U.S. public vehicle records

Kawasaki VULCAN 900 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

11 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

400 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2008 to 2023 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 9 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 11 complaints (27.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting	4	36.4%
Engine operation	2	18.2%
Braking behavior	1	9.1%
Steering behavior	1	9.1%
Fuel system concerns	1	9.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel

Engine

Fuel/Propulsion System

Engine And Engine Cooling

Unknown Or Other

Vehicle Speed Control

Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Power Train	3
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	2
Engine	2
Fuel/Propulsion System	2
Engine And Engine Cooling	1
Unknown Or Other	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs	1

Power Train: 3; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 2; Engine: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1; Vehicle Speed Control: 1; Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 2 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2008

2009

2012

2015

2017

2018

2021

2024

2025

2008: 2; 2009: 1; 2012: 1; 2015: 1; 2017: 2; 2018: 1; 2021: 1; 2024: 1; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Power Train leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10735685 · 2015-07-22 (July 22, 2015)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KAWASAKI VN900D. WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE WAS SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR AND THE CLUTCH WAS ACTIVATED, THE ENGINE REVVED INDEPENDENTLY INTO HIGH GEAR AND THE THROTTLE SEIZED. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB AND A PARKED VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2. UPDATED 09/14/15*LJ …

Owner-reported narrative. 2 miles reported. Look up ODI 10735685 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11139246 · 2018-10-09 (October 9, 2018)

THE MOTORCYCLE WILL AT TIMES SPEED UP ON ITS OWN JUST LIKE SOMEONE IS TWISTING THE THROTTLE. THIS HAPPENS PRIMARILY WHEN YOU FIRST START THE MOTORCYCLE. AFTER IT IS RIDDEN FOR A WHILE, THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE. ONE TIME I STARTED THE MOTORCYCLE IN A PARKING LOT AND THE CYCLE AT FIRST WAS IDLING NICELY BUT AFTER SHIFTING IT INTO FIRST AND BEGINNING TO LEAVE IT REVVED UP A GREAT DEAL FORCING ME TO PULL THE CLUTCH IN AND SHUTTING IT OFF. IT IS LIKE THE THROTTLE CABLE GETS IN A BIND BUT I DON'T THINK IT IS THAT SINCE IT ONLY HAPPENS AFTER FIRST STA…

Owner-reported narrative. 20 miles reported. Look up ODI 11139246 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10970077 · 2017-04-03 (April 3, 2017)

MOTORCYCLE STALLS WHEN THROTTLE IS RELEASED DUE TO ENGINE CONTROL UNIT PROBLEM, ECU DRIVING DOWN STREET, PROBLEM OCCURS OCCATIONALLY AND THERE ARE RECALLS ON OTHER MODELS OF THE SAME MOTORCYCLE. BUT MY VEHICLE DOES'NT SEEM TO BE ON THE LIST OF RECALLED VIN'S. WHAT CAN I DO?

Owner-reported narrative. 14,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10970077 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11576838 · 2024-03-12 (March 12, 2024)

On multiple occasions, while riding my Kawasaki the transmission shifts into neutral without any input from the operator. This has happened about a dozen times with a current odometer reading of 1635. The sudden loss of power is a safety risk because if it happens while negotiating a turn, the bike wants to drop. I took the bike into the dealer for warranty service on 2/17/2023. They had the bike until 3/7/2023 and advised they could not replicate the issue. However, they did not put more than 2 miles on the bike to test it. The dealer to…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11576838 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10282339 · 2009-08-30 (August 30, 2009)

AFTER FILLING UP GAS TANK ON MY 2009 KAWASAKI VULCAN 500 IT QUITS RUNNING AFTER 20 TO 60 MILES. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. SINCE THE LAST TIME I HAVE BEEN RUNNING WITH THE FUEL VALVE ON RESERVE AND HAVE NOT HAD ANOTHER PROBLEM. ALSO MY SISTER IN LAW AND A FRIEND HAS HAD THE SAME WITH THEIR 2008 VULCAN 500'S. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 4,678 miles reported. Look up ODI 10282339 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

