I get my new Motorcycle tomorrow

Post by **garylspolar** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 8:59 pm

Recognize it?

I'll give a ride report tomorrow. Here's a review:

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_P ... cleID=4076

I'm now thoroughly convinced that -
1. ABS is for wussies
2. One disc to provide stopping power to front wheel is plenty
3. Optimal weight distribution for rider puts all of it on the tailbone
4. Feet should be placed out in front of rider
5. I'm incredibly busy, roads around Cleveland OH are flat, and I need an inexpensive bike that looks good and has a bit of character to take on short rides between work and changing my sons diapers.

Well, one of the above is true

mad1150 · Post by **mad1150** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 9:14 pm

I saw one of those Mediterranean Blue ones at the CHI MC show. It was beautiful. The wife and I both sat on it. Pretty nice.

FWIW: A friend of ours had a Honda Shadow 750 CS (the CS has a larger front wheel) on our trip to WI in May. She kept right up with the Rockster & Roadsters on the WI county twisties. In fact (I'm ashamed to say it) she kicked my @$$ in the corners! Of course I don't have roads like that here in IL.

Congrats! Glad your getting back into it!

Post by **iowabeakster** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 11:17 pm

Post by **JCsman** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 12:28 pm

Nice bike.

Nice house too, Gary.

Post by **garylspolar** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 1:54 pm

Wow! I am thoroughly impressed with this motorcycle. Motor, handling, fit and finish.... I find it hard to believe that it sells for only $7,400, and that I was able to purchase it for $5,995. More later, I'm goin' riding again.

JCm: I'll let you and a friend ride the blue and red bikes in that pic, when ya come to visit.

Post by **sjbmw** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 2:21 pm

Is that the 900 Vulcan? Nice bike, incredible markdown, congrats!!

On your way to another beemer

Post by **garylspolar** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 8:41 am

Yup, Vulcan 900 Custom. So smooth, great torque curve, lot's of fun to ride. The exhaust even sounds great stock. Kawasaki did their homework on this one. Seems like 1300 or better cubes to me.

R4R&R · Post by **R4R&R** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 9:17 am

Glad to see you riding again Gary. Nice looking bike - enjoy it and watch the back!

Post by **12bar1** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 2:57 pm

Nice ride I have always liked they way they look. Much classier than the Milwaukee iron.

Enjoy

BackNBlack · Post by **BackNBlack** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 8:58 pm

Nice looking ride - I almost bought one of these myself, tho I was looking at the vulcan 9 that was not the custom one (I like the custom too)

In fact I may still buy one as I would like to have a cruiser and the price is definitely right!

Can you let me know what other kind of cruiser/standard/touring you rode before and how it compares on comfort, power and handling?

Bill

Post by **garylspolar** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 6:38 am

I have owned two cruisers before this Vulcan 900 Custom.

The Suzuki Intruder 800 simply is not in the same league, as its styling is dated, and the mechanical stuff is crude by comparison.

The Custom is in the same league as my 1600 cc Yamaha Roadstar, as far as power and big cruiser looks. The 900 cc Custom motor has just enough character, more than enough power/torque, and is much smoother than my Yamaha of greater displacement was. The transmission is perfect.... really, perfect. No missed shifts, no false neutrals, and its smoother than the motor. The engine is liquid/air cooled, and the radiator is hidden nicely, unlike Suzuki's current cruiser offerings in the same price range. Speaking of price, there is just nothing that compares. I would have paid several thousand more for this bike. The Vulcan wins on all counts that you mention; comfort, handling (Roadstar was a pig), and maybe ties with the Roadstar on power.