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Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD reviews

4.8 (130 reviews)
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Reliability
4.8
Overall quality
4.9
Performance
4.8
Comfort
4.6

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130 ratings and reviews

Voted most helpful review

Michael Pelligan

Reviewed on August 2, 2023

Motorcycle reviewed 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD view listing

4.8
I was looking for a cruiser style motorcyle that wasn't too heavy, had satisfiable acceleration and speed, and was not too costly. I looked at the new Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 but did not want to spend $8,000 to nearly $10,000 after taxes and mainly motorcycle dealer costs on a motorcyle as this is just a leisur... read more
I was looking for a cruiser style motorcyle that wasn't too heavy, had satisfiable acceleration and speed, and was not too costly. I looked at the new Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 but did not want to spend $8,000 to nearly $10,000 after taxes and mainly motorcycle dealer costs on a motorcyle as this is just a leisure form of transportation. I looked into the pre-owned Suzuki Boulevard S40 (LS650 Savage), Suzuki Boulevard M50, Honda Rebel 300, Honda Rebel 500, and some pre-owned Harley Davidson models but they were either too slow, too heavy, rated to have too uncomfortable seating, or too expensive for what they are. I looked into the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 and saw a few on Facebook Marketplace sell quickly for about anywhere from $2,000 to $2,800 and heard that these motorcycles (Kawasaki Vulcan 500) once had the quickest acceleration off the line for it's class at one specific point in time and were of the lightest in it's class. I found another Vulcan 500 on the market and purchased it. On the first ride I was impressed with the acceleration off the line and the handling. It was easy to put away or push into storage as it's not too heavy. After owning it a while, it has been reliable, and starts right up every time. In regards to comfort the seat can be uncomfortable after riding over an hour or so. Also, when riding at higher speeds on the highway it does feel a bit wavy or not fully stable I think due to it's light weight. It may be best suited for backroad travel, main roads, and in town travel but not highway travel at 70 mph travel.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Bob Johnson

Connecticut

Reviewed on July 6, 2021

Motorcycle reviewed 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD view listing

5.0
I was looking for a lightweight, comfortable, water cooled cruiser with plenty of get up and go. I looked at the new offerings from Honda, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki and Yamaha and they were either too heavy, too slow, too expensive or uncomfortable. By chance a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD model came up for sale on ... read more
I was looking for a lightweight, comfortable, water cooled cruiser with plenty of get up and go. I looked at the new offerings from Honda, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki and Yamaha and they were either too heavy, too slow, too expensive or uncomfortable. By chance a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD model came up for sale on Craig’s list near me and after a test ride I was sold! It’s fast, comfortable, light, easy to maintain and reliable. This is a gem of a bike and it looks great as well, especially in red. Gets 55 MPG which is pretty good for an old, carb cruiser.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

niteowl72

South Carolina

Reviewed on April 9, 2013

Motorcycle reviewed 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD view listing

5.0
A buddy of mine bought this bike to get his license on. I've gotten to ride it a good bit since it's stored in my garage. I've been riding for years and am normally a sport/sport-standard type of rider, but this Vulcan 500 is FUN. It doesn't suffer from most of the traditional cruiser flaws - it is rel... read more
A buddy of mine bought this bike to get his license on. I've gotten to ride it a good bit since it's stored in my garage. I've been riding for years and am normally a sport/sport-standard type of rider, but this Vulcan 500 is FUN. It doesn't suffer from most of the traditional cruiser flaws - it is relatively light weight, it handles well and it accelerates surprisingly fast. The 500cc parallel twin pulls hard through all the gears, but it's still very newby-friendly. The long wheel base makes it a little tough to maneuver in parking lots, but other than that no complaints at all. Maybe a center stand would have been nice (it is chain driven), but it fits on my rearstand just fine. The swingarm is even the same width as my sport bike.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

D. NETTLES

LEXINGTON, South Carolina

Reviewed on April 4, 2011

Motorcycle reviewed 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD view listing

