Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hello...is the Vulcan 500 a good first bike (I weigh 195 lbs and am 6"1" and live in mountainous terrain)...Are there any "nature of the beast problems" with this bike? He is asking 2,300...NADA quotes high average price as 1,540...what should a fair offer be?

Thx seatime

a: yes, the vulcan 500 is a very good first bike
b: impossible to know what kind of deal you're getting without knowing the mileage, and condition

His price seem a bit high but you didn't state the miles on it. I have one and like it as my first bike. I'm 5'10 withi inseem of 32 inches. If you test ride it, pay attention to your knee and arm room. It may or may not fit you.

I would ask about maintenance items like spark plug-wire/tire-tube/air filter/brake pad replacement, last valve clearance check, last oil change and then ask what he did to the bike to store it over the winter. Also if anything else was replaced do to maintenance or items fixed from the bike going down.

If you don't have saftey equipment and need some cheap, see if he wants to sell anything that fits you and you also like. Helmet must be DOT approved. You don't have to spend several hundreds of dollars for a good helmet, they can be had for less than $100 new. I bought two used but very good leather jackets for my wife and son for $55 total. Don't forget gloves, boots and if you can, some protective pants.

Thank you for your replies ...I will take your advice.

I am 6'1" and 250...had a Kaw 800....same frame and seating as the 500...just a different engine.

Rode it for the last time today as i swapped it for a bonne that is in pieces. A fine machin and plenty big. Unlike the suzis and hondas...kaw knows that not everyone is asian...and some of us have long legs.

The price isnt bad if it is in excellent condition...if not...ask for less/