Yeah, another Vulcan 500 Thread

alduro · 05-26-2006

Well, after much reading and soul searching, I finally broke down and went to sit a Kawasaki (what else) Vulcan 500. I remember before taking the MSF class thinking, “this bike is too light and small”….After all, I’m a strapping 5’11, 240lb dude here…but after going back a second time after riding my Ninja 500 for a while, I had to take a second look, that dual inline sure is peppy. Sure enough, I sit on it and realize, this bike isn’t too small, it just sits upright with a slight lean towards the rear instead of a big lean back like some other bikes. Does the Vulcan 900 Classic feel better? Yes, but after close examination I realized it has nothing to do with the pegs or handlebars, but the seat. The seats on the larger Vulcans are wider….put a wide seat on the Vulcan 500 and you’ve got a ringer for best bike at or under $5000.

I’ve come to learn this, the Vulcan 500 is quicker on the 0-60 (from a stoplight of course) than the Honda Shadow 750, the Harley Sportster 883, the Yamaha V-Star 650 and the Suzuki (anything under 800)…..If I have learned wrong somebody please correct me. But the dealerships, the online reviews and many personal reviews of people owning or having ridden these before seem to agree. They also seem to agree that this bike is really a sport bike or traditional bike engine stuffed into a cruiser frame, that it is not really a typical “cruiser”…..well, duh.

Some things that I have been told, but have not yet verified is that you can place the drag handle bars (the straight ones) on the Vulcan 500 instead of the curved ones….I don’t know that this is true.

Another thing is that there are saddlebags for these…..this is true.

Another is that you can swap out for a wider seat than the stock……..unverified, but I suspect that there must be at least ONE manufacturer out there that makes a compatible seat.

Another is that you can put highway bars and pegs on your Vulcan 500. I don’t know, but I suspect this one is untrue, however the dealership insisted that the Vulcan 800 (now discontinued) highway pegs and bars will work…..anyone?

So…….since I love my Ninja, cannot afford a Classic 900 and can’t bear the thought of riding a big single (thumper like the Suzuki 650)……..Even though this isn’t a “true cruiser” and doesn’t sound like a cruiser (which doesn’t bother me in the least) I believe that a Vulcan 500 is in my near future. It’d make a great brother for my little 500R.

bluestringer · 05-26-2006

Yes the 500 is fast, and will beat a stock 800 up to about 60. No, there is no one that makes a seat for it, but you could have the stock one customized. Any handlebars that fit the 800 will work on the 500. Kawasaki makes a highway bar for it, but it is small. You can find pegs for the bar at JC Whitney and other places. I think Highway Hawk makes a highway bar, pegs, boards, and other stuff for it.

alduro · 05-27-2006

Thanks, that's good to know. As long as the bike can cruise comfortably at or around 70-75mph.....I'd be happy. At what point does the engine lose steam?

bluestringer · 05-27-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by alduro

Thanks, that's good to know. As long as the bike can cruise comfortably at or around 70-75mph.....I'd be happy. At what point does the engine lose steam?

It redlines around 9000 rpms. It will cruise at 75, no problem. You can make it a better highway cruiser by changing the front sprocket to a 17t. Stock is 16t.

Plato · 05-27-2006

My 04 Vulcan 500 was hands down the best buy under $5000. And I wish I had kept it for commuting to work.

Kaw sells saddlebag supports so yes you can add the bags. I never found an aftermarket seat, so you would need to get the stock seat reworked. And I agree that alteration alone would make the bike much nicer especially if you do longer rides.

And the bike does take off and fly when you rev it. I think it could beat my 1600 Nomad in any short race. Most the extra power of my Nomad is spent to haul the extra weight of the bike. My Nomad is over 800lbs while the Vulcan 500 is around 450lbs.

What make me miss the 500 the most is that it got 50+mpg even on my short commuter miles (which spends lotsa gas on warmups).

Ezzie · 06-04-2006

Saddlebags are definitely available. Go to the Kawasaki website and check the accessories. So far, I have not been able to find foot boards or a seat on the order of the "Mustang"

Speedracr · 06-13-2006

I bought a '96 Vulcan 500EN about 3 months ago, and I couldn't be happier. Like you say, it has amazing speed and pickup (all of my friends with streetbikes are always surprised by it's handling and speed compared to their GSXR750s)...