2008

2009

2010

2011

2015

2017

2020

2021

2023

2008: 0; 2009: 0; 2010: 0; 2011: 1; 2015: 0; 2017: 0; 2020: 0; 2021: 0; 2023: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Kawasaki VULCAN 900 model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
2008	3	0	Not available
2009	2	0	0
2010	1	0	0
2011	0	1	+1
2015	1	0	Not available
2017	1	0	Not available
2020	1	0	Not available
2021	1	0	0
2023	1	0	Not available

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

11 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

81.8%Usable mileage9 / 11 records

100.0%Valid incident date11 / 11 records

100.0%Valid filing date11 / 11 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates11 / 11 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2009	2010	2011	2015	2017	2020	2021	2023
Power Train	150.0% ODI 10486276 · 890 mi WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE ON THE INTERSTATE THE MOTORCYCLE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AND LOCKED UP THE REAR WHEEL. I WENT DOWN ON MY LEFT SIDE AND HIT THE JERSEY BARRIERS DIVIDING HE HIGHWAY. ANOTHER RIDER JUST BEHIND ME SAW THE REAR WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCK UP TURN FOR A SECOND AND LOCK UP AGAIN. AS OF THE DATE OF THIS COMPLAINT IT HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED WHAT THE CAUSE WAS. THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT COMMON FOR A MOTORCYCLE THREE YEARS OLD WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I SUSPECT IT MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ECU UNIT BUT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS ON MY MOTORCY… Look up ODI 10486276 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11678619 The component I think that is faulty, is the, "shifter return spring." That component is believed to be apart of the power train system. With this spring being generally located inside of the power train itself, it call only be inspected when the power train is taken apart. A physical demonstration could be performed to show the defect in action. With me being unable to downshift, on demand as the operator is certainly a hazard to myself and all other vehicle operators. I definitely feel like a hazard to public safety and others while riding. … Look up ODI 11678619 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11576838 On multiple occasions, while riding my Kawasaki the transmission shifts into neutral without any input from the operator. This has happened about a dozen times with a current odometer reading of 1635. The sudden loss of power is a safety risk because if it happens while negotiating a turn, the bike wants to drop. I took the bike into the dealer for warranty service on 2/17/2023. They had the bike until 3/7/2023 and advised they could not replicate the issue. However, they did not put more than 2 miles on the bike to test it. The dealer to… Look up ODI 11576838 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10735685 · 2 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KAWASAKI VN900D. WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE WAS SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR AND THE CLUTCH WAS ACTIVATED, THE ENGINE REVVED INDEPENDENTLY INTO HIGH GEAR AND THE THROTTLE SEIZED. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB AND A PARKED VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2. UPDATED 09/14/15*LJ … Look up ODI 10735685 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11139246 · 20 mi THE MOTORCYCLE WILL AT TIMES SPEED UP ON ITS OWN JUST LIKE SOMEONE IS TWISTING THE THROTTLE. THIS HAPPENS PRIMARILY WHEN YOU FIRST START THE MOTORCYCLE. AFTER IT IS RIDDEN FOR A WHILE, THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE. ONE TIME I STARTED THE MOTORCYCLE IN A PARKING LOT AND THE CYCLE AT FIRST WAS IDLING NICELY BUT AFTER SHIFTING IT INTO FIRST AND BEGINNING TO LEAVE IT REVVED UP A GREAT DEAL FORCING ME TO PULL THE CLUTCH IN AND SHUTTING IT OFF. IT IS LIKE THE THROTTLE CABLE GETS IN A BIND BUT I DON'T THINK IT IS THAT SINCE IT ONLY HAPPENS AFTER FIRST STA… Look up ODI 11139246 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10970077 · 14,000 mi MOTORCYCLE STALLS WHEN THROTTLE IS RELEASED DUE TO ENGINE CONTROL UNIT PROBLEM, ECU DRIVING DOWN STREET, PROBLEM OCCURS OCCATIONALLY AND THERE ARE RECALLS ON OTHER MODELS OF THE SAME MOTORCYCLE. BUT MY VEHICLE DOES'NT SEEM TO BE ON THE LIST OF RECALLED VIN'S. WHAT CAN I DO? Look up ODI 10970077 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling	150.0% ODI 10486276 · 890 mi WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE ON THE INTERSTATE THE MOTORCYCLE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AND LOCKED UP THE REAR WHEEL. I WENT DOWN ON MY LEFT SIDE AND HIT THE JERSEY BARRIERS DIVIDING HE HIGHWAY. ANOTHER RIDER JUST BEHIND ME SAW THE REAR WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCK UP TURN FOR A SECOND AND LOCK UP AGAIN. AS OF THE DATE OF THIS COMPLAINT IT HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED WHAT