I am the proud owner of a stock standard 2009 Vulcan Nomad with 82K on the clock and no problems. Have owned 3 Vulcans since 2001 and can honestly say these bikes are the most reliable and comfortable bikes I've ever owned. Intend to give the bike to my son when I pass away. I reckon Vulcans will become a classic collectors item in years to come.
I looked at a used one here in 2023 back in June with low miles. I think it was around 15 K miles. I liked everything about the bike except for the noisiest transmission on earth. Every shift sounded like somebody inside the engine move the ball peen hammer, and the engine made so much ticking and clicking, it can either be valve lash adjusters which are hydraulic, I get that part, but another noise they say is the cam chain tensioner pushrod is not long enough, and the chain for the cam drive is whipping inside the cam chain tower. I would’ve bought that bike on the spot. The guy was only asking $5000 for it except for that noise. I didn’t wanna take the chance even though a lot of people I found out later say that that is normal. I also thought it was not very powerful, but that’s not what they’re about. I also felt that the engine really vibrated. I could feel every shift through the floorboards, and I could feel the engine vibration through the bars seat foot pegs and where my legs contacted the gas tank.. oddly enough, I really liked that bike.. I didn’t buy it on the spot, but after I did some research online, I called the guy a few days later, I decided to buy it anyway, but it had been sold
5k for a 2023 with 15,000 miles? Naahhhhhh. If it was the deal, 5k, you certainly missed out massively there, these are worth way more than that if only a few years old and low miles.
The "only" bike I considered when I purchased a "bagger". These things will run forever if they're taken care of and I prefer the look of them, especially the engine bay, over Indian and Harley. A true work of art and a blast to ride!
Nice review, My wife owns a Vulcan 900 and a few of my friends have Vaquero's and Voyager's. They all love them. They are a good, dependable ride as well as comfortable. A good Ivan tune really wakes them up and smooths them out. Value per dollar, they are one of the best. If I ever sell my Victory Tour, this motorcycle will be a serious contender.
All I had to see was "My wife has a Vulcan 900" and your wife is better than mine. (I'm kidding, I'm not married, but your wife rules because you two ride together !!!)
From what I know you actually send your ECU to Ivan and he analyses and re-flashes the ECU for optimal performance. There is a lot of info on YT about it from owners of Kawasaki's.@@RaulGarcia-cg3vn
It’s called Ivan’s performance, just google it , it’s a shop in South Carolina, I sent mine from Canada and had it back in one week, best decision I made for the bike, runs way cooler
I’ve got a 2020 with almost 60k on her now. Ivan tune is required on these bikes… they ride beautifully allowing very comfortable 12 hr days touring along with the Kawi reliability. Best ride I’ve ever owned with only requirements being Ivan tune, 2” mirror extensions, highway pegs, and of course Commander 3 tires so you can stay on the road longer lol. Was just through Selkirk, and it’s a beautiful town actually. Roads might be garbage in Manitoba, can’t argue that lol but the people are Awesome.
Helpful review and well-structured with good input. I have a 2011 Vulcan Vaquero with Ivan's ecu tune it's extremely comfortable with great handling and with ecu tune it is a blast ride. A pretty darn amazing machine for the price. My 05 H D EGC has cruise on same right-hand grip. Ride On. Thank you
The one thing I wished Kawasaki would do is introduce is a radio with Bluetooth capability, or adapter to allow GPS directions to be heard through the speakers. But besides that, it's a nice budget touring bike.
Does ECU flash make the bike faster/stronger in either top or bottom end? Ive been hearing about it but dont know what it does. Im considering switching from goldwing (f6b) because of the knee sitting position.
@@Rapheal.De.La.Ghetto yes it’s faster off the line and you can use sixth gear without it lugging. Before the flash, it feels like something is holding it back, and then after it really wakes up.
I have a 2009 and I find the horn button is in the wrong place. It should be where the high beam switch is and vice versa. The cruise controls are a little awkward but I have gotten used to the placement. Power is adequate but I cannot tell if it has been Ivanized or not. I suspect it may have been as it does not show any of the issues others cite ( popping on deceleration etc). Great for long trips but a little thirsty if ridden with any spirit.
