My Search is Finally Over
Written: Aug 03 '03
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Pros: Great suspension/handling. Smooth, responsive engine. Riding Comfort. Advanced features.
Cons: Bulk might take some getting used to. Long break-in period.
The Bottom Line: If you're in the market for a reliable, comfortable V-twin cruiser/tourer, don't buy without first giving the Vulcan 1600 Classic a serious look. It is an excellent value!
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| soonerdog's Full Review: 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic |
A LITTLE BACKGROUND
I'm a near-fifty Baby Boomer who, after giving up motorcycles to raise a family, now finds himself with the time to again explore the world on 2 wheels. My Crimson 2003 Vulcan VN1600 is the 7th bike I've owned, but the first Kawasaki. Prior to purchasing this bike, I owned Honda VTX 1300-C which I also bought new (June '03). After riding the Honda for a few hundred miles, it became obvious that I had made a mistake. The VTX, for several reasons, just didn't fulfill my needs in a cycle (See my Epinions review of this motorcycle for details).
Hearing of my dissatisfaction with the VTX, a riding buddy of mine who owns a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 suggested I try it. Although his bike was 3 years old, it was obvious to me after riding only a few hundred feet that the big Vulcan was something special. Follow up visits to the local Kawi Dealer and extensive research on the Web convinced me that the new Vulcan 1600 Classic, an upgraded version of the venerable 1500, was worth a serious look.
For the sake of brevity, suffice it to say that I managed to divest myself of the Honda & acquire the Vulcan 1600 without breaking the bank. And Brother, I cannot tell you how glad I am to have managed the switch.
THE KAWASAKI VULCAN 1600 CLASSIC
This bike, as noted previously, is the latest evolutionary step in the highly regarded Vulcan family. Kawasaki increased the stroke of the 1500 engine (actually 1470 cc) raising the displacement to 1552 (rounded up to 1600) and giving the VN1600 a 5% increase in horsepower & torque. A 2nd disc brake was added to the front wheel in order to stop the big Vulcan in a hurry.
However, the engineers didn't stop there. They re-designed the frame from the ground up, incorporating suspension enhancements, such as larger diameter front forks and rear shocks which are adjustable for both pre-load & rebound. Cast wheels were added which, in addition to updating the look of the bike, also allowed the use of tubeless radial tires. The end result is a motorcycle that offers better control and handling without increasing stiffness.
This is an extremely comfortable bike, especially compared to the typical cruiser offerings which seem to have a brick for a seat and little in the way of flexibility when it comes to riding position. Driver floorboards allow the rider to vary the positioning of his feet and the wide saddle affords some room to move around. A hydraulic clutch, as well as the ability to adjust the 'pull' of the front brake and clutch controls further reduce fatigue.
Additional convenience features include a fuel gauge, a digital clock, a sight glass to allow for a quick check of the engine oil level and a tank-mounted ignition switch which allows removal of the key once the engine has been started. The controls are well-suited to the average rider and forward placement of the foot controls contributes to a more comfortable riding position than most other cruisers I've ridden.
The 1600 seems to loaf along at highway speeds, but a twist of the throttle and the bike springs to life with plenty of reserve power to overtake and pass. There is a bit of noticeable vibration at lower RPM, but this smooths out quickly and becomes a non-issue once you are up to speed. Handling is surprisingly precise for a 700 pound bike (fully fueled) and while slow speed maneuvering takes a little practice, the Vulcan inspires confidence.
I believe this bike is an excellent choice for a combo boulevard cruiser/tourer. It is also a solid choice for riders who want the flexibility to ride medium to long distances, and it handles the added load of a passenger without complaint or compromise.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 9350.00
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
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Epinions.com ID:
soonerdog
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Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 1 member
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