Is the 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic the BEST BIKE IN THE WORLD?
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- čas přidán 30. 05. 2022
- Is the 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic the best bike in the world? What about as a Bobber? I've got several reasons why, and a few reasons why not!
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Like Brett said, the best bike in the world is the one you're riding. 🏍💨🦑
My classic has the Vance and Hines pipes and Avon white cobra chrome walls and with just about every extra and I gotta tell you I go out with loads of Harleys , viragos and my bike stands out and sounds the best ! But it makes a whistling type sound when you come off the throttle that stops if you pull the clutch in. I’ve had it all checked and nothing wrong with clutch .
Interesting - I've never heard a whistle like that from my bike. Those extras all sound good - I really should do some mods to my bike this year, thanks for the info!
You do a great job on these videos. You get the same mileage my spyder does lol... I need to stop going full throttle lol
Thanks, wow, and NO FREAKIN' WAY! Keep doing donuts on your Spyder :D
Love my 1997 Vulcan 800 Classic, Cobra Pipes, Thunder Jet Kit, Thunder S&S Teardrop Intake with K&N Filter, Dynatek 2000 ignition kit with mapping and Rev Limiter set to 8200 rpm. Total blast to ride and she has been mine since new. I have ridden her coast to coast never let me down. I agree wish it had dual brakes up front and rear disc instead of the drum, but it works. Kept the original sprockets at 17/42 because if you change it out for mileage you lose lower end torque/some quickness. I have ridden her all day running 85 to 90 mph across Montana and North Dakota, 5th gear is overdrive. With my mods I would anticipate her getting up to 115 to 118 mph, maybe hit 120 down hill, lol. I can out run most stock twins, that includes Harleys, and she will off the blocks keep up with a Liter bike, but once we hit 70 the Liter bikes take off. My need for speed is fed by a Concours 14, Shoodaben ECU Flash and Delkevic DS70 exhaust, but every time I ride my 800 I come home with a big smile, its just fun as hell to ride that bike. Thanks for the great video.
I think your screenname should be "KawiFanNumber1" instead of "Evilwestsidefan" - your blood runs green, my friend! Thank you for watching and sharing with us your love of Kawi & your bikes!!! I agree, always get home with a smile after riding the 800 :D
@@RoadReality Sounds about right I have been riding Kaws for 50 years started out on a 250 scrambler never looked back. Before I bought my Vulcan 800 Classic I was looking at the Honda 750 Magna, stuck with the Kaw because when I was younger I really loved the Norton 850 Commando. The Vulcan 800 is about the closest thing to the Norton. Most fun Kaw I have owned was a naked 2005 Z1000. It would lift the front wheel off the ground in 3rd using the throttle. Real torque beast, stunt riders used it and the speed triple for trick riding.
@@evilwestsidefan9249 you just can't go wrong with a kawi! If they'd update the Vaquero/Voyager, I'd give them another shot!
@@RoadReality Harley owns that market and for some reason Kaw is staying with the 1700 as is while raising their price. The Kaw is plastic the Harley is steel. I have seen Harleys ride off the road into a field flop over. You just drag it back to the road dust it off and drive away. I have seen that multiple times with unexperienced riders with no or little damage. The Voyager would be in pieces being plastic.
@@evilwestsidefan9249 I'm baffled as to why Maw Kaw doesn't update its cruiser line! To be fair though, the fairings and saddlebags on Harleys are plastic too. But, you're right - they will take a beating!
The seat and rear fender totally makes this bike much better than stock.Bravo!!???
I agree, and would take credit but I can't. That 100% goes to Blue Collar Bobbers! I DID paint it myself though :D
Pretty good validation but I’ll always contend the best bike in the world is the one the rider is on at the time. Nice thoughts Jon!
Thanks CF! I agree - the bike you're on is the best :D
Are you in politics? that was such a neutral comment haha
@@BoltBucket yes yes I am
Everyone thinks their bike is the best..which is fine...
i would aggree but the rear drum is a POS. other than that i love mine. i went drag chopper instead of bobber. i don't like mud on my back. i like to have a seat i can sit on for over 2 hours. i likepeople to know which way i intend to turn. why people take the practical stuff off of a bike for vanity is beyond me.
Yep, that rear drum sucks! You make some good points about bobber, which is why I kept all the lights and stuff... but yeah, the seat ain't letting me ride for 2 hours without a chiropractor visit afterwards, LOL! Thanks for watching!
You bet!
I've had vintage HDs.
I had a '50 Indian Chief.
But I bought a 2001 VN800 about ten years ago and have LOVED this bike since Day One.
I've never ridden something of it's size, but so light in weight.
They're really easy to customize... And they run like a raped ape when properly set up.
I couldn't recommend a better bike for the money to someone.
That's awesome - and I agree about how awesome the Vulcan 800 is - it's overlooked by so many, yet has so much versatility. I've seen stock, bobbed [duh], chopped, rat bikes, cafe-ish versions, it's hilarious how many different ways there are to customize it!
