2001 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Test Drive 

You think I can go from riding small cc stunt bikes to this? Trying to look less like a degenerate

Are you from Texxxas or wot duud, but it's "wet weight" is just 700, not 900 pounds! 😆🤏💥 And that's yep still a big, heavy bike (I have year model 1999 so I know), but not really almost 7 times your that ^ weight, hah! 😉🙃👊👋

lol dropped mine too, im about 150 pounds and was able to pick it up, and same the foot pedals held it up even though i was in a little bit of a steep. Very impressive, it’s my second bike and of course i have some trouble handling it in stops or parked but nothing that can’t be learned:)

I kind of disregarded a few things myself. I enrolled in MSF school and before I started, I saw and fell in love with a 2002 1500 Vulcan Classic. The was just a few weeks ago. I bought it, my son picked it up for me and rode it home I took the 2 day basic rider course and got my DMV road test waiver this past weekend. I went to DMV the other day to register the bike and get my M endorsement. I am %100 legit. I’m taking it out tomorrow for the first time, going to ride with my son and I’m excited but petrified too. I dropped a Yamaha 250 twice practicing U Turns. The Vulcan is a beast. It’s also gorgeous, I do not want to drop this one. I am 5’11, 225 lbs. I can plant my feet firmly on the ground. The bike weighs 650 lbs, give or take a few but it feels well balanced. Hearing that you and someone else dropped the bike but the floor boards helped minimize the damage gives me some relief…damaging the bike by dropping it during slow maneuvers and stalling out are my biggest fears. I only had those 2 days riding experience, maybe 12 hours total time, even less ringing time. I did good on the other drills, but those damn I-turns give me grief. I don’t plan on doing any of that right away until I get a little bit used to this bike, then I’m going to spend a lot of time mastering it and practicing other drills. I’m 61 years old though, a little late getting started but better late than never. Happy riding to all who are reading this and stay safe. Far too many distracted drivers out there.

I started out on an 88 Honda VT1100c and that thing only had 4 gears. I was all pumped and excited when I bought my next bike a 98 ace tourer that had 5 gears. The older bike got the better fuel economy by about 4 mph. Constant 44 vs 40mpg. I would if thought the more gears would of actually been a benefit all the way around but now I'm thinking maybe less is more. You still get to shift just not as often. And the 88 sounded like a Harley with straight pipes. Amazing.

I have the same thing just a classic and it was nice today forsure

Keep up on oil changes..... these motors have little screens 2per head (I think 2) they can clog easily... there's a reusable screen on left side of oil pan make sure it stays clan too it feeds the oil pump. I bought a used motor that had a disintegrated clutch.... all those clutch chunks clogged the oil pump screen untill the screen cage collapsed, allowing clutch fibers and chunks thru the pump, up to the little head screens clogging those. That stopped flow to the lifters causing a very loud tapping noise. I deleted the little screens up top, replaced lifters. If your clutch blows up or starts slipping.... completely drain the oil, filter, and lower pump screen. Flush with acetone or gas, Replace the clutch, add new oil/ filter, drive 200 miles, change oil. I got a 50% refund on that motor but learned the lesson I just wrote. And if you buy a used motor.... look for a picture or request 1 of the oil pump screen. I bought an 11k mile motor that was basically shot. It's still running strong after top end overhaul, but the scoring caused by debris will be throughout the system. So save a headache, keep up on clutches and oil. 👍

nice

I’m the same size and looking for a bike that fits me Im happy you left this comment

A Nomad 1500 was my first bike, too. I had to get something a little bigger for my first, because I'm 6'5 320 lbs. Had to make sure it would carry me highway speeds lol

What’s the top speed looking like i like to cruise right around 90

@@Gbody_Klown not sure never tried it. 80 85 on interstate plenty throttle left

Looking at a 99' Fat Boy or a Vulcan. Which one and why?

@@garrettsmith8286 Nomad, you wont be disappointed. I had a 02 Harley Electra Glide and had my Nomad 3 years before i got the Harley. I sold the Harley and still have my Nomad. I wont part from it, the ride, the dependability and price of parts it makes it a no brainer. Ride both bikes somewhere and you'll see the difference the first time.

@@nomadryder4377 Thank you. I'm a Kawi guy anyway so I guess I'll stick with them. 👍🏼

I believe the Meanstreak is actually a 1600. The 1500 is a Vulcan Classic

‘03 Meanstreak is a 1500

My last Bike I sold was the latest gen KLR 650. Thinking of getting a Vulcan & prefer a carbed bike but also need something comfortable for a tall rider. How tall are you and what do you not like about the bike?

