Is this better than My Road King?: SRK Cycles 

I put 35,000 on my Vulcan 1500 Classic. What a beauty of a cruiser. I put the pipes and bags and the usual goodies on. Talk about a lot of bang for the buck. Self adjusting valves and I handled the oil changes etc. This bike did not see the service shop unless it needed rubber or brakes. My choice was the Vulcan and I never was sorry.

What matters is not what you're riding, but the fact that you are riding it... I have a Vulcan 500 since last January (I was on a Kymco Zing 125 before that). This is the best I could afford, plus my beginner's license allows me up to 47.5hp tops and the Vulcan 500 outputs 46hp... It gets me where I want to go, I'm enjoying it, and I'm going to go moto camping with it. I don't care that it's an old bike, a cheap bike, or just a 500cc. This is what I have and I'm enjoying riding it. Period.

I have a 2005 vulcan Classic 1500 and never once did I wish i had a different bike. Love it.

That is what makes AMERICA great !! Buy what you want , with your hard earned money !! Great Channel SRK !!!!

My father sold his HD Street Glide, kept his Vulcan. After years of wanting a HD, he couldn't get his HD to feel as comfortable as his Vulcan. I know it's not a Road King, but that just says how comfortable the Vulcan is and I've ridden both of his machines. I love his 98 Vulcan and the Vance & Hines pipes that make it sound amazing. Great bike.

Been riding my 2005 custom Vulcan Mean Streak for 13 years now, no doubt better bang for buck. I have every performance upgrade and the turns heads. I still love Harleys and can't knock 'em. Love the Road and Street Glides, and the new Fay Boys are beautiful.

I've had 3 Vulcans all purchased new. A '96 1500 Classic, a 2002 1500 Mean Streak, and an '06 10'th anniversary 1500 Classic. All 3 bikes were amazing in ride and quality. Left them all bone stock except for Kawi's "Fire and Steel" Sissy bars and luggage racks on both Classic's and a set of Saddleman bags on the Mean Streak. Exceptional bikes for the price. That said, I now own a '09 Road Glide (purchased new) and I'm very happy with it. Again...bone stock with only Harley sissy bar and luggage rack. My favorite of them all was the Mean Streak. Best handling, ergos, suspension, and BEST FACTORY SEAT I've ever sat on. Took that bike to Nova Scotia and back (live in CT). None of them had less than 50K on them when sold (anniversary bike totaled in a slow speed accident where a car turned in front of me). As for your comparison, I believe that the Vulcan can be more closely compared to a Softail Deluxe or Heritage in both size and weight. Wheel base, rake/trail, and frame geometry are all very similar. Harley FL's are a much larger bike.

Here in japan it’s an easy choice unless you’re a gaijin with HD riding friends. It makes total sense to buy the Vulcan and get the warranty and access to great mechanics and parts. In fact it should be obvious. But when you have American buddies who only ride HD and anything else is looked down on, to the point they won’t ride with you or even have photos taken together on the ride., then the choice is not clear. The human ego is a bizarre thing

The Vulcan would be more comparable to the Softail than the Road King. The saddle bags are soft sided and much smaller. That being said, there is no denying the Vulcans are great bikes. My 2015 Vulcan 900 Classic was a great bike. I looked into Vaqueros when it was time to upgrade, but I ultimately settled on my Road Glide.

Thanks for the vids. I bought an 03 1500 classic from a friend who could no longer ride. I absolutely love it. Plenty of power, it feels great and it was a steal.

I just got off my Vulcan, love it so much I talked my brother into buying one...from you!! He is super excited for it to arrive!

I will have to say I had a Vulcan 1500 Classic back in the day and I will say I never had any issues with it until I was hit by a person that ran a stop sign. I came out ok of that but the bike didn't. I now at this time own a Harley Ultra Limited and love it, it is my second Harley in a row now just moved up from a Heritage Classic to the touring bike now( Had to make the wife happy on the back on those long rides). The thing is it is your money and your choice, the thing is with both you are on two wheels and in the wind. Personal preference and financials sometimes have to be the deciding factor also. I am a Harley owner and hate those guys out there that look down on those that aren't on a Harley, give it up and just let it be 2 Wheels and in the Wind. And now that I have retired from the Army I have to say the upgrade was also had to happen for me to the bigger more comfortable bike for my wife because we are logging some miles.

