Vulcan 2000

[Tortuga]

Tell me about Vulcan 2000's. Are the good bikes? Reliable? Weak spots?

[mick56]

Originally Posted by Tortuga

Tell me about Vulcan 2000's. Are the good bikes? Reliable? Weak spots?

For me, their immediate weak spot is their look. That headlight cowl is downright ugly. Apart from that, i know nothing.

[redjay]

If I remember correctly some of them had issues with the clutch or transmission.
I think there was a bearing that could fail.

I cant remember exactly what the issue was.

There are a few VN2000 forums online for more information.

[The Black Knight]

Here in Italy I have seen a few VN 2000s and I have never tried one directly. I am attaching the opinion found on the internet (translated from Italian with google translator, so forgive me for any inaccuracies) of a motorcyclist who had this bike hoping that it will be useful to you.

"The Vn 2000 is a good bike, but I will first tell you what its faults are, in my opinion. Let's talk about brakes ..... the bike weighs a lot and doesn't have brakes up to par. In front you have to squeeze the calipers a lot and therefore you lose modularity (which is essential for this type of bike), while the rear tends to nail quickly. The handling: from a standstill the Kg. you feel them all but immediately in motion the bike is very driveable and very balanced. Unfortunately, it has no compartments under the saddle and has a small compartment on the side, but being attached to the engine ... it is a very hot compartment and in fact not very usable. The gearbox is loud but precise. The rocker system is very convenient. No problem to find neutral even when the engine is hot. The hydraulic clutch is soft enough. The engine is the showpiece with hydraulic tappets. It has its own basic mechanical noise but not annoying. The shot at the bass is so fantastic that it is almost useless to change during walks. In the city in heavy traffic you suffer a little more and travel in first / second / third. Let's say it has very little draw and soon reaches its maximum speed. So ... lots of lows and mids (however typical of a good twin). "Unfortunately" the engine noise is sacrificed by too quiet exhausts. I think it is capable of unleashing a nice guttural noise instead. The stock tires are mediocre in the wet ... but with the weight it has ..... The saddle is as comfortable as its riding setting. But if you travel fast on the freeway ... you have to hold on to the tank with your knees. When cornering, you just have to go slowly. Do not think about violent braking because it tends to widen and you lose the feeling of grip. The frame is remarkable and sufficiently rigid, therefore not giving rise to major problems whatsoever. (as long as you go slow). Mountain handling on tight hairpin turns puts a strain on your driving skills and arms.The drive belt is a beautiful thing and makes for a smooth and tear-free ride! The light produced by its lighthouse is powerful and does not cause problems. Gasoline consumption ... if you go to code you will go around 5.5 liters per 100 Km. If instead you make it go happy ... they rise inexorably! However, with that large tank it has, you always ensure a good autonomy. Accessories: I recommend taking the excellent windshield, the crash bars and the backrest for the passenger with its luggage rack. The engine heats up on its own and in the summer it makes itself felt ... especially when the electric fan starts."

[ringadingh]

A lot of these bikes developed piston problems around 30,000 miles from what I remember.

[mick56]

Originally Posted by ringadingh

A lot of these bikes developed piston problems around 30,000 miles from what I remember.

Didn't the early 1500's have a problem too. I recall, they put longer skirts on them at some point.

[ringadingh]

I'm not aware of that Mick, Any of the 1500's I know of ran very well. My 1500 was a better running bike than my 1600.

[mick56]

Originally Posted by ringadingh

I'm not aware of that Mick, Any of the 1500's I know of ran very well. My 1500 was a better running bike than my 1600.

Oh well. I am sure the group Guru will be along soon, to correct me anyway.

[blowndodge]

The valve train was the weak link in the VN2000. Valves were shot by 30K miles.

[Tortuga]

Thanks, but I'm picking up a 1700 Nomad tomorrow.

[redjay]

Originally Posted by Tortuga

Thanks, but I'm picking up a 1700 Nomad tomorrow.

Probably a better idea than getting a Vulcan 2000.
The parts for the 1700's are likely to be available longer.

[The Black Knight]

[dakota7557]

The 99 had a pog (Plastic Oil Gear) that had a tendency to self destruct...lol...I have a 2000 and have over 35,000 miles on it...Sure enjoy it!!

[VulcanJeff]

I have the impression the OP was asking about the 2000cc Vulcan, not the 2000 model year Vulcan 1500.

[blowndodge]