I hear what you say about cruise control, but I use my left hand to turn it on and then I use my right thumb just said it I’ve never had cruise control before but I like it
Great review! Really like the custom handlebars, they resemble Factory 47's; also like the way the pipes make the bike sound. That's a lot of bike for the price. Wonder how much an Ivan's tune would help the performance.
After I put Van and HInes on my Nomad 1600 the fuel economy went Waaaaay down. If that doesn't matter to you fine but I enjoy a nice ride and knowing I'm paying less than my SUV for a ride. Nice Video.
I have to say, I was very tempted. Its a lot of bike for the dollar. Its a big bike. Top heavy, no reverse mode, simple electronics, due for a major updates by now, comfortable to ride. I took one for a test and this bike was too top heavy even for a 6'4" rider. Also, mid Summer ride and you really feel the heat cooking you. Stop and go traffic will not be that fun. However, if you are on a budget, this is the one to get.
@@rebelthrukansas0 My Wing cost me 24,500, new in 20. A new RT1250 cost MORE. a K, you cant even touch for that price. Any garbage HD, cost more. The reliability of the WING is a no match to any bike on this planet!!! I The 18+ wing is an Escalade on 2 wheels with a Sport Mode as a Panamera on 2 wheels. Own one and you will understand, till than, open your eyes and mouth shut 😁
I'm 5'7 and can manage this bike very easily. It is a very nice bike to ride for handling and balance , especially if the tires are up at the right air pressure.
@@frankwebster8365 You can't bit the price, even here in NJ. But, damn man, they need to do something already. Not even one bolt was improved on it for so many years. They could sell so many of them. How many can even touch HD or Indian bikes? Great budget bike to own.
How does this rate against the 2018 Yamaha Star venture with the TC package. I saw a good one in my area the other day but the asking price for that one is almost the price of a new leftover Voyager from 2023. I understand it does not have all the bells and whistles of the Star venture but from a ride quality or storage how does this compare?
can you tell me the brand of the handlebars, where you bought them and if you were able to use the existing cables (were they long enough?) or did you need new ones? Thank you
So, like, other people's opinion of my bikes is none of my business. I'm thinking $18,000.00 is like, a good start to a road trip or two... Thanks for the video
Nimble and doesn't feel heavy ?.... lol... I've been riding one around and it feels like a gigantic beast. nimble doesn't come to mind when I'm use to riding much smaller bikes.
Does ECU flash make the bike faster/stronger in either top or bottom end? Ive been hearing about it but dont know what it does. Im considering switching from goldwing (f6b) because of the knee sitting position.
@thebikeaholic so in doing so I wouldn't feel "left behind" by club member sho mostly ride Goldwings? 😁 I read in a forum that they are big and slow, so I guess they haven't flashed the ECU
$589 for a new OEM drive belt?.. The belts for Harleys are $125.. is there an aftermarket option for replacing the belt system with chain & sprockets?? at least you can replace a chain by pulling the new chain in place by connecting it to the old chain and just pulling the old chain out. chains are not vulnerable to rocks, and they are not as vulnerable to a misaligned rear wheel.. chains and belts are both approximately 98% efficient. The best chefs are only about 85% efficient depending on how many times the power has to make a 90° turn to get from the transmission to the ground… I was just about to go look at a 2010 Kawasaki 1700 Voyager. I was doing some online research watching UA-cam videos when I came across a video showing the cost of the belt. They don’t mention the cost of the sprockets. I suspect that they should be changed when the belt is changed just like you must do with a chain drive. Old sprockets will wear out a new chain pretty quick… I really like the look and the sound of these machines. I found one on craigslist with just 15 K miles near me. But now I think I’m gonna look a little closer at the possibility of upgrading to a chain., Instead of replacing the belt, because, even though it only has 15 K miles on it, it’s going to be 14 years old. And Ozone attacks rubber.
Suspect place for a cup holder I mean unless you like preheated drink 😂 Also 81hp. And 107ft lbs. not 70hp. Don’t know where you got that from. 11hp in a bike is a big deal Cruise control on the throttle side is how it should be. Having it on the opposite side is counter intuitive Every bike I been on so far it’s always on the right side
Good catch. That crack was there right out of the box but missed by both the dealer and the buyer when the bike left the showroom. They literally took it out of the box and he rode way. Its since been repaired.
