used 2000 Vulcan 800 vs Vulcan 500

[flw]

I'm back to riding after many years/decades off.

I can buy a new Vulcan 500 with the few options I want for about $1,000 over retail (4,900 for a '06 plus options).

Or a 2000 Vulcan 800 ($3900 and about 3000 miles) with the options I want for about $600 and then 1,200 in normal maintencance and items that need to be replaced due to age like tires, battery, brakes, etc... are original, I'm not sure about the coolant yet. If it is brown, I'll drop this bike right away.

So new but smaller for 6,000 plus tax or bigger used for around $5,700. The warranty and all parts being in new/like new is a turn on. I don't want any surprises after spending alot of money for me on a used bike.

I'm 5'10/220 lbs and 500 or 800 fit me ok. I only really intend to do short distance riding (30 miles) and rarely with anyone on the back. Will the 500 take me to 75 mph on a medium hill, if I were to due some distance and keep me out of the dealers service dept?

[sharpmagna]

I'd go for the 800. I don't know if you'll have to spend that much money on maintenance on a 6 year old bike with only 3k miles on it. I mean the tires maybe if they're dry rot, but the brakes should be fine. If the battery holds a good strong charge it should be ok. I'd replace all the fluids though to be safe, but that won't cost more than $100 for all the fluids.

I'm always a proponent of buying used because I'd rather someone else pay for the depreciation.

[ZooTech]

Nothing about the 800 sounds too scary. Buy the one you want.

[jmillheiser]

1000 over MSRP on a leftover vulcan 500 is ridiculous, what "options" are jacking the price up so much? You sould be able to get a leftover bike at the end of the model year for less than MSRP, or at MSRP with a few accessories added.

[jstark47]

Even though you say you're not riding far, I'd still make the choice on fit. One of those bikes fits you better than the other, that should be a big factor in your choice. I haven't ridden the 500, just sat on it, and it's a little small for me (6'1"). The engine's derived from the Ninja 500 engine, and reviews say it's got lots of punch for its size. See http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadte ... index.html