VN1600 CLassic vs. VN2000

[Jambolaya]

Hy, gents, first post here. THanks for being available. Never met anyone on a Kawi I didn't like.

I'm on the verge of a 1600 CLassic or a VN2000. Both are used, good deals. Both Black. I'm afraid that VN2000 is a little heavy for the day to day though I'd like the power and the 'latest thing' aspect.

I don't want the 1600 to be underpowered, but I like the lighter weight.

Is there a consensus on the VN2000 as an improvement to the 1600 CLassic?

[accord_guy]

Originally Posted by Jambolaya

Hy, gents, first post here. THanks for being available. Never met anyone on a Kawi I didn't like.

I'm on the verge of a 1600 CLassic or a VN2000. Both are used, good deals. Both Black. I'm afraid that VN2000 is a little heavy for the day to day though I'd like the power and the 'latest thing' aspect.

I don't want the 1600 to be underpowered, but I like the lighter weight.

Is there a consensus on the VN2000 as an improvement to the 1600 CLassic?

The 2000 is a huge bike and may take some getting used to. The 1600
will keep up with anything on the road and may be easier to handle
at slow speeds.

[Xlr8n]

I agree^^ I don't think you'd find a 1600 cc bike underpowered unless you're coming off of a sportbike. The 2000 is big, no doubt, but like anything you ride, I'm sure you'd get used to it as well. Both are fine rides. It really depends on your size, your experience, and your main intended usage. I really wouldn't say the V2K was developed as an improvement to the 1600, but really is a whole new class of bike intended to trump the competition's heavy hitters.

[Phatboy]

If your an experienced rider then the question should be why not the v2k? I regret ruling it out when I was shopping for a bike. It may be heavier, but the weight sits lower.

With mods a v2k will push almost twice the power of the 1600. 1600 is purdy and comfortable as heck and a real bargain too. Just depends on you and why you're looking for a bike.

[ImpactG]

Don't rule out the 2000. I'm 5'9" and 180lbs. and it doesn't feel too big at all to me. Got over that sensation after the first 200 miles or so.

I'm sure the 1600 is a great bike. It is a Kawi afterall. Just suggesting that you don't let the initial impression of the V2K scare you off. The bike is so well balanced that it's weight becomes a non-issue with a little experience.

Good luck in your decision!

[uechi kid]

Buy the 1600 and do the big bore kit. It will pump the HP to about 100 ponies. But I really like the looks of the V2K. Just thought you should have something else to think about during this stressful time of trying to decide on which bike.

[Jambolaya]

Originally Posted by Phatboy

If your an experienced rider then the question should be why not the v2k? ....

I'm an experienced rider. For cruisers, I've had a Road Kink and a Victory TC. The Vic was a big bike and a little unwieldy, which is why I'm not interested in the Nomad.

Also, I'm a full sized 6'2", 210 lbs. of normal strength.

Comfort is also a major issue. I did test ride a VN2000 and the handlebars came too far back. My reach is long, at 31". I'm hoping to switch out handlebars to maybe the Nomad handlebars or a buckhorn style. That can be done, can't it? But I do not relish the idea of $500 for a Mustang seat replacement.

If the 1600 is a lot more comfortable, that would be a strong factor.

I do not mean to sound indecisive. Sometimes it puts responders off when I keep asking for opinions and asking questions. I just enjoy talking about motorcycles.

[vulcanism]

Jambolaya.. just my .02. I just bought a 1600 Classic. My last bike was a 650 Yami back in the mid 90's. I was concerned that the 1600 was going to be way too big for me (I'm also ImpactG's size). But after riding it for awhile now, I'm glad I got it. It does not feel that big under speed, very well balanced and you sit low in it. I'm still breaking it in, but I can tell it is no dog. True, it's a twin and won't rev like a inline 4 like my old bike, but torque is king and it has plenty. I can't wait to jump on it. I did sit on a 2000 and it is big.. I'm not sure I could flat foot both feet sitting on it, plus it seemed much wider. Oh, and my 1600 is black too. Hope that helped, Jeff

[vulcanism]

I see you posted about the same time I did. With your size and experience with big bikes, the 1600 might even be too small?? I'm not sure, but I would think the handlebar set back might even be further back than the 2k. I have fairly short arms and yet I still have a bend in them when I'm riding, I don't have to stretch forward to reach them. As far a comfort, I've not taken it on a long ride yet so no help there. I like the seat for me so far though.

[petegtsv10]

I'm 5'6" and 165#s. Once my 2000 is off the sidestand, its weight isn't an issue. Remember, you balance the bike, not benchpress it!!

[JatZilla]

Originally Posted by petegtsv10

I'm 5'6" and 165#s. Once my 2000 is off the sidestand, its weight isn't an issue. Remember, you balance the bike, not benchpress it!!

i disagree. weight is definitely an issue. a heavy bike like the VN2000 isn't going to take turns as easily/gracefully as a 900cc bike. You can't flick it from one lane to the next or between stopped cars as easily as a 900cc bike.

my bike doesn't feel very "planted" in turns. Think about it....800 lbs of weight on those tires....maybe the tires' sidewalls flex a little under that weight?

if you're moving it around in a garage, good luck. I personally think the VN2000 should come with a reverse gear.

