Faults:

Warning to do-it-yourself types: Do not over torque crankshaft oil drain plug. Case is aluminum and the bolt is steel.

General Comments:

This motorcycle has very good ergonomics. At 5'9" I feel very comfortable. Even though I have highway pegs, I hardly use them due to the bike's inherent ergonomics. It is very well thought through, and you'll discover this even more if you do maintenance yourself. I had a 1999 (yes, with the plastic oil gear), and the tweaks Kawasaki performed to make my 2006 are noticeable.

Faults:

Rubber boot on drive shaft was torn when I bought the bike - the part was $6.00.

Starting problem - replaced the battery (original lasted 7 years!), checked charging system - working good, but sometimes it requires a boost or recharge.

On the second set of brakes, and the third set of tires.

General Comments:

This bike is a joy to ride and to own. No leaks, no squeaks, no shakes, just good riding fun.

The seat is not the best for me - but I have back problems. My wife loves the back seat and the large backrest and floorboards make her feel secure.

Gas mileage averages 40 mpg - pretty good for a touring bike with windshield dragging the wind.

Maintenance is easy - buy the manual and do it yourself - you will save a ton of money.

Vance and Hines pipes make it rumble sweetly without being obnoxiously loud. (Loud pipes do not save lives.)

Faults:

Coolant leak at 26 miles - fixed by dealer in about 1 hour. No other mechanical issues.

Does wear the rear tire - a lot of two up riding, but replaced the rear at 8,400 miles.

General Comments:

Great acceleration, great looks, handles like a 400 pound motorcycle. Good braking.

The driver's seat is very comfortable, even after 6-7 hours riding. The passenger seat and backrest are the widest, thickest & cushiest I've ever seen. That and the passenger floorboards cause my wife to love it - she's ridden this bike with me in 6 months more than my other two bikes combined in 4 years.

Add-ons - I suggest the highway pegs, and I also added a light bar.

Faults:

Front piston and rings went bad at 17000.

Plastic oil gear failed at 30111 miles.

General Comments:

Excellent bike, comfortable, handles well, runs out nicely, good cruiser on interstate, nimble in town.

I'm unhappy with Maw Kaw's stance on Plastic Oil Gear. They say (Maw Kaw) they will replace oil gear, right side gasket and rings if necessary. Any other damage I'm on my own. So if crank, cam, lifters etc are damaged they accept no responsibility. I consider this an engineering flaw. If Maw Kaw is as proud of their product as they claim, they wouldn't take a satisfied customer and leave them hanging out to dry. They should stand behind 100%. My opinion, but not theirs.

Larry Turner

Kawasaki owner since 1988