CAUTION: it's a Kawasaki! (2002)
Written: Oct 30 '03 (Updated Dec 22 '04)
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Pros: Comfortable, good handling, good mileage, greats style, good power for highway cruising, fair price.
Cons: many leaks,squeaks & other problems. Kawasaki customer service bad. Authorized mechanics have trouble fixing it.
The Bottom Line: If you don't mind putting a new bike in the shop often, Go for it! When I have it, I love it. aside from leaks & squeaks: average to excellent.
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| roscoe6's Full Review: 2000 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Nomad Fi |
((UPDATED 12-22-04))
Kawasaki motors has demonstrated a lack of concern for it's customers, in my opinion as well as others I have spoken or written to, and reviews I have read. My experience with Honda is far better.
That being said, my last review focused only on the problems I have experienced. The problems persist, but most of my disappointment still lies with Kawasaki and the authorized service centers. I can't seemed to get service for regular maintenance let alone problems that developed. Each service requires one or two return trips or I have to learn to deal with less then normal operation of the bike.
If I didn't enjoy riding this bike so much it would have been gone in the 1st year. I am still not sure I will be able to keep it. I don't want and can ill afford 2 bikes. I also have to trailer my bike an hour one way for service as my local dealer got tired of fixing and re-fixing this bike. A lemon? probably. When the bike is running I remember why I bought and keep it. I would buy it all over again if I was sure it would keep running and I had a competent mechanic to rely on. When the 1600 came out, my 1st thoughts were...Wow! I want one of those! I ride almost everyday there isn't snow on the ground ( and the bike is MY garage). I put alot of miles on the bike. I don't ride hard, hence the "cruiser". I ride slow and easy.
I love my bike despite it's faults. Were I a mechanic I'd not get rid of it. If I find a good mechanic locally, I'll probably keep it. Though I don't like supporting Kawasaki since they've not done anything about the troubles. I will say in fairness, they kept paying for the services under the warranty, (2 years) better then most. I thought they might look and say why has this one bike cost us so much? Maybe there are many more like this one or it's not that unusual. I may never know.
The only problem I have found with the design and ride-ability is the wind from under the windshield. Larger lowers (moxy/edmonds makes em) have been reported to resolve this. I've done nothing about it as it doesn't bother all that much. I may buy some for longer trips, if I keep the bike. I haven't done alot of customizing for the same reason, uncertainty. There are increasingly more after market products for this bike. making it easy to customize.
The bike gets good mileage and is comfortable for the long haul. I have said it before and I'll say it here... If Honda had built this bike I'd never get rid of it.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 11800
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
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Epinions.com ID:
roscoe6
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 1 member
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