2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000
Don't let the 649 cc engine fool you. The Vulcan S model from Kawasaki packs a considerable punch.
With a history dating back to the '80s, the Kawasaki Vulcan models have undergone performance upgrades that make them a big player in the cruiser market.
Other than the Vulcan S, Kawasaki has great models in the Vulcan range. Vulcans are available from the Vulcan 900 Classic all the way to the 1700 Vulcan Classic Voyager.
Kawasaki has made sure to make a mark in the motorcycling industry because these are genuinely great bikes.
Looking at the Vulcan can sometimes seem like these are unstoppable bikes, and nothing can go wrong. Unfortunately, this isn't the case.
We've done some digging and found common issues with the Kawasaki Vulcan Models.
In this article, we'll be going through some of the problems experienced by these bikes.
Let's get into it!
1. Oil Gear Failure Issue
This problem is apparent in most Kawasaki Vulcan models.
Although it can be solved by a simple replacement of the oil pump gear, it's still a menacing problem.
The issues that result from a failing oil gear pump will usually show up between 4,000 miles and 15,000 miles on the bike.
The Symptoms of a Failing Oil Gear Pump Include:
- Tapping noises from the engine
- Check engine oil light coming on
- Intermittent starting
- Loud Whining sound from the clutch cover area
- High oil pressure
Keep in mind that the oil gear pump problems mostly affected older variations of the Vulcan.
This includes models from 1999 through to 2005. This was due to Kawasaki having installed a plastic oil gear pump instead of a metal one.
These plastic pumps were weak, and many Vulcans faced the issue of having to replace them. The problem was solved by Kawasaki replacing the pumps under warranty.
These days, there are only a few Vulcan models that experience this problem. This is because Kawasaki went and upgraded the oil gear pump from plastic to metal.
The problem was more apparent on the Vulcan 1500 Classic models, and owners opted to replace the oil gear with a third-party one.
Replacing the oil gear pump seems to solve the symptoms listed above.
2. Stator And Regulator/Rectifier Issues
Most of the problems on the Kawasaki Vulcan models that have to do with the regulator/rectifier will mask themselves as battery issues.
This particular problem with the stator is apparent on the Vulcan 800 Classic, Vulcan 750, Vulcan 900 models.
Stators are generally in charge of the charging system on a bike.
This is why problems with a stator will typically seem like battery or charging problems.
Here are a Few Symptoms Indicating a Failing Stator or Rectifier/Regulator Problems:
- Intermittent starting
- Surging headlight
- Battery drain
- Faulty starter
- High-pitched whining noise when starting the bike
- Faulty ignition
- Starter relay failing
If you face one of these symptoms, a mechanic visit might be the next logical step.
What they'll usually do is test the obvious stuff to make sure it isn't an easy fix.
This Includes Checking the:
- Battery
- Fuses
- Connections
- Wiring
- Switches
These will all be necessary tests to undergo to get to the root of the problem.
These can usually be done at home if you have the required tools and knowledge to diagnose the Vulcan.
If the problem seems to be battery-related, a replacement battery or charging it properly will usually alleviate the problem on the Vulcans.
If the problem seems to be deeper, pointing to issues with the stator and rectifier/regulator, it's best to take the Vulcan into a Kawasaki dealership.
Most owners were able to fix the issues by replacing both the stator and rectifier/regulator. There are a variety of choices for these parts that range in quality and longevity.
Unfortunately, not all owners faced with this issue can replace the parts and solve the problem. In a few unlucky instances, the parts were exchanged for new ones, and a few days later, the parts died out, and the owner was back to the same problem again.
Although these instances were pretty rare, the problem persisted, and a few owners went as far as rebuilding the whole stator unit on the Vulcan.
This is a job for the mechanic or the dealership.
3. Drive Pulley Problems
This issue occurs most often on the Kawasaki Vulcan 900.
The drive pulley on the Vulcan drives the belt, and most owners facing the problem experience noises coming from the belt.
When it comes to these Drive Pulley problems on the Vulcan, it can indicate issues with different components.
Problems Indicating a Failing Drive Pulley:
- Belt tension too loose or too tight
- Drive pulley nut coming loose
- Belt alignment not accurate
Problems with the drive pulley will usually show themselves as noises coming from the belt.
It sounds like the belt is rubbing up against something and producing a squealing noise.
Owners of the Vulcan 900 who came across this problem stated that it showed up after the bike had fallen or had gotten into an accident. This can also happen after a replacement of the belt.
The belt tension on the Kawasaki Vulcans is very sensitive. This means that adjusting the belt incorrectly will usually result in a noisy belt or faulty drive pulley system. So, belt tension that is too tight or too loose will bring up issues with the belt and drive pulley system on the Vulcan.
