2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic Motorcycle reviews

I bought this bike from a previous owner who customized it and babied it, basically. She has about 20,000 miles and feels like she only has about 1,000! This bike is comfortable and easy to ride/control! I bought a "Johnny Pag" 300cc brand new for $3,300 and thought I was getting a deal!! I rode the thing for 300 miles and was scared I was going to kill myself only going 40 miles an hour! Something definitely wasn't right...so I looked into trading her in for a bigger better bike. When I came across this, the dealer promised me I would have a blast with this bike and even talked me out of getting a Sportster 883 and it was so worth it!! I can't stop thinking about it when I'm not riding and I ride it every chance I get!! I love it!! I feel safe and I know I can rely on it! I would recommend this bike to anyone, especially if your not wanting to spend thousands on a "Harley"! Personally, I think this bike beats out a Harley all day!! Show less

Had not ridden for 17 years, so I needed something mid sized to ride. I was VERY pleasantly surprised by this bike; it's fast, easy to handle, responsive, kicks butt at lower speeds, has an amazing fuel economy even with the mods I've done already. Could do with a larger tank, but that's down the road. Can't bear to get off it. I ride as long as there is no ice/snow on the road. Had it just under a year now, am sure it will be there for a few more yet. Show less

I bought my 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic last summer, and weather permitting, have ridden it every chance I get. I commute 45 miles one-way to work and it's perfectly comfortable. The forward foot pegs make for easy highway riding and the low seat height makes it comfortable in town as well. The gears are spaced apart such that it never has any unexpected low-end surprises, yet can pull away from the pack without gasping for air. I mostly like the wide stance: It has a fatter tank than what I was used to, and the foot pegs put my feet a little farther apart than on my old Honda 600 so that makes it feel like a bigger bike, without the weight of a bigger bike. I've had a Honda Magna, Yamaha XT225, Kawasaki Ninja 600 and a Yamaha Virago, and although I loved all my other bikes as well, this is the one I'll probably always keep. It looks good, performs above what I expected, and is comfortable in the saddle. The foot pegs do come stock with the metal feelers on the ends, so that when cornering they will scrape. Not to worry, you're probably not exceeding the limits of the bike, it's just the pegs. Just let 'em drag around the corner. I do. Show less

I bought a 2003 vulcan 800 classic in March. I now have about 4500 miles on it. The only problem I have had with the bike is the rear brake light switch. It wants to stick on sometimes. It runs great gets 48 to 49 mpg, I am 6' 195lbs and it gets me rite down the road just fine. My brother has a 1600 roadstar with pipes stage 2 kit and high performance breather. Up to 80 mph he is behind me. After that well,his tail light is all I see. But who needs to go that fast anyway. Overall it is a great bike, very well balanced and feels light. It would make a great bike for a beginner and is still enjoyable to ride for the non beginner. Show less

I bought a little used, 97 Classic(identical to the 2003s)and love it! It's the most powerful of all the 800s and I think it's the best looking. Quarter mile times are equal to the Vulcan 1500 and many other full size crusiers. Lots of low end torque(pulls like a tractor for a 500lb bike). I added a seat pad to make the brick softer on long trips. The only other possible shortcoming was peg scrapping on winding roads(sits low like most crusiers especially Harleys). I didn't find this to be a problem(only 3 minor scraps in 2000 miles). No worse than other cruisers and less then some. Yes it's a chain drive, not a shaft or belt but I can live happily with that. The size and power is more than adequate unless you and your passenger weigh over 250 lbs and pull a trailer. Smooth,powerful,comfortable and eats all other 800s and 883s for breakfast. What a great bike! I've had 10 other bikes, down thru the years, but this is the love of my life! e-mail any specific questions. Thanks, Mike Show less

Like the other reviewer I hadnt ridden in about twenty years. Considered a Honda Magna which gets great reviews and all of them raved about the power. After some sober reflection, I decided to forego the power until I had my sea legs again. I researched bikes and decided on Kawasaki Mean Streak. Problem was my wife decided she wanted to ride her own bike...so I had to look for two bikes. Bought a starter bike for her to learn...Suzuki 250 and then decided on a Vulcan 800 Classic for two reasons. First it would get me back into riding on a bike that I would be less inclined to drive too hard and second it looks like it will be an ideal bike for my wife after she learns to ride! Have two hundred miles on it and am very very pleased with its smoothness and comfort. I have just ordered some Vance and Hines pipes for it along with some minor tune up stuff to give it a little more rowdy sound and a few more ponies. Love it. Show less

After looking for about a 1- 1/2 years and plus not riding for about 15-17 years I first wanted a 1500+ size bike but decided with my experence should go with about 800 size thinking Oh! I bought a small bike, first time I took off WOW! not too bad. well 2 days time I put almost 200 miles on it while babying the bike "Breaking it in" but for crusing this bike is fun I find myself not wanting to turn in my driveway I want to keep on going! going! going! just all the stresses of work plus family goes right away. plus I have ridden a passenger's the bike does handle two up without grunting. Show less