CarRecallWatchThe 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA.
The most-reported problem area is Engine And Engine Cooling (3 reports).
1Recalls
6Owner complaints
0Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Vulcan Classic?
1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic recalls
Most common 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic problems
Problem areas named in the 6 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Equipment | 1 |
What owners report
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KAWASAKI VULCAN CLASSIC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE REAR TIRE LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO ROLL THE VEHICLE BACK AND FORTH IN POSITION SEVERAL TIMES TO UNLOCK THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED, IS INOPERABLE, AND IS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 25,100. UPDATED 12/22/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/22/08.*JB
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 $8,000.00 IN PARTS TO REPAIR. KAWASAKI IS ONLY WILLING TO REPLACE THE GEAR, PISTON RINGS, GASKETS AND LABOR NEEDED TO REPLACE THOSE PARTS BUT NOT ANY PART THAT WAS DAMAGED BY THE LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE. THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM FROM THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE SINCE AT LEAST 1999. THE COST OF THE PARTS FROM THE DEALER IS JUST SHORT OF THE COST TO REPLACE THE BIKE WITH A BRAND NEW MODEL. THIS B
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KAWASAKI VULCAN CLASSIC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE. THE LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE AFTERMARKET PART, A FORWARD CONTROL COMPONENT, AS THE CAUSE OF THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE PURCHASE DATE AND A VALID VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 12,000.
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.
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 DAY FEB 21 2004. AFTER RUA CYCLES WAS ABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE MOTOR WAS NOT GETTING THE OIL NEEDED TO MAINTAIN IT PROPERLY. WHILE RUA WAS PREPARING TO REPAIR THE MOTOR IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT KAWASAKI HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THIS MOTOR FOR SOME TIME. KAWASAKI HAS BEEN DOING REPAIRS TO MOTORS THAT HAVE HAD DAMAGE FORM THE OIL PUMP GEAR FAILURE FOR
1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic questions
Does the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic: Electrical System:12V/24V/48V Battery:Cables. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (3), Power Train (2), Equipment (1).
How do I check if a recall on my 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.