Most problems that arise with a noisy belt usually indicated an incorrectly adjusted belt tension. Drive pulley problems usually occur between 2,000 miles and 9,000 miles on the Vulcan 900.
Swapping out the belt for a new one can work, but the tension must be just right when installing the new drive belt. So it is recommended to have a mechanic or dealership deal with the installation.
Having visited a mechanic, other owners found out that the nut on the drive pulley had come loose.
This is a different issue, and the noise from a loose nut on the drive pulley will only happen when the bike is coasting.
The nut coming loose is not as common as the belt issue but affects many riders. A loose nut can result in some wear and tear on both the drive pulley and the output spline shaft.
4. Vulcan Engine Whine Noise Issue
This issue is related to the stator and rectifier/regulator issues above.
The only difference is that the whining noise is very high-pitched and seems to be coming from the engine's left side.
The problem usually points to a failing stator.
Aftermarket or third-party stators are available for the Kawasaki Vulcan models.
5. Output Shaft And Bevel Gear Failure
This problem affects a few Vulcan models.
Although it doesn't render the bike useless, it can be annoying when it comes up.
The bike's performance is generally not affected, but there's an annoying noise from the output shaft. The Vulcan gives off a rattling noise coming from the transmission.
When the problem occurs, it's best to visit a mechanic as soon as possible before the problem evolves and affects other parts of the bike.
6. Vulcan 800 Speedometer problems
This is a problem that mostly affects the Vulcan 800 models. The speedometer would sometimes act up.
It would show inaccurate speeds and sometimes stop working altogether.
Users found that the speedometer cable housing was not entirely closed, which led to the speedometer acting up.
On the Vulcan 800, the speedometer cable housing can be a bit tricky to get to. So those who fixed the problem were able to use a pair of long-nosed pliers to get the housing closed.
A visit to the mechanic might be next for those who aren't mechanically inclined.
General Pros and Cons for the Kawasaki Vulcan Models
Pros:
The Kawasaki Vulcan models were a big player in the cruiser market, especially in the US.
This might be because of the great handling and the power of the engine.
The Kawasaki Vulcan S model has a steady crop of Kawasaki cruiser fans. It puts out a maximum of 6600 RPM at 63Nm, and all that power comes to a smooth stop with an improved braking system.
Most owners of the new Vulcan S model from Kawasaki brag about its stopping power. The bike features ABS and a single 300mm disc front brake.
You should also be reading our article which talks about 6 Most-Common Problems With Kawasaki Versys 650
The Kawasaki Vulcan models' seating position has always been comfortable and can go up against some of the best cruisers in the same range.
Cons:
- Oil Gear Failure Issue
- Stator And Regulator/Rectifier Issues
- Drive Pulley Problems
- Vulcan Engine Whine Noise Issue
- Output Shaft And Bevel Gear Failure
- Vulcan 800 Speedometer problems
What Do the Reviews Say?
"Little creature comforts, such as a clever neutral-finder at stops, floorboards, and a backrest for the passenger, plus electronic cruise control, add to the superb package that makes the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad a great model you might not have considered."
[Source: UltimateMotorcycling.com]
"Kawasaki market research has determined that a primary concern for motorcycle buyers—first-timers and experienced riders—is finding a motorcycle that physically fits. Picking a new bike is not unlike trying on a new pair of shoes, and it is here that the all-new Kawasaki Vulcan S Ergo-Fit concept provides a fresh approach."
[Source: CycleWorld.com]
What's The Resale Value On The Kawasaki Vulcan Models
| Model | Year | Mileage (miles) | Price ($) |
| Vulcan 1600 Classic | 2005 | 26,119 | 3,200 |
| Vulcan 900 | 2008 | 23,352 | 2,600 |
| Vulcan Vaquero 1700 | 2012 | 31,993 | 6,990 |
| Vulcan 900 Classic | 2016 | 4,733 | 5,295 |
| Vulcan S ABS | 2018 | 5,681 | 4,999 |
| Vulcan Vaquero 1700 ABS | 2019 | 15 | 16,795 |
| Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS | 2019 | 28 | 14,999 |
NB: These prices are estimated and may vary concerning your location. Also, the model and the mileage may play a part in its price range.
References:
https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2013/02/14/kawasaki-vulcan-1700-nomad-quick-ride-review/
https://www.cycleworld.com/2015/01/22/2015-kawasaki-vulcan-s-abs-cruiser-motorcycle-review-first-ride-photos-specifications/
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Source: https://motorandwheels.com/common-problems-kawasaki-vulcan/
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