Vulcan 1500 vs. VTX 1300

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BubbaGump · #21 Post by **BubbaGump** » Sat Apr 29, 2006 3:12 pm

CORSCO wrote:You guys are some dealership hating people! The VTX does not have shims, they are screw and locknut...which need to be adjusted at the 600 mile service and every 8k miles. We charge about $165 in labour not including oil, filter, crush washer, and shaft oil. The Kawi would probably only be a hundred bucks per service. Both bikes are fine. Personally, I think the Honda looks better. Haven't worked in a Kawi dealership for some time so am a little biased.

There he is...one of those dealerhips guys! Let's get him!

CORSCO · #22 Post by **CORSCO** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 8:27 am

Hey BubbaGump, I'm sure what ever profession you have chosen, people just love to hand YOU their Money!!!

BubbaGump · #23 Post by **BubbaGump** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 8:31 am

CORSCO wrote:Hey BubbaGump, I'm sure what ever profession you have chosen, people just love to hand YOU their Money!!!

i was kiddin bud - you couldn't pay me enough to deal w. the public!

There are good dealers and bad - like anything else.

paul246 · #24 Post by **paul246** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 8:45 am

BubbaGump, from the dollars you mentioned it looks like the VTX you are considering comes with the Honda OEM windshield. They are expensive but worth it when compared to other stuff on the market. I'm betting that it is similar to the one on my Valkyrie as is the VTX 1800's. These shields were designed using a wind tunnel, they are made with compound curves rather than the basic curved slab you generally see. This reduces turbulence big time. Also, they are not made from acrylic like most, but are made of Lexan with a scratch resistant layer applied to both sides of the shield. Lexan has the ability to flex and resist shattering into shards in the event of an accident. It is also stronger than acrylic so the screen can be made thinner.

As far as the bags go, you may want to take a look at www.bossbags.com way better than stock...but pricier too.

BubbaGump · #25 Post by **BubbaGump** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 9:54 am

paul246 wrote:BubbaGump, from the dollars you mentioned it looks like the VTX you are considering comes with the Honda OEM windshield. They are expensive but worth it when compared to other stuff on the market. I'm betting that it is similar to the one on my Valkyrie as is the VTX 1800's. These shields were designed using a wind tunnel, they are made with compound curves rather than the basic curved slab you generally see. This reduces turbulence big time. Also, they are not made from acrylic like most, but are made of Lexan with a scratch resistant layer applied to both sides of the shield. Lexan has the ability to flex and resist shattering into shards in the event of an accident. It is also stronger than acrylic so the screen can be made thinner.

As far as the bags go, you may want to take a look at www.bossbags.com way better than stock...but pricier too.

Thanks Paul! Every bit of information helps. Nice bike too btw.

Venarius · #26 Post by **Venarius** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 1:01 pm

Well I don't know much about the Kawi 1500...

But I do own a VTX 1800 S model and I can say its the most roomy cruiser I have sat on yet...including even road kings, and stratoliners.

The 1800 (stock) puts high 90's for HP and around 105 torque rear wheel.

The 1300 puts around 65 or so hp stock. Has plastic fenders, carbs, and only 1 disc brake up front compared to the 1800 with metal fenders, Fuel Injection and 2 disc brakes up front.

I wouldn't worry about Honda or Kawasaki "genuine" parts...they both charge too much and you can get more personalization with aftermarket acessories. For example..the Hondaline windsheild for the VTX is $150 more expensive than most others for little reason, and has cutouts for the stock turn signals.

If you decide to add a light bar or change stock signals...you now have two unneeded cutouts in your windsheild.

Nice quality stuff, but easier to personalize and cheaper with aftermarket accessories.

Again thats the VTX 1800 not the 1300 in those pictures.

BubbaGump · #27 Post by **BubbaGump** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 1:24 pm

Venarius wrote:Well I don't know much about the Kawi 1500...

But I do own a VTX 1800 S model and I can say its the most roomy cruiser I have sat on yet...including even road kings, and stratoliners.

The 1800 (stock) puts high 90's for HP and around 105 torque rear wheel.

The 1300 puts around 65 or so hp stock. Has plastic fenders, carbs, and only 1 disc brake up front compared to the 1800 with metal fenders, Fuel Injection and 2 disc brakes up front. Again thats the VTX 1800 not the 1300 in those pictures.

Thanks Venarius - the 1800 is a nice bike, but too big for me. The big difference b/w the Vulcan and 1300 is the EFI vs. Carb. I'm not a big fan of carbs - its old technology really.

paul246 · #28 Post by **paul246** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 1:33 pm

Venarious, you're wrong with regard to the windshield. And its more than about cut-outs, way more. Trust me, I've used several brands (Memphis and Rifle) and Honda's OEM is absolutely in a class of its own. No contest at all.

BubbaGump · #29 Post by **BubbaGump** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 1:37 pm

paul246 wrote:Venarious, you're wrong with regard to the windshield. And its more than about cut-outs, way more. Trust me, I've used several brands (Memphis and Rifle) and Honda's OEM is absolutely in a class of its own. No contest at all.

So whats the big advantage over the Honda windshields?

paul246 · #30 Post by **paul246** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 1:41 pm

Read my first post.

If you want to save money get a Clear View. It doesn't have the cut-out (big deal) but it does have the compound curves to duplicate the OEM Honda. The other disadvantage, its made of acrylic, not Lexan.