2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Test Drive

[@woz74]

RIP flappy keytag @ 6:58... it held in there well but just couldn't take any more beating... you've gone to a better place flappy keytag

[@afvet5075]

I bought a 2006 Vulcan Classic 1600 with 24,000 and took it from Oakland California to Wyoming and cruised all over the Big Horn Mountains with 2 buddies. This bike ride with NO problems going up the steep mountain hways and back to Cali 80 to 85 mph, strong winds blowing head on and it didn't break a sweat. Around 200 miles to a tank with is outstanding on long trips. I love this bike. Comfortable and trustworthy. And believe me, when you are crusing thru the deserts of Wyoming, Utah and Nevada through the steep Sierra Nevada Mountains you do not want to break down. Goodlooking and is a beast that is smooth sailing. Plenty of passing power.

[@joeanon5788]

I just bought a 2005 1600cc Nomad bagger with 31K miles for $3250. Always garaged, scuffing on the bags on right side. Vance and Hines pipes and a Mustang seat. I love this bike. Runs smooth and the 5th gear is plenty high. Love the roar of the pipes !!

[@addisonwilliamsjr4450]

I just wanna tell you that I saw this video about 2 years ago and shortly after that I came across a one-owner that had 43K miles but had been babied and garage-kept. She had a lot of aftermarket goodies and, after finding and watching your video again, I decided I had to have it. To make this short and sweet, I LOVE IT! I had been spending a lot of time in Thailand the past 20 years and gotten used to riding scooters like Honda PCX 150s. The Vulcan was the first real bike I had ridden since my KZ900 I had in the Corps back in the '70s, and it fit me like a glove. Since I bought it I have put over 3K miles on it, even though since owning it I have spent nearly a year in Thailand. Thanks for this video, my friend!

[@jerem0621]

How many miles have you put on it now? Do you still have it two years later?

[@addisonwilliamsjr4450]

@@jerem0621 Yes, I still have it and have put about 11K miles on it. I also added a few goodies - tach, whitewalls, airhorn, LED headlights, backrest, fairing - and attended a lot of events with my bike club. I just LOVE my Kaw!

[@jerem0621]

@@addisonwilliamsjr4450 thank you for letting me know! I love that you still have it. I’ve been looking at 1700’s but it’s great to hear the 1600 has been holding up so well!

[@FlipFlopandFly]

Sean. I watched most of your videos and you were riding a Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1700. After I watched the video I purchased a 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1700. Love the bike !!!!!!!!!! Keep up the great videos!

[@Srkcycles]

+LOMBARDISPACKERS1 cool thanks awesome love the nomad

[@edwinpruett6627]

Since I was a teenager I have had a soft spot for Kawasaki's. Nice video Sean

[@needparalegal]

My first "Man's" bike was a 1972 Kawasaki 750 H2. I cheated death many times driving that rocket.

[@harleyryder82]

I have this bike...2008 1600 classic...I've added 16 inch wild 1 chubby outlawz ape hangers...reckless fairing with 300 watt amp and 6x9s ...leatherlyke hardbags...saddlemen br3400 bag on the luggage rack...this bike is a beast...it wont be stopped...its a great cruiser...you wont be disappointed

[@danman5857]

I have a 2007 Vulcan Classic 1500. I purchased in 2009 and the bike had 300 km's (186 miles) on it. Now in 2021 it has 35,000 km's (21,748 miles) on it. Excellent bike, decent power. It's been to southern prairie provinces in Canada, Billings, Sturgis, Yellowstone, Reno, north California and lots of places in between. Would recommend the 1500 over the 900 simply for roll on throttle performance and lower rpm's when cruising on the highways. Can keep up with most other big bore cruisers out there, and the handling is great regardless of road or wind conditions. Only reason for low mileage, is damned work gets in the way and riding is too short where I live. Whatever you ride, ride safe and have fun.

[@thomasfunderburk1107]

I have a 05 VN1600A3. Outstanding bike. I have jumbo fiber bags, trunk that fits two full face modulars, 21"memphis shades windscreen, crashbars, pair of 7inch LED light bars. This bike is a beast that won't disappoint. Getting ready to put cobra longs with quiet cores.

