2002 kawasaki reviews

1200cc of torque to the street, Smooth turns, sold response - Super Power response ZZR1200 arrived with a mildly bewildering split personality: part 145-horsepower cruise missile, part comfy long-haul sport-tourist. Was it a kinder, gentler ZX-12R or a slimmed-down Concours with anger-management issues? Both, actually, which is hardly a bad thing if you slow down long enough to think about it. After that, this one runs as fast as physics and the local constabulary will allow. Kawasaki figured a stronger, more comfortable version of the beloved ZX-11 would bury entrenched 'Bahnstormers like the Ducati ST4S and Triumph Sprint ST under an onslaught of sweet handling and Japanese horsepower. Especially when it cost about $5000 less. Adding 3mm more bore and a 1.6mm longer stroke bumped displacement to 1164cc. And those horses arrive in methodical fashion from idle to 6000 rpm, followed by an eyeball-flattening stampede from 8000 to the 145.2-bhp peak at 9750. That's stronger than Honda's CBR1100XX or an equivalent Suzuki GSX-R1000. Those ponies live in a stout twin-spar aluminum chassis, complete with a steel subframe designed to carry a passenger and the optional Givi hard luggage. Roomy, upright ergos are more humane than a ZX-11's, and the 609-lb. 1200 still covered the quarter-mile in 10.12 seconds at 136.9 mph. Land Rocket Show less

I have owned 2 Kawasaki ZRX1200R, first was my 2005 from 2006-2017 and my 2002 from 2018 - still ride today. These bikes are comfortable to ride, great Kawasaki quality(this is my 11th street bike in the last 52yrs of riding) lots of power to have all the fun you can handle, but the only weak spot is the transmission- the 2005 had transmission work at 52,000mi. and my 2002 I lost 4 gear about 2mo. ago with 32,000mi. Still ride it everyday just skip 4th gear for now. New transmission, parts and labor: $5,400, rebuilt: $3,500 Show less

I went to buy a Harley Road king but the price was rediculous. Across the Street was a Kawasaki dealer and my wife suggested we go there and check it out. I didnt want a crouch rocket and was amazed when I saw this 02 Vulcan sitting in the showroom that looked like a Harley. I even asked "you sell Harley's here"? No, thats a Kawasaki Vulcan. The price tag? $7995.00 "WOW" Just what wanted, chain drive, carburated, perfect. The owner came over and said "this is the last motorcycle you'll ever buy. They never come back for anything". My wife asked "Whats the best yo can do" The final price was $5200.00. My wife asked if there was something wrong with it. Its brand new, if its junk, I'll make a lamp out of it for that price. Im a mechanic by trade. This bike is flawless. The welds of the frame, the engineering, the handleing, it runs perfectly. At 33,000 miles, not an ounce of trouble. General maintenance is all it needs. Most important, it has solid lifters so be sure to check the valve clearance at least every 10,000 miles. Thats it. This motorcycle will last you a lifetime. Stopped at a WaWa one night. A guy with a new Harley there with his friends stopped to talk. He owned an 02 Vulcan Classic and got rid of it and bought a Harley. "what a mistake" he said. I loved that bike. I have been back to the Harley dealer 4 time for oil leaks, still not fixed. What a mistake I made, he said. Dont make the same mistake. I said, I know and I also know that most electronics among other parts on Harley's are made in China. Very sad! The Vulcan is the first japanese vehicle I have ever bought. The head mechanic at the dealer where I purchased it said, "It's built in Nebraska, how much more american can you get. Boy was he right. You will fall in love with this motorcycle. It has plenty of power, my wife and I ride 2 up, It weighs much less than a Harley and it is the most perfectly balanced bike on the market and it looks just like a Harley. I've had people ask me about the color, metalic red, they say, "I didnt know Harley had a color like that" They dont. Its not a Harley. Theyre shocked. For the price you pay for this motorcycle, you can afford to fit it out with all kinds of addons. A windshield, bags, floorboards, crash bars etc. I've known people who have over 90,000 miles on this bike, and it still runs great. Dont be fooled. Dont think its junk. IT'S NOT! Later on in years there are some bigger beautiful cruisers Kawasaki makes. Im not gonna get rid of what I got cause I dressed it just like I want it but you cant beat Kawasaki, And the new ones are really tempting and dependable. Hey, Years ago they made aircraft engines for fighter planes. They know what they're doin. Show less