This American V twin guys just doesn't know how to ride Japanese Vulcan bikes. Vulcans are liquid cooled not like air cooled Harleys. Vulcans have shorter strokes, engines works on much more higher RPMs, you have to rev it over 4000, 5000 RPMs, so you can actually feel power of the he bike. He is riding it like a granny, changing gears around 3500 RPMs, so sad and then he will say its underpowered. Educate your self first about product 😉
I am the proud owner of a stock standard 2009 Vulcan Nomad with 82K on the clock and no problems. Have owned 3 Vulcans since 2001 and can honestly say these bikes are the most reliable and comfortable bikes I've ever owned. Intend to give the bike to my son when I pass away. I reckon Vulcans will become a classic collectors item in years to come.
I looked at a used one here in 2023 back in June with low miles. I think it was around 15 K miles. I liked everything about the bike except for the noisiest transmission on earth. Every shift sounded like somebody inside the engine move the ball peen hammer, and the engine made so much ticking and clicking, it can either be valve lash adjusters which are hydraulic, I get that part, but another noise they say is the cam chain tensioner pushrod is not long enough, and the chain for the cam drive is whipping inside the cam chain tower. I would’ve bought that bike on the spot. The guy was only asking $5000 for it except for that noise. I didn’t wanna take the chance even though a lot of people I found out later say that that is normal.
I also thought it was not very powerful, but that’s not what they’re about. I also felt that the engine really vibrated. I could feel every shift through the floorboards, and I could feel the engine vibration through the bars seat foot pegs and where my legs contacted the gas tank..
oddly enough, I really liked that bike.. I didn’t buy it on the spot, but after I did some research online, I called the guy a few days later, I decided to buy it anyway, but it had been sold
5k for a 2023 with 15,000 miles? Naahhhhhh. If it was the deal, 5k, you certainly missed out massively there, these are worth way more than that if only a few years old and low miles.
The "only" bike I considered when I purchased a "bagger". These things will run forever if they're taken care of and I prefer the look of them, especially the engine bay, over Indian and Harley. A true work of art and a blast to ride!
$18K cheaper than a HD and essentially bulletproof. Great choice. I'm sure she'll give you many years of service and fun.
Thanks for the video dude. Thanks for your time. Appreciate it. Love you guys up in Canada. We down here in the bottom. States we’re with you dude.
Nice review, My wife owns a Vulcan 900 and a few of my friends have Vaquero's and Voyager's. They all love them. They are a good, dependable ride as well as comfortable. A good Ivan tune really wakes them up and smooths them out. Value per dollar, they are one of the best. If I ever sell my Victory Tour, this motorcycle will be a serious contender.
All I had to see was "My wife has a Vulcan 900" and your wife is better than mine. (I'm kidding, I'm not married, but your wife rules because you two ride together !!!)
Is that what its called an Ivan tune? Do you just Google it like that and buy it or you actually have to go to a good shop..thx
She is a force of nature.@@michaelb.42112
From what I know you actually send your ECU to Ivan and he analyses and re-flashes the ECU for optimal performance. There is a lot of info on YT about it from owners of Kawasaki's.@@RaulGarcia-cg3vn
It’s called Ivan’s performance, just google it , it’s a shop in South Carolina, I sent mine from Canada and had it back in one week, best decision I made for the bike, runs way cooler
Last year I bought one it was a 2009 voyager had 31,000 miles and I love it
I have the 2023 voyager just did 10400 kms runs great. Had a Harley owner and a couple riders on Indians comment about the look of the bike.
If this had the VN2000 engine I would buy it immediately.
I’ve got a 2020 with almost 60k on her now. Ivan tune is required on these bikes… they ride beautifully allowing very comfortable 12 hr days touring along with the Kawi reliability.
Best ride I’ve ever owned with only requirements being Ivan tune, 2” mirror extensions, highway pegs, and of course Commander 3 tires so you can stay on the road longer lol.
Was just through Selkirk, and it’s a beautiful town actually. Roads might be garbage in Manitoba, can’t argue that lol but the people are Awesome.
Helpful review and well-structured with good input. I have a 2011 Vulcan Vaquero with Ivan's ecu tune it's extremely comfortable with great handling and with ecu tune it is a blast ride. A pretty darn amazing machine for the price. My 05 H D EGC has cruise on same right-hand grip. Ride On. Thank you
I heard the ivan's ecu tune is a must and makes a world of difference.