Love Harley's, having said that it's impossible not to say these Kawa and Yama are not a better bang for the buck.

I love my 98 Vulcan 1500 Classic. Very comfortable, reliable, and sounds great. Bought it for $3000 five years ago and just oil changes and tires since then.

My first “big bike” was a 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1500 Fi. Still my favorite bike of all time. Unmatched handling and perfect reliability. In 2012 went to a FLHR Road King, but still love the Nomad. Thanks for a nice Vulcan review.

Wait what? "It's not what you ride it's where you are going?" as in "it's not the journey its the destination?" Hell, for me it's the opposite. Most rides, I have NO idea of where I'm going...I just get on my bike and either roll left or right out of my drive...NO idea where i'll end up lol. Jez sayin.

I have owned two Vulcans. The first one (VN1600) caught fire on the highway after the clutch went out. I previously rode that bike for many, many miles with no problems. I had the bike in a Honda dealer shop to install a fuel commander, which is why I think it gave up the ghost. I bought a '12 VN1700 Nomad with less than 2K miles for about $8k with the insurance money. I put on a K&H exhaust and had the ECM Ivanis. I test rode a '19 Road King Ultra. It was nice, but the HD dealer wanted $24k for the bike with 19k miles. I am now looking for a Voyager. They are great bikes that are far less expensive than an HD and have a better value. If you're into HD, buy a Road King, but if you are into riding... well, you know.

I’ve had metrics. Currently ride an ‘06 Road King. The thing I like about Harleys is the design. I think they look better. The body work is steel. You won’t find plastic chrome on a HD. Everything is metal. You get the sound and feel. I’ve punched out baffles and swapped pipes. It’s the motor. Its a different vibe and feel. The $$$ on a used Harley is well spent IMHO as you’ll get it back and you can score a great used bike with low miles for $7-8k Metrics are great bikes! Amazing value and a different feel and vibe that’s great if you want a great dependable smooth rider. I love them all but just wanted to point out the Harleys have an edgier feel, more visceral and raw that some may or may not be into. I equate it to guitars. You can have a real Gibson Les Paul or another brand that’s a “copy” but doesn’t have the same lines, materials, and vibe. If you’re riding it’s all good!

Hey Sean watching your videos are a big part of why I bought my first bike A 2009 Harley Nightster 1200 It’s awesome, only 6,800 miles on it I really enjoy watching your vids and I like the scripture reading at the beginning of your vids

I just got home from riding my '09 Vulcan nomad. Just like this bike except with hard bags and cruise control. I love it. FYI the first year of the 1700's was '09. The nomad had cruise control, your model looks like the 1700 LT which doesn't have cruise control.

Like,how you start all your test rides with scripture, I pray recovery time my wife and I climb on our trike. Love the videos , stay safe.

I had a 05 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 and a 05 Yamaha V-STAR1100 . I rode the 500 mostly around town and have taken 2 K mile trips with no problems and the 1100 as well . The bigger bike was a bit more comfy and could carry a lot more . I liked them both . The Yamaha was a bagger and the Kaw was a street cruiser .

I've always loved Vulcans. I prefer the 900 Custom for the skinny 22in front tire and slanted forks. That baby leans like a sport bike and runs great in corners. But I recently but a 1200 Nightster and loving it so far.

I had a 1600 Vulcan classic 06 until last week and loved it but now I’m on a road glide 18 was time for a change and always wanted a Harley

I think I might just buy two Vulcan's, HD have always been overpriced and definitely not value for 💰 Yeah they look cool but dress a Vulcan up a little and look just as cool and save a truck load of cash 😁

I have a 2009 that is identical to this one you are riding (even color). My Vulcan has standard electronic cruise control. The shifts are a loud (mostly from first to second because of positive neutral finder) but shifting is very nice otherwise (I have never missed a gear and shifts feel good).