Handlebars are definitely pretty easy to come by, most of my local shops have told me they've got a few straight bar options for it... The seats I would just get a custom gel done, if you want it wider... though the stock seat is extremely comfortable even on a 4-5 hour ride if not more.

The bike cruises at 75-90 without any issues, from what I've seen and I've found that I can avoid highway pegs (since I haven't found any so far) by just resting my legs between the peg and the brake/shifter... The only issue there is that if you make a deep turn or hit a good bump, your foot will rub the road for a split second.

Even if you can't find stock highway pegs on it, the bike is fairly easy to fabricate some pegs for... Some steel and powder coating with a bit of welding knowledge will go a long way for this thing, so there's always that option.

ThomasE · 06-13-2006

My wife drives a 05 500 and I take it for rides occasionaly. It accelerates just fine just keep it in higher rpms. for all practical purposes top speed is about 80 unless you are on flat ground and no headwind.. my wife at 112 lbs can get it up to 90+ ,, I weigh 200 we installed a driver backrest form scooterworks,, really helps alot and we have the kaw saddlebag supports and windshield its a good looking bike I LIke the dual sided exhuast just like my 1500 nomad,, im not a fan of single sided dual ehaust.. even my shadow had 2 into ones... at 240 im thinking a 750 would fit you better though

alduro · 06-13-2006

thanks for all the feedback guys

SixFiveOh · 06-13-2006

Bought an 06 500 for my wife. At the time she didn't have her license so I spent quite a bit of time taking it to and from the parking lot she "trained" in. All I can say is that bikes got some scoot! It is an absolute blast to ride. BUT, be forewarned - if you're a big gorrilla like me (6'1" 260) it's a bit small.

I thought it was quick with me on board. With my wife at the controls that thing will fly. Sounds great too!

We added the 15" Kawasaki Fire and Steel windscreen in smoke and that really sealed the deal for the wife. She loves it. Now she wants footboards. Anybody got a good link?

2cool · 06-13-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by SixFiveOh

Bought an 06 500 for my wife. At the time she didn't have her license so I spent quite a bit of time taking it to and from the parking lot she "trained" in. All I can say is that bikes got some scoot! It is an absolute blast to ride. BUT, be forewarned - if you're a big gorrilla like me (6'1" 260) it's a bit small.

I thought it was quick with me on board. With my wife at the controls that thing will fly. Sounds great too!

We added the 15" Kawasaki Fire and Steel windscreen in smoke and that really sealed the deal for the wife. She loves it. Now she wants footboards. Anybody got a good link?

Go to http://www.highwayhawk.com/ they have one.
2cool

2cool · 06-13-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThomasE

we installed a driver backrest form scooterworks,, really helps alot and we have the kaw saddlebag supports and windshield its a good looking bike

Hey ThomasE do you happen to have a picture of the bike with the driver backrest, would love to see it.
2cool

Dawn · 06-13-2006

I've got a '94 500 and it boogies. It's very reliable, too. I get about 65mpg hwy.

retaliate · 02-18-2007

Hello! I'm new to this thread. I recently purchased a 96 Vulcan 500 for my wife, she is a new rider to the street, we started around the neighborhood side streets so she could get comfortable with the bike without the stress of heavy traffic, but she quickly learned & we went on a 30 mile ride, after about a hour of side street riding, I didn't expect this...but what the heck, I think she is a natural, the bike is perfect for her, plenty of power, easy to handle, right off the bat she requested a driver backrest, I figure I can make one myself, but I see you can purchase one from the factory...somewhere, does anybody know where, & how much they cost? , She also requested a faring/windshield, as the small windshield she has now is not enough, hopefully we can find a suitable faring/windshield also. One thing we noticed about the bike is the headlight rattles abit at highway speed, what can be done to elimate this? Another thing we noticed was the kickstand didn't have enough angle when parking...so I took a file to the stop to add a little more angel, this seemed to help. So far so good with more practice, a safety/training course, Motorcycle endorsement & I now have a new riding partner. WOO-HOO

vulcan500rider · 02-18-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by retaliate