On HD's it's simply a matter of programming, the cruise can be on either left or right, as long as both side have the same switch layout.
I got one VN2000 Clasic 2007 and for me is the best I love it
@hadespaganism2405 I have a 14 nomad and it's a game changer with exhaust and intake. Went from 70 hp to 100hp
The one thing I wished Kawasaki would do is introduce is a radio with Bluetooth capability, or adapter to allow GPS directions to be heard through the speakers. But besides that, it's a nice budget touring bike.
I love the look of the bike, especially for the price. One question. Is that a crack on the right side of the fairing below the gauges?
That crack appeared right after he bought it. Warranty repair.
@@thebikeaholic I beleave that would make me a little hesitant.
After the ECU flash it will have much better pick up and throttle control. Makes a huge difference.
Does ECU flash make the bike faster/stronger in either top or bottom end? Ive been hearing about it but dont know what it does.
Im considering switching from goldwing (f6b) because of the knee sitting position.
@@Rapheal.De.La.Ghetto yes it’s faster off the line and you can use sixth gear without it lugging. Before the flash, it feels like something is holding it back, and then after it really wakes up.
Another great bike review
I love this bike! I'd buy it if I had the money!
Thanks for the good review and what brand of led light bulbs did you use in your driving lights ?
These are Sea Light LED bulbs
I have a 2009 and I find the horn button is in the wrong place. It should be where the high beam switch is and vice versa. The cruise controls are a little awkward but I have gotten used to the placement. Power is adequate but I cannot tell if it has been Ivanized or not. I suspect it may have been as it does not show any of the issues others cite ( popping on deceleration etc). Great for long trips but a little thirsty if ridden with any spirit.
Very good video i like the way you did the video
Might upgrade to a 23 at some point... love that paint scheme.
Nice review. What brand are high rise bars? They look very comfortable. Did they work with the stock cables?
They are jsr 12” apes
Looks so much like the older ultra classic HD. I looked at those initially, but none were available new. Ended up with the Harley Davidson
All cruise controls on the motorcycles or on the right hand side
I hear what you say about cruise control, but I use my left hand to turn it on and then I use my right thumb just said it I’ve never had cruise control before but I like it
You should do a review again after the owner does the ECU flash. That would be really beneficial for those interested.
Yes will definitely do that.
Greetings
As always another fantastic detailed video 🇺🇸🍾🎉🇺🇸
Let's us know about the vibrations, engine heat,....
There was no vibration. Also no noticeable engine heat.
Great review! Really like the custom handlebars, they resemble Factory 47's; also like the way the pipes make the bike sound. That's a lot of bike for the price. Wonder how much an Ivan's tune would help the performance.
Thanks. The Ivan's tune makes a huge difference. Gives it the power it needs.
After I put Van and HInes on my Nomad 1600 the fuel economy went Waaaaay down. If that doesn't matter to you fine but I enjoy a nice ride and knowing I'm paying less than my SUV for a ride. Nice Video.
I have to say, I was very tempted. Its a lot of bike for the dollar. Its a big bike. Top heavy, no reverse mode, simple electronics, due for a major updates by now, comfortable to ride. I took one for a test and this bike was too top heavy even for a 6'4" rider. Also, mid Summer ride and you really feel the heat cooking you. Stop and go traffic will not be that fun. However, if you are on a budget, this is the one to get.
Eh Goldwings are overpriced, heavy and lack thrill. BMW lack comfort, thrill and looking like a bagger.
@@rebelthrukansas0 My Wing cost me 24,500, new in 20. A new RT1250 cost MORE. a K, you cant even touch for that price. Any garbage HD, cost more. The reliability of the WING is a no match to any bike on this planet!!! I The 18+ wing is an Escalade on 2 wheels with a Sport Mode as a Panamera on 2 wheels. Own one and you will understand, till than, open your eyes and mouth shut 😁
I'm 5'7 and can manage this bike very easily. It is a very nice bike to ride for handling and balance , especially if the tires are up at the right air pressure.
@@frankwebster8365 You can't bit the price, even here in NJ. But, damn man, they need to do something already. Not even one bolt was improved on it for so many years. They could sell so many of them. How many can even touch HD or Indian bikes? Great budget bike to own.
