Upgrade My Bike

[Bdub]

Hey folks, I'm looking to upgrade my bike next year and I have 2 models I'm researching: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT and a Vstar 950 Tourer. I'm strictly a cruiser guy and a casual, fair weather rider. I don't want to spend more than $8K. Any thoughts?

[jstark47]

Forum member blues2cruise has a Vulcan 900. If she doesn't see & respond to this thread with her thoughts, you might send a Private Message through the forum.

I think she has some issues with the stiffness of the clutch pull on it, but other than that, she seems to like it. Best to check with her, though.

[JackoftheGreen]

I ride a Vulcan 800 with 30k+ on the clock, it's been an excellent bike but it's a little underpowered for long trips. You can absolutely find one for under your 8K mark.

Let me ask you this -- what does your current bike lack that you'd like to get when you upgrade?

[Bdub]

JOTG,
Pardon me but I made your handle an acronym cause that's what us retired military folks like to do!
Well for starters I want to upgrade to a fuel injected bike. There are times that waiting for my bike to warm up gets annoying. Being in the DC area with the daily traffic congestion time is of the essence, and waiting even a few minutes to get somewhere can be critical for being on time. Also I want to have a few gauges - like a fuel gauge or even a low fuel light which I currently don't have. I use my trip odometer to track my fuel usage but that's past being old, especially as I'm getting older. I also want to have an oil dipstick instead of the sight glass - I use a mirror to see the oil level but when it's very overcast or dim outside using the mirror is irritating. And last, being in the DC metro area, with the congestion as bad as it's getting , I want a little more juice to stay up with the traffic flow. My Vstar 650 is cool for the casual riding I do, but getting older I'd like to do it more comfortably. DC is constantly rated as either #1 or #2-3 for being the most congested traffic city and if you've ever done the beltway around here you'd understand wanting a little more [or maybe even a lot more] horsepower.

[JackoftheGreen]

For a little more power...

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... ardM50.htm

For a lot more power...

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... ardM90.htm

The M50 you should be able to find used under your 8K mark, the M90 might be a little more difficult. They'll get cheaper as you move to earlier model years, of course. I know these bikes are fuel injected and have fuel gauges in their instrument clusters, no idea if they have oil dipsticks but I'd bet they do. You also get to keep that clean monoshock rear end look your V-Star sports.

Newer Vulcans might be an option, I forget what year they started fuel injection but I know they did. As JStark mentioned, Blues rides a newer Vulcan 900, she should be along soon to chime in. Not sure if they have fuel gauges either, I know mine doesn't but it's an '01.

Hope this helps. (-:

[DublStuff]

I haven't been on this forum in FOREVER, even though I check the site often for bike info. Came here hoping to find out more about this new Yamaha to be unveiled on the 5th.

Saw this post and thought I could add a little. Both 900 & 950 are excellent bikes...sit on them and and the one that feels right is the way to go. I think the Vulcan 900s began surfacing in 06. Kawasaki started Fuel Injection on the smaller cruisers with the 900s. V900, FI, belt drive, Liquid cooled, good service schedule is had to beat.

VStar has the same features minus the liquid cooled. I find the 950 to be an incredibly comfortable bike. Do like the wheels on the Star (tubeless tires) better than the spokes (tubed tires) on the VUlcan.

You looking used or New? Used...Kaw 900 goes back to 2006/7 Star only to 09. More used Vulcans and since they go back a little older you can pick them up for a little less green.

Can't go wrong with these two choices.

James

[Bdub]

James & Jack,
I'm looking used - about 2011/12 and I'm leaning more towards the VStar 950 at this time because I already ride a VStar 650, but as James said the Kawasaki's look to be more available in the DC area than the VStars [looks like those who have them want to keep them- at least the 950 Tourers], but I appreciate your input as well as JOTG, I don't care that much for the Suzuki bikes.

[DublStuff]

I hate to drag you somewhere that you don't want to go. BUT Yamaha has some really sweet deals on New old stock (2013s).

They are offering an extra $500 for trade ins, some cash back, & if you are credit worthy as low as 3.9% interest rates...have not talked to a dealer but from their site, for up to 84 months. If you plan on hanging on to it (or see that you can beef up payments down the road to pay off early) that is an easy entry.

I do not work for Yamaha. But I did buy my 2009 VStar 1300 in 2010. Doubled up on payments and haven't had a payment in a couple of years. Just replacing tires and changing oil.

PS If you are leaning toward the 950, I would wait for one...don't rush it.

[Bdub]

Radio,
Your advice is sound, and I did look into it. The dealer close to me doesn't have any old/new 950 stock so I'm going to follow your last statement and wait to find the 950 after this riding season and/or before next year's season. I saw 3 last year but I wasn't in position to make a purchase then, so I'll be more able this year or next. Thanks.

[Bdub]

I have an opportunity to get a 2012 Yamaha 950 Toured for $5995 with just 2660 miles on it. The only issue is I'm 5 hours away from the dealer and I'm not comfortable buying a bike without putting hands on it. Has anyone done this and what did you experience? Of course the dealership says the bike is in super condition but I expect them to say that. Any advice from the family?