2001 Kawasaki reviews

I'm sorry to lower the reliability rating because mine takes a lot of kicking to get started on a trail ride. Other than that, this is a very great bike. It has a lot of power and good handling at high speeds. I wouldn't recommend it for long rough trails, but it's great for Motocross. This bike flies across the track and is easy to move around in the air. If you need to save money by buying an older bike, buy this one, because mine works pretty well for a 10-year-old dirt bike. Mine is a big bore 144 with a racing muffler and a reed force valve. I bought it for $1,050, so I wouldn't recommend spending too much on an old bike. Wait a while and you may be surprised with what you might find. MY BIKE: The rear number plate and front number plate were painted turquoise, and the radiator shrouds are black. I honestly don't like how it looks very much, so remember not to get one with a custom paint job you don't like. Replacing plastic isn't cheap. Show less

This bike is very fast. It beat a 2004 KTM 125SX. The KTM was all the way topped out and I was in 5th gear 3/4 throttle tieing it, then shifted into 6th gear and blew it away! That just proves Kawasaki is the best Show less

I have had big Suzuki's, a Harley SuperGlide and a Honda Shadow. I didn't ride for 22 years and then I found this 2001 Classic Used with only 4300 miles when I bought it in September of 2010. It is now mid-October and I am in love with it. There's plenty of torque, it's easy starting and beautiful to look at. The only thing is having to use the high dollar gasoline. I love this bike. Show less

I have had my 1500 Fi for four years and bought it with 17000 kms on the clock. I have taken it on some long 2400 km trips. It's super reliable and I only have changed the fluids and a rear tire. I have been looking around for something newer, but nothing out there that is worth the move from this Vulcan. It's cheap to run. I have a Corbin Dual tour seat on it and lots of chrome. It is a great bike. I looked at the Harley's, but would be asking for trouble compared with this ride. Show less

The bike has power where ever you need it. The power band seems never ending and will throw you on your back. The only thing I could complain about would be the suspension. Sometimes the mono shock is a little stiff and let's you know when you hit a breaking bump. Other than that, there's nothing after market can't fix to make it a great running bike. Show less

After 23 years on a 650cc BMW, I decided I wanted something different. My Sherpa, bought 2nd hand with 5000km, is a delight to ride in traffic and around town. Far from being the compromise I expected, it handles tarmac very well. I expected the knobby tyres to be positively dangerous on wet roads; they are better than I am. Off road the bike is ideal for a novice trail rider. With a low seat height and low gearing, I can go everywhere without having to go hard and hope I don't need to put my feet down. I trailered it up to the Flinder Ranges and Arkaroola in Central Australia soon after I got it, and had a great time exploring places I would not have taken a 4wd in such remote country. A competent city commuter and off road explorer in one bike, well built, easy to live with. Show less

I bought this thing last year and I am impressed with it. There's a reason why this bike has been around so long. Loads of power and a comfortable ride. Show less

I bought this Classic used in 2003 with 9000 miles on it, and during the test ride I could not keep myself from smiling. I have traveled from central IL to middle Kansas so many times I can't count, and 55000 miles later I still smile each time I ride. Smooth, powerful, dependable performance is all I ever got from this cycle. 4 sets of tires, 3 sets of brake pads, fresh spark plugs each spring, oil change every 4000 miles and that is it. No problems whatsoever. Show less

I got the Vulcan with 6000 miles on it; with little more than normal maintenance, the machine has carried me through everything from Force 10 gales in Florida to sub-freezing temperatures in the upper southeast with absolutely no problems. It cruises well, handles acceptably, and is easy on the eyes to look at. After 40 years of riding, I couldn't be more satisfied with a motorcycle. As an afternote, not one piece of the bike has even so much as loosened up after all those miles. Smmooth! Show less

My '01 1500 Classic FI (Black Pearl) reminds me of my old 1975 FLH1200 'Fatbob' albeit as an updated retro-styled cruiser with liquid-cooling. It feels evocative, visceral, and sounds grrreat with the aftermarket exhaust system. Very smooth motor, and I highly recommend the Dunlop Elite 3 tires. Purchased as a brand new non-current bike from the dealer at a discounted price. A couple of months later, relocated to Boise, ID. As far as how it might compare with a Harley-Davidson, about all I can say is that it's roomier as far as the ergonomics go. Not the least bit concerned about depreciation as this bike is a keeper. Think of it as the cruiser version of Kawasaki's famous 1973 903 Z1. Have not had any issues with it at all since 4/02 *except* for a minor o-ring coolant leak which was covered under the extended warranty. Those usually have to be r/r every 48 months. Most of my riding is out on the 2-lane backroads, not the interstates. Adding a 'shield made a huge difference on those longer rides. The oem seat is very good although it's usually a good idea to take a butt break after an hour or so. This isn't a quick accelerating motorcycle, but it does have gobs of torque so it's not as if one has to constantly keeping shifting the gearbox. Passing power is excellent in 4th gear. 5th is more of an overdrive. Gas mileage has varied from 38-52mpg with mid-40s being average. This a big, friendly old skool motorcycle that's easy to live with, and is definitely a best buy. Not too big nor too small, but just right. Show less