[Ed from Florida]

IMO, you can not compare the Victory to the Nomad.....I road a rental Victory touring bike for almost week....there is absolutely no comparison. The Victory felt heavy, unrefined and handled very poorly compared to my 1600 Nomad. I appreciated my Nomad even more after riding the Victory. If you are interested in bags and a windshield ....the Nomad is awesome.
ED

[Jambolaya]

Originally Posted by JatZilla

..... weight is definitely an issue. a heavy bike like the VN2000 isn't going to take turns as easily/gracefully as a 900cc bike. You can't flick it from one lane to the next or between stopped cars as easily as a 900cc bike.

my bike doesn't feel very "planted" in turns. ...

....

JatZilla you sound lke the voice of experience and I notice that you own a VN2000. By the way, the alternative is the 1600, not the 900.

Please tell me more about your VN2000 ownership and its' weight and comfort, if you have any more to share. (These are tough alternatives). Would you get the heavier VN2000 again if you had it to do over?

[JatZilla]

Originally Posted by Jambolaya

JatZilla you sound lke the voice of experience and I notice that you own a VN2000. By the way, the alternative is the 1600, not the 900.

Please tell me more about your VN2000 ownership and its' weight and comfort, if you have any more to share. (These are tough alternatives). Would you get the heavier VN2000 again if you had it to do over?

sorry i'm very new to the world of cruisers. this is my first one. I rode a 1600cc mean streak and there's a lot of difference in handling between that an a 2000. If I had to do it again, I'd probably take more time and ride other bikes such as Honda VTX and Yamaha Warrior, before making a purchase.

I still like the VN200 and over time I'll like it even more as I clock more miles on it, but make no mistake, this thing is h e a v y.

[SilverEagle]

The 1600 is fantasticly maneuverablefor it size even at low speeds. If you're under 6' I would think risers would help some for the angle. I know I should et some, I notice I get somewhat strained with leaning too much forward to reach the bars over a few hundred miles. But nothing a copple of Phat II risers cannot solve. The 2000 is probeably superior if you're gonna do mostly highway crusin......but for everyday use I hink he 1600 is a pretty darn well rounded piece of iron.

[Jambolaya]

You guys are really making some good points. It's beginning to sound like the VN2000 is more weight for not really more real world benefit. That the 1600 is more than enough torque and horsepower and more manuverable, whether you get used to the VN2000s weight or not. The 1600 is a lot less expensive, too. It's a 2003 w/2500 mi. for $6,700. THe VN2000 has several accesssories but it's a good bit more. The closer you get to $0, the better.

Nothing final yet, though I'm leaning toward the 1600, and I'm hoping it doesn't get sold before I decide. Any more thoughts on the VN2000 are appreciated.

And remember, I'm not indecisive. One can't or doesn't necessarily buy every bike one considers. But I'm enjoying talking about motorcycles.

[msa1956]

I Own a VN2000 Classic LT, Very nice bike I Love it, I have to agree it is heavy. But I am getting use to it. It is a well balanced bike and I enjoy riding it and leaving the Harley guys in the dust!!! I came from riding a Suzuki C50 which was my first Bike and I learned and took the MSF course on that Bike, passed with no failures. If you do get a VN2000 practice on the slow stuff. But you have to remmber that it is heavy. It is a well balanced bike, the only thing I can say dont park where you cannot get it out, I am meaning on a slight hill because if you can not sit on it and back it out, you will need help. I have to agree it should have a reverse for those situations. But anyway what ever you get, get for your self.

[Wicked96SS]

I have no experience whatsoever with the VN2000, although I have sat on them and taken them off the kickstand at the dealers. It wasn't that bad, but it did feel a bit heavy, but once off the stand, felt okay.

What I do have experience with is manuvering my 1600 around tight spaces and manually walking the bike doing U-Turns. Everybody that I know that rides said that I would regret getting that big of a bike as a first bike because it was so heavy... but to be honest, the only time I really notice the weight on it is when I am trying to back it up a hill like my driveway... then it becomes obvious that it is a bit heavier. But, doing U Turns, and walking it into tight spaces, and even backing down a hill are all very controllable.

I don't think you will be unhappy with either bike.

[Idaho]

Hi, if you have not yet decided on which bike to get, I have a guess. Admittedly you are lured by at least one aspect of the VN2000...its power. And of course some good reviews by current owners...understandable. Without exception there is a trade off for everything, evaluating that is the hard part. There are so many happy owners of 1500/1600 Classics and Nomads on here, it is truly impressive. Be careful of what you want, sometimes you get it. Good luck with your decision.

[ImpactG]

[quote=Jambolaya]You guys are really making some good points. It's beginning to sound like the VN2000 is more weight for not really more real world benefit. That the 1600 is more than enough torque and horsepower and more manuverable, whether you get used to the VN2000s weight or not. [quote]

Whoa! When has any of us settled for 'more than enough torque and power'? Heck, even 2000 owners end up doing stage 1 mods right out of the gate and, believe me, the 2000 is a FREAK of power right out of the box. Doesn't matter if your riding an 800 or a 2000, you'll end up trying to get as much out of the machine as you can. It's in our nature -- riders are an 'adventurous' bunch!

Of course, you get the bike that best suits your needs and wants. But if you have the opportunity, why not go for the whole enchalada right out of the gate?

Just a thought.