One nice thing about the plastic though....it dosen't rust and it's cheap to replace or just throw away if you're into the bobbers look.
I have the 900 custom. I looked at the LT and the custom and I wanted the looks of the custom but I wanted some of the capabilities of the LT. So I bought my custom and am adding a few accessories to get a bike somewhere between.
I am very happy with the 900 custom. It handles great. Takes a corner much better than a Sportster IMHO. While I don't think it's handling was quite as good as my 03 VN750, it is close. Compared to the 800, I think the 900 comes out on top. A gentleman at work has the 800B, and while it is a nice bike it is just.....plain looking even after adding some accessories. It also requires more maintenance than the fuel injected, belt driven 900. (although IMHO the 750 totally won in the maintenance department compared to the 900 and 800).
I wouldn't knock the 800 though, it'll keep pace and ride anywhere I ride but it is a bit more gas thirsty than my 900. Plus at varying altitudes the carbed 800 looses out to the 900 especially (some of you might know this personally) if you are going through someplace like Donner Pass going into or out of california.
Could the 900 use some improvements? Well sure, as could any bike. I'm just about sick of seeing the same turn signals on every bike, getting boring in the lighting department. It could have definately used a 6 speed transmission and at least on the custom they could have been a bit more creative on the foot pegs for both the passenger and driver. A tachometer would have been nice to have from the factory. Well, to be honest I prefer gauges to the idiot lights on the instrument cluster that is on the tank. The factory pipes are a bit on the large side for those that were wanting to add some soft bags, it makes aftermarket pipes basically a necessity if you want softies on the custom. Not a problem for the LT though. And lastly, that fricken horn that it comes with.....annoying....should have left it on Herbie the VW Beetle they got it off of. Definately getting a new horn.
I think I will definately keep my 900 for a very long time. It is an awsome bike.
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03 Kawasaki VN800-A9
07 Kawasaki VN900 Custom - Sold it
08 Yamaha Stratoliner S
Last edited by rldowns3 : 12-08-2007 at 12:35 PM.
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