Bearings in starter missing upon delivery, brand new.
The worst 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine4
- Brakes1
- Electrical1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine4
- Brakes1
- Electrical1
- Transmission1
Recalls 1
Power train: manual transmission
- 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
What 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Many oil pump gears have failed on this year/model. Someone may get killed if they are not made to replace these.
Oil pump gear failed - had traffic been heavy engine could have siezed up before I could safely stop
The clutch slipped and failed at 12000 miles, which seemed premature. I replaced it myself and now the replacement is beginning to slip at 25000 miles. My experience in operating motorcycles is about 21 years. My riding habits are normal with no unusual usage (ie. Racing, competitions, etc.). Clutch failure is premature , which I believe is due to poor design. Please investigate and contact me with results. I did not have the VIN available at the time of this writing; however, please call me if it is essential.
Rear brakes failed without warning. Dealer has rebuilt the master cylinder and other parts, and the problem still exists. Manufacturer has been notified.
Consumer states the vehicle coughing on acceleration when backfiring, flames shoot out 6-8 inches. Dealer contacted and repairs done, problem still exists.
Engine stalls.
Compare the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan
Other model years
Questions about the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan
Is the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan reliable?
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan, 2.3 times a typical Vulcan model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan?
Engine and cooling, with 4 complaints. Next is brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan have?
1 recall, covering power train.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history