How good is it to learn on? Thinking about buying a 2001 Vulcan 1500. I’m 6ft 150lbs. I’m not really worried about the weight of it as I do workout a good bit

@@matthewf5707 Honestly the taller you are the better for this bike. You only feel the weight of it when you are going super slow. I was intimidated at first, but the second I started cruising it went away. It is a great bike for me personally. you just need a lot of balance at slow speeds. It being a little difficult teaches you. So in the long run if you got on a smaller bike it would be much easier to control.

cool

beware the death wobble. my 98 would do that if i hit a small bump in a curve on the highway. besides that i loved it though not what i would call "nimble".

Right; What a HORRIBLE example for other riders. Major FAIL>

That look is awesome! I will be doing the same!

I was already laughing at the helmet jacket and gloves, the shorts really cracked me up

Dude why are concerned about the gear Sean is wearing ? Too each his own is what I say,, you are not the motorcycle Police and nobody has the right too tell anyone what to wear while they ride THEIR OWN BIKE !!! nuff said Ride on Brother Sean !! Moohahahaha

and toe nail sandals

Well done! You worked out that he lives somewhere in a 46,000 square mile area just by a single word amongst a hundred other words!

@@lordracula2461 drongo..... Where am I from ?

pretty sure he uses a mic.

Wan Zahari sounds like a Harley Davidson for fraction of the cost

you better change that oil gear or you be like me waiting on the motor to get rebuilt lol just a heads up

steven toomey I ended up getting a 06 Honda VTX1300R with 6811 miles on it for $2700. Only had to clean the carb and pump the old gas out since it's been sitting for a few years and it runs great. It's surprisingly easy to control and not too heavy 680lbs.

steven toomey I absolutely love it. Ride it almost every day except for when it's raining where I live. Don't feel like showing up to work wet since I don't have rain gear yet.

It has a whole lot less power man

Same engine 68hp. Drifter is better looks, thats sure.

find the stickiest tires you can get for the 1500 and plan on swerving rather than braking. these 1500's dont like to stop quick. learned that the hard way. almost lost half my leg. crash bars saved me. ended up with a sprained knee. i really miss that bike but i dont think ill ever buy anything again with inner tube tires. not very sticky to me.

There is actually more room on a 900. The floorboards are very cramped on a 1500. The main thing the 1500 wins on is highway power-they just sail along and gearing is perfect.

I'm 6'5 220 looking at getting one for highway (65 mph) and interesting at (70 mph). Would yall suggest 900 or 1500 for a first bike.

Same question. Hoping you’ll get an answer.

manheim pa but i ship bikes all over the country. srkcycles.com

alrighty. thanks for the info

My vulcan 1500 was and is my first bike. I'm 6'3 200. It was heavy for trying to learn with but my buddy told me a small bike wouldn't keep up with traffic or carry me and my wife together. I'm glad I listened to him. I've been riding it for 4 years

Enrich the air/fuel mixture, it is starving for gas.

Clean the carb

it was that bike these run great on the highway

I've have one for 10 years ain't getting rid of it now love it!!! its great !!!!! Get one while you can lol Great Videos.

I don't recall Kawasaki making anything but a v-twin. Are you sure it's not a Yamaha Royal star or something?

@@redbull8661 The bike seems to be very rare. The fellow who owns it can't find new engine parts and only managed to find some used ones inThe States (we are in Canada). But it is a Kawasaki.

@@BLAKHARTFILM Oh ok, well hello from the states! Wow that would be a cool video to see if you ever make one on it. I actually had a 2005 Vulcan 1500 classic that I really loved and have regretted selling, but it was just a V-twin.

Does that bike have 4 individual exhaust pipes (2 on each side)

@@redbull8661 I don't know what the exhaust configuration is. I will have to get him to send me a pic (never really paid any attention).

if that bothers you you should hang up the helmet and gloves

It isn’t even broke in yet

i ve heard that also

my 2oo6 vulcan nomad 1600 has 95000 and sounds great with cobras

wow

Dan Meredith yep

These are damn good engines

wobble is most likely worn front tire.Rest of your issues not enough experience in riding

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Damn things are heavy

It's literally the slowest accelerating bike I've ever owned. 🤷‍♂️

You’re a chump😂😂😂🤡🤡🤡

Join the club Jim I used to be a Matchless/BSA/Triumph biker some 35+ years ago all i'll say the modern bikes virtual ride themselves compared to the old oil droppers. ABS, disks, didn't you just love those old 4 leading shoe sports brakes? great at 70 +mph stop you super quick or almost throw you over the bars at 40 mph unless it was raining then they just locked up and dumped you on the deck, vicious as hell. Better handling ,Big softer compound tyres and of course vastly more reliable. Everything the old thumpers didn't have . Its a bit like comparing the old Ford Pop to a modern hatchback both have 4 wheels but that's where the similarity more or less ends. No doubt about it they are super machines in comparison to most oldies

Ever get that Harley.?? I got an '05 XL1200C. My first Harley and I absolutely love it. I'll never sell it