My first bike...

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flw
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Years Riding: 8
My Motorcycle: '98 Honda Goldwing GL1500se
Location: Rockford, Illinois U.S.

#11 Unread post by flw »

First congrats on the bike, great choice (I have the en500c as well ) 8)

Can you pm or reply back with the address/url that you got the service manual from unless your referring to the service schedule. I have the owner manual for mine but do not have a service manual.

The following is just my opinion and reminders that sometimes get forgotten with all the excitement of a new to you bike.

Items to do or check:

***Motorcycle oil is not the same as Auto oil. You can damage the bike badly if you use car oil.

1. As mentioned change oil (10X40) and filter asap.
2. Check chain as they do stretch especially in the first year or so. Don't reuse cotter pins, its a tempting but bad habit to get into.
3. Oil/wax chain
4. Check coolant for level and after a day check for possible leaks (leave paper towels under the engine/radiator, use a few rocks to hold them down, when parked overnight and after a ride.
5. Check tire pressure and tires for any damage. Remember you have tubes like a bicycle.
6. Either before storage or in spring change air filter but inspect now.
7. Pull the seat off (single bolt holds it on) to locate battery and inspect for any leakage or corrosion as well as how to remove it (simple once you see it).
8. Check level, color of brake fluid and leaks around brake cylinder. Color should be a very light amber color.
9. Your rear suspension is adjustable. If too loose or tight, you only need a shaft the approx size of the hole to tighten or loosen it, as it has 5 settings I think? I use a Allen wrench.
10. See if you can find out from the previous owner if the valves where ever checked? If he's/she's not sure, they most likely have not been. It cost me about $160 at 500 miles but if they get too far out of line, it can cause serious damage to the valves/engine.
11. Pull out both spark plugs. It will tell you if your burning oil that you may not see and both should look the same. If they look different, bring them to a bike mechanic and have him take a look. My dealer has no problems with real customers taking only a couple minutes with his mechanics. You'll need a deep well socket to remove them.

For any/most of the checks if it doesn't pass take it to a bike mechanic. Depending on your time or skill you may be able to fix some of the issue yourself. i.e. fluids, replacing worn/lost nuts/bolts/washer/O rings, and adjustments that the owners manual walks you through. You should have a mechanic do any valve work, repair/replace any brake lines/connections/pads, coolant hoses or radiator work and electrical work beyond fuses or bulbs or re-seating connections (dirt and water can get in there).

The seat stinks and no one make a replacement. After about a hour or so, I must get off it for 15 minutes or so for my tailbone to come back to life. So its not a touring bike and never will be but you didn't pay $$$$ that kind of money either. Many bike that cost much more still have the cheap seat issue so don't feel like its only your bike.

The only answer I could come up with for storage is a backpack. If you need more then wait for a backrest and mounting brackets w/bolts on ebay. Then use elastic tie for a small collapsible cooler that goes behind the passenger. The tie down goes between the pillion and the uprights backrest pad, so no one can feel it. Holds my cheap rain gear all the time so it never gets forgotten and still has some room for a bit more. If alone, I can use the pillion/backrest and staps for more storage.

The engine will crusie at 80 just fine but due to the overall size you may not wish to. I prefer 70/75 if traffic req it. I like looking around so I tend to ride somewhat slower. I also use a throttle rocker but that is a personal preference.

If you ever have the preference, I took my tank wings off on a 90 degre day with the tank facing the sun. I then used 12 inches of weed whiper wire and with strength and a see saw action separated the glue that held them on from the tank. Then with goo gone, removed remaining glue and cleaned/wax the tank. Now people stare and bikers take double looks at my bike trying to figure out what it is. Cheap cool factor. I like the naked look anyway.
Goldwing 1500se '98
VN500 LTD '07 Sold

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jbprince
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#12 Unread post by jbprince »

I downloaded the service manual from...

http://www.repairmanualclub.com/
2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD
Live Fast, Love Hard, Die With Your Mask On.

mayhem39
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#13 Unread post by mayhem39 »

That is a nice looking bike. I have been looking at those on the net and I may try to make it my first bike as well. Can I ask how much you paid for it?

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jbprince
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#14 Unread post by jbprince »

mayhem39 wrote:That is a nice looking bike. I have been looking at those on the net and I may try to make it my first bike as well. Can I ask how much you paid for it?
I paid $3k even... that included 3 skull caps, jacket, pants, gloves, cover, glasses, and the fanny pack on the handlebars... I only plan to use the glasses... the helmets are all too small for my noggin and I like more protection... the jacket, pants, and gloves are suited more for snowboarding...
2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD
Live Fast, Love Hard, Die With Your Mask On.

mayhem39
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#15 Unread post by mayhem39 »

jbprince wrote:
mayhem39 wrote:That is a nice looking bike. I have been looking at those on the net and I may try to make it my first bike as well. Can I ask how much you paid for it?
I paid $3k even... that included 3 skull caps, jacket, pants, gloves, cover, glasses, and the fanny pack on the handlebars... I only plan to use the glasses... the helmets are all too small for my noggin and I like more protection... the jacket, pants, and gloves are suited more for snowboarding...
Ok, thanks. That is a nice looking bike!

TorontoBoy
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#16 Unread post by TorontoBoy »

Sweet bike, and I think you got a good deal. For me a 500 is more than enough bike to get me around.

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jbprince
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#17 Unread post by jbprince »

For those of you who have this bike, what things have you added and where did you get them? Thanks
2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD
Live Fast, Love Hard, Die With Your Mask On.

JimmyB
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#18 Unread post by JimmyB »

I just bouhgt a used suzuki S40. This is my 1st bike and I am a total newbie. I'm 54, maybe too old to try this.
But what do you think about this bike as a 1st ride?
Also, I find it difficult to switch to higher gears. I was told at the safety course to release the throttle and pull in the clutch at the same time as switching gears from 1st to 2nd and then roll on the throttle. does this sound right? I have a hard time doing this. any hlep would be appreciated.

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Zohw
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#19 Unread post by Zohw »

My Savage (now known as the S40) is a perfect 1st bike. You're 5'4 which means it will fit you much better then it fits me (I'm just under 6 foot). It's a lightweight cruiser, and can be rather nimble. Got some fun torque too. Fast enough to do highway with ease. I maxed my '96 at about 145km (90mph).

I highly recommend it for a first bike.

JB, how's the instruments working for you? I'm too big for my bike, and have a full face helmet. I can't see my speedometer without looking down far enough that I can't see ANYTHING in front of me. Kinda dangerous, so I pretty much go by feel.
Current Ride: '99 ZRX 1100
'91 Zephyr 750
'96 Suzuki LS650

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jbprince
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#20 Unread post by jbprince »

zohw

yeah, thats something Im having to get used too... I pretty much just look down when Im at a cruising speed to make sure Im not too slow or too fast or to make sure I havent left my blinker on... with no tach and 6 gears, Im getting used to the feel now... I really enjoy my bike... however, aftermarket accessories suck... they just arent really out there... very limited selection for me... thats why I have been asking for help lately... I dont mind copying if its the right answer...
2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD
Live Fast, Love Hard, Die With Your Mask On.

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