Ride safe, and thanks for watching & sharing your experience!
@@RoadReality by the by... You ought to get a good 140 miles out of a chock-full fuel tank.
Something else that comes to mind when you mention that Custom seat not being too comfortable, depending on what look you want, look at the old Harley DeLuxe Solo Seat... They're really cushy and upholstered in cowhide.
Otherwise, if you like a more "rock n roll" look, find a vintage metal Implement Seat (off an ancient tractor) and have it chromed.
Even though they're not upholstered, they're incredibly comfortable. And some are wider than others.
Cheers!
@@RoadRealityi just got this same bike 1997 vn800a3 model no idea whats the difference but its my first bike and she sounds great 🤤
Oh I also get about 105 miles per tank. Here in the UK 🇬🇧 I run mine on 95 octane because the other stuff is crap
Glad I'm not alone - I run premium in everything but my truck, LOL. Yard equipment included :D
I paid almost 5000$ for a VN 800 A from 1998. Sometimes i h8 living in Denmark but I love this bike.
Wow, that's expensive, but oh so worth it! Thanks for watching!
I loved my 800
I recommend the Mustang seat too me and my girlfriend went on 4 hour ride no problem very comfortable
I don't think that'll work with the aftermarket fender setup I've got - it's pretty specific to the Blue Collar Bobbers setup - but thanks for sharing that!
Great video. Can you give me a description or product number for that cool blue ring headlight? It is very cool.
Thanks! This is the headlight bulb I ordered - it's a direct-fit replacement: amzn.to/3POdaQK
[it's an Amazon affiliate link]
Man no one really creates videos about this bike I've been riding one for about 4 years, they've got quite the following if you plan on keeping yours look at getting rid of the stock exhaust or taking the baffles out and running through the carb with maybe a dyno jet kit. Really wakes the bike up. I've went ahead and changed the sprockets to a 18/40.
Yeah, there's me and Bolt Bucket here on CZcams - those are the only 2 Vulcan 800 riders I can think of! As for the carb, it's got a Dyno Jet kit in it already, so it's richened up - I bet running aftermarket pipes or de-baffling would bring it back to normal richness LOL. The sprocket swap is a good idea! Thanks for watching & sharing your experience! Ride safe!
@@RoadReality yeah, when you say 120 miles to a tank! Geez I can probably double that I get about 45/50 mpg
@@kick-start-or-die To be fair, that 120 miles was around 3 gallons out of a 4-gallon tank, so close to 40mpg... but yeah, still not the 45-50 it got before the dyno jet kit. I used to get 45 in the city and 55 on the highway. I'll take the extra oomph :D
I like my Vulcan 800 too 😀
Awesome!
Does it have a center stand or just a kick stand?
Just a kick stand, unfortunately. A center stand would be nice, though!
They are great bikes!!!
Thanks!
Dude, your face is seen! At the end on your right hand mirror!
Oh, thank goodness! :D The narcissist in me was quite worried ;)
These any good for a tall rider?
Good question! I'm only 5'8", and it fits me well - a taller rider may really need highway pegs and adjust the bars to be comfy.
i sort of agree, best bike in the world FOR THE PRICE, dont forget if you have transmission problems you have to disassemble entire bike and remove engine...... thats the problem with vulcans
Oh dang, I didn't know that, thanks for cluing me in! And yeah, for the price, awesome bike - and damn-near bulletproof, right? There's a reason I've had other bikes but still have my Vulcan :D
Thanks for watching!
That heavy bike reminds me of the song lyric "I like big buttss and I cannot lie". HAHA...it is a good looking bike for sure!
Thanks! :D
ummm unless you are 6'4" 275 pounds the suspension is adequate. For off road
Haha, no doubt! You'd need an ADV bike for that!
Can anyone tell me if the difference between the vulcan 800 and the vulcan 900 and would there be a significant difference in power, I am thinking about buying a 2005 vulcan 800 but have rode v-star 1100 for years and sure If I would find the 800 to underpowered, thanks for any imput
The biggest difference, besides about 100cc in engine size, and thus more power, is the 800 is carbeurated, but the 900 is fuel injected. I'd go with the 900 if I were you, but I still love my 800. I usually ride my Harley Street Glide with the 114, but I don't find the 800 underpowered until highway speeds.
Hope that helps!
@@RoadReality Ok I appreciate your input and the info, I think I will go with the 900, curious though, with the 900 some say they are always looking for a 6th gear, is that so?, or is that with every and any bike, great video btw with the humorous one liners
@@paulmaloney2383 Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! For sure, go with the 900! They're great bikes. I think EVERY bike will have you looking for that next-higher gear. Heck, I can't tell you how many times on my Harley, which has a 6-speed, I try to click up into the 7th gear... oops.
