horsepower times 50. Show less

My brother has 454 LTD and it's too big for me. After seeing new 02 Vulcan 500 LTD I decided to get one and seat is much lower than his. I'm 5'6" and small rider but I'm strong and like that the bike is small and easy to handle too. I live in sticks and back roads so it's nice cruising bike for me. Show less

By definition, "sweet" is an experience that gives delight or satisfaction. that's exactly what I get every time I take my "Kandy" out for a ride. Being a 5'4" female, I feel that this bike fits me perfect in every way. Performance is great and the ride extremely smooth on the highways, the scenic by-ways and the "Deal's Gap" type areas. My husband declares that my bike is like riding on air because it is so smooth. Having 6 gears can be a little confusing at first, but after a short time you'll be recognizing them with no problem at all. The large size gas tank, the paint scheme and the abundance of chrome make the bike appear much bigger than it really is...I have added a few accessories that also assist with the "big bike" look. I knew from the moment I laid eyes on the Vulcan 500 that it was the bike for me. After 3,000 miles in less than 3 months ownership time...it's definite that "Kandy" is going to be around here for a long, long time. Show less

This is the first bike I have owned in several years. After shopping around and reading many reviews I decided on a Vulcan 500 ltd. This bike has the power of many 800 & 900s and the fit and finish is second to none. I have purchased a backrest with rack as well as a windshield. I ride with my wife as a passenger often and this bike will run 75 on the highway with two people with no problem. Horsepower not cc matters, and this bike has plenty of HP. Show less

This bike is my first 30 years. Compared with the BSAs, Velocettes, and Hondas I rode back in England, this machine is a dream. It rides smoothly, lots of acceleration and pace when needed, and with excellent braking. The seat is comfortable for the long haul, and my wife - who is shorter than me - really appreciates the raised pillion. Even with both of us aboard, the bike surges along effortlessly. The 6 gears are great, very precise, with neutral easy to find. I'm sooo impressed with the LTD and having sooo much fun. Why the heck did I wait 30 years before getting a bike again! Show less

I have been riding for two months now and have put 2500km (1200m approx) on my two month old Vulcan. I researched several similar bikes (V-star, Shadow, Marauder etc.) and really wanted the Vulcan 800 for the colour. I settled for the 500 for the price here in the great white north (about $2300 difference). I have not been disappointed. This is bike is easy to handle and goes waaaay fast! Being 6'2", 195lbs I sometimes feel the bike looks a little small under me when stopped at a light and examining this gorgeous machine. These thoughts disappear however, when I start throwing this bike into corners at speed and the smile I'm wearing has turned my face into a Jokeresque mask that I'll wear for hours. I have added saddlebag mounts but I prefer the nylon easy on, easy off luggage having saddlebags and a tankbag. I'm looking into a windscreen for my first road trip but haven't found much else in the way of accessories up here. Any info would be great! Show less