How does this rate against the 2018 Yamaha Star venture with the TC package. I saw a good one in my area the other day but the asking price for that one is almost the price of a new leftover Voyager from 2023. I understand it does not have all the bells and whistles of the Star venture but from a ride quality or storage how does this compare?
I honestly can't answer that for you. I have not ridden a 2018 Star Venture.
I love mine, with a few upgrades looks better than HD and Harley’s barely keep up and still spent less than a new hd
can you tell me the brand of the handlebars, where you bought them and if you were able to use the existing cables (were they long enough?) or did you need new ones? Thank you
These are JSR 12" bars. Bought directly from JSR.
On My List
Best Value out there..
What about the big cracks in the right side of the fairing
That was missed on delivery but has since been repaired.
So, like, other people's opinion of my bikes is none of my business. I'm thinking $18,000.00 is like, a good start to a road trip or two...
Thanks for the video
Sounds awesome!
Nimble and doesn't feel heavy ?.... lol... I've been riding one around and it feels like a gigantic beast. nimble doesn't come to mind when I'm use to riding much smaller bikes.
Does ECU flash make the bike faster/stronger in either top or bottom end? Ive been hearing about it but dont know what it does.
Im considering switching from goldwing (f6b) because of the knee sitting position.
Way more bottom and top end power. Noticeable HP bump.
@thebikeaholic so in doing so I wouldn't feel "left behind" by club member sho mostly ride Goldwings? 😁
I read in a forum that they are big and slow, so I guess they haven't flashed the ECU
Did you change your headlight bulb yet to led ?
I'll have to ask the owner but I'm pretty sure it's stock.
@@thebikeaholicI just found out that you can put a led headlight bulb in !
Perfection...
What handlebars are they
They are JSR 12 inch bars with Kuryakin grips.
❤
You are correct sir, the roads in Manitoba SUCK. Could someone explain this to the MB government and or to the people who build the roads here.
$589 for a new OEM drive belt?.. The belts for Harleys are $125..
is there an aftermarket option for replacing the belt system with chain & sprockets??
at least you can replace a chain by pulling the new chain in place by connecting it to the old chain and just pulling the old chain out. chains are not vulnerable to rocks, and they are not as vulnerable to a misaligned rear wheel..
chains and belts are both approximately 98% efficient. The best chefs are only about 85% efficient depending on how many times the power has to make a 90° turn to get from the transmission to the ground…
I was just about to go look at a 2010 Kawasaki 1700 Voyager. I was doing some online research watching UA-cam videos when I came across a video showing the cost of the belt. They don’t mention the cost of the sprockets. I suspect that they should be changed when the belt is changed just like you must do with a chain drive. Old sprockets will wear out a new chain pretty quick…
I really like the look and the sound of these machines. I found one on craigslist with just 15 K miles near me. But now I think I’m gonna look a little closer at the possibility of upgrading to a chain., Instead of replacing the belt, because, even though it only has 15 K miles on it, it’s going to be 14 years old. And Ozone attacks rubber.
Suspect place for a cup holder
I mean unless you like preheated drink 😂
Also 81hp. And 107ft lbs. not 70hp. Don’t know where you got that from. 11hp in a bike is a big deal
Cruise control on the throttle side is how it should be. Having it on the opposite side is counter intuitive
Every bike I been on so far it’s always on the right side
Looks like a HUGE crack in the inner fairing, to the right of the radio. Really? On a 2023?
Good catch. That crack was there right out of the box but missed by both the dealer and the buyer when the bike left the showroom. They literally took it out of the box and he rode way. Its since been repaired.
Open up the 1700 v to 100mph plus come on guy
Lord have mercy, 2024 apparently is going to be that crappy teal and white again. What ever happened to bold colors, and multiple choice ?
They only do 1 color a year?
Not enough power for 1700cc.
It cracks nice
And kawasaki dosen't support pride movement or the LGBT. Another good reason to buy one.
This American V twin guys just doesn't know how to ride Japanese Vulcan bikes. Vulcans are liquid cooled not like air cooled Harleys. Vulcans have shorter strokes, engines works on much more higher RPMs, you have to rev it over 4000, 5000 RPMs, so you can actually feel power of the he bike. He is riding it like a granny, changing gears around 3500 RPMs, so sad and then he will say its underpowered. Educate your self first about product 😉
Bearded guy milion$ smile 😂😂😂😂