I love mine. I bought it used. It was 5 years old with 4k miles. I put 10k on in the first year. Such a great city commuter.

Great video. I really fell for the Indian tribute bikes Kawasaki did based on the 1950’s era Indian Chiefs. Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter 1500’s and 800’s. So they used the Harley and Indian models to design from. All bikes are awesome. You have a great business and job.

My Vulcan is a 2009 when I was in Sturgis upgrades my seat to the Ultimate I recommend getting brand no matter what bike you’re on it’s great....!!!!!

great vid seany boy...................i like these kind 'david vs goliath'....vids, uncover lots of value

I had a 2008 Vulcan 1500. Brand new out the door I paid $7,800 for it back then. The two guys that work one had a roadking the other one I forgot what he had. Best bike I ever had. 4 valves per cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled. All I did was put Cobra pipes on it. Never had to do any adjustments on the throttle bodies or nothing. Never backfired ran like a champ. Close race with the road king but I was able to take him every time. He used to get ticked off because everybody at work told him you paid 21 Grand for your bike and look what Danny got for $7,800 a hell of a lot better bike. They used to aggravate him about it oh, and he would get mad at me. I love that bike I wish I never had to sell it

sean, FYI and to answer your question: 2009 was the first year of this bike you're testing in this vid. I have the 2008 Nomad, almost a completely different animal from what you have there. Mine is the last year of the 1600cc, 5-speed , shaft driven unit. Even the fenders, saddle bags, and switch gear are slightly different. Other than that you're description of the Vulcan line is pretty accurate on how their line up compares to Harleys. Nothing against HD, but I feel I got a great bike for the money, as is the case with most metrics. Commonly people will also add a memphis shades batwing unit to the Nomad (as mine had when I picked it up last June) which expands its usability and competition with Harley street glide as well. Great Video.

I had a 07 Kawasaki 2000 classic. I loved it!! So much toqure and power.. I never should have gotten rid of it. ☹️

I had a 2003 Vulcan 1500 and a friend had a 2003 Road King. I rode both. The Vulcan seemed more manageable to ride I think because the weight is lower where the Road King felt top heavy.

Kawasaki Vulcans are excellent coming from a hd rider...

Always love your videos Sean. Reviews AND the scripture. I agree with your perspective that there's a bike for everybody, so there's no need to bash. Ride on!

Man, I love these videos. All these bikes and different options out there.

KAWASAKI VULCAN is Definitely a Badass, Mile's more reliable.

This was my first cruiser transitioning from sport bike. A 2012 900 Classic... hard to let it go, but I was ready for a change. sold it to my neighbors nephew that wanted to ride cross country after his deployment. He met a girl in Colorado... she hopped on and he sold it when they got to Vegas and they got married. Kills me bc I would have bought it back!!!! Great bike.

Vulcan 1700 line, introduced back in 2009, consisted of 5 variants - Classic, LT, Nomad, Vaquero and Voyager. I think they're down to two models, Vaquero and Voyager in US, totally discontinued in Europe. Vulcan series has been unchanged since it's inception, with exception of ABS added in 2010 I believe, different exhaust tips and heat management... Classic and LT - no cruise control, two exhaust pipes on the right, Nomad, Vaquero and Voyager - yes cruise control, located on the right side, one exhaust pipe on each side . All in all, fantastic bikes...

Vulcans are a great option for those folks who don't want to pay the harley prices. They are great bikes I have 4 of them now. The big boy is my VN2000 with a 125 CI 2053CC motor!!! LOVE IT!!!!

I love my Vulcan 800. Really looks good after a few aftermarket parts. Just hard to find

I own a 1994 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 en. It’s fantastic for me! The engine has only done 22,000 miles and is still purring sweet. I’m looking at maybe getting the new Vulcan S 650 as its pretty cool. Great review.

I agree with ur commentary completely, ur a good guy, surely ur name is written in the lambs book of life...

