1999 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 1.5L Petrol · S821 AAW
1999 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 (1.5L, petrol). First registered 31 Dec 1999. Recorded mileage 37,405 miles. MOT valid until 26 Aug 2027. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500
- Year / Origin
- 1999 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 26 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 37,405 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
S821 AAW Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/08/2026
- 37,405 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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S821 AAW Mileage History
- 04/08/202236,914 mi
- 23/08/202337,141 mi+227 mi
- 23/08/202437,197 mi+56 mi
- 27/08/202537,267 mi+70 mi
- 27/08/202637,405 mi+138 mi
Average of roughly 121 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
S821 AAW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 (S821 AAW) between August 2022 and August 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 2 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Highly recommended for those seeking a low-mileage classic cruiser. This Vulcan 1500 presents an exceptionally clean history with very low mileage, suggesting it has been well-maintained and stored.
When inspecting this specific bike, your priority should be the low mileage. Because it has only covered roughly 1,000 miles per year recently, rubber components, hoses, and seals may be degrading from age rather than wear. Ensure the owner has a documented service history that shows regular oil changes and fluid checks, as mileage alone doesn't always equate to strict maintenance intervals.
Check for any signs of fuel corrosion, which is common in bikes that sit for longer periods. Given the MOT advisories regarding rear tyres in 2021, 2022, and 2023, verify that the current tyres have ample tread and are not showing significant sidewall cracking from age.
The 1500cc V-twin engine is designed for torque rather than economy; expect fuel consumption of around 40-50 mpg depending on riding style. Tax for a motorcycle of this age is relatively affordable, but insurance groups can vary significantly based on your age and location in the UK.
Mtenance is generally straightforward due to the simple design of the Vulcan, though parts for large cruisers can be more expensive than for smaller commuter bikes. Estimate an annual cost of approximately £900-£1,200 including fuel and basic servicing.
Pay close attention to the rear wheel bearings, as this model failed an MOT in 2016 for excessive free play. While likely fixed, check all wheels for movement to ensure there is no new play. Also, inspect the electrical wiring for the stop lamp; the bike has a history of stop lamp-related failures in 2016 and 2018.
Check the headlight alignment, which was a noted failure in 2018. Beyond the MOT record, look for any leaks around the front fork seals or engine gaskets, which can occur on low-mileage bikes that have spent significant time stationary.
This 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 is a well-preserved example, having covered just 37,267 miles over nearly 26 years. The MOT history shows a consistent record of passes with no major mechanical failures in the last several years. Given its age and low usage, it represents a solid value proposition for a collector or someone wanting a reliable long-distance cruiser.
The Vulcan 1500 is known for its robust shaft-drive engine, provided the cooling system is kept maintained.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (S821 Series)
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KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500 Model Intelligence & Reliability
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