This is a generic review for the Vulcan 800 Classic, since they didn't change very much at all from the time they were introduced in 1996 until they were discontinued in favor of the 900cc version in 2006.

First, let me start off by proclaiming this to be a really good bike. I own 6 motorcycles currently, and this is the one I jump on the most for trips up to a few hundred miles in a day. Once the junk factory seat is replaced by a Corbin (or in my case, a Mustang) it is very comfortable. being over six feet tall, I also installed forward controls on it. Most people won't need to change the controls, but I like to stretch out a bit because of a bad knee.

The power is more than adequate for most purposes, and the bike will cruise on the freeway at speeds that can get your license revoked. It also handles really well when putting around at parking lot speeds. Being only a bit over 500 pounds dry, it handles much better than one would think, and it feels more nimble than the weight would indicate because it is well balanced. Riders above about 5 feet three inches will have no problems controlling it because of the low 27 inch seat height. The rear suspension is adjustable, though it is a bit of a chore to do this. The bike handles freeways and twisty mountain roads with equal aplomb, as long as one realizes this is no Ninja or GSXR, and uses a bit of sanity.

Fuel mileage is surprisingly good. I am averaging about 50mpg, even though most of my riding is done at above 7000 feet here in the SOuthern Rockies. With almost a five gallon tank, I generally run up to about 160 miles between fill-ups without switching to the reserve tank. At 160 miles I generally need to get off and have a "stretch" anyway!

These bikes are chain driven, unlike many in this class. I don't consider this to be a liability, since it has less unsprung weight than a drive shaft, improving the ride and handling. Chains are also more efficient at transferring horsepower and torque to the rear wheel than a drive shaft. And if you don't want to lube and adjust a chain every few weeks, belt drive conversions are currently available for a bit over $500. Remember though: chains are used on all racing bikes for a reason!

Since the VN800B has been around for a long time, there is always a veritable (a-hem) cornucopia of aftermarket accessories available for it on eBay. With the right choice of accessories, it will be mistaken by many for a Harley Soft Tail. I have seen even some Harley riders who have been embarrassed by making this presumption! If you are considering this bike, looks are probably important to you. It has "the look", especially after de-badging it, and adding some chrome and maybe a set of drag pipes.

For the price of the chrome accessories on many Harleys, if you buy a Vulcan 800 you'll get all the speed and performance of a typical Hog, with the reliability and inexpensive parts & maintenance of a Kawasaki.

If you like to ride long distances at all, plan on buying a decent seat for this bike, and you are basically good to go. The rest of the "stuff" you buy for it is not really necessary, but with the right choices of aftermarket and factory options here on eBay, you'll find that owning one is a pleasant experience.

Good riding, and keep the rubber side down!

Doby

The seller did a great job of handling the sale. He was easy to contact and the sale went well. The motorcycle is everything that he said it was. In June, I put 1,000 miles on this gem of a bike.

This 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 is super fine. It looks and runs like new. I'm very satisfied with my purchase.

I love my newly purchased Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1600. I believe I made a great deal in buying it and have tripled the milage since my purchase and am enjoying every mile I put on it. With gas prices the way they are this couldn't come at a better time. Everyone who has seen my motorcycle loves it. I initially purchased it for recreational use but find myself riding all the time. This bike handles very well and has plenty of get-up when you need it. I have made a couple of modifications adding some Vance and Hines pipes and a rear lowering kit. Other than that this bike come stocked with everything you can think of. I would highly recommend anyone interested in purchasing anything first consider E-Bay.

it agate looking bike heads turn color is grate,only added back rest driver,a1 shape not a mark on it lots of come,just added to beauty

I bought a 2001 Drifter from a dealer in Wisc.(I live in Pa.)The pictures showed a very nice bike, however it was not diclosed about the (some severe) scratches on the fenders.They also had included a service fee for "saftey inspection" witten out and not in numerical form as all the rest of the mention of any numbers elsewhere. (i.e. one hundred eighty nine dollars for service VS $400.00 in extra parts). This was also included at the end of the statement where they mentioned delivery could be arranged and an easy place to be overlooked (as I had done) because I was driving out to pick it up. I did not think to inquire about any marks not showing in the ad, I thought everything would be diclosed.(I had seen this mentioned in other ads). The bike is a head turner and sounds and runs great. The dealer did allow me to pick it up before their opening hours and that was appreciated because of the long drive.All and all I have no other complaints other than those mentioned.

I am riding my second one of these Nomads. The dumbest thing I ever did was to sell the first one. Look on ebay, and at any given time you will find several hundred hondas, harleys, and a mix of everything else. The reason you will probably only see six or eight Nomads is that people are satisfied with them, and they simply aren't selling theirs. I've owned lots of bikes, and my Nomad gives me all the power, comfort, and ease of handling I could want. It looks ,rides, and sounds like a Harley for half the price, and way less maintenence. There are lots of accessories available on ebay for reasonable prices, and you will want an aftermarket seat. Change the stock seat and its got everything else. Buy one.... you will like it

I absolutely love the bike. It is a beast on the road and a pleasure to ride. It is sheer pleasure. I reccomend to anyone to at least test drive this bike. The only negative is the seat. It is slightly uncomfortable on long rides. Not bad enough to discourage a purchase though. Great bike. It is a head turner.

I bought the bike used, from a friends Dad. He had added risers,a passenger backrest, luggage rack , saddle bag protectors and lots of chrome extras. Have been on several 4000 to 5500 mile trips (two up a lot of times) will cruise at 90 easy, uses no oil , starts every time ...cold or hot weather and still runs strong with 82,500 miles on her . A GREAT bike !!!

it starts right up, looks great and starts right up, looks like it was garge kept. good comunitcation with seller. good directions to his location.