2004 Kawasaki reviews

This bike has never been back to the dealer. I have been warned by everyone about the cam chain tensioner parts breaking and grenading the lower end. I adjust it on each oil change and no problems. I also don't red line the engine at every opportunity. My bike usually has mud on it because I spend most of my time on dirt roads standing on the pegs. My original battery is currently shot and I will replace it in the spring. I have a 06 Harley Softtail for social events, but, if I really want to have fun riding the KLR-650 is my first choice. My bike makes the right kind of noise, has excellent power and the reliability is unsurpassed. Why buy a KLR650? If you really like to ride a motorcycle you want all the options you can get as to where you want to go. A KLR650 is a vehicle you can truly explore all the places you were afraid to go because it might be hard to get to. If you treat the bike well and keep it maintained, it will never leave you on the side of the road. Show less

We purchased this bike new in 2004 and have loved it since. The bike is coming up on 27,000 miles and except for wearing out tires (not the fault of the bike), it has been rock solid. I have taken some long trips on it and I ride it to work as much as possible (when it's above 23 degrees and no snow). If you are looking for a solid, dependable bike that runs like a champ, this is the one. Show less

I purchased this new in Feb. 2006. It was a new leftover. The bike is awesome. I picked this year, 2004, specially, because: heli-bars, dual chrome exhaust, center stand, one piece nearly flat seat, the color, only year for this ruby red, and silver wheels. New ones have 4-into-1 exhaust, two piece seat, no ctr. std., black wheels. I have 14k on it and it performs great. I can ride for several hours, often 300 miles, and it is pretty comfy at this distance. I love the power, immediate throttle response, and cornering is awesome. It is very quick, easy to ride fast, but you can also ride it slowly. It has effortless maneuverability, city or highway. I get 62 mpg on the highway and average about 55 mpg. I love this bike. Show less

I love the Vulcan Classic! I test rode many different brands and the Kawasaki fit me the best. I had a 97 Vulcan Classic and traded in for the 2004. All my accessories could be moved over to it. That saved me a bundle. That allowed me to modify it a little. It was nice going from the 4 speed to the 5 speed. Smooth ride, easy for me to handle, looks great and I've not had a problem with it. Had it for 3+ years and it still runs perfect. If Kawasaki comes out with a Vulcan Classic 6 speed, I'll be the first to get one! Show less

After spending my first riding season on a Kawasaki 440 LTD, I quickly out-grew it, and was ready for a bigger bike. I researched for months looking for the bike that had the look I wanted, combined with performance, and that was also comfortable as well, as I plan to go on extended rides. The Vulcan 1500 classic was a perfect match. It's an incredible performer, and extremely smooth. It corners differently, but I believe that's due to the large tires. It's very balanced, so it feels much lighter than it weighs. I'm still getting used to it, I think the reason the gas mileage is lower is that it's so easy to ride it hard. The bike is extremely responsive, and when you lay into it delivers incredible results. I'm extremely happy with my purchase, and can't wait for the next season to really start! I highly recommend this bike, as it delivers incredible performance for the dollar. Show less

I bought this new '04 1500 Drifter in '06. It was unsold new stock. It came complete with Samson long cannons and only 5 miles on the odometer. Man, sometimes a fellow just gets lucky. It is a true 49+ mpg machine with drive shaft, fuel injection and retro style. It is big, fast, comfortable and super dependable. This is MY cycle. I don't know why I would ever sell it. What a deal. Show less

I ride a 2004 KDX 200. This bike is sweet!!! I am only 13 so to me this bike rips. It is a little big for me but it is very easy to handle. This is the perfect trail bike and it has plenty of power and torque. Show less

I personally owned this bike. I upgraded from a ZZR1200 to this bike. From the beginning it performed FLAWLESSLY. I NEVER had any problems with this great bike. It always was garage kept - never crashed - and had EVERY service done to it according to the book. This bike has a POWER COMMANDER installed - maps are downloadable. It is a great carver and a total blast to ride! It has an extended mileage tire on the rear (Diablo).You will LOVE this bike! Show less

Kawasaki is selling guns out of the back room of the candy store. This screamer accomplishes the perfect balance of power and precision. What a motor! Exceptional braking power. Add a Corbin saddle and a cruise control for steroid induced sport tour duty. Not sure why Kawasaki dropped the Cheater from it's lineup. Why fold your Aces? Found one bone stock with 4,500 miles on the clock. SWEET! Show less

I've been riding this bike for 2 months and it is the most amazing bike ever. For my height and weight, it's hard to keep the front wheel down but I seem to manage. I have this track behind my house with doubles and table tops and I was racing a YZ 125, KX250f, CR250R, and a CRF450 and this bike has so much low end I beat them off the start and in the turns. But the 450 had a little bit more stuff so unfortunatly it beat me. But on the trails this bike is just unbeatable! It sucks that they're going to quit making two strokes. Show less