2012 Kawasaki reviews

Ive owned 5 bikes. This KV 900 LT is my FAVORITE! I put a mustang seat with drivers back rest, then took the leather off the rivets and put 2 inch thick honey comb jell pad (cut custom seat shape) then re-rivet the leather and its like Im sitting on a couch. I also put 2"inch riser on the handlebar (bringing them back toward me and and a little up) OOOH so Comfortable. put cobra pipes on, triple headlight, passenger platforms, upgraded grips, replaced leather bags with hard bags that I custom painted the two tone black/midnight blue with pin stripe - I DID IT PERFECT it matchs and LOOKS AWESOME - because I put LED flashers on the back of the hard bags, ars SEE MY BIKE at the stops. The bike only weighs 620lbs so it easier to handle than a big 950lb harley. AND does not shake/vibrate, its counter balanced, rubber mounted engine, fuel injected, water cooled, belt driven - all for a SMOOTH ride! OK it does not fly off the start its only 53 horse, it does seem to top out at 80mph, but for the cost, comfort and reliability - you'll never get me off my Vulcan 900 LT - GREAT bike! Show less

This is an awesome motorcycle! The comfort of a tourer, I hate feeling like I'm laying on the gas tank, but the power to take off like a rocket! All the features are awesome from the heated grips (which are very handy this time of year in Michigan), the ABS and the adjustable windshield. The only thing Kawasaki should've done to make this a truly top rate Sport-Tourer was add cruise control as a standard feature. I'd pay the extra money for cruise control. Show less

I bought a brand new Vulcan from the Kawasaki dealer in Auburn, NY from Steve and it is outstanding. The service department and every one out there are very professional and I would recomend if you buy a motorcycle, you buy it from them. Show less

This is a great all-around bike. This is my first new bike, I upgraded from an 1989 GS500 with over 50k km. I liked the riding position of my GS and I like a naked bike. After attending the local bike show and viewing and sitting on the ER-6n I was happy that they got a couple in at the local dealer. I was originally set on a Ducati Monster 696, but due to the unavailability to find one locally used, I re-checked out the Kawi and found I could purchase a new one cheaper than a good, used Monster. 7,600 km., and 5.5 months later I couldn't be happier. I have done long trips, four hours seat time and countless buzzing around the city. I love this bike. I added the rear seat cowl as I am mostly riding alone. I also ditched the bunny ears for bar ends. I also purchased a set of soft-sided saddle bags for long trips and plan on adding a fender eliminator and frame sliders as they become available. My only complaint would be the tires. I'm not impressed with the wearing of the rear tire, or should I say wearing out of the rear tire. One season and it's toast. I'll wear one more next year to wear out the front, but then I'll be switching to a set of Pirellies. Show less

I purchased this bike 5/31/2012 and I haven't regretted the choice once. The bike has smooth acceleration and well enough power for highway. The only issue I have is the dash. It feels a little cheap but they have digital upgrades for that. I would recommended this bike to any beginner. Show less

I bought it new in North Carolina, all black. I rode it back home to Canada via The Tail. I did rent an '08 in Colorado and loved that but the '12 is better. Stock seat is comfortable for 600 miles. I'm going to add a 1/2" handle bar risers. I also need lowering links for my height just for flat footing at stops. It handles like a 600cc bike even though it weighs 2X. I'd recommend it highly to anyone looking for a sport tourer. Show less

This Ninja 250 is very nice. I drove it for long distances. It has great gas mileage (60 mpg.) It's a comfortable, light bike and has good high speed for the highway. Show less

I love this motorcycle! I've been riding full time for over 30 years now and owned more bikes than I can count. This Vulcan 900 Custom Special Edition not only looks good, it also performs and handles better than I ever expected. The tall, thin front wheel handles corners exceptionally well, the engine is quiet, powerful with loads of torque with a quiet, yet deep and authoritive exhaust note that is music to the ears. The transmission is tight and shifts beautifully. The clutch has a nice firm feel. The stock drivers seat is very comfortable. It's much better than the Star 950's seat that we traded in. My wife hasn't complained about the passenger seat but we have not taken any all-day rides yet. If she doesn't complain we're keeping the stock seat. The bike is still in break-in period but from what I can tell it is already one of my all-time favorites. This is my first (well 2nd, bought a 2012 Ninja 650R a couple of weeks ago) Kawasaki in 20 years. I've been overlooking the brand and that was a mistake. I purchased the Ninja as a toy for myself and was so impressed with it that I decided to try the Custom. It was one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. I am very impressed. I think you are going to love it, too. Ride safe! Show less

I took the bike on an overnighter as soon as possible, under the worst possible conditions: Interstate, high speed, bad crosswinds, and rain. I could not have been more satisfied with the bike's performance. Mine was the smallest bike in the bunch (I was chasing a couple of BMW GS1200's) but it was no handicap. The little 650 kept up just fine. It has great mid-range for passing those pesky big rigs. It did just fine with the crosswinds. Gas mileage on the trip averaged 45 mpg. (average speed was 85). My future touring trips won't be so extreme (or so fast) but it showed just how great a bike this is. The trip was 350 miles each way, and I was quite comfortable. I couldn't have asked for a better result. Show less

Versatility, power, nimble, great value and it's very friendly and a fun ride. I would buy it again, no question. Show less