5.0
I bought it July 10 for my wife. She had just completed a bike course. She tried out several different bikes, and found this one to be the best overall for easy of handling, and power vs. size. Plus it seems to have been made with a smaller framed person in mind. The bike is excellent around town, and... read more
I bought it July 10 for my wife. She had just completed a bike course. She tried out several different bikes, and found this one to be the best overall for easy of handling, and power vs. size. Plus it seems to have been made with a smaller framed person in mind. The bike is excellent around town, and for short day trips; but, it's a little light for extended trip riding. I just bought her the 900 Vulcan for extended trips. The saleswoman at the dealership was great.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Cathy

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Reviewed on July 1, 2010

Motorcycle reviewed 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD view listing

5.0
Being a lady in my late 50's and wanting to ride - this bike is wonderful. My son and I along with a friend all go riding on weekends and it is able to keep up with the bigger bikes. Never did I think I would be riding a bike. But I choose the right one as it is easy to handle. I love it.... read more
Being a lady in my late 50's and wanting to ride - this bike is wonderful. My son and I along with a friend all go riding on weekends and it is able to keep up with the bigger bikes. Never did I think I would be riding a bike. But I choose the right one as it is easy to handle. I love it.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Ricki Russell

Rochester, Texas

Reviewed on March 21, 2010

Motorcycle reviewed 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD view listing

5.0
I just purchased a 500ltd after fighting to touch the ground on a 1100 Shadow. Size matters in the fact at 59 years old I want fit and comfort. When I was younger I wanted to look cool and now I want to be cool. This little big bike has plenty of get up and go and I found it to handle truck drafts close to my... read more
I just purchased a 500ltd after fighting to touch the ground on a 1100 Shadow. Size matters in the fact at 59 years old I want fit and comfort. When I was younger I wanted to look cool and now I want to be cool. This little big bike has plenty of get up and go and I found it to handle truck drafts close to my big cruiser. I am just puttering through the break in. I did punch it enough to tell it will haul me plenty fast.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Trina

Santa Fe, Texas

Reviewed on November 30, 2009

Motorcycle reviewed 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD view listing

5.0
This is my 2nd bike. First one was a Harley Sportster which I found very top heavy and difficult to hold up since I'm a short person. I sold it and bought the Vulcan 500. I love this bike and it has a lot of power. The only thing I have trouble with is the brakes squeak, but that's minor and fixable.... read more
This is my 2nd bike. First one was a Harley Sportster which I found very top heavy and difficult to hold up since I'm a short person. I sold it and bought the Vulcan 500. I love this bike and it has a lot of power. The only thing I have trouble with is the brakes squeak, but that's minor and fixable.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Pink

E.Norriton, Pennsylvania

Reviewed on October 25, 2009

Motorcycle reviewed 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD view listing

5.0
This is a great bike for anyone who feels the need for speed or just to know you got speed when you want it, in cruiser style. This is my 2nd bike (first bike was a 250), 2nd year driver and this bike rides like a charm and it is comfortable for me and the speed changes are very smooth. I recommend this 'spee... read more
This is a great bike for anyone who feels the need for speed or just to know you got speed when you want it, in cruiser style. This is my 2nd bike (first bike was a 250), 2nd year driver and this bike rides like a charm and it is comfortable for me and the speed changes are very smooth. I recommend this 'speeder' to anyone interested in a 5-star machine!
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

L Larson

Mequon, Wisconsin

Reviewed on September 1, 2009

Motorcycle reviewed 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD view listing

5.0
Highly recommend for beginner. Can match speed with any traffic. Not so forked out in front so you have great control.... read more
Highly recommend for beginner. Can match speed with any traffic. Not so forked out in front so you have great control.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Lyle Hoffman

Edgar, Wisconsin

Reviewed on July 14, 2009

Motorcycle reviewed 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD view listing

5.0
I love mine. It's been very dependable. Gas mileage is great. If I really, really get on it the MPG is 45. When I decide to drive it sensibly I have gotten just over 60 MPG. I'm looking at getting a 900 classic only because I'm starting to take longer trips with passengers. I've taken the 500 on overnight tri... read more
I love mine. It's been very dependable. Gas mileage is great. If I really, really get on it the MPG is 45. When I decide to drive it sensibly I have gotten just over 60 MPG. I'm looking at getting a 900 classic only because I'm starting to take longer trips with passengers. I've taken the 500 on overnight trips by myself over 4 hours away and was very comfortable on it. Perfect bike for a high school kid.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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