THE CAUSE WAS. THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT COMMON FOR A MOTORCYCLE THREE YEARS OLD WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I SUSPECT IT MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ECU UNIT BUT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS ON MY MOTORCY… Look up ODI 10486276 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11678619 The component I think that is faulty, is the, "shifter return spring." That component is believed to be apart of the power train system. With this spring being generally located inside of the power train itself, it call only be inspected when the power train is taken apart. A physical demonstration could be performed to show the defect in action. With me being unable to downshift, on demand as the operator is certainly a hazard to myself and all other vehicle operators. I definitely feel like a hazard to public safety and others while riding. … Look up ODI 11678619 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Vehicle Speed Control	150.0% ODI 10282339 · 4,678 mi AFTER FILLING UP GAS TANK ON MY 2009 KAWASAKI VULCAN 500 IT QUITS RUNNING AFTER 20 TO 60 MILES. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. SINCE THE LAST TIME I HAVE BEEN RUNNING WITH THE FUEL VALVE ON RESERVE AND HAVE NOT HAD ANOTHER PROBLEM. ALSO MY SISTER IN LAW AND A FRIEND HAS HAD THE SAME WITH THEIR 2008 VULCAN 500'S. *TR Look up ODI 10282339 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11426185 · 400 mi The contact owns a 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 900. The contact stated while riding 65 mph, the front wheel felt loose which caused a vibration in the handlebars. The contact stated that the motorcycle was difficult to steer. The contact made it to the department store where he was informed that the front wheel hub nut was loose. The bolt was tightened however, several weeks later, the failure recurred. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to local dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer wa… Look up ODI 11426185 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	890 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10486276 · 890 mi WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE ON THE INTERSTATE THE MOTORCYCLE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AND LOCKED UP THE REAR WHEEL. I WENT DOWN ON MY LEFT SIDE AND HIT THE JERSEY BARRIERS DIVIDING HE HIGHWAY. ANOTHER RIDER JUST BEHIND ME SAW THE REAR WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCK UP TURN FOR A SECOND AND LOCK UP AGAIN. AS OF THE DATE OF THIS COMPLAINT IT HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED WHAT THE CAUSE WAS. THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT COMMON FOR A MOTORCYCLE THREE YEARS OLD WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I SUSPECT IT MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ECU UNIT BUT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS ON MY MOTORCY… Look up ODI 10486276 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	Too few reports for a range	4 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10220767 · 5 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI VULCAN 900. THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED THE INCORRECT SPEED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT KAWASAKI PURPOSELY DESIGNED THEIR VEHICLES IN THAT MANNER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 186 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5. UPDATED 04/03/08. LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SPEEDOMETER WAS OFF BY 10-15%. Look up ODI 10220767 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10234006 · 2 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI VULCAN 900. WHILE RIDING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ODOMETER DISPLAYED INACCURATE READINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE ODOMETER, WHICH COULD POSSIBLY BE REPAIRED. THE TECHNICIAN WAS SUPPOSED TO NOTIFY THE CONTACT ABOUT THE SERVICE REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE AUTHORIZED DEALER HAS NOT CALLED HIM BACK OR RESPONDED TO HIS MESSAGES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 600. UPDATED 07/29/08 … Look up ODI 10234006 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	11 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10735685 · 2 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KAWASAKI VN900D. WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE WAS SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR AND THE CLUTCH WAS ACTIVATED, THE ENGINE REVVED INDEPENDENTLY INTO HIGH GEAR AND THE THROTTLE SEIZED. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB AND A PARKED VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2. UPDATED 09/14/15*LJ … Look up ODI 10735685 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11139246 · 20 mi THE MOTORCYCLE WILL AT TIMES SPEED UP ON ITS OWN JUST LIKE SOMEONE IS TWISTING THE THROTTLE. THIS HAPPENS PRIMARILY WHEN YOU FIRST START THE MOTORCYCLE. AFTER IT IS RIDDEN FOR A WHILE, THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE. ONE TIME I STARTED THE MOTORCYCLE IN A PARKING LOT AND THE CYCLE AT FIRST WAS IDLING NICELY BUT AFTER SHIFTING IT INTO FIRST AND BEGINNING TO LEAVE IT REVVED UP A GREAT DEAL FORCING ME TO PULL THE CLUTCH IN AND SHUTTING IT OFF. IT IS LIKE THE THROTTLE CABLE GETS IN A BIND BUT I DON'T THINK IT IS THAT SINCE IT ONLY HAPPENS AFTER FIRST STA… Look up ODI 11139246 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	Too few reports for a range	53,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 11030360 · 93,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI VULCAN 900. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE FUELED THE VEHICLE MORE THAN HALF WAY, HE OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (ARIZONA KAWASAKI KTM TRIUMPH TUCSON, 3741 N 1-10 EB FRONTAGE RD, TUCSON, AZ 85705) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL CAP GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE DEALER CONTACT THEM; HOWEVER, NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPA… Look up ODI 11030360 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10970077 · 14,000 mi MOTORCYCLE STALLS WHEN THROTTLE IS RELEASED DUE TO ENGINE CONTROL UNIT PROBLEM, ECU DRIVING DOWN STREET, PROBLEM OCCURS OCCATIONALLY AND THERE ARE RECALLS ON OTHER MODELS OF THE SAME MOTORCYCLE. BUT MY VEHICLE DOES'NT SEEM TO BE ON THE LIST OF RECALLED VIN'S. WHAT CAN I DO? Look up ODI 10970077 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	Too few reports for a range	890 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10486276 · 890 mi WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE ON THE INTERSTATE THE MOTORCYCLE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AND LOCKED UP THE REAR WHEEL. I WENT DOWN ON MY LEFT SIDE AND HIT THE JERSEY BARRIERS DIVIDING HE HIGHWAY. ANOTHER RIDER JUST BEHIND ME SAW THE REAR WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCK UP TURN FOR A SECOND AND LOCK UP AGAIN. AS OF THE DATE OF THIS COMPLAINT IT HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED WHAT THE CAUSE WAS. THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT COMMON FOR A MOTORCYCLE THREE YEARS OLD WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I SUSPECT IT MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ECU UNIT BUT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS ON MY MOTORCY… Look up ODI 10486276 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	Too few reports for a range	4,678 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10282339 · 4,678 mi AFTER FILLING UP GAS TANK ON MY 2009 KAWASAKI VULCAN 500 IT QUITS RUNNING AFTER 20 TO 60 MILES. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. SINCE THE LAST TIME I HAVE BEEN RUNNING WITH THE FUEL VALVE ON RESERVE AND HAVE NOT HAD ANOTHER PROBLEM. ALSO MY SISTER IN LAW AND A FRIEND HAS HAD THE SAME WITH THEIR 2008 VULCAN 500'S. *TR Look up ODI 10282339 at NHTSA ↗
Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs	Too few reports for a range	400 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11426185 · 400 mi The contact owns a 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 900. The contact stated while riding 65 mph, the front wheel felt loose which caused a vibration in the handlebars. The contact stated that the motorcycle was difficult to steer. The contact made it to the department store where he was informed that the front wheel hub nut was loose. The bolt was tightened however, several weeks later, the failure recurred. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to local dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer wa… Look up ODI 11426185 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	1	None	ODI 11678619 The component I think that is faulty, is the, "shifter return spring." That component is believed to be apart of the power train system. With this spring being generally located inside of the power train itself, it call only be inspected when the power train is taken apart. A physical demonstration could be performed to show the defect in action. With me being unable to downshift, on demand as the operator is certainly a hazard to myself and all other vehicle operators. I definitely feel like a hazard to public safety and others while riding. … Look up ODI 11678619 at NHTSA ↗
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2021: 1 complaints · 2023: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2021	1	1	1
2023	1	1	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2021	1	0	0
