New guy and how he chose a Vulcan 900

[CruisinDave]

Hello. I am the newest new guy here. Don't actually have a bike yet, but will maybe around the new year. I take the MSF class in Sept, which means that I registered for the class back in early May. These classes fill up quickly. I have also never been on a bike, and know absolutely nothing about what bikes are on the market and who makes what. I am 6'4" and 340lbs. So waiting for the class to start, I decide to check out the commonly recommended beginner bikes, those in the 250 to 500cc range. Now, I want to ride just to ride through the main street of town and maybe a trip here and there, so I know I will eventually get a cruiser. I did not know that mid-size cruisers are available. Well, I now know how that circus bear on the little tricycle feels, and I start getting a humpback from trying out these smaller bikes. My knees and elbows were shaking hands greeting each other. I go around to all the bike shops here, and we have quite a few from H-D/Buell, dealer with both Yamaha and Triumph, and a dealer with both Suzuki and Kawasaki. I find and sit on few bikes in the 600 to 750 range, found a couple that I thought were just ok fitting. Eventually I make it to the Suzuki-Kawasaki dealer. The salesman sees me trying out a Honda Nighthawk 250 they have. I sit down on it and wait for it to stop sinking. Salesman says "Come on inside and let me show you bikes that will fit you." I start telling him that I am signed up for the class, looking for first bike, eventually going to go to a cruiser, read that it should be between 250 500cc. Salesman tells me to sit on the C50s they have. I sit down and stand the bike up. I begin to wonder if Suzuki contacted my wife and got my measurements from her, and then built this bike specifically for me. Perfect fit. After trying out several C50s, he shows me the Vulcan 900. I sit on it. Oh, wait, hhmmm...it feels like my arms may be slightly more comfortable with the handlebars of the 900. Handlebars feel a little longer so my arms are spread a little more naturally. I have long arms and very wide chest broad shoulders by the way. Yes I do get mistaken for Big Foot on occassion. Try the C50 again, does not feel quite as comfortable now in the arms and shoulders. Salesman and I talk for a long time. Take the information he gave me and start searching. I have found two choices, C50 or Vulcan 900. Find nothing but rave reviews for both, a handful had a problem with such and such on one bike while another handful had a problem with something else on another, to be expected. Also read where alot of new riders took the class and bought one or the other and had no problems handling them. Deciding factor is now front disc break/rear drum on C50 versus all disk on vulcan, C50 drive shaft versus Vulcan belt and which is cheaper to fix when it breaks, and do my arms really feel more comfortable on the Vulcan. I believe I have decided on the Vulcan 900.

[anrfknm]

a perfectly good bike.

welcome.

[simon_hed]

welcome.

The vulcan's are pretty roomy bikes. I think you will be pleased.

Are those c50s air cooled? If so, that is a big difference to the vulcans

[simon_hed]

It is water cooled, my mistake

[sheulett]

Dave,
I just bought a VN900 as my first bike about three weeks ago (had never been on a motorcycle before about a month and a half ago). I absolutely love this machine. I did the same thing you did: looked at lots of bikes including HD, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Triumph. In the end, the VN900 always winds up getting compared to much bigger bikes, because, in my opinion, there's not much comparison between it and the others in it's price/displacement range (I'm not including the VN800's in that statement since they weren't available new at the time that I started my search). I took the MSF course and was about tired of those little 250s by the end. But, it taught me a lot and the VN900 does not feel like too much bike for me. Also, I don't think I'll outgrow it as fast as I would a Honda 750 (the other bike I seriously considered). It's got a lot of get up and go, it runs great at 70 mph and doesn't feel too small (i.e. get blown around) when I'm in traffic with big trucks. Good luck with your class and your new bike. If I had known that I would enjoy riding as much as I do, I would have gotten a bike years ago.

Cheers!
Steve

[CruisinDave]

Now I did sit on a Harley Fat Boy, and I must say it felt nice, maybe not as nice as the C50 or Vulcan. But, 1450cc, that fact that it is only air cooled, oh yeah, it is also $18,000. I may be crazy, but I ain't stupid. The liquid cooled engine of the C50 and Vulcan was the first thing the salesman mentioned, after the cc's. He did also show me the C90, a couple of other Vulcans, and said these are what I have to look forward to in a couple of years. All of those were also nice fitting. I had a couple of friends with me, who are also taking the class with me and buying Vulcan 900s. We have all pretty much sat on the same bikes. One friend is 5'9" and 300lbs, and the other is 6' and maybe 200lbs. The salesman then says to me "In about 6 years, this is the bike you should be riding." He points me to the Vulcan 2000. I sit on it. Holy cow, I can barely get the bike to sit up. Yeah, I can see myself on a 2000, if I weight 340lbs all muscle instead of 340 all fa....undeveloped muscle, yeah that is what it is, undeveloped muscle. I imagine that once I get the 900, it would probably be a while before I decide on something bigger.

[BikerBeagle]

Looks like you had pretty much the same classic decision as many of us ...C50 vs VN900 ...and came to pretty much the same conclusion. I haven't purchased my 900 yet, but when I get to that point, my only concern is that their won't be any left to buy. I'm not exactly sure what I'll do if that happens, but I'll definitely be giving the C50 another look. It is possible I'll just wait until the 2007s come out for the VN900, that's how much I want that bike, but it might be overridden by my desire to ride yet this year.