Hello! I'm new to this thread. I recently purchased a 96 Vulcan 500 for my wife, she is a new rider to the street, we started around the neighborhood side streets so she could get comfortable with the bike without the stress of heavy traffic, but she quickly learned & we went on a 30 mile ride, after about a hour of side street riding, I didn't expect this...but what the heck, I think she is a natural, the bike is perfect for her, plenty of power, easy to handle, right off the bat she requested a driver backrest, I figure I can make one myself, but I see you can purchase one from the factory...somewhere, does anybody know where, & how much they cost? , She also requested a faring/windshield, as the small windshield she has now is not enough, hopefully we can find a suitable faring/windshield also. One thing we noticed about the bike is the headlight rattles abit at highway speed, what can be done to elimate this? Another thing we noticed was the kickstand didn't have enough angle when parking...so I took a file to the stop to add a little more angel, this seemed to help. So far so good with more practice, a safety/training course, Motorcycle endorsement & I now have a new riding partner. WOO-HOO

There is no in-stock seat that can be swapped out for the stock seat. Corbin will make one for you but you need to bring the bike in so that they can custom-fit it. No you can't just send in the seat. I even tried buying a Corbin seat for the 800 but as you can guess, it didn't fit. There are aftermarket items that fits the best Vulcan but it's generic items not specific to the 500.

Big_D · 06-18-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by SixFiveOh

We added the 15" Kawasaki Fire and Steel windscreen in smoke and that really sealed the deal

Where did you find the windscreen? I am having a bear of a time finding one that is asthetically cool!

dwhas3 · 06-18-2007

here's some stuff for the 500. there's 3 pages.
"dw"
https://www.rickroushaccessories.com...sort/2a/page/3

GeorgiaRider · 06-19-2007

Here's a photo of my Kawasaki windshield (middle size of the one on Rick Roush website). The thumbnail can be enlarged. Let me know if you need more info. The measurements on mine are 15.25 inches high by 18.5 inches wide. It has a slightly smoked color.

Uthor · 06-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThomasE

my wife at 112 lbs can get it up to 90+

I weigh 165 lb (more like 190+ with gear and such) and have gotten my '06 up to 100 mph indicated with more oomph left.

I also don't get why anyone would want a wider seat. I think the stock seat is too wide as it is and it makes my butt fall asleep after a long time, not to mention making moving around on the seat from side to side needlessly difficult. If I could get something narrower, I would.

GeorgiaRider · 09-21-2007

I recently had the seat on my 2006 500 redone by Mean City Cycles. Very comfortable. Went for a 90 minute ride today and no problems. I got the $90 hospital grade memory foam option. He also dropped me an inch and moved me back a couple of inches. Check out Mean City Cycles Custom Seat Werks :: Home

As far as top speed, had mine up to 80 in a short burst and had plenty more.

Plenty of power for me at 5'11" and 170 pounds.

05-26-2006	#1 (permalink)
alduro Made It To Second Gear BTK Beginner Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 78	Yeah, another Vulcan 500 Thread Well, after much reading and soul searching, I finally broke down and went to sit a Kawasaki (what else) Vulcan 500. I remember before taking the MSF class thinking, “this bike is too light and small”….After all, I’m a strapping 5’11, 240lb dude here…but after going back a second time after riding my Ninja 500 for a while, I had to take a second look, that dual inline sure is peppy. Sure enough, I sit on it and realize, this bike isn’t too small, it just sits upright with a slight lean towards the rear instead of a big lean back like some other bikes. Does the Vulcan 900 Classic feel better? Yes, but after close examination I realized it has nothing to do with the pegs or handlebars, but the seat. The seats on the larger Vulcans are wider….put a wide seat on the Vulcan 500 and you’ve got a ringer for best bike at or under $5000. I’ve come to learn this, the Vulcan 500 is quicker on the 0-60 (from a stoplight of course) than the Honda Shadow 750, the Harley Sportster 883, the Yamaha V-Star 650 and the Suzuki (anything under 800)…..If I have learned wrong somebody please correct me. But the dealerships, the online reviews and many personal reviews of people owning or having ridden these before seem to agree. They also seem to agree that this bike is really a sport bike or traditional bike engine stuffed into a cruiser frame, that it is not really a typical “cruiser”…..well, duh. Some things that I have been told, but have not yet verified is that you can place the drag handle bars (the straight ones) on the Vulcan 500 instead of the curved ones….I don’t know that this is true. Another thing is that there are saddlebags for these…..this is true. Another is that you can swap out for a wider seat than the stock……..unverified, but I suspect that there must be at least ONE manufacturer out there that makes a compatible seat. Another is that you can put highway bars and pegs on your Vulcan 500. I don’t know, but I suspect this one is untrue, however the dealership insisted that the Vulcan 800 (now discontinued) highway pegs and bars will work…..anyone? So…….since I love my Ninja, cannot afford a Classic 900 and can’t bear the thought of riding a big single (thumper like the Suzuki 650)……..Even though this isn’t a “true cruiser” and doesn’t sound like a cruiser (which doesn’t bother me in the least) I believe that a Vulcan 500 is in my near future. It’d make a great brother for my little 500R.

