1988 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500SE review from United States of America

The front shocks are weak, resulting in frequent re-springing, oil leaks around the boots and occasional bottoming out, resulting in a dent in fender.

Always leave gas in tank over the winter using the gas additive that you buy at Schucks or the same stuff that keeps lawnmowers fresh all winter. Just mix it in the tank, fill it, clear up and put the cap on. Now ride it for 10 minutes so this solution gets into the carbs. It's now ready to sit for the winter.

At 38k, the engine has serious leakage around the rear engine seal and other areas. I don't recommend changing these, just to keep the oil off the garage floor, but it is annoying at such few miles.

This motorcycle has a little, tiny windshield, but has been ridden from Idaho to Canada, and from Idaho to AZ several times, with joy!

Zero to 60 mph about as fast as any crotch rocket I've ever raced. Enough low end torque to pull up the pavement beneath it. High end isn't comparable with the CRX's and Ninja's, but you can romp on it at 70 mph to pass a car and literally blow by him like he's standing still.

I'm amazed at this bike. Recently pulled up next to a HD 1100. This big fat chump started dissing my bike for not being "American." I then pointed out his Mikuni carbs and Yoshi pipes and blah blah. He said, "what's the difference then?" I responded, "well, I don't have to rebuild mine every spring!" That annoyed him and he started to chase me. It took me about 6 sec. to lose sight of him in my rearview mirror. WOW what a bike!