I bought a new 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan Meanstreak in 06. love the bike so much I decided to keep it. After buying a new 2018 Harley Road Glide last year. I refuse to buy HD until they upgraded the engines. Harley M8 has a lot of similarities as my 05 Vulcan 1600. 4 valves per cylinder, dual spark plugs per cylinder and a counter balancer. I love my new Harley, but my Vulcan has never been to the shop since new, only for tires and oil change. My HD been in for a defective front wheel, power plug smoked when I tried to charge my phone, and a clutch recall. Kawasaki makes solid bikes, I only have 3K on my Harley and I do feel its solid as well.

I went from a 08 Vulcan 1600 to a 09 Road king.....big difference, perfomance handling everything....its like your trying to compare apples to oranges.

I had a Vulcan 1600 and loved it. The plus was great shifter that was easy to find gears. Draw back was it was the clumsiest bike I've ever driven at slow speeds. My VTX 1800 replaced it and handles so much better but wished I had that shifter because Honda's transmission shifter stinks. Real trick finding neutral. On the other hand, I still want to drive a Road King. It's got to be a good handling bike because there are a lot of fat old out of shape guys driving them around with ease and not dropping them and I know they couldn't do that with a Kawasaki.

That clunky feeling and sounding shifts from the Japanese bikes is from the forward controls. I had an '03 VTX1800c that I replaced the stock forward controls with a set of billet aluminum and it was night and day difference! It felt smoother and easier to get into gears with the longer throw. And it no longer sounded like I was dropping a hammer in a bucket every time it shifted into a gear.

I own a 2001 Kawasaki vn 800 and it's such a great bike. Smooth and super easy to ride. I absolutely love it.

Good job!! I ride my Vulcan classic 1500 everyday (Maui) and I couldn’t be happier w/it. Reliable, and a blast to ride. Paid a fraction of a Harley. Harley’s are bad ass but out of my price. Be safe!

I started riding on a HD Dyna Low-Rider in 2006... traded it in for a new HD Electra-Glide Classic in 2008 because I wanted to do some touring. In 2017, (after not having a bike for 7 years) I bought a 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 with only 4K miles on it. Why? Because it cost me $6400. I couldn't touch a Harley bagger with comparable mileage for that kind of coin. I LOVED my Kawi Vulcan and named it "Roadrunner" because of the wimpy sounding OEM horn. The Vulcan had a custom color-matched Memphis Shades batwing fairing and windshield... this bike was badass... but, I was having HD withdrawal symptoms so 10 months later I sold it and bought a 2006 HD Electra-Glide Ultra Classic with 28K miles for under $10K. This bike has a super-bad custom paint job, auxiliary lighting, pulsing LED brake light. Oh yes... and 40 skulls...14 in the paint and 26 in controls and other places. I've since added a set of 130 db Howard's Hog Horns, a rider backrest, luggage rack, taller windshield, triple fairing pouch, etc. Next month I'm off for a 2500 mile ride. I think metric bikes are great... well engineered, and very dependable. I just bought son his first bike- a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 with only 3700 miles on it. Vulcans are GREAT bikes... but what can I say? I'm addicted to Hogs!

I had a 2010 Vulcan 900 special edition a few years back, possibly the best bike I ever owned, it even had a backfire profile built in (great for the little villages) Loved the bike, comfy, reliable, great on fuel,,,, NOW, I have a Softail Night train 88 twin cam carb model. (took me a long time to find one). I am in love, I will never change.. If you have to ask why, you dont understand.

Vaquero is closer to a Road Glide, not Street Glide because the fairing is fixed on the vaquero.

Had a SGS and sold it to buy the Vulcan Nomad 1700. Best thing I’ve done in awhile. Oh, the 2011’s have cruise.

How do you rate the Vulcan along side of the Yamaha Roadstar?

Look how nice your roads are and well-marked, no potholes

Owing both a 2015 Vulcan LT Classic and a 2018 Road King Special. I love my Road King over the Vulcan. Hands Down. The ride is so much more enjoyable and comfortable. My wife who has bad knees is not score on long rides. I took my Road King from Iowa to North Carolina a 948 mile trip in one day. Something I know I could never do in the Vulcan. Hard lockable bags over synthetic leather. More customization options on the Harley making it my own versus a cookie cutter. But don't take my word for it. Get on both and ride both. Just because I love my Harley doesn't mean its for you. Get on something you love, and not what everyone else wants you to ride. Forget the peer pressure and make your own decisions.

