Great machine
Written: Jul 29 '03
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Pros: looks, tach, all the gages, shaft
Cons: rear drum brake ( for the look!)
The Bottom Line: for the price, a great machine. Except the small earlier problems, would recommend that motorcycle.
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| nmto0777's Full Review: 2000 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 |
well just got my 2004 new vulcan a week ago.
Jumping from a ninja to that one was a culture shock but so pleasant for my 43 years old frame.
this is by far one of the most pleasant bike i had so far.
will not repeat every one comment but all the gages are there, speed, tach, fuel, engine Temp, turn signal, oil press light, burn light indicator, + the must have of the rider such as shaft transmission, hydraulic valve adjustment (no valves to adjust like on a ninja), small locked box, even a small chain with lock come with it and maintenance (central) stand.
i also like the hazard light switch, althrough i hope you will not have to use it...
First 400 miles were burned in last 3 days (got to get that 500 miles / 4000 rpm breakin period off the way or you will be pushed on a freeway). so far getting about 50 miles / per gallon.
Couple of must check if you get a 2004 model before you hit the road...
- After 38 miles engines stopped after losing power. all parameters normal. after panic time was over and Dealer contacted on cell to pick me up i noticed fuel hose from bottom of fuel knob tank was disconnected. no leak of fuel ..(appears to be a vacum hose?/not sure but no fuel come out of the knob there. The hose is very tight and need to be pushed all the way in with that little clamp. i put it back in myself and after cranking the engine 3 times it came back to life and still alive. so check that little hose from you tank knob going down to you carburator on the left side.
- 150 miles i hear a noise like i lost a bolt or a wheel balance weight. All parameters normal = i keep going. Realized 40 miles later after stopping that i lost the lock for the little box at the rear end of the seat. Cover was flipping open. Look like the back-nut came lose with vibs (as i found it inside the box) and the lock just popped out while driving. Been upset, as the lock key match the start key i went back and after 2 hours search on that road portion i heard the noise, i found it on the road side... reinstalled it and sealled the back nuts with RTV sealant so it will not migrate out again.
All these appears annoying and not expected for a new machine but overall experience so far as been great with the two little above exceptions.
i did install myself the windshield that kawasaki sell on it's web site for the vulcan for about $150. Not too bad except the hardware provided is a basic "fit it all" type of kawasaki. So the side lower bracket are kind of too long and hugly black paint..(not chromed) and the attachment bolts that replace the existing ones on each side of the headlight are also hugly and not chromed.. the windshield itself fit well but the top end of it, in my case is just in the middle of my sight view so i'm alway going back and forth on looking above or under that "created horizon line." (windshield is tinted).Could be annoying and distracting.
Other items of interest:
- Becarefull with the rear cylinder upper portion, depending your physic.. it is getting pretty hot under there on the RH side, if you drive in short in a hot State... you will feel it.
- Right feet, caution on shoes Vs exhaust tube, very easy to melt your shoes hill on the exhaust , specifically if you are a 10 1/2.
- Watch you liquid coolant level, factory deliver kinda of low and may need a little add after the fist couple hundred miles.
great bike otherwise...
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 6200 D/O
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
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Epinions.com ID:
nmto0777
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Reviews written: 1
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