Vulcan 750 Project Bike

I bought a project bike. I know a lot of you will enjoy seeing me work on this, but I'm doing this as a Patreon support build. I didn't want to do this, and I know this will piss off and anger some of you, but I'm trying to make my KZbin channel, my main source of income. So if that means producing a video series only able to Patreon supporters, than that's what I'll do.

[@geraldscott4302]

I have owned three Vulcan 750s, and put a lot of miles on them. The first one was a bought new 1993, just like that one. It had chrome side covers. I put 86,000+ miles on it. In 2001, I decided I wanted a KLR650, so I sold the Vulcan 750 and bought one. It didn't take long for me to realize I had made a mistake. In less than a year, I traded the KLR in on a brand new 2002 Vulcan 750. I started adding things to it. All Kawasaki stuff. An extended backrest, a luggage rack, a saddlebag mount/turn signal relocator kit, bolt on hard leather saddlebags, an engine guard, and a Memphis Shades "Shooter" windshield. That's almost all the accessories Kawasaki had for the Vulcan 750, other than the "touring" kit they sold for a short time. I also put TOC manual cam chain tensioners on it. I wound up putting 118,000 miles on that bike before the upper rear cam chain broke and destroyed the engine. I found a low mileage 1997 in beautiful condition, did a full service on it, and transferred all the accessories from the 2002 over to it. I'm keeping the 2002 for a parts bike. Having bought three of them, two of them new, I obviously really like this bike. But it is not without its problems. The stock automatic cam chain tensioners are junk. The ones on my '93 lasted less than 10,000 miles till I started hearing cam chain noise. I replaced them with a brand new set. They lasted less than 8,000 miles till I started hearing the noise again. I discovered how to convert them to manual tensioners from vn750.com I did not like how that was done, and did not believe it would be reliable, but it seemed to be the only choice at the time. I took the first set that failed, and converted them into manual tensioners as well, and carried them with me, just in case. Never did use them. By the time I got the 2002, a place had come out with high quality custom made hardened steel manual tensioners, and as soon as I heard the noise, I got a set of them, and replaced the oem ones. Here is where to get them tocmanufacturing.com/ Don't get the cheap ones from eBay, they are aluminum, and will break. Another issue with these bikes is the final drive splines. Apparently they did not lube them at the factory, and the first spline service is supposed to be done at 10,000 miles. By then there will be damage to the splines, as I found out with my 1993. They showed damage, but I packed them in Honda Moly 60, and used them for another 10,000 miles. Before then, I had found a low mileage final drive unit on eBay for a decent price, and bought it. The splines looked like new. So at the 20,000 mile service, I installed that one. I still have the original one from the '93. I over maintained the '93, and never had any more serious problems with it. Good used final drive units are pretty much no longer available anymore. New ones are still available from partzilla.com but they are $1500. CHECK AND LUBE THOSE SPLINES. Do it before you ride the bike. Another issue with these bikes is stator failure. That is normally not a huge deal on most bikes, but it is on this one. You have to remove the engine to get the stator cover off. And to do that you have to practically disassemble the whole bike. I never had a problem with it on my '83, but I did on the '02. Somewhere around 50,000 miles. It took me over 3 weeks, in my spare time, to replace it and put everything back together. DO NOT remove the front bevel gearcase when removing the engine. It may not look like it, but the engine can be removed and reinstalled with it in place. I completely removed the engine, and put it up on a work bench to work on it. I had to have help to get it up there, and back on the floor. I had it sitting on a one gallon metal paint can with a thin piece of wood on top. If you shim it just right, it will be at the perfect height, and will slide right into place, with a little wiggling. I discovered that the three yellow wires from the stator have bullet connectors in them, between the stator and regulator/rectifier. All three of mine were burned. The connectors were likely loose, causing high resistance, which is probably what took out the stator. I removed the connectors and soldered the wires together. The first thing I recommend for anyone buying a Vulcan 750 is to go to vn750.com and do some research before riding the bike or working on it. They are great bikes, but they are not perfect. And even the newest ones are now 18 years old.

