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I am another newbie who wants to buy a bike. My MSF course was completed recently after failing the first time. Never heard of failing, have you? Contrary to the BRC's requirements, you need the ability to do more than balance a bike. You really have to have a clue. I dont know anyone who has a bike, let alone my riding one.
Anyway, back on topic. After my failure, ( I ran a little ol' lady down, first day, always use the clutch), I purchased a '91 CB 250 Nighthawk. After practicing, I passed the course. Now, I am ready to purchase a "pre-owned bike. I have been looking on Craigslist at some. I am thinking about a 750 or 800. I plan to continue practicing on the Nightwhawk, but want a larger bike for the spring. I am looking at purchasing the following:

1996 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 - $3100
about 8,000 miles
always garaged - 2nd owner
never wrecked - clear title - runs perfect
loud pipes, windshield, saddlebags
Service manual and motorcycle lift included

However, I do not know the right questions to ask nor what to look out for when checking out the bike. PLEASE HELP!!!

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Here is a pretty comprehensive guide: http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

The vulcan is a good bike. You might look for a Vulcan 500 Ltd also. I had a 454 Ltd, which is the same bike with the slightly retooled EX500 engine.

I forget if the 800 is a V-Twin or not. I believe your Nighthawk is a single cylinder. Not sure how much the v-twin affects power, but going from a single cyclinder to a twin is a noticable jump. The 500 is a paralell twin, and noticably quicker than the 650cc single cyclinder Sukzuki I had.

You probably have a good deal on your hands. $3100 is not a bad price on a used bike. Kawasakis are great bikes, and reliability is likely not an issue. The guy is likely selling it to move to the 1500cc or 2000cc model - or he's joined the Harley camp

If you are comfortable moving to the 800cc, you could do far worse. Cruisers are easier to handle with bigger engins, but can still be trouble. Be careful with it, and don't try being too cool until you are used to what it is capable of.

One bit of advice - don't get one of thise stupid "cramp buster" things for your throttle - I have dumped two bikes at low speed accidentally throttling into a stop. Those things are bad news.

--Dave

safety-boy wrote: I forget if the 800 is a V-Twin or not. I believe your Nighthawk is a single cylinder. Not sure how much the v-twin affects power, but going from a single cyclinder to a twin is a noticable jump. The 500 is a paralell twin, and noticably quicker than the 650cc single cyclinder Sukzuki I had.

The 800 is a V-Twin, the Nighthawk is a parallel twin (like the rebel).

I think that is too much money for a 96 Vulcan 800. You can get a much newer one for a similar price (2000+).

My first bike was and is a vulcan 800 classic.

It is well balanced and very forgiving to ride. It has enough power for me to have fun and ride on interstates for long rides if I need, but not so much power to get me into too much trouble.

I think its a great choice for a first bike. I would whole heartedly endorse it (for whatever worth my opinion have).

DivideOverflow wrote:

safety-boy wrote: I forget if the 800 is a V-Twin or not. I believe your Nighthawk is a single cylinder. Not sure how much the v-twin affects power, but going from a single cyclinder to a twin is a noticable jump. The 500 is a paralell twin, and noticably quicker than the 650cc single cyclinder Sukzuki I had.

The 800 is a V-Twin, the Nighthawk is a parallel twin (like the rebel).

I think that is too much money for a 96 Vulcan 800. You can get a much newer one for a similar price (2000+).

agreed.

Hope you guys are liking my one handed responses