How does this plan sounds for a new biker?

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JMack · #11 Unread post by **JMack** » Sun May 04, 2008 12:58 pm

Thanks for the replies. Obviously I'll have to sit on the bikes and see, but I was wondering if anyone who has a Vulcan can tell me anything about the width of the seat. That was my biggest problem with the Shadow. Based on the height it should have worked for me, but because the seat was so wide, I had more trouble touching on the Shadow than I did on the higher V-Star (based on website specs: Shadow 25.6in, V-Star 27.9in).

ofblong · #12 Unread post by **ofblong** » Mon May 05, 2008 12:49 am

NewGuy wrote:
ofblong wrote:
NewGuy wrote:
ofblong wrote:make sure the VLX is a 5 speed not a 4 speed.
Honda does not make the VLX600 with a 5 speed, it's only available in a 4 speed.
at one time they did. not sure if they do today but the did make a vlx (not sure its a 600) with 5 speeds. Either way I wouldnt recommend the 4 speed bike.
Sorry to pick nits, but I cannot find ANY info, other than your posts, to support the notion that the VLX was ever made with a 5 speed.

From the history of the Shadow line from Honda, as posted on the Shadowriders.org website ( http://www.shadowriders.org/articles/hondahistory.html ), it notes the major changes in the Shadow line, with details of the introduction of the four speed VT600, aka VLX, in 1988, noting changes as minor as color offerings, but never once mentions changes to the transmission.

However, I agree that the 4 speed of the VLX seems like a bad idea considering other "beginner" cruisers in the 500cc to 750cc range with a 5 speed, and the Kawasaki 500 LTD with a 6 speed.

http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_ ... x_2002.php

NewGuy · #13 Unread post by **NewGuy** » Mon May 05, 2008 3:56 am

ofblong wrote: http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_ ... x_2002.php

That has to be a typo, because the same site has the Deluxe version in 2002 listed as having a 4 speed transmission. It makes no sense that Honda would put a 5 speed in the basic version but not the deluxe, which has always only differed in cosmetics, and only do it for one year.

http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_ ... e_2002.php

Every other reference I find to the VLX comments on the 4 speed transmission as being a downside to an otherwise great bike, yet when talking about buying a used one I've never seen anyone suggest seeking out an '02 for a different transmission.

Here is a user review from the owner of an '02 posted on epinions.com, note the mention of the 4 speed: http://www.epinions.com/review/2002_Hon ... 4079761028

oxbow1 · #14 Unread post by **oxbow1** » Mon May 05, 2008 9:56 am

JMack wrote:Thanks for the replies. Obviously I'll have to sit on the bikes and see, but I was wondering if anyone who has a Vulcan can tell me anything about the width of the seat. That was my biggest problem with the Shadow. Based on the height it should have worked for me, but because the seat was so wide, I had more trouble touching on the Shadow than I did on the higher V-Star (based on website specs: Shadow 25.6in, V-Star 27.9in).

I found that you really have to get in the saddle and feel it for yourself,bike dealers are hurting because of the economy right now,so if you call ahead to a kawasaki dealer and tell them you want to look at one they will probably roll out the red carpet for you.