MOTORCYCLE Type
Make and model
Year
Kawasaki VN1500-E1 Vulcan Classic reviews
Reliability
4.7
Overall quality
4.8
Performance
4.8
Comfort
4.8
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6 ratings and reviews
Voted most helpful review
JD
Statesville, North Carolina
Reviewed on August 30, 2006
Motorcycle reviewed 1998 Kawasaki VN1500-E1 Vulcan Classic
5.0
I am a returning biker, after 30 years I decided to get back into biking or motorcycling. To be honest, I was really conned into buying this used Vulcan Classic. I am not a V-Twin or Crusier type but after riding this one for a few months now I must say I am a true convert! This bike has been tricked out with...
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I am a returning biker, after 30 years I decided to get back into biking or motorcycling. To be honest, I was really conned into buying this used Vulcan Classic. I am not a V-Twin or Crusier type but after riding this one for a few months now I must say I am a true convert! This bike has been tricked out with the extras plus in 2003 the engine got a makeover and now it is a 1650cc racing motor complete with race cams and race piston kits installed. It runs fast enough to scare me and handles like a dream. Smooth shifting and quick acceleration make it a fun and exciting ride. I paid too much for it but what the hay, it's worth it for the extra excitment factor. It did stall out quite a bit at first but having the carbs cleaned seemed to have solved that problem.
Reliability
4.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Voted most helpful review
John Jankowski
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Reviewed on March 22, 2003
Motorcycle reviewed 1998 Kawasaki VN1500-E1 Vulcan Classic
5.0
I have been two wheeling it for 30 years and have owned most makes of bikes. This is by far the best I have ever owned. Great performance and no problems. It is great on the highway and in the city. I have added many after market goodies but the seat was first as it was not very comfortable on long rides....
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I have been two wheeling it for 30 years and have owned most makes of bikes. This is by far the best I have ever owned. Great performance and no problems. It is great on the highway and in the city. I have added many after market goodies but the seat was first as it was not very comfortable on long rides. The dealer has been outstanding to deal with.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Voted most helpful review
Juan
Boise, Idaho
Reviewed on February 16, 2003
Motorcycle reviewed 1998 Kawasaki VN1500-E1 Vulcan Classic
4.0
First, I have to admit that cruisers don't appeal to me. However, this is my buddies bike and I keep it garaged in the winter and have ridden it quite often. Comparing this bike to Shadows, Viragos, and Intruders that I have ridden - this is the best metric cruiser. There is a lot of aftermarket available ...
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First, I have to admit that cruisers don't appeal to me. However, this is my buddies bike and I keep it garaged in the winter and have ridden it quite often. Comparing this bike to Shadows, Viragos, and Intruders that I have ridden - this is the best metric cruiser. There is a lot of aftermarket available for them. The engine is always easy to start and runs great. Loads of bottom end power, but it flattens out pretty soon and the top end for such a large engine is really lacking. For a large and heavy bike, it is very well balanced and handles pretty well, although it is easy to scrape on corners, even around town. It is comfortable, loud, and gets attention. Chicks dig it! Four stars.
Reliability
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Voted most helpful review
Pete
Pomona, California
Reviewed on November 4, 2001
Motorcycle reviewed 1998 Kawasaki VN1500-E1 Vulcan Classic
5.0
I bought this bike new in January 1999 from my local Kawasaki store for $8,500, half the price of a new Fat Boy. It has 13,000 miles on it now, and except for regular service, all I have done is replace the front tire. After I bought it, I added a variety of Fire and Steel accessories to make it more to...
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I bought this bike new in January 1999 from my local Kawasaki store for $8,500, half the price of a new Fat Boy. It has 13,000 miles on it now, and except for regular service, all I have done is replace the front tire. After I bought it, I added a variety of Fire and Steel accessories to make it more touring than cruiser. Also a Cobra exhaust, Thunder Mfg. intake, carb rejeting and removal of the air pulse system and fuel evaporation system gave a remarkable increase in performance and sound without giving up gas mileage and reliability. The Mustang seat was the best investment in looks and comfort and I recommend it for long rides. An all around great bike, looks and runs great, and of my three bikes, my favorite to ride. Total investment is still less than half of a Harley Fat Boy comparably equipped. Keep the rubber side down!
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Voted most helpful review
Muck
New Hampshire
Reviewed on September 21, 2001
Motorcycle reviewed 1998 Kawasaki VN1500-E1 Vulcan Classic
5.0
I've been ridin hd's for quite a few years. just needed a change, the bike is unreal, it feels like a fat boy but handles like a sporster!! with a set of drag pipes, air cleaner set up, reworked carb, for very reasonable money, this baby will rock and roll with the best of them. it starts every time, i ...
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I've been ridin hd's for quite a few years. just needed a change, the bike is unreal, it feels like a fat boy but handles like a sporster!! with a set of drag pipes, air cleaner set up, reworked carb, for very reasonable money, this baby will rock and roll with the best of them. it starts every time, i take no tools, i just check the gas!! my last run was 1100 miles, and it was awesome, carefree, and fast. i just check its blood pressure now and then. the looks, the sound, the feel. buy one you'll love it --muck
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Voted most helpful review
Anonymous
Missouri
Reviewed on May 10, 2000
Motorcycle reviewed 1998 Kawasaki VN1500-E1 Vulcan Classic
5.0
BEST BIKE WE'VE EVER OWNED!! IT DOES HAVE 5 SPEEDS INSTEAD OF 4, AND THE VALUE IS WAY HIGHER THAN LISTED HERE ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ADD EXTRAS WHICH IS EASY TO DO ON THIS BIKE........
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BEST BIKE WE'VE EVER OWNED!! IT DOES HAVE 5 SPEEDS INSTEAD OF 4, AND THE VALUE IS WAY HIGHER THAN LISTED HERE ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ADD EXTRAS WHICH IS EASY TO DO ON THIS BIKE.....
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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