05-26-2006	#2 (permalink)
bluestringer Rebel Rider BTK Expert Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Albany, Georgia Posts: 3,009	Yes the 500 is fast, and will beat a stock 800 up to about 60. No, there is no one that makes a seat for it, but you could have the stock one customized. Any handlebars that fit the 800 will work on the 500. Kawasaki makes a highway bar for it, but it is small. You can find pegs for the bar at JC Whitney and other places. I think Highway Hawk makes a highway bar, pegs, boards, and other stuff for it. __________________ ..... bluestringer 2005 Vulcan 1500 Classic FI V&H Longshots VROC #13910 GAVROC #159

05-27-2006	#5 (permalink)
Plato Forum Supporter Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2004 Location: East Texas Posts: 2,592	My 04 Vulcan 500 was hands down the best buy under $5000. And I wish I had kept it for commuting to work. Kaw sells saddlebag supports so yes you can add the bags. I never found an aftermarket seat, so you would need to get the stock seat reworked. And I agree that alteration alone would make the bike much nicer especially if you do longer rides. And the bike does take off and fly when you rev it. I think it could beat my 1600 Nomad in any short race. Most the extra power of my Nomad is spent to haul the extra weight of the bike. My Nomad is over 800lbs while the Vulcan 500 is around 450lbs. What make me miss the 500 the most is that it got 50+mpg even on my short commuter miles (which spends lotsa gas on warmups). __________________ 05 Nomad/V&H Baggers/PCIII/Caddman Risers/Lights/Lowers/Chaps www.home.earthlink.net/~mthompson61

06-04-2006	#6 (permalink)
Ezzie Forum Supporter Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Minot, North Dakota Posts: 757	Saddlebags are definitely available. Go to the Kawasaki website and check the accessories. So far, I have not been able to find foot boards or a seat on the order of the "Mustang" __________________ Val Poser Proud® VROC # 22074 VNOC #043 07 900 Classic LT Organ Donors Give Life

06-13-2006	#10 (permalink)
SixFiveOh Full Circle Rider BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Katy, TX Posts: 1,592	Bought an 06 500 for my wife. At the time she didn't have her license so I spent quite a bit of time taking it to and from the parking lot she "trained" in. All I can say is that bikes got some scoot! It is an absolute blast to ride. BUT, be forewarned - if you're a big gorrilla like me (6'1" 260) it's a bit small. I thought it was quick with me on board. With my wife at the controls that thing will fly. Sounds great too! We added the 15" Kawasaki Fire and Steel windscreen in smoke and that really sealed the deal for the wife. She loves it. Now she wants footboards. Anybody got a good link? __________________ Keith '07 Lime Kawasaki KX450F '06 Red/Black Suzuki Hayabusa

05-27-2006	#3 (permalink)
alduro Made It To Second Gear BTK Beginner Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 78	Thanks, that's good to know. As long as the bike can cruise comfortably at or around 70-75mph.....I'd be happy. At what point does the engine lose steam?