[@Stammerjohan95]

I'm fairly certain this is the only video Sean has ever stopped at that first stop sign completley at. Also picking my VN1600A next weekend. Love your channel and you're one of the reasons I ride and the first place I come for research

[@Imachowderhead]

I have an 03 I bought new, it runs like a champ.

[@rogersmith5371]

My son has a 2006 version of this bike with about 65K/kms on the clock. It is much lighter than the 2010 Kawasaki Voyager 1700 I have. It is a nice bike to ride the shaft drive is quiet and smooth (the 1700 is a belt drive that can be a bit noisy) and it has a quieter but deeper note at the pipes. Despite having a 5 speed box (the 1700 is a 6 speed) it rides well on the highway at cruising speed although I think the 1700 with the over drive might be more fuel efficient. His bike has a tall screen that blocks a lot of wind from the rider. I have ridden his bike a few times and found it to be an enjoyable ride. On the 2006 version as with the Voyager yo can start the bike then remove the key to prevent key tags scratching the chrome. I am not a fan of the speedo and other gauges being on the tank it means you have to take your eyes off the road to monitor speed or fuel and that is a safety issue. I realise it fits with the "old school" design of cruisers and also doesn't spoil the lines and look around the bars but I still think it is a safety issue. Thanks for posting the video and testing the bike.

[@ChrisDavis1975]

I just got one these a week ago with 18,000 miles on it with Cobra Pipes. Love it’s sound. I’ve ridden a Harley Heritage Softail a couple of times & I like my Vulcan 1600 every bit as much! Much more affordable than a Harley that size.

[@beardedbowhunter6139]

What did you have to give for the Vulcan?

[@ChrisDavis1975]

@@beardedbowhunter6139 I feel like I got an excellent deal at $2800. 😎

[@beardedbowhunter6139]

@@ChrisDavis1975 nice I'm looking at one that has 4k miles super clean and the guy wants $4000

[@ChrisDavis1975]

@@beardedbowhunter6139 That sounds like a good deal to me, man! I hope you get it! I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I love mine.

[@carlbilbo545]

I had one for 6 years and loved it . Unfortunately being a mature male my arthritis got much to bad in my hand and I had to sale it. It was sweet. Switchblade windshield,Hard Chrome Double D exhaust CD player, Highway pegs , Comfortable grips And Fire Engine Red Paint !

[@semtech30]

I have a 2001 Vulcan Classic 1500 EFI.....It's a smooth powerful bike. No issues with it. First year of the EFI. and am liking it.

[@seancanney4547]

Great video Sean! I have had a lot of bikes through the years and the Kawasaki Vulcan will be my next and first cruiser. I can't wait.

[@buschmaster4600]

A fuel temperature light huh?

[@johnlock1398]

me to I love it ;) especially that I am the owner one of them ;) - it is true what this man says is very precise and you do not fill the size of it - is light when riding it

[@williampoff913]

Im a Harley Road King kind of guy, { I have a 2011 Road King} but if I ever went "Asian ", it would have to be a Vulcan. The sound alone would sell me.........And the look sure dont hurt either. And Shawn, I LOVE THE SCRIPTURES!! Food for the SOUL!!

[@uthrus]

Yepper, my 2001 VN1500 Classic is fuel injected. I don't think I'd want to by another carbureted bike again. Great videos guys!

[@williamsawyer9093]

I have a 99 vulcan nomad 1500. It's my daily rider. Very nice entry level cruiser. Once you start to roll she fells like a 800. But the breaks are. to be desired. You have to think about stopping. Once you get the hang of it no problem There are three different body styles for the Vulcan I have the nomad that is NOT injected full carb

[@ugk_grey_worm6615]

Plan on getting a 2005 vulcan 1600

[@RJKJLJHJ]

I have a 04 with 65k & she still runs like a top. Worth more to me in fun than I could ever get out if it $.

[@miguelcoutinho8805]

Dude, I watch you riding these babies and I dream. And then you say most of them até good for 6'2" people... Heaven! I might get one some day!

