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MotorcycleUSA Superstore
Rider Review: 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 800A

Submitted by: 800man

This is my return to riding bike and first cruiser bike. Love the forward controls on this bike. Good and well balance with good low center of gravity. The power of the bike is very good. Had to get use to the rake on the bike. With the 21" wheel and the style of the bike a little hard to control at slows speed. With time this gets better as your skill improves. At highway speeds handles great. Like most mid-size cruisers sounds a little busy at 70 mph like it needs another gear. The bikes comes with the chain drive along with having to adjust the valves around 6000 miles. From what I have read that the valve adjustment is very seldom needed. This is a good bike for a return driver and wouldn't recomment it for beginners.

Pro's:

Good price, easy to handle, lots of accessories for this bike. the chopper style (this is where SS and I like) with some added aftermarket products you can't help but love this bike. This bike will run pretty good, but to me a crusier is not about speed. I can cruise with all the big dogs. If they want to cruise 90 mph I could, but not going to. Exhaust very quite. Water cooled.

Con's:

Again like most mid-size cruisers the seat is, needs to go if you plan more than 45 minutes at a time. I feel that the handle bars could be a little closer. Can't understand why they don't put a good seat on from the factory. The horn sounds sick and to me not loud enough. Wish it had hyd. lifters and belt, or shaft drive.

Comments:

Some accessories that I have added to improve the bike to my liking.

  • Windshield - A must.
  • Fiamm Freeway Blaster Horn - 132 db.
  • Belt Drive - No more chain maint. lowered my rpm by 600 rpm at 60 mph.
  • Mustang Seat - My butt is still thanking me.
  • Floorboards -For comfort.
  • Saddlebags - Now that I have them wouldn't go without them.
  • 4 1/2" Pullback Risers - so much better on control.
  • Crashbars - I think these could possible help if you lay it down, hope not to find out.
  • V&H Straight Shot Pipes - Good sound.

I have many more accessories but only showed what I think would help improve the bike. In all this is what I would say is a very pleasing and fun bike to ride. And has the power if needed to get out of the way. On the time I'm home me and Witchy Woman hits the highway and forget about all the worries.



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Recommendations made by Beginner Bikes Magazine, it's staff, team members or riding club officers, are based on the skills of a novice rider, of average stature and do not necessarily represent the ideal for every rider. While Beginner Bikes encourages safe, smart riding, we do not assume responsibility for each individual. Please ride with care at your own risk.