FWIW, a lot of guys go for a sprocket swap to get taller gearing, so the revs aren't so high on the highway. Might be worth looking into if you find yourself looking for 6th on the 900.
The 800 is lighter by about 40kg and has 10 more hp but less torque than the 900. The 900 has belt drive and fuel injection and a disk brake rear end. But i like the size and power of the 800. i have driven both and i bought the 800. I would like the rear disk brake from the 900. The rear suspension is identical on both. I love my 800 classic.
Bolt Bucket would approve. ;)
Haha you know it
What if it was a 900?
Great question! Like a Tootsie Roll pop, the world may never know :D
👍
Drum brake huh?
Yep, sure is!
then alrighty wellll.....
i like it. mine is a 1995 chopper style. didn't buy anything. made it all. including bars and seat and controls. stole the backrest /luggageCD rack off of a 1999 Harley Duce. bolt under the seat .clean and the lines go with the rest of the bike.
That's awesome! I only WISH I had the time/space/skills/tools to do stuff like that! I bet it looks SWEET!
@@RoadReality you do and don't know it. im no pro .just don't have dollars to throw so i use what i got.
change the gearing it helps on fuel
I've thought about it... but don't want to give up any giddy-up it does have ;)
@@RoadReality nah its not that bad but does put the revs down a bit. hit 110mph in Mexico on it with more to go and at 65mph it just seems like its right in sync with the frequencies of the engine
@@BoltBucket That's cool! Mine starts singin' around 65mph, and 110mph I think would blow up the motor LOL.
@@RoadReality these things rev to 9200rpm
@@BoltBucket Wow! That's higher than I thought, but no tacho, so I have no idea how many revs I'm doing.
I think we all think our bikes are the best. Hahah. How is the Vulcan off-road?!? :-p
lol watch my beach riding videos haha
Lol, that is all the off-road my bike has ever done!
Well mine is
Yours is for sure the best Vulcan 800 in the world! :D
Well ok then 😳
Best bike in the world is the Honda CBX lol a 6 cylinder motorcycle is pretty badass xD
I gotta throw a leg over one, then! I love unusual setups... yet I have an inline-4 and 2 v-twins :D
i paid $3500AUD
im sure Dennis Leary agrees that the Vulcan is the best
Except that "the Vulcan" excist in more than 20 different models. For example, you can't call the 650S a "good Vulcan".
@@corneilcorneil Yeah, must be a great bike if you're an A$$hole Oh we oo - Oh we oo !🎶 😉
@@purebloodheretic4682 Childish reaction from a kid with kid bike uploads.
And the title is edited, kiddy. "800 Classic" is added later kid.
@@corneilcorneil Mate if you can't take an Obvious Joke - That's Childish! 😆 You must have heard the Dennis Leary Song "I'm an A$$hole" it was a JOKE - Hey maybe you really are just an A$$hole🤨 The world's going to Hell with Simp Social Justice Warrior Cry Babies - I thought you might get a Laugh but you overreacted like a 4yr old
I'm a Straight Shooter, whatever I type on the Net I'll Tell you to your Face! I'm not a B.S. Artist Pussy!
For what it's worth - Have a Happy New Year - Keep the Dirty- Side Down & Try & Lighten up a Bit! 😉
What do you think of the Vulcan drifter Indians?
The Vulcan Drifter, like with the crazy fenders that cover half the wheel? I like 'em, but not my style.
@@RoadReality it's definitely a style from the 1940s and 50s and those bikes are very expensive now I saw these Drifters are good nostalgia for a reasonable price
@@markeverson5849 Oh yeah, they're distinctive! I don't see many 800 Drifters coming up for sale, but the 1500 Drifter does from time to time. Do you have one?
@@RoadReality I'm looking at one now he's asking 2600 and it's very low mileage I mean about 12,000 miles and it's got the double seat with also the Fringe and saddlebags but winter is coming on and you know how it is with money Across America a lot of average people don't have much. but after watching so many videos on them it would be a good bike for me fits my personality! but I would really Rat Rod it to look 1940s and build my own stuff like the twin pipes I'll just make my own in my own highway bars maybe I'll make him out of Iron , because I'm a blacksmith pet twists in the metle, the same with a sissy bar for hauling more cargo
@@markeverson5849 Wow, an 800 Drifter with 12k miles for $2,600??? Not too shabby - I just saw [but of course can't find again] a FB for sale post for a 1500 Drifter with I think 40k miles, for $1,700.
If it's clean, I say get it - the 800 is dang-near bulletproof. Mine is so neglected but keeps on running just fine. I think some of them have a plastic oil gear or something that needs replacing, but from what I've read, it's not bad to do.
The Rat Rod idea sounds cool - and making your own parts really makes it YOURS. I say go for it!
ok yeah ill agree the brakes suck and anyone who rides mine agrees
Yep - definitely requires planning :D
Are you on drugs?
No... you offering?