[@michaelpeek9231]

Fork seals need replacing. VN750 forum will help you a lot. I have an 88 I’m working on now. Carbs will need to be rebuilt, and all fluids. Good luck on that. Back is the trunk box missing, they all break.

[@ChefHikerBiker]

Thanks, I think that's everything I already planned on doing.

[@bzmotoninja83]

I just picked up a 2002 750. Good to know they didnt change much thru the years

[@ChefHikerBiker]

No, I don't think they changed at all during its manufacturing run.

[@Mid-American]

I've owned a 2002 VN750 for 12 years. Your go-around of the bike exposes many of the common problems and lack of required maintenances. But the main problems (likely) are defective regulator and/or stator. Good regulator costs about $130 and is no problem, but replacing the stator means basically removing the engine by "tilting" it out on the right side where there is a removable frame rail. Stator and related supplies probably cost you around $250 for good brands. The job (remove exhaust, rear wheel, drive shaft, seat, tank, air intake plenem, motor mounts, radiator hose, carb boots, etc, etc,) will take lots of time and patience.

[@ChefHikerBiker]

Yeah I have the motor pulled and tearing down already, but because I was getting a bunch of fluid in my oil. But I've replaced the rectifier and had the motor running before I noticed the extra fluid in the oil.

[@Mid-American]

@@ChefHikerBiker What kind of fluid? Coolant can get in around the impeller and gas can get in by leaky petcock that fills the carbs and leaks on past the rings.

[@ChefHikerBiker]

At first I thought it was coolant, but I have been second guessing myself after getting the heads removed, and starting to think that maybe it was gas. I don't recall seeing the coolant color or fluid separation, so that's why I'm starting to think it was gas. I rebuilt the petcock, but I didn't try it before I started ripping the motor apart.

[@spignetti]

You seem like a genuinely nice individual....Good luck with that...I just bought the 2002 with 9 thousand miles. Never ridden.....Picking her up next week...take care....

[@ChefHikerBiker]

Let me know how it goes.

[@spignetti]

@@ChefHikerBiker well, so far so good. Black/silver...rides nice...they do ride nice that's for sure..A bit on the dog side compared to other bikes i've owned but it serves the purpose...Wanting is always way better than having....imho...But it's cool. Prolly sell her in the not so distant future...while she's still in great condition...

[@ChefHikerBiker]

Might be that once you sell it you'll wish you had it back. Stay safe out there.

[@user-xd3pz7pz7p]

The bit on the back off the seat is a storage box your missing the door

[@ChefHikerBiker]

Yeah, it's pretty common for that door to break off.

[@Rudynoriega1]

I have a 1998 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 project. It’s been a really pain in the back lol 😂

[@ChefHikerBiker]

That's what can make it fun.

[@tjdehaan39]

When I bought my first bike I didn’t exactly know what I wanted to to get. I waited a good while and then finally had a pocket full of change. I saw a Vulcan for sale for super cheap and it seemed to be in good condition. I ended up buying a Vulcan 750 86 for 750 dollar in mint condition. The thing had 13000 miles on it and the only thing that wasn’t original was the custom sissy bar (which I dig high sissy bars) Later on I come to find out these bikes are amazing. They are fucking tanks. I love the thing and I don’t think I could’ve gotten a better deal! How much did you get yours for?

[@ChefHikerBiker]

I got it for $500. But it has some major issues. I'm replacing things, that most likely, don't need to be replaced. And I'm trying to customize it a bit too. Which is what I wanted; I wanted a project bike. So I figure I've spent about $3,000 on this bike and haven't even ridden it yet. Seems that if the temperature is over 80° or below 40°, I get lazy and say it's to hot or to cold to work on it.

[@tjdehaan39]

@@ChefHikerBiker Damn! I would love to see an update on the project!

[@ChefHikerBiker]

The build videos are being posted on my Patreon page. A $1 monthly membership will give you access to the VN750 Project Bike Build videos and any future videos as they're produced. Currently I have 15 videos posted, and have no idea how many more videos, or how long it will take to finish the bike. But basically, I have the bike stripped down in order to remove the motor. Once I get the motor pulled I need to replace the upper and lower head gaskets to try and fix a coolant leak. I am also doing a Bobber build on it, so I have: side covers, rear fender, blinkers, mirrors and stuff like that removed so I can clean, paint, or replace stuff.

