2008 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1600 Classic

I've put 15,000+ on this bike, and it is by far, the most fun, best running, and least maintenance bike I have ever owned.

What sets this bike apart is MAINTENANCE (or lack thereof).

You should pick a crusier based on how much you like the way it looks and how comfortable ... you are riding it. I've found that there are many great bikes with all "about" the same amount of performance, sound, and features. So the best bike for you is largely due to personal tastes, as it should be.

Since there are so many bikes that I liked, I chose the 2008 Vulcan 1600 based on minimal, easy-to-do routine maintence.

Sure enough, at the start of every year I've changed the oil, the plugs, and the hydraulic fluids and that's it. The procedures are super-easy to do and everything takes less than 30 minutes.

The "heavy" maintenance doesn't come due until 25,000 miles (shaft drive lube, etc).

The only time the bike as been to the shop has been to get new tires. Both times I was there, there were NO Vulcans in the shop (50+ other bikes, though). Both times I asked the shop guy and he said "Vulcans don't break, and they don't need any dealer service until 25K, so we never see them."

To be clear - I have been riding this bike for over 15K miles and almost five years, and I have spent less than two hours total doing maintenance on it, and no dealer trips other than new tires. I know of NO OTHER cruiser that can say that.

After riding over 30 years, I've gone from 2 hours of maintenance per TRIP (adjusting points, carbs, timing, chain lube) to 2 hours in 15,000 miles. Amazing. Fuel injected, electronic ignition, shaft drive, this bike lets you ride more and maintain less than any other cruiser.