I bought a 1990 vulcan 1500, I think it needs a transmission over haul but I haven't torn it down yet. It starts and runs like it is new, it is a low mileage bike but something is going on, put it in gear let out the clutch and nothing and I mean nothing motor doesn't even idle down not even a hint of any kind of load in any of the four gears.
Question. Will parts from a 87 transmission swap over too the 90?
Also with it torn all the way down what should I go ahead and upgrade for performance and reliability?

 

I also pretty much stole it, I saw a stripped frame for this bike the other day for $100 dollars more than I payed for the whole bike.

 

Ok I pulled off the chrome cover and moved the rubber sleeve from the forward end of the drive shaft, the drive shaft is rotating in all four gears? Just no power to the rear wheel? Now what? Any tips or tricks or suggestions will be helpfull and apretiated. Seems like postings here are slow, must mean these bikes are pretty reliable?

 

Look in section 10 (final drive) of your manual. Some good reads on your situation/question.

Sounds like you have something happening that is not right.

edit: I realize that my answer is really vague, but your factory service manual has alot to say about your question that cannot be simplified here.

 

Working on it, I had to order a manual it should be on its way. Now hurry up and wait!