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1997 Kawasaki Vulcan ClassicProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints60 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage31kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 1, 2008. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic has problems

6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling30
Power train20
Equipment10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

12v/24v/48v battery: cables

Recall 97V-007 · Jan 15, 1997 · 5,208 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD DISABLE THE BATTERY AND THE MOTORCYCLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kawasaki.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other Vulcan Classic year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Vulcan Classic median. How we score

'96'97'98'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Vulcan Classic owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I HAVE A 1997 KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500 CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE. ON THIS BIKE AND OTHER MODELS, KAWASAKI INSTALLED A PLASTIC GEAR ON THE OIL PUMP. THIS GEAR FAILS CAUSING A LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE AND IN SOME CASES DESTROYS MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE ENGINE. THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THAT IT WILL COST ME OVER…
Complaint 10227603 · May 13, 2008 · 30,500 miles
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE OIL AND WATER WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, THEN WENT OUT. THE BIKE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE DEALER WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED AS AN OIL PRESSURE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED.
Complaint 10173504 · Nov 14, 2006 · 22,120 miles
I WAS RIDING MY MOTORCYCLE A 1997 KAWASAKI VULCAN CLASSIC AT APPROXIMATELY 35 -40 MPH WHEN IT STARTED TO MAKE A TAPPING NOISE. I PULL OVER AS SOON AS I HEARD THE NOISE. THE BIKE WAS PURCHASE USED FROM RUA MOTORCYCLES INDIAN TRAIL NC. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RETURNED TO RUA CYCLES FOR REPAIRS THAT SAME…
Complaint 10073216 · May 26, 2004 · 32,126 miles

Own a 1997 Vulcan Classic?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.