06-13-2006	#7 (permalink)
Speedracr Still On The Kickstand Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 25	I bought a '96 Vulcan 500EN about 3 months ago, and I couldn't be happier. Like you say, it has amazing speed and pickup (all of my friends with streetbikes are always surprised by it's handling and speed compared to their GSXR750s)... Handlebars are definitely pretty easy to come by, most of my local shops have told me they've got a few straight bar options for it... The seats I would just get a custom gel done, if you want it wider... though the stock seat is extremely comfortable even on a 4-5 hour ride if not more. The bike cruises at 75-90 without any issues, from what I've seen and I've found that I can avoid highway pegs (since I haven't found any so far) by just resting my legs between the peg and the brake/shifter... The only issue there is that if you make a deep turn or hit a good bump, your foot will rub the road for a split second. Even if you can't find stock highway pegs on it, the bike is fairly easy to fabricate some pegs for... Some steel and powder coating with a bit of welding knowledge will go a long way for this thing, so there's always that option.

06-13-2006	#8 (permalink)
ThomasE Cruising In Fourth Gear BTK Intermediate Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 212	My wife drives a 05 500 and I take it for rides occasionaly. It accelerates just fine just keep it in higher rpms. for all practical purposes top speed is about 80 unless you are on flat ground and no headwind.. my wife at 112 lbs can get it up to 90+ ,, I weigh 200 we installed a driver backrest form scooterworks,, really helps alot and we have the kaw saddlebag supports and windshield its a good looking bike I LIke the dual sided exhuast just like my 1500 nomad,, im not a fan of single sided dual ehaust.. even my shadow had 2 into ones... at 240 im thinking a 750 would fit you better though

06-13-2006	#9 (permalink)
alduro Made It To Second Gear BTK Beginner Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 78	thanks for all the feedback guys

06-13-2006	#13 (permalink)
Dawn Third Gear And Gaining BTK Intermediate Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 127	I've got a '94 500 and it boogies. It's very reliable, too. I get about 65mpg hwy. __________________ '94 Vulcan 500

02-18-2007	#14 (permalink)
retaliate Newbie Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Springfield, Oregon Posts: 24	Hello! I'm new to this thread. I recently purchased a 96 Vulcan 500 for my wife, she is a new rider to the street, we started around the neighborhood side streets so she could get comfortable with the bike without the stress of heavy traffic, but she quickly learned & we went on a 30 mile ride, after about a hour of side street riding, I didn't expect this...but what the heck, I think she is a natural, the bike is perfect for her, plenty of power, easy to handle, right off the bat she requested a driver backrest, I figure I can make one myself, but I see you can purchase one from the factory...somewhere, does anybody know where, & how much they cost? , She also requested a faring/windshield, as the small windshield she has now is not enough, hopefully we can find a suitable faring/windshield also. One thing we noticed about the bike is the headlight rattles abit at highway speed, what can be done to elimate this? Another thing we noticed was the kickstand didn't have enough angle when parking...so I took a file to the stop to add a little more angel, this seemed to help. So far so good with more practice, a safety/training course, Motorcycle endorsement & I now have a new riding partner. WOO-HOO

06-18-2007	#17 (permalink)
dwhas3 Foil Inspector BTK Beginner Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: westminster md. Posts: 109	here's some stuff for the 500. there's 3 pages. "dw" https://www.rickroushaccessories.com...sort/2a/page/3 __________________ 06 vulcan 1500 classic

06-19-2007	#18 (permalink)
GeorgiaRider Wants better weather! BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Location: NW Georgia Posts: 841	Here's a photo of my Kawasaki windshield (middle size of the one on Rick Roush website). The thumbnail can be enlarged. Let me know if you need more info. The measurements on mine are 15.25 inches high by 18.5 inches wide. It has a slightly smoked color. Attached Thumbnails __________________ 2006 Vulcan 500 LTD

09-21-2007	#20 (permalink)
GeorgiaRider Wants better weather! BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Location: NW Georgia Posts: 841	I recently had the seat on my 2006 500 redone by Mean City Cycles. Very comfortable. Went for a 90 minute ride today and no problems. I got the $90 hospital grade memory foam option. He also dropped me an inch and moved me back a couple of inches. Check out Mean City Cycles Custom Seat Werks :: Home As far as top speed, had mine up to 80 in a short burst and had plenty more. Plenty of power for me at 5'11" and 170 pounds. __________________ 2006 Vulcan 500 LTD

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