This is my first post here, and I have enjoyed reading a lot of your posts. Very informative.
After doing much research, I believe that I have chosen the model bike I wish to purchase: The Kawasaki Vulcan 900!
I am up in the air about which model to get specifically, and would like some input. So please let me give you some background, and see what you think.
I want to get a cruiser that meets these requirements:
- Comfortable for long rides
- Good compromise between power and fuel economy
- Steady on the interstate
- Reasonably nimble for the mountain roads (I live in Colorado)
- Exceptionally reliable
- Comfortable for long rides
- Floorboards
- Windshield
- Passenger back-rest
- Saddlebags are a nice-to-have, not a must-have
- Comfortable for long rides
Floorboards rule out a stock Vulcan 900 Custom
The windshield requirement and passenger backrest seem to lead towards the Vulcan 900 Classic LT.
*** BUT ***
One of the first mods I plan on performing is to replace the stock seat with a Mustang Wide Touring Seat with both the driver and passenger backrest. I sat on a stock Vulcan 900 at the dealer this weekend, and the feel and balance of the bike was wonderful, except that I could tell immediately that the stock seat would wear my hind-end out rather quickly.
Vulcan 900 Classic MSRP: $7349
Vulcan 900 Custom MSRP: $7399
Vulcan 900 Classic LT MSRP: $8649
So, my question is: Assuming that I am paying MSRP for a brand new bike, would it be more cost effective to:
A. Purchase the Vulcan 900 Classic LT and just replace the seat?
B. Purchase the Vulcan 900 Classic and replace seat, add a windshield that I like, and perhaps add saddlebags of my own choosing?
C. Purchase the Vulvan 900 Custom and replace the seat, add a windshield that I like, replace the footpegs with floorboards, and perhaps add saddlebags of my own choosing?