2023	1	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Power Train	Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	Engine	Fuel/Propulsion System	Engine And Engine Cooling	Unknown Or Other	Vehicle Speed Control	Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Power Train	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 10486276 · 890 mi WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE ON THE INTERSTATE THE MOTORCYCLE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AND LOCKED UP THE REAR WHEEL. I WENT DOWN ON MY LEFT SIDE AND HIT THE JERSEY BARRIERS DIVIDING HE HIGHWAY. ANOTHER RIDER JUST BEHIND ME SAW THE REAR WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCK UP TURN FOR A SECOND AND LOCK UP AGAIN. AS OF THE DATE OF THIS COMPLAINT IT HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED WHAT THE CAUSE WAS. THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT COMMON FOR A MOTORCYCLE THREE YEARS OLD WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I SUSPECT IT MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ECU UNIT BUT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS ON MY MOTORCY… Look up ODI 10486276 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11678619 The component I think that is faulty, is the, "shifter return spring." That component is believed to be apart of the power train system. With this spring being generally located inside of the power train itself, it call only be inspected when the power train is taken apart. A physical demonstration could be performed to show the defect in action. With me being unable to downshift, on demand as the operator is certainly a hazard to myself and all other vehicle operators. I definitely feel like a hazard to public safety and others while riding. … Look up ODI 11678619 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Engine	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	1 ODI 10486276 · 890 mi WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE ON THE INTERSTATE THE MOTORCYCLE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AND LOCKED UP THE REAR WHEEL. I WENT DOWN ON MY LEFT SIDE AND HIT THE JERSEY BARRIERS DIVIDING HE HIGHWAY. ANOTHER RIDER JUST BEHIND ME SAW THE REAR WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCK UP TURN FOR A SECOND AND LOCK UP AGAIN. AS OF THE DATE OF THIS COMPLAINT IT HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED WHAT THE CAUSE WAS. THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT COMMON FOR A MOTORCYCLE THREE YEARS OLD WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I SUSPECT IT MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ECU UNIT BUT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS ON MY MOTORCY… Look up ODI 10486276 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Unknown Or Other	1 ODI 11678619 The component I think that is faulty, is the, "shifter return spring." That component is believed to be apart of the power train system. With this spring being generally located inside of the power train itself, it call only be inspected when the power train is taken apart. A physical demonstration could be performed to show the defect in action. With me being unable to downshift, on demand as the operator is certainly a hazard to myself and all other vehicle operators. I definitely feel like a hazard to public safety and others while riding. … Look up ODI 11678619 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Vehicle Speed Control	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 18.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 14,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10970077 · 14,000 mi

Look up ODI 10970077 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11576838

Look up ODI 11576838 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 2 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10735685 · 2 mi

Look up ODI 10735685 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 93,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11030360 · 93,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI VULCAN 900. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE FUELED THE VEHICLE MORE THAN HALF WAY, HE OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (ARIZONA KAWASAKI KTM TRIUMPH TUCSON, 3741 N 1-10 EB FRONTAGE RD, TUCSON, AZ 85705) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL CAP GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE DEALER CONTACT THEM; HOWEVER, NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPA…

Look up ODI 11030360 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 2 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10735685 · 2 mi

Look up ODI 10735685 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 400 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11426185 · 400 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 900. The contact stated while riding 65 mph, the front wheel felt loose which caused a vibration in the handlebars. The contact stated that the motorcycle was difficult to steer. The contact made it to the department store where he was informed that the front wheel hub nut was loose. The bolt was tightened however, several weeks later, the failure recurred. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to local dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer wa…

Look up ODI 11426185 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b