Been riding bikes since 15 lots.im 59 live in new zealand.had the 02 z 4 months love it.big grunty beast of a thing but smooth as silk.standard everything why change it.bit low for me im 6-2 with long legs had to ad cheap online cushon now its sweet still get sore ass after 2 hours.last of old school style tourers.bit low on sweeping bends toe scrapes on road but handles ok.sucks the gas if you open it up gets a bit boring at leagle speed.sits nice in the garage nice to know 160 hp 175 mph.whatch out taking fairing off srcews fall down get lost somewhere.tried to take tank off gave up too much going on.at 30000 ks its a keeper.enjoy Show less

Kool to ride cruiser. Comfy seat, windshield my choice. Never overheats. OK gas mileage. Enuough power band for average bike runs, not shabby. Show less

I am on my second Vulcan 800 Classic. The first one was nice but a little bit of rust from the previous owner not keeping it garaged bothered me. I found a great deal on a VTX so I sold my first Vulcan. I later realized how much I missed my first Vulcan that the first opportunity I got to get another one, I did. I could not be happier. This one had no rust and looked great. I can cruise around with other cruisers or wind it up to be a little more sporty. It loves to cruise at 80-85 and the engine feels so smooth at that speed. I think it has the same sweet spot as my VTX 1300 but this Vulcan is only an 800. Slow speed manuevers are much easier than my old Shadow 750 and VTX, too. I've had cruisers, standards and sportbikes and this one is perfect as it is between the average cruiser and standard. It handles well and inspires confidence. Like I mentioned before, the Vulcan likes to rev so be aware that you might be going faster than you thought. After 16 bikes in six years, I think I found the perfect one for me. It gets 48-55 mpg. and it is easy to get out of the garage without the weight being overbearing. It is perfect in the city and comfortable on the highway. Show less

OK, final review on this bike because it just died. It started running on one cylinder. After 122K I guess I can't blame it. Other than the motor, the bike is still in great shape and still looks good. I just put tires on it; bummer. I might try to find a motor. A rebuild is too expensive for my taste. So the eleven-year saga ends. I guess I got my money's worth. Show less

This was a gift to me from my daughter. It wasn't driven for five years until I moved to Vancouver Island to a town called Sooke. The ride here is absolutely amazing as all the roads are hilly and loaded with curves. This bike is absolutely amazing. My son rides an R1 and really enjoyed taking my bike for rides. He says it is absolutely a great ride - handles the hills and curves and has lots of power in the upper rpms. What a truely great time I have with this gift. Since I am a retired man, guess what I do to spend my time? Show less

This bike will please the most experienced rider while being a definite possibility for first time owners. This was my first bike and I've been on it since. It teaches a new rider to learn with a bit more power, and more power doesn't always mean less safety! This bike is great for a first time rider or a racer. TONS of fun with an amazing price + resale value. Show less

Again, continuation review of others with the same title. Now have almost 102,000 miles and nothing has changed except more tires. Still runs great. Since last review (#4) have made trips to the Black Hills and Bad Lands in SD in 2007; Maine and New Hampshire in 2008. Not too much this year except running around Missouri and Arkansas. Will probably go back to New England next year. I'm less able to afford a new bike than ever so looks like me and my Vulcan for a few more years. Repairs: Front wheel bearings, one spark plug cap; that's it. Want a Big Baron Air Kit; Maybe next year. Great, comfortable, 45 mpg cruising. Still looks good. Get a lot of jaw dropping when I mention the Mileage. May update in another year or so. Show less