Oldie but Goodie

[Olebiker]

Merry Christmas!! Hope y'all had a great one and have a great new year!GO STEELERS!!
I am a future Kawie Vulcan owner actively looking for and planning on buying an older 1500 or 1600 classic in the next 90 days or less. I am an old Limey Rider from way back and yes, I have FOND memories of my Triumphs and BSA's and for all you that have never had the pleasure, a well maintained limey was a great ride and I miss mine every day!! I had a 650 Triumph before I owned a car and rode it everywhere. I had multiple Limey bikes and they were wonderful to ride and easy to care for once you knew and loved them. As they got older and I started making more $, I bought my favorite bike, a 1977 900 Z1. In 1983, I sold the bike and quit riding. I have come full circle and have been craving 2 wheels again and have settled on either a Vulcan Classic 1500 or 1600 (2001 - 2005)
I rode a 2001 FI 1500 classic this past weekend with 4800 miles showing on the odometer. When I started it, it had a knocking(not valve train, not rattle, not pinging or piston slap, just a knocking at idle) After it warmed up about 2 or 3 minutes it stopped> I rode it around the block and though it had the "typical" mechanical noises, I did not hear the knocking again. Is this normal or should I be worried? Yes, I will try to find a reputable dealer (Orlando FL area) to check it before I buy, but I read the long links on knocking and assorted sounds. To date, I have not heard of crank, rod or piston probs with either of these engines so I thought I would ask you of the Vulcan nation. Have any of you experienced problems with the rods or cranks?
Also, I have heard from two dealers that the 1600 classic is a little quieter and handles slightly better.
Thoughts and comments, please!

[W-P Bill]

I know nothing about modern Kawi's, but I can at least welcome you to BTK!

[jaseman]

No real mechanical issues that I can think of with the 1500/1600's. They are generally considered a noisy motor though.

See if any of these threads describe the noise...
Vulcan V-Twin Engine Noises
knocking noise coming from engine - normal or panic?
Little discouraged by engine noise from 1600


And yes, Go Steelers!

[Bluemeanie]

As has been said, these are noisy beasts. It could be the "normal idle knock", almost sounds that way to me, but I'll defer to those that know more than I. You've probably read all this as well.
New Vulcan Owners Guide

[Olebiker]

Thanks for the feedback! I have read a bunch about Kawi motor noises both on the forum and on the web and think that the noise I heard is consistent with normal sounds from what I have been reading. Anyone care to offer an opinion on the handling of a 1600 vs a 1500? The 1600 is longer so it should be slightly different.

[OhSteelerfan]

Merry Christmas!! Hope y'all had a great one and have a great new year!GO STEELERS!!

Welcome to the forum. Cant help you on the 1500 or 1600 but nice to see a fellow Steeler fan here!