Got an 05 Vulcan Nomad 1600D and it's an amazing ride. Wouldn't trade or give it up for nothing.

That 2010 Kawasaki Vulcan looks exactly like my 2001 Suzuki Intruder. Saddle bags and seat are different because of the metal things on the cushion but bike wise mine is the same with the paint and windshield.

I had a Vulcan Nomad for 10 years. Only spent $400 on repairs in those 10 years. It was a very good bike with 2 exceptions... Seat comfort for long rides, and cruise control for long rides. If you want a afternoon runner to go have some fun with these are great bikes that won't break the bank! If you going to go cross country, then you may want to upgrade.

Thanks for doing these they have been great in helping chose a new ride.

Hi thanks for sharing! Could you tell me what causes the clunking when you shifting up and down? I've noticed it in other different motorcycles out there as well,the one you've demonstrated is my favorite but to me it's such a downside and it's really annoying! it kind of not wanting me to get that one when I really like everything else about it and it's giving me a feel like something is on its way breaking. Thank you for responding back in advance!

I thought the Nomad was their version of the road king and the Vulcan is their version of the heritage. Love my 04 Vulcan 1500 classic... Hate to say it but it's a better ride than my street glide, and I'll put twice the miles on it than the Harley, and the best part is I only paid $2,600 for the bike! There's nothing wrong with riding metric bikes as a matter of fact every Harley-Davidson in production today has Chinese Parts on them!

Harley is a status symbol. They are fantastic motorcycles. They are also fanatically over priced. I can get the equivalent for literally half the price or less? Well thank God for that I love riding I would love a Harley been riding since the 80's ridden Harleys, Hondas, Suzukis, Kawasaki BMW, triumphs, bsas, buy what you like that you can afford and just ride

Man I really like how you say a proverb and give thanks 👍

Got 05 RK custom EFI back in Nov love it..better than my Nightster

I’m curious thoughts on this bike vs the Yamaha Stratoliner?

This guy is the sole reason I went for a Vulcan for my next/current bike. 06 1500 classic with 12 inch apes love it to death

I love your videos brother! I love my Road King! The Vulcan is a very nice bike! So is the Suzuki Boulevard C90T!

I just bought my first kawasaki Vulcan S 650 cafe; and I keep up with HD, Dina or dinos. And triumph. It's an awesome bike, 160 kph restricted

Good stuff, my brother! You’re a blessing!

I would love to buy a HD but I found my Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic for $3000 and I'm very happy with it. Its a little heavy, which took some getting used to, and the transmission is a little hinkey (probably due to the age -- its a ''98), but otherwise its fun and fast. Its my first bike and I'm having a ton of fun. Harleys are great bikes but the price is prohibitive for a lot of Joe-six-packs like me.

The Nomad's (almost identical to this except the color matched hard bags) have everything you need, nothing you don't. The "significantly cheaper" is accurate. I bought a 2007 1600 nomad new from the dealer for 11k. The comparable Harley (which I did consider) was nearing 20k. Hydraulic lifters, automatic cam tensioner, I am just shy of 90,000 miles on my 07 and beyond gas, oil, tires, brakes, it has required astoundingly little in maintenance costs. This bike looks almost exactly like mine except the bigger motor. The paint scheme is identical tool. I have loved the bike (still have it) and it fires up and runs like a champ every time. For me, the Harley was just priced out of my range as the only disqualifying factor.

i had had a 2003 nomad ..i loves that bike .. it was just like a road king .

Right on and well said bro! "Just get out and ride!" Much respect best reviewer by far

I had an 04 Vulcan 1600 mean streak and now I have an 01 Vulcan 1500 classic. I've owned an 01 HD Dyna that was a 1450cc. And I gotta say that it seems the Vulcans had less power than my Dyna. But they ran great! My Dyna ran great too though, but was 3x the cost haha

Gotta 1500 Kawasaki 2002 awesome bike took it to 160 mpr have never had a problem just regularly take care of it, people often mistake it for a harley even some of the Harley people. Love the kawasaki

i just bought a 94 vulcan 1500. i know you havent done any vulcan videos on one that old but it is SWEET.

