Kawasaki Vulcan 1500: Plastic Oil Gears Used from 1987 to 1999″
From 1987 to 1999, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 featured plastic oil pump gears. These plastic gears were part of the engine’s design during this period before Kawasaki transitioned to using more durable metal oil gears in later models. Many owners of the 1996-1999 Vulcan 1500 opted to upgrade to metal gears to enhance the longevity and reliability of their bikes. In this blog, we’ll explore what years the Vulcan 1500 used a plastic oil gear, the potential issues it caused, and what steps owners can take to address it.
Understanding the Plastic Oil Gear (1987-1999)
The Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 series, known for its strong performance and cruiser style, is a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts. However, one issue that has persisted in conversations about older Vulcan 1500 models is the use of a plastic oil pump gear (POG).
What Should Owners of Older Vulcan 1500s Do?
If you’re riding a 1987-1999 Vulcan 1500, it’s important to check whether your motorcycle still has its original plastic oil gear. If it does, you may want to consider replacing it with an aftermarket metal oil gear to avoid potential issues down the road. Many Vulcan owners have made this upgrade to ensure the longevity of their engine and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
The Plastic Oil Gear: Which Years Were Affected?
Kawasaki manufactured the Vulcan 1500 models with a plastic oil pump gear from 1987 through 1999. This component was essential for circulating oil throughout the engine, but the choice of plastic for this gear became a problem as it was prone to wearing out over time. The result? Engine issues that could cause serious problems if not addressed early. Notably, the Vulcan Drifter, which was part of the Vulcan lineup, was an exception and did not use the plastic oil gear during this period.
Kawasaki’s Solution: The Switch to Metal Gears
To address the plastic oil gear issue, Kawasaki made a significant change in the year 2000. From that year forward, all Vulcan 1500 models were equipped with a metal oil pump gear instead of a plastic one. The switch to a metal gear improved the reliability of the oil pump system and effectively resolved the problem for newer models. If you own a 2001 Vulcan 1500 or later, you can be confident that your bike has a metal oil gear, which greatly reduces the risk of oil pump-related problems
