After sitting on the Kawi VN900....

[msh-1156]

I am soooooo torn. (preamble - MSF passed with high marks and got my "M") My purchase time frame delay not withstanding, I had pretty much made my mind up on a new Vulcan 500, even though I hated the lack of after market parts. (love having a warranty when possible) Then used bikes entered into the equation so I included Shadow VLX models in my search, up to 750cc and lately even the Vulcan 800. BUT NOW.... (I've always admired the Vulcan 900 Custom) I'm screwed. After sitting on the Red '08 VN900 at the dealer yesterday, which was no less comfortable than sitting in my car, my feet settling on the forward set pegs and my knees resting below the top of the tank, controls all where they're supposed to be, I am torn and confused. I swear I felt a tingle in my loins.

I'm just over 6' and about 230, and have heeded all the warnings about big bikes for beginners. I even agree with them, but man... So, let's cut to the chase everyone. I don't want a salesman's point of view or one tainted by so much experience my dilemma seems silly. This is a huge decision and whatever I buy will be my bike for a long time.

[jstark47]

You're my size. I don't fit on a Vulcan 500 - it's a great bike, but I couldn't ride one. It's great the 900 fits you, and the horsepower is manageable for a noob. My single worry would be the weight - over 600 lbs dry. Your greatest risk is your first couple of months, until managing the weight in a variety of riding regimes becomes second nature.

The orthodox advice is get something smaller and used, ride it for a year, then get your 900. I'm sure you know this already. I'm not going to say "do" or "don't". But if you get the 900, put highway bars (crash bars, etc) on it before you ride it - until you learn to feel it's balance, there's an good chance you'll drop it during low speed riding. Highway bars will keep the damage to a minimum.

[1975Tiger]

I have just purchased my first bike - a used 2005 Suzuki C50 with 2600 miles - and all my reseach showed the Suzuki was very, very similar to the Vulcan 900. So similar that they were a virtual toss-up to potential buyers. My thoughts all along, originally, were to buy a new black, Vulcan 900 - until I began to sit on and get a feel for the C50. There was something about the C50 that just clicked a little better for me.

Then I struggled with new versus used and finally decided that used was the way for me at this time. I just decided that used was a smarter move for a beginner.

But I know what you mean about the Vulcan 900 - I had it posted as my wallpaper for weeks and was sure that was the bike for me - and it may be a few years down the road. But for now it will have to do something really special to get me off my Suzuki C50.

By the way, I am 6'1" and weigh 230. The weight of the bike doesn't bother me and I am happy I went with the 800cc versus a smaller bike.

Good luck - seems to me you're looking in the right direction.

[waylander]

I so know what you mean about the VN900. I felt the exact same way that you did when I first sat on it (even though I prefer the green).

I went with a used Nighthawk 550 and I am so glad I did.
She weighs in @ 475 lb. with full tank and has more than enough power to ride in any level of traffic. She's light and nimble enough to give me a good feeling of control in any situation. I feel far more confident riding in traffic knowing I can safely avoid situations while keeping control.

I agree with the previous posts when they mention weight. I have come close to dropping my ride a couple of times due to a simple lack of attention at the wrong time.
I would suggest you look used to start and move up in a couple of years.
Dropping a brand new bike turning into you driveway will make you want to kill yourself.

Just my two cents
Waylander

[msh-1156]

Thank you for the replies. Not as many as I had hoped, but hey...
My concerns about the weight still exist, less than before based on advice received from many others, but I must also add the MPG factor into things. It's surely one of the reasons I've decided to start riding and can't be ignored. I still haven't made up my mind yet, and since I strongly prefer the "thinner" custom look (so no classic style C50, M50, etc.) I've narrowed my choices to the 900 Custom, the Boulevard S50, the Shadow Spirit 750 and lastly the V-Star Custom 650. So there's more to chew on - and once again, THANK YOU for your input!!

[UTRider]

I have a 2004 Vulcan 800. I'm between 200 and 210 pounds and it pulls my butt at highway speeds no problem. When I picked it up (bought it used), found a nice flat strait, got it up to 100 and it would still do more (but that was fast enough for me!)