[@gunnerysargent2]

What are you waiting for? go get one, you only live once. Im looking to buy one of these as well

[@garykcarpenter]

Those bikes are nimble and quick!

[@nicholasbusch8552]

I am jumping up from a 1300 vstar to this bad boy it's in my driveway. It is so loaded up front any tips especially with turning would be appreciated

[@Billy_Darley]

my first bike was the 1500. crashed it, fixed it myself and sold it for $50 more than i paid for it. leaning heavily towards a 1500 goldwing for my second bike.

[@daveross5314]

Great bike I had one only draw back was the leaky gas tank at your crotch ,which only certain bikes were under the recall. Mine want.

[@tylersummerlin5892]

It doesn't look that big in a video but it does when you see one in person

[@elmaster22]

Tyler Summerlin agree i have one s 2005 and this thing are beast

[@levitodd8644]

My 06 feels massive to me and I'm 5 foot 10 but it works out

[@perryhouston3896]

i just bought 2003 very happy with bike i miss my 1984 yamaha venture 1200cc it seemed to be a little more snappy but it was about 200 pounds heavier than 2003 vulcan i bought. and alot taller so i like the lower height on newer bike nice video

[@MysticChops]

Looking at getting one for my first bike. Same price as 650s and 750s in the same year model.

[@Mr2stroketom]

really nice bike, love the note it gives out.

[@landseverywhere2155]

I was searching and came across an 05 meanstreak for 3500 (cad) with 35,000 kms. Had it originally posted for 4500 But he reached out to me and said make him an offer BEST BIKE EVER. he went all punisher theme on matte black 😂 Really is a looker ...came with procharger and vance and hines Friggin amazing... You boys should by bikes out here...be a crazy flip if i brought it to the states.

[@yfvera0683]

I have air cool mc (vstar650)an my head gasket are blow and now doing research getting something that is water cool I just don't know what get. I thinking something like Vulcan 900. What do u think?

[@king18722]

Definitely nice bike !

[@williespoonemore3392]

I just bout 1 , guy went n got new battery and sold it to me for $2200 ! It's a beast ..21700 mileage

[@Djamoekjouw.]

Sean, what to do...i want to buy a bike .....a wing or a star.....but i have a back problem.....people say buy a wing, better for your back, but i fall in love with the looks of the 1600 star.....making a good choice is not that easy!

[@Srkcycles]

+jaja djamoekjouw how about a good backrest on your road star

[@Djamoekjouw.]

Srkcycles ....hey Sean , thanks for your respond....i thought about that to. How is de star doing for the long trip.....up 1500 km? I live in europe ( but like to watch your video's) and to visit family i have to drive 1500 km. People say that the star vibrates to much, you drive them both so i thought i ask you. :)

[@1natedoggy]

Look at the black pint on this bike and let me know if it has very small metallic flakes in it with red blue gold etc blended into the black color. I have a 2003 in black ready to click over to 60K and it is as smooth as it was when new. Mine has the above paint mentioned and I was wanting to see it yours has the same look to it. I have seen some 2003 black ones that were just black and no metallic in the black paint scheme at all.

[@theone2be33]

They're all metallic painted

[@LewStewls]

I own an '03, too. It has the metallic flakes in the paint, too. I don't notice the gold much, but the red and blue are prominent. Love this cruiser! I keep looking for a different bike, but just love riding this one.

[@1masonking]

What exhaust is on this bike cant be stock ?

[@ut1004bp]

lol... I still yet to find a cruiser with a fuel temp light... buy you did, Shawn.. Say safe and be courteous to all others

[@LewStewls]

There's a fuel and a temp light

[@jimrothe8199]

I have this bike, several years newer, but the same bike. I bought it with 2k miles, 3 years later it has 56k miles. I like to ride more than most :) I am looking for a new bike now, not because I have any issues with this one, but because I want a cruiser with a little more kick to it, any suggestions?

[@ST0RMBRINGR]

Jim Rothe Get a Vulcan 2000

[@mrquicky]

The Vulcan 1700 is good if you want a little more kick... it has a 6 speed transmission. If you want a lot more kick, the 3 cylinder bikes by yamaha or triumph are insane.

