New member with some questions
 

I just recently bought first motorcycle and need some answers I havent been able to find about my motorcycle. First I bought a 2003 Vulcan 1500 and would like to know if it is 5 or 6 speed and is it FI. Have never owned a cycle before and not sure how to tell as I bought this for my husband who is not here to any see it yet. Thanks for your help as I want to be able to answer questions I know he is going to have when I tell him I bought him one.

Jay, wow; do you have any sisters? :) When you say your "husband is not here" I'm wondering if he is in the military? (None of my business, but if in Iraq or Afghan--God bless him.) Regardless, if your Vulcan didn't come with any manual or ppwk, I'd go online and order one. You can also do a Google for 2003 Vulcan 1500 and get a link to a spec sheet. (Might be able to go to the Kawasaki site, too.) Sometimes, there is a "shift pattern" stamped into the case near the shifter.
I'm no expert on Vulcans; maybe some other guys/gals can help?
Glad to have you with us. Post up some pics when you can.

welcome to KF

Welcome to the forums. Your husband will love the bike.

2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic
Simply classic.

You prefer a T-bone to tofu, and hard rock to hip-hop. No wonder that when it comes to cruisers, you’ll take classic styling, easy handling and a free-breathing carbureted Vulcan Classic® cruiser. Climb aboard the Vulcan 1500 Classic and find out how right your instincts really are. Thanks to 4-valve combustion chambers and a big side-draft carb with accelerator pump, the liquid-cooled 1470cc V-Twin pounds out torque like nothing this side of a Detroit V-8.

With its traditional styling, technological design, customization potential and affordable price, the Kawasaki Vulcan® 1500 Classic motorcycle is a must for anyone looking to get into the heavyweight-cruiser market. The stylish Vulcan 1500 Classic has been an attention-getter since its 1996 debut. In fact, the 1500 Classic’s sales-floor success helped fuel the project design of the all-new 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1600 Classic. Still, the original big-bore Classic provides consumers with the opportunity to embrace heavyweight cruisers without over-extending their budget.

Features:
• Large 40mm Keihin carburetor features the Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) system to vary ignition timing according to throttle setting and engine rpm. The result is better engine response and lower fuel consumption.

• A large airbox crossover tube located between the cylinders helps improve mid-range torque and increases airflow to the cylinders.

• The Vulcan 1500 Classic cruiser features clean shaft final drive for an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride. Twin rear shocks are adjustable 5 ways for spring preload.

• An extra-low 27.6-inch (700 mm) seat height, wide handlebar and forward-mounted floorboards put the Vulcan Classic rider in a comfortable cruiser position.

• The speedometer, fuel gauge and warning lamps are located on a center console on top of the wide 3.3-gallon (15 litre) fuel tank.

• The 1500 Classic cruiser’s a perfect platform for customization with Kawasaki’s extensive line of Fire & Steel™ accessories.

Hmmm according to that list it is not an FI bike.

Welcome to the forum.its so nice to meet you.enjoy.

2002 Vulcan 1500 Classic Fi Transmission Chatter
 

Hi Fellow Vulcan Lovers,
I hope someone can help me. I bought a 2002 Vulcan 1500 classic fi.
It has 53k on it but the bike is in pristine condition and a conversation with some Vulcan owners before purchase seemed to be no concerns with 53k with proper maintenance and care. The bike runs smooth and rides awesome but it has developed a chatter while shifting into 4th and 5th gears, also when cruising in 5th upon deceleration the transmission will chatter. Its not popping out of gear but acts as if the clutch is not disengaging the transmission all the way while shifting. The clutch does not appear to be slipping though. I am a long time auto technician and while I don't know anything about bikes I am a mechanical technician and I would compare this to a manual transmission vehicle with a bad throw out bearing or clutch slave cylinder issue. Can anyone help?