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1997 Kawasaki VN1500 problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Kawasaki VN1500 is tires. It has fewer complaints than a typical VN1500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
2
Worst area
Tires

The worst 1997 Kawasaki VN1500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 2

Power train: manual transmissionReported December 16, 1997 · 544 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: motorcycles. An improperly manufactured transmission gear can cause weakening and eventual breakage of an adjacent gear.
Risk
Gear breakage can result in transmission lockup, causing the operator to lose control of the motorcycle.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these motorcycles and repair affected units.

Recall number 97V233000 · Recall details

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cablesReported January 15, 1997 · 5,208 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Pressure on the battery ground lead (the crimped and soldered termination of the battery cable) from the base of the operator's seat can cause the battery terminal to short out inside the battery.
Risk
This condition could disable the battery and the motorcycle's electrical system increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the existing battery cables with a newly designed cable and inspect the battery to verify that no damage has occurred.

Recall number 97V007000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1997 Kawasaki VN1500

What 1997 Kawasaki VN1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 14, 2017 · Transmission · ID

Transmission locked up after changing into 2nd gear after leaving a stop... Kawasaki had a recall for this problem for certain bikes this same year but tell me that my bike does not one of the bikes under the recall. Only 25,600 miles on the bike.

Filed Sep 5, 2001 · Tires · NY

Tire should carry 28 psi. Cccconsumer called dunlop manufacturer, and dunlop stated that tire should have 35 to 40 psi. Tires make sidewall wear before center.

Compare the 1997 Kawasaki VN1500

Other model years

1996199719981999200020012002

Questions about the 1997 Kawasaki VN1500

Is the 1997 Kawasaki VN1500 reliable?

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1997 Kawasaki VN1500, fewer than a typical VN1500 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Kawasaki VN1500?

Tires, with 1 complaint. Next is transmission (1).

How many recalls does the 1997 Kawasaki VN1500 have?

2 recalls, covering power train and electrical system.

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