[@rubo1964]

valkyrie

[@harleyryder82]

By the way sean you rock man

[@Sin526]

I know this is a bit of an old video Sean, but can you tell me what sort of pipe is on this bad boy in this? Sounds amazing.

[@theone2be33]

They look like stock pipes to me

[@scarystories190]

Stock. I put Vance and hines big shots on my 2003.

[@daddyeyez740]

that is one beautiful bike

[@chaoticadventure]

Sounds exactly like my 07 mean streak

[@Drelick1]

Would you recommend this bike for a new rider? Or the same with less power?

[@Drelick1]

@CIA Defector well good thing I aced my drivers test in a manual and have drove one since I was 16 and now im 29. Lol

[@alexanderculbreth2802]

@CIA Defector I would not recommend people to learn a manual car before learning how to ride a motorcycle or vice versa. The two are the same in the fact that they are both manually shifted, but they are completely different machines. Shifting is very different between the two. Learning how to shift on one will not necessarily translate to the other.

[@paulzumpf3612]

I would recommend a smaller lighter bike for a beginner.

[@thisthatandtheotherchan5548]

How can I tell if it's a meanstreak or a nomad?

[@paulzumpf3612]

Nomad has hard bags, muffler on each side similar to a Harley Road King. Meanstreak is a bare bones cruiser with short fenders.

[@andr3wbr1dg3s]

If it's by itself, it's a nomad 😜

[@Natty_Nick]

Is it injection??

[@paulzumpf3612]

Yes it is.

[@stevearmstrong9146]

just got the 2007 1600 nomad ,, seems to have stabilitiy problems , is it me or the bike ,, i'm usually pretty much ,, i can do this s

[@I_am_archie]

My beautiful 07 vulcan classic 1600 over heated.... The alert light never came on 😭

[@picklerick7953]

Love my 07 classic ❤

[@picklerick7953]

So does everyone else waiting on my cobra speedster longs

[@CyberKnightX21]

It is now 15 years old.

[@philmanwarren3666]

My 2005 1500 has a funny sound and vib to her when I’m in turns would it be the fan coming on ?

[@paulzumpf3612]

Check your tires for cupping.

[@fabrizziopanimboza2774]

Can a Kawasaki 2006 nomad 1600 be lower?

[@paulzumpf3612]

You can get shorter rest shocks from progressive suspension.

[@vukken99]

Aesthetic wise they saved too much in the skinny handle bar which is more suitable for a bmx bike....

[@Patrickmetaldetecting]

Nice looking

[@valleykid4789]

It’s heavy

[@TRIPLE_SIX_OFFICIAL]

This guy said 2005 lmao

[@theone2be33]

Its not gonna overheat because it's liquid cooled!!

[@TheMariusCG]

...why does that phone mount design even exist?

[@ronrobertson59]

My 72 FLH has no gages and if you want to know how much gas it has take off the gas cap and look. I've never owned anything but Harley Davidsons and real Indian Chiefs. I want a bike I can do a big road trip on without spending Harley money.

[@electronicdawg]

Sean, airplane fuel tanks are in their wings.

[@bobg.9585]

Sean Kerr , is that you?

[@Srkcycles]

you know it!

[@vukken99]

And i may remind you did not pray in this video

[@coledeines9354]

Fuel temp light 🤣

[@jessefoster7986]

Let me guess no baffles

[@fleurvanderbijl7484]

Tight resemble fan quiet represent review variable lots grow most blue.

[@jetstream454]

What??

[@alca4340]

i dont understand why people buy a v twin cruiser and expect it to be smooth......

[@Doodlyscott]

You claim it is 1600cc yet it is actually 1552cc,if you're going to do bike reviews perhaps you should try and learn a little bit of the subject matter before you just give out misinformation.

[@hotrod7687]

The mfg's always round up or down. Its advertised as a 1600 from the factory. If it was less than 1550cc's the it would be rounded down to a 1500.

[@Morten_Nielsen1979]

Doodlyscott You are an idiot.

[@alca4340]

it is always rounded up...