Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic reviews

this is my first kawasaki and dont regret it at all. after having a variety of bikes in the last 40 years id have to say its the best looking cruiser ive been on, it had 3200 miles on it when i got it 2 years ago, never had a single problem, only mods done were a mustang seat and led turn signals, headlight , tail light and driving light. Show less

I purchased this bike used. Pearl white(which seems to be the majority color on these reviews.) Already had power commander, bags, engine guard, 360 pegs, front and rear floor boards, mustang seat, trailer hitch, light bar, and vance&hines power shots, and windshield. It had 7500 miles on it. Purchased it in 09 at local kawasaki dealer. Purchased it for what I consider a steal. This bike is definitely the bomb. Well worth every penny. Just like other reviews no complaints with the power here. This is a keeper. Show less

I am a new rider at 60 years old. I originally bought an 800 of a different brand and put 3000 miles on it; then traded it for a '08 1600 Vulcan with 3000 miles. I took it to TX in some bad weather and back in rain, wind and fog. The Vulcan was the right choice. It is very reliable, has good brakes, suspension and easy handling with large, dry saddlebags. It has the power necessary to merge and perform lane changes on the highway. Even with the windshield and Saddleman mounted on it, the bike did well in most winds. It is a bit thirsty though at 38 mpg average and a 160 mile range before looking for gas. It's the right choice for long trips and fun locally. Crash bars are handy for 5 mph drops (twice - ooops) as they protect all but the mirrors. Show less

Absolutely no problems with this bike. Performs and handles great. Balance is amazing. Show less

I have had mine for a year and a half and find it to be an excellent bike. I have had it up over a hundred miles an hour and it rides smooth as glass like you are going sixty. This is my first Kawasaki but it won't be my last. I have Vance and Hines pipes which make it sound like a whole other bike. Mine has a hypercharger also. It works great. Show less

I bought this bike 3 months ago as a left over from '06. What a great bike! I love it. It has great balance and power. After a few accessories to make it mine, I get a lot of good compliments. This bike rocks! Show less

I haven't owned a bike in over 20 years. My last bike was a Honda 750 that was stolen over 20 years ago. During this time I have admired many different bikes and also priced many different bikes. Finally it was time to purchase a new bike. I researched bikes for several months prior to purchasing my 1600 Classic. The 1600 had the look I was searching for and the options that I really desired. From the time I drove it off the lot, it has handled exceptionally. As a testament to this, I went and took my license test with this bike after only two weeks of riding with my permit. It handled the test course with no problems. I do find it a little bit top heavy, but the handling on it is great. I commute on the highway on a daily basis and this bike is heavy enough to not get pushed around by wind gusts from the big trucks. I did add a windshield to the bike, and I wish it was just another couple of inches taller. It shields the body great, but it catches the top of my helmet and I have to constantly adjust my helmet because of it. But if that is the worst thing that happens, that is not bad. Show less

I admit I thought all these 5 star reviews were, well, a little generous and a product of Kawasaki fans. I guess I'm now a Kawasaki fan. After a full riding season (sort of) on this bike, I can only say it's excellent. No problems whatsoever, and a joy to ride. This is my first bike in a while, ad it took a little to get used to the size of the bike, but once you get accustomed to the weight, ride, and handling, it's excellent. Engine produces a broad torque curve and plenty of highway horsepower. Stock suspension is more than adequate, and adding a little air to the rear shocks helps with pasengers and full loads. Low speed handling isn't bad at all, and riding it in rush hour traffic poses few problems. Gas mileage has been 40 to 45MPG, depending on driving conditions. My only complaint is the seat, and I've installed a Roho Airhawk seat cushion until I get a third party seat (probably a Mustang). With the Airhawk, all-day rides are no problem, but I'd prefer a better seat. Also, a little more cornering clearance would help, but here again it's a very minor issue that appears very infrequently. Stock tires are very good (Bridgestone Exalto) and stick well wet or dry. Overall, the Vulcan seems to be a bike that may not be the best at any one thing, but does everything very, very well. Show less

Purchased my 1600 in March of 2006. 18,000 miles later it has been a smooth and trouble free bike. don't hesitate to get this bike or the Nomad. One thing, I went with a 150 rear tire instead of the stock 170 and improved my mileage by about 4 mpg. Getting 46-47 on the highway now. Show less

I have not ridden for 15 years, when I started searching for a bike I looked for 4 months. Originally, I wanted a HD until I saw the price tag; I began to settle on a Star 1300 until I saw the Vulcan 1600. It was the last 06 on the floor at half the price of a HD fat boy. I have only 400 miles on it and love it. Handles well for the riding I do. I am pleased with this purchase. Show less