As for what the future holds ...who knows? The Vulcan 1500 is a solid bike, as is the C90 and many others in that class, but I might be able to afford a Harley Softtail or Springer by then ...hard to predict.

[Plato]

The 900 is a sweet looker, IMO.

However, I think after a person takes the MSF beginner's course he has been exposed to all the basic skills needed to go to the bike he really wants (at least in the cruiser catagory). A cautious learning curve on any new bike is advise, but don't shy away from the Kaw 1500s & 1600s just because you're starting out.

What I'm getting at is you should go ahead and sit on the 1600 Classic before you spend your money Don't limit yourself to the CCs of the bike just because its your first. You're not gonna screw up and pop a wheely on these big cruisers like a beginner might do the big CC sport bikes.

I know its commonly advised to start small, but if you spend the time doing the basic skill maneuvers learned in the MSF course -ON your new bike you can handle it.

I started on a Vulcan 500 then a year later moved up to the 1600 Nomad, and looking back I really could have started on the Nomad (and saved some bucks). The only real difference in the learning curve for me -was the slow speed parking lot stuff. The big Nomad was obviously heavier, but I quickly learned to handle it. And in fact, I can maneuver the Nad JUST as well as I handled my 500 in the parking lot. And on the highway the Nomad is one sweet comfy ride.

Now I'm not saying to avoid the 900 by any means -its gas milage figures alone could make it the perfect compromise. But if I was your size -I suspect I'd start looking for one of the big boys sooner than most riders.

Just my .02

[CruisinDave]

Well, if I start off on the 900, maybe by the time I am ready to go to the bigger ones, the wife would be wanting to ride. She is 5'4", and I have read reviews from ladies who are 5'1" who said that bikes fit them perfectly, might be a chance it could fit her. Then I could give her the 900, and I can go get myself a big bull of a bike.

By the way, the wife is ok with me getting a bike. When I mentioned that my two buddies were going to go take the MSF class, she put down one of them because I am also questioning if he might be responsible enough, but maybe the class will teach him, and having a nice pretty Vulcan would prevent doing stupid stuff. She said that if I wanted to get a Harley, she would be ok with that. After telling her what I found that fit, she said "You ain't getting no rice burner piece of s**t, are you?". She sounded irate then, but after talking about the price and such, showing her pictures, I think she has accepted it. I think she just wants to say her man rides a Harley and wear Harley accessories. She can still wear Harley clothes. In fact I am going to buy myself a Harley t-shirt. Need something to wash the Vulcan with. (just a little innocent fun humor)

[simon_hed]

I am pretty sure that c90 is air cooled. I looked at one of those when I bought my Nomad. That is why I thought the c50 was.

[kawa900]

me and my brother baught bikes withing a week of each other. we are both 6'2 and 240lbs. my brother jumped on a M50 boulevard, and i opted for the VN900. we are both happy with our purchases, and we have riden each others bikes and have nothing but compliments for each other. they both have pretty much the same amount of comfort for the road. mine is a little bigger, and the floor boards make for a comfortable LONG journey. but all in all. both bikes are REAL nice, and i beleive we both made very good decisions.
good luck!

[Bucket Head]

Originally Posted by simon_hed

I am pretty sure that c90 is air cooled. I looked at one of those when I bought my Nomad. That is why I thought the c50 was.

You're half right....the C90 is air/oil cooled.

Edit: I was up in your neck of the woods yesterday. Took the 900 for a little trip and went to Wakulla Springs. Have you ever ridden on US19 from Perry south? Man, there is NOTHING there until you hit Crystal River.

[Frankt07]

welcome aboard dave. congrats on your choice of bikes. the 900 seems to be a real winner. dont worry about handling the bike, you will be ok. my gf rides an M50 and shes 5'3, 125lbs. she loves it too.

[CheriAnn]

Welcome Dave!

Gee, are you in my area?! I have the exact problem with the MSF class
It fills up so fast here that I had to register for a class in September, back in April!

I think the 900 is a great choice!!! I got hubby the 900 LT, but secretly plan on riding it too when I pass the course!!! I have already sat on the bike and lifted it off the kickstand to see if I could handle the weight. (Several times now, actually) No problem!!!!!

Cheri

[2WheelFun]

Welcome aboard and congrats on your new 900!

[Spazz]

Originally Posted by CheriAnn

Welcome Dave!

I think the 900 is a great choice!!! I got hubby the 900 LT, but secretly plan on riding it too when I pass the course!!! I have already sat on the bike and lifted it off the kickstand to see if I could handle the weight. (Several times now, actually) No problem!!!!!

Cheri

Careful now you remember what happened to my old Yammie.

[CheriAnn]

Originally Posted by Spazz

Careful now you remember what happened to my old Yammie.

HEY!!!! Aren't you supposed to be working hard today?!
The Yammie fell over on me and I couldn't get it back up and had to get a neighbor to help.
HOWEVER.....thanks to Cary and the OUTSTANDING Ride Like A Pro DVD, I now KNOW how to lift a bike by myself!!!!!

Cheri

[CruisinDave]

Originally Posted by CheriAnn

Welcome Dave!

Gee, are you in my area?!
Cheri

Actually I live in Frederick, MD

[CheriAnn]

Originally Posted by CruisinDave

Actually I live in Frederick, MD

Oh, I'm in Southern Maryland, but Maryland in general seems to be a BUSY state for the MSF course

Cheri

[Tod]

Cripes! Another Dave!

Welcome, lotta 900 owners around here.