Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
8
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | 50% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 2 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 1 | 13% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 13% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION GEAR CAN CAUSE WEAKENING AND EVENTUAL BREAKAGE OF AN ADJACENT GEAR.
Consequence
GEAR BREAKAGE CAN RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, CAUSING THE OPERATOR TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE MOTORCYCLES AND REPAIR AFFECTED UNITS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE COUGHING ON ACCELERATION WHEN BACKFIRING, FLAMES SHOOT OUT 6-8 INCHES. DEALER CONTACTED AND REPAIRS DONE, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK”
“REAR BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER HAS REBUILT THE MASTER CYLINDER AND OTHER PARTS, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK”
“THE CLUTCH SLIPPED AND FAILED AT 12000 MILES, WHICH SEEMED PREMATURE. I REPLACED IT MYSELF AND NOW THE REPLACEMENT IS BEGINNING TO SLIP AT 25000 MILES. MY EXPERIENCE IN OPERATING MOTORCYCLES IS ABOUT 21 YEARS. MY RIDING HABITS ARE NORMAL WITH NO UNUSUAL USAGE (IE. RACING, COMPETITIONS, ETC.).…”
The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.