[@tobiaswilliams9741]

I'm hopefully getting a 1995 VN750 soon. I like the bike and the Halestorm shirt

[@ChefHikerBiker]

That's great, just like Halestorm👍

[@stickfiguretree5411]

Same year as mine. My front brakes are seized on mine. Same dent on my tank.

[@ChefHikerBiker]

Are you going to get the brakes working so you can ride it?

[@stickfiguretree5411]

@@ChefHikerBiker that's the plan. It was my father in laws bike. I wish I could have ridden with him but he can't hold it up anymore

[@ChefHikerBiker]

I"m sure it would mean the world to him to see it running again

[@derrickmarsaw1893]

I subscribed I ran across a 750 don't know the model thinking about starting my channel off with that bike it has 12,000 miles looks good

[@ChefHikerBiker]

Thanks for watching. Have fun with your bike and good luck with your channel.

[@Nickyvalz]

Im thinking about picking one up for less than $2000, can you do a video with an update on this project? Id like to see what kind of work ill be looking at to make this bike new. Was garage kept with 6100miles

[@ChefHikerBiker]

I would do an update, but it is completley stripped down and the engine is removed. If you would like to see the videos I've made of the project, you can sign up for a $1 a month membership at: Patreon.com/marcvanderpal

[@daltonvickersjr9441]

I have been thinking about looking for an older 750 or 800. I love my 2006 1600 classic

[@ChefHikerBiker]

Love my 1600 too. I'll never get rid of it. My 750 has been fun to tinker with. Almost got it to a point where I can try starting it.

[@chromevanadium5825]

Restore it in original! That's the best You can do!

[@ChefHikerBiker]

Yeah, I just keep going to a solo seat bobber. Might even go with a heavy metalic Candie Root Beer color. But the engine exhaust and stuff like that will remain original. But tomorrow I might change my mind again, and leave it as original as possible with new hand grips, mirros and blinkers.

[@chromevanadium5825]

@@ChefHikerBiker Ok. I just don't know the situation in Your country/state but if it was here, in Europe, it would be too good to "destroy" ;) Why? Because it's a real bike from real metal and chrome and painted with natural nitro paint. No ecological and China crap. I have VN800A ('97) and the price is going up and up on those bikes.

[@ChefHikerBiker]

So far most everything I've purchased or looking to purchase is stock replacement. I found a speedo from a parts shop up north. Just need to find the time to do a 500 mile round trip to get it. The side covers, I'm talking with a kid that's parting out his 750. Hopefully I'll get those at a decent price. The rectifier, carburetor kit, and fork kit are not OEM, but they're here in the States.

[@MrNightpwner]

Any update on this? Notoriously bad charging stator on them I have one.

[@ChefHikerBiker]

I made this a series on Patreon. I currently have about 10 or so videos, that you can watch. Go to: Patreon.com/MarcVanderPal Currently, I am working on the coolant system. I found that the radiator had a leak and have ordered a replacement.

[@user-hx7ej4yg3c]

мне достался в почти похожем состоянии, ну местами лучше. будем восстанавливать.

[@ChefHikerBiker]

It has been a fun project to work on. I have gotten mine running, but still working on a few things like the coolant system, I need to rebuild the front forks, and maybe do some electrical work.

[@billytscherne4643]

How would a 56 year old 6'2" fit on this bike ?

[@ChefHikerBiker]

Well, I'm going to be 50 in the next few month and I'm 6'6". I have not been able to ride it yet; still working on it though. However, the short time I've been able to sit on it, before tearing it apart, I felt it was a little cramped, but not horrible.

[@Mid-American]

Fit ok

[@ejbingusreactions]

Hey what's up buddy I just picked up a Kawasaki Vulcan 750 myself and I love the bike so why don't you check out my motovlog see what you think man I appreciate it I did subscribe to you thanks buddy

[@ChefHikerBiker]

I'll check out your channel.