Kawasaki W 800 CAFE reviews

I'm a new rider and after getting my basics down on my husband's old Suzuki Savage, we decided to upgrade to the Vulcan 800 classic. When I sat on the bike my first reaction was that it was way too big for me to handle. My husband explained that the low center of gravity would make it easy for me to handle. He was so right. As soon as I rode it, I felt completely comfortable! The ride is incredibly smooth, the enging purrs and it handles corners like a dream. There is plenty of power if needed but the acceleration is so gentle it doesn't throw me back like the other bike. And is it ever beautiful! Show less

This bike has been extremely reliable. It rides well; has decent power. I like its looks and it's stable on the road...even in windy conditions. I know that I'm tall for this bike and need more seat space and leg room. Has any other tall rider found a seat that affords a little "tail bone" room? Given my inexperience, I don't regret my choice of bikes one bit! Show less

After nearly 10,000mi.I still love this bike. You have to like its looks, though, which I do. It's not a powerhouse but then again my last bike was a Suzuki GSX-R 750. This bike is VERY smooth and is quite comfortable, even for two. The only downside is the seat/rear fender setup. You can only ride a passenger if you buy a double seat and rear subframe (from Kaw. $$$$). Also, saddlebag options are limited because of this. Again, it's worth it to me to ride something different. PS: This is my 15th bike. Show less

This bike is a babe.
The ride is the only thing I have a slight disagreement with and it is only due to the hot looking corbin seat on my 800 with the extra stuff on her. A bit more padding on the seat would have helped this reviewer, but I wouldn't change the look of this beauty for comfort anyway...
It is fast and growly with the special pipes, hot special handlebars.
All in all, I'm in love again...
By the way, some of my friends told me I should have bought a harley...
I asked them why? Show less

I love my 2005 Vulcan classic, it is a joy to get on and just go anywhere. I had a factory windshield and backrest put on when I purchased the bike but I wannted to ask other owners about an aftermarket seat. I don't think the factory seat is all that comfortable, so I know the passenger seat can't be either. If someone has a reccomendation please let me know. I want to keep the backrest so the replacement seat will have to fit accordingly. Other than that, this is the best bike I ever owned!! Show less

I just bought the 800 Vulcan Classic, (June of 05)and I can say that I just love it. It has great horsepower, not to racey, but not at all slow. I just past the 500 mile break in period. I am babying it, but once in awhile I get on it a little to keep her awake. I haven't had it up over 70 yet, but I will after the 1000 mile mark. I put atleast 100 miles a week on mine. It always get the looks from people, and they say it's a very nice looking bike. I am very happy with the cruiser, and I hope I see more of them on the road. Keep safe and enjoy your Bikes people...I'm off to ride!! Show less

The balance is great at all speeds. Not as fast as my 95 Magna v45 (of course) but the overall feel is much better and the high end seems stronger. Only have 110 miles but I can't wait to put on some more. Show less

The comfort is awesome! I thought I would miss my old bike but when I picked up my Drifter and shifted into second there was no looking back. Ride is smooth and the looks of the bike are great. Extremely nice fit for tall riders (6ft).....Seat is awesome!!!!!Handles wonderful.....5 stars Kawasaki....you did it right! Show less

Just took ownership of my 2005 Vulcan Classic today. Quality exceeded my expectations. Paint is very good and just enough chrome to make it look great. Had a Honda Reflex prior to this and was a bit surprised by the amount of heat coming off the bike. Temp in hi 80's and felt like I was in an oven but will be super when our regular temps return. ( 70's). Obviously I am in the break-in stage and the bike doesn't like 60 mph for top speed. I think I heard it beg for the throttle to be opened LOL!!! Had a Sportster pull up and the Vulcan outclassed it by leaps and bounds in the looks department. Will add to the review if I find anything negative to report. Otherwise just call me a happy camper. Show less

I bought this bike after reading all the reviews and I have to agree with everyone that this is a great bike. It's a sharp looking bike and I get told that it looks like a Harley all the time. The bike handles well and the 800cc's is enough power to keep up with the group. After market Vance & Hanes pipes make it heard loud and clear. I get between 46-48 MPG and normally hit the reserve around 140-150 miles. Now even though it's a great bike and I do recommend it there are a few things that you should know. The first thing is that if you have a full face helment you will not be able to see indicator lights or (depending on how tall you are) half of the speedometer. I tend to ride the turn signal and if the indicator lights were higher it would be a good reminder. The second thing is that I wouldn't recommend the bike to persons over 6 foot if you intend on taking long trips. I'm 6'2 and the seat slumps in the center of the bike and I can't move my butt back far enough to ride in with straight posture. After 100 miles or so you'll tend to slump and get backaches. Other then that it's a great bike. Show less