Just bought a 1993 Vulcan 1500. I really like it SUPER clean, one owner, garage kept, 15,000 miles. Im not an expert on riding. Any info or advice would be appreciated. God bless

This bike he's riding seriously needs some decent pipes. I have an '08 Nomad 1600 with a Cobra exhaust, and it sounds fantastic!

Thanks for sharing this video! I was wondering why/what causes the transmission to clunk?on these vulcans and I'm sure there's other bikes out there that do too,including my 02 1500 with 23k on the clock. please let me know I love the body style on these bikes but the clunking does not make me want it anymore cause it's so annoying and gives me the feeling that there's a problem developing! Thank you for your response in advance!

05 vulcan 2000 guy here. It's my forever bike but I definitely would get a Harley as I get more financially fit. I'd park them in the same garage so.. good video SRK

I ride a HD but have owned a Vulcan and they are phenomenal bikes... I also owned a v star and it was great too.... Both of them where a better value than my Harley but I still love her

i own a 2001 just like this, love the bike and it rides like a dream.

The Vulcan is a good bike ) I own a road king btw. The only gripe I have is the saddlebags on the Vulcan are crap..

I have 2001 Vulcan 800 love it gets the wind in my face 👍

Sean, I have a 2003 HD Road King CVO with the 103 cu in. It came that way from HD. It has cruise control. HD was way a head of Kawasaki. Mine is a 2003 Harley-Davidson FLHRSEI2 Screamin' Eagle Road King Anniversary model. It also has "gold leaf" lettering on the tank saying Harley-Davidson. My first "new" big bike I bought was a 1976 Kawasaki KZ900 so I do like Kawasakis, but HD makes a better "Road King". My Kawasaki Drifter 1500 was nice, but still it was too "mellow yellow" for me. I would say Kawasaki and all the Japanese HD copies are just a little to "Mellow Yellow" in comparison, otherwise, I would own two Kawasakis in my garage today, but instead, I own two HDs, in my garage, but I also tour and that is where my two Honda Goldwings, 1500 and 1800, do the long distance stuff.

As always great video Shan 👍😎🤝

Neighbor had one of these " cheaper " Nomads and spent a Year trying to sell ( give it away ) and couldn't get anyone to bite. This was during the real motorcycle riding days a few years back. Loved His new Harley.

The HD FLHR (Road King) came out with the 103ci to the public in 2011.

2001 Vulcan 1500 My Harley friends really Give Great Compliments on my Vulcan. Heck some that don't know say Great Harley till they realize it's A Vulcan they are truly surprised. Great bike Loving it .. Respect to Harley Davidson Riders .

Go forward bro..we support you👍

Im impressed with Kawasaki

Looks like the Vulcan gives you a hydraulic clutch where as with the road king you’d have to spring for the CVO to get a hydraulic clutch. To me that isn’t a big deal but I know for a lot of folks it might be.

I had a 2003 1600 Vulcan Classic! Loved that bike!!!

I have a Vulcan classic LT 900 and I love it

Kawasaki has electronic cruise control, lower right handle bar. It works great. I have a 2009 Kawasaki 1700 Nomad. Exact same color scheme you are riding.

Your forgot the Kawasaki VN Drifter and the VN Nomad. ;-) Also, doesn't the Road King have the Light Bar on the front? Wouldn't it be more like the HD Heritage Classic?

I have a vulkin...I just want to say..I loved my street glide 107... amazing ride...rode from Oklahoma to PA in 20 hours...

Not brag, but to give a review, I have a 2000 Vulcan 1500 Classic. It has Vance&Hines straightshots, and sounds so nice. The ride is so smooth, its light for its size, and cruises so well. Its an all around comfortable bike, and I must say, the braking is good and strong. Mine has dual hydraulic disk, so that obviously makes it better, but its still easy as heck to control. Great Bike especially for newer riders who want a Harley but are afraid of the bills if you drop it. I always did like Kawasaki over other imports because they seem to be doing everything right when it comes to torque outputs for their engines.