For riders seeking laid-back cruising, head-turning style, and unbeatable value, used Kawasaki cruisers deliver the ultimate combination of comfort, reliability, and affordability. Unlike premium brands that come with premium price tags, Kawasaki’s cruiser lineup—including the Vulcan 900, Vulcan S, and Vulcan 2000—offers exceptional quality at prices that won’t empty your wallet. And if you’re in Southern California, akmotorcycles.com/used-kawasaki-motorcycles-san-diego/ has a fantastic selection of pre-owned Kawasaki cruisers ready to hit the open road.
In this guide, we’ll explore why used Kawasaki cruisers are the smart choice for riders who want comfortable long-distance touring, easy handling, and low-cost ownership—all without sacrificing style or performance.
1. Why Choose A Used Kawasaki Cruiser?
✔ Unbeatable Value For Money
- A new $10,000+ cruiser can drop to $5,000–$7,500 after just 2–3 years.
- Kawasaki cruisers depreciate slower than competitors, holding their value better over time.
✔ Legendary Comfort & Ergonomics
- Low seat heights (26–27 inches) – perfect for shorter riders.
- Relaxed, feet-forward riding position – reduces fatigue on long rides.
- Plush, well-padded seats – unlike the harder saddles on sport bikes.
✔ Kawasaki’s Proven Reliability
- Models like the Vulcan 900 and Vulcan S are known for 100,000+ mile lifespans with basic maintenance.
- Shaft drive (Vulcan 900) eliminates chain adjustments and maintenance.
Pro Tip: Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs at dealers often include warranties for extra peace of mind.
2. Best Used Kawasaki Cruisers For Comfort & Value
🏆 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 (2006–Present) – The All-Around Performer
✔ 903cc V-twin (smooth, torquey power)
✔ Shaft drive (low maintenance, no chain adjustments)
✔ Classic cruiser styling (chrome accents, teardrop tank)
💰 Price Range: $4,500–$7,500
Why It’s a Steal: Offers Harley-like comfort at half the price.
🏆 Kawasaki Vulcan S (2015–Present) – The Sporty Cruiser
✔ 649cc parallel-twin (same engine as Ninja 650)
✔ Adjustable ergonomics (pegs, seat, and bars can be customized)
✔ Lightweight at 498 lbs (easier to handle than heavy cruisers)
💰 Price Range: $5,500–$8,500
Best For: Riders who want agility without sacrificing comfort.
🏆 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 (2004–2008) – The Power Cruiser
✔ 2,053cc V-twin (monstrous torque)
✔ Liquid cooling (prevents overheating in traffic)
✔ Factory floorboards (ultimate long-distance comfort)
💰 Price Range: $5,000–$8,000
Hidden Gem: More power than a Harley Road King for thousands less.
🏆 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero (2011–2017) – The Touring Beast
✔ 1,700cc V-twin (strong highway performance)
✔ Factory hard saddlebags & fairing (touring-ready)
✔ Cruise control (rare in this price range)
💰 Price Range: $7,500–$11,000
Ideal For: Riders who want full-dresser comfort without the cost.
3. What Makes Kawasaki Cruisers So Comfortable?
✔ Relaxed Riding Position
- Mid-mounted footpegs reduce knee strain.
- Wide handlebars improve leverage and control.
✔ Smooth Power Delivery
- V-twin engines provide low-end torque, perfect for relaxed cruising.
- Vulcan S’ parallel-twin offers sportier acceleration when needed.
✔ Superior Suspension
- Tuned for comfort over rough roads.
- Adjustable preload on some models for two-up riding.
Pro Tip: Test ride multiple models to find your perfect ergonomic fit.
4. Affordability: Why Used Kawasaki Cruisers Shine
✔ Lower Purchase Price
- Save 30–50% compared to new.
- Less depreciation than Harley-Davidson or Indian models.
✔ Cheaper Insurance
- Older cruisers = lower premiums (especially liability-only coverage).
✔ Budget-Friendly Maintenance
- Shaft drive models (Vulcan 900) require no chain adjustments.
- Widely available parts keep repair costs low.
Smart Buy: Look for bikes with recent service records to avoid hidden costs.
5. Where To Find The Best Used Kawasaki Cruisers
✔ Dealerships
- Dealerships offers inspected, ready-to-ride cruisers.
✔ Private Sellers
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Check Facebook Marketplace for “adult-owned” listings.
✔ Online Marketplaces
- CycleTrader (best for dealer listings)
- Craigslist (filter for low-mileage bikes)
Search Tip: Use keywords like “used Kawasaki Vulcan” + your location.
6. Customization: Make It Your Own
✔ Popular Upgrades
- Aftermarket exhaust ($300–$800 – better sound and looks)
- Comfort seat ($250–$500 – worth it for long rides)
- Windshield ($150–$400 – reduces fatigue at highway speeds)
✔ Style Mods
- Vulcan 900 → Old-School Chopper (ape hangers, tall sissy bar)
- Vulcan S → Streetfighter Cruiser (blackout kit, LED lights)
Pro Tip: Many used cruisers already have $1,000+ in upgrades installed.
7. How Kawasaki Cruisers Compare To The Competition
| Feature | Kawasaki Vulcan 900 | Harley Street Bob | Honda Shadow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Used) | $5,000–$7,500 | $10,000–$14,000 | $4,000–$6,500 |
| Engine | 903cc V-twin | 1,750cc V-twin | 745cc V-twin |
| Drive | Shaft | Belt | Shaft |
| Weight | 610 lbs | 655 lbs | 549 lbs |
Why Kawasaki Wins: Best balance of price, comfort, and reliability.
8. Maintenance Tips For Longevity
✔ Must-Do Services
- Oil changes every 3,000–5,000 miles
- Shaft drive fluid every 20,000 miles (Vulcan 900)
✔ Winter Storage
- Fuel stabilizer to prevent varnish buildup
- Battery tender to avoid discharge
Did You Know? A well-maintained Vulcan can last 150,000+ miles.
Ride More, Spend Less
Used Kawasaki cruisers offer the perfect mix of comfort, style, and affordability—whether you choose the classic Vulcan 900, the agile Vulcan S, or the powerful Vulcan 2000. These bikes prove you don’t need a Harley to enjoy laid-back cruising or cross-country touring.
