I have a kawasaki vulcan 800 and I'm looking to put a bigger motor in it

Question

any suggestions

Answer 1

This is not common except for big time motorcycle customizers and even then they usually keep the same engine.

I have a Vulcan 800 Classic my self.

I would talk to a performance specialist and see if you can get your engine bored out (increase the displacement), which you can.  From there, you need to get carb work done (change or re-jet).  I would consider changing the carb and possibly even have the chain drive changed to a belt drive (which can be done easily on these bikes).  Changine to a belt drive is not necessary but if you are going to drop a lot of money into a bike like this then you may as well get a cleaner and, in some cases, more powerful drive mechanism.  Along with a new/re-bored engine, carb, you may as well have to get your exhaust changed out as well or at least modify your existing pipes.

Going from carburated to fuel injected may be a tough issue so you may want to avoid that route unless you are willing to deal with it.

A new engine or larger displacement may also cause you to have to get a new gear box (or re-gear your existing gears) to handle the change in the power band.

I'd like to see what you come up with because I have love hate relationship with my Vulcan over the power, and it's pathetic exhaust sound, and the ping noises it makes when warming up.

Basically I would stick with boring out your cyclinders and change a few things or like the other people have stated, get a new bike.  Don't replace the engine.  Perhaps if you find a used vulcan 800 motor, you can modify that one to fit your needs.

Answer 2

I agree with ACE, I swapped a later model Kawsaki 1100 engine into my KZ1000 shaft.  Even though the engines were nearly identical, it took some major work and the only things left together was the frame and front fork.  I had to strip everything else off, build motor mounts, align the engine, change carb mounts, new exhaust mounts and so on.  Unless you enjoy pulling your hair out by the roots, save the money you'd spend on the swap and put it towards a bigger bike

Answer 3

It would be sooooo much easier and cheaper to buy a bigger bike unless you have some experience with transplants and fabrication skills/tools.