Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter reviews

Want to commute on a comfortable motorcycle that is nimble in the city and cruises great on the highway? Want to get good gas mileage (50-60 mpg.)? Want to look good on a classic? Want to lean into corners more than the average cruiser? Want to be able to rev you rpm. and feel sporty? Want to perform better and faster than the 1300-1600 cruisers? Want to have lower insurance rates and low ownership costs? If the above criteria is what you are looking for in a motorcycle, look no further. Even in 2014, this cruiser still beats what else is available. I'll be riding this for a long time. Knock on wood, but no problems or maintenance issues. I get to enjoy riding this more than having to fix something. Feel confident to take this on a long trip. 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

I purchased it on 05/31/2013. I love this bike and I hope that I can convey that in a review. I ride solo, in a club and with my wife. When I looked at the Vaquero and saw it was just about all black out, I was hooked. I test rode it and the feel was great and the height was good. Since then I have gotten my iron butt for 1,000 miles in 24 hours on this scoot and planning a four corners ride in 2016. Love this scoot! Show less

I bought a used red 2011 Vaquero after deciding to move up from my starter bike (Suzuki Boulevard M50), and what a difference! I no longer need to wear a backpack to work as the saddle bags have plenty of room. The big engine runs smooth and having the stereo in the fairing is something I've gotten quite accustomed to. It's year-round riding in Southern California and it's certainly more enjoyable on the Vaquero! Show less

I've put 22,000 miles on this bike. I have zero complaints and have had no mechanical issues. This is my third Vulcan bike in 10 years - they're great bikes. You won't be disappointed if you buy this or any other Vulcan 900, 1700 or 2000. I was upset they quit making the Vulcan 2000. I loved those bikes but these 1700 motors are almost as good for power. No complaints about Vaquero - it's Best Buy!! Show less

I bought this bike on late 2006 new. I have never had a problem with it. It always runs perfect while all my Harley friends have their bikes in the shop. With the low seat and low center of gravity, it's easy to ride. I still love my Vulcan! My only complaint is the stock seat. It's uncomfortable on rides over an hour. 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

I love the way the bike handles. At 1,100 lbs. (with me) it is very nimble on the road. I did have to get used to the ABS system because at low speeds when the rear brake is applied, the front kind of grabs a little. The only thing I do not like is the location of the horn button. I've got regular size hands and have to take my hand completely off the hand grip to sound the horn. that's not too safe with Los Angeles drivers. Also, the audio system needs a mute button. I've been averaging 500+ mile Saturdays, have had no problem with the seat comfort and am prepping for a trip to Reno in August. Show less

I rode this bike for 26,000 miles. It's very reliable, has a comfortable seating position for taller riders, will cruise all day, 2 up, loaded at 75 mph. and nice big saddlebags. It is a heavy bike, but handles well for it's size. Show less

I've had my 1500 since I bought it new in 2008. It's been a great bike. It's reliable, comfortable and just plain good looking. I haven't had any issues with the 1500 although I did make a few changes for comfort's sake. My fuel mileage usually averages around 45 miles to the gallon with the type of riding I do. When I replaced the original Bridgestones at 13,500 miles I used Dunlops just to see how they would hold up this time around. Although, I have to say I did like the Bridgestones. The bike does seem to use a little bit of oil and has since it was new. I usually have to add at least a half pint between oil changes. The stock exhaust is loud enough that I can hear it while traveling down the highway so I haven't changed it, at least not yet. I love the sound of V-twins and the stock bike sounds pretty sweet. I think this bike and I are going to have a very, very long relationship ahead of us! Show less