V2K vs 1500 Classic - my notes

[Spok]

recently I was asked about the V2k, the text below is from my PM....just a short comparision of my impressions between the V2k and the 1500 classic. my test cycle is still in full force as I discover more and more what i like and dislike about the big V....


Here are my comparison notes;

the 2000 is effortless in any gear at almost any speed, its heavy at slow speed manuevers but once rolling is light and nimble. It will handle well in corners but isn't a slicer and dicer. The extra fuel in the tank is wonderful, i've gone as afar as 182 miles on a tank before filling and still had 1.2 gallons left. The comfort and rideability is coming to me as I begin the mod process, the stock seat SUCKS and is next to be replaced. I've added kawasaki windshield and lowers, a cobra fatty engine guard and Kuryakyn ISO grips. The V also brakes extrememly well with the big twin rotors up front and huge rotor in the back, much better than the 1500 but at 800 lbs, you'd expect it to have good brakes.

The 1500 is lighter for sure and is more nimble. I like the "small" feel of the 1500 and in a ride yesterday, I did a 4th gear roll on pass of two cars on a back country road and found no issues with its get up and go power. Where the V is effortless, the 1500 just requires a bit of time to spool up...that extra 600cc's on the V makes a big difference. The 1500 is setup already for max comfort and i find it to be the most comfy between the two so far...when I put a seat on the V maybe i'll say different. I fit the 1500 better, i'm a small guy at 5'7" and the V is a bit stretched out for me but i'll adapt.

Overall, if I had to choose one over the other? that'd be hard as each is a different machine. the V is an open road machine for sure that will grind out mile after mile and not look back but will also take the curves with ease. The 1500, tho a road cruiser too, is more nimble and will slice and dice the twisties and switch backs better, it'll cruise all day but its range isn't that of the V.

the day wil come when i'll need to be a 1 bike guy again...i'll keep the V as its becoming more and more of a bike that I can ride....time will help.

[OldStreak]

I appreciate them notes!

[anrfknm]

you highlight the one big draw back of the 1500. a small gas tank. why someone doesn't come out with a 5-6 gal tank for this bike i don't know.

[Spok]

Originally Posted by anrfknm

you highlight the one big draw back of the 1500. a small gas tank. why someone doesn't come out with a 5-6 gal tank for this bike i don't know.

couple that with my tinkering in the carb and its current jet status makes my 1500 very short leg'd

[anrfknm]

i set mine up for max distance and drive very consevatively. the most i get is about 130-135 miles pre reserve. if i had a 5 gal tank i could stretch it out to 165-170 miles. i wonder if i can go that far between bathrooms?

[LordGT]

I wish I had the riding experience that some of you have on the 1500's and 1600cc bikes.

I can relate to Spok and his V2K because I bought mine a week after he did. It's an incredible bike. I really enjoy the power and the way it feels on the road. Being of larger stature, I never feel like I need or could use a smaller bike for around town.

Before the V2K, the largest bike I've ridden is a Suzuki 1100. I've ridden bikes that are MUCH faster than the V2K and bikes that accelerate with a much more VIOLENT attitude. But I do love the V2K's power and acceleration, it's fast, smooth, controllable, solid and comfortable all at the same time. And it just LOOKS COOL. You can't find all of those things in just one bike, usually. I hope pipes, air mod and a PC III will give it more punch, as well as the great sound.

But I do wish I could have some seat time on the 1500/1600cc bikes to compare with. I sit on them now, and they used to feel large, but now as I sit on one at the dealer, they sure do feel small, and like Spok says, I'm sure they are not little bikes, and I'm sure they pull hard also.

[jmonty4u]

I was wondering how much harder the 2K pulls than a modded meanie?

[vulcan500rider]

[quote

[DINGOV2K]

I would say vulcan500rider it's for those people who are kinda scared of the hype on the V2K size/weight that are riding 1500/1600/nomads/streaks etc. that are looking for a little more punch or comfort

[jmonty4u]

^^+1

[lonestar]

Intresting (and quite logical) observations Mr. Spock. Glad your're enjoying the new bike.
lonestar

[Plato]

Nice review as usual spok's da man...

Someday Kaw will wise up and make the V2K Nomad. The features of the current Nomad make it the better overall bike IMO (nice matching hard bags, OEM crash bars, huge OEM windshield, OEM mounts for lowers -toss OEM lowers just keep the mounts, etc).

The big vote in favor of the V2K is clearly the power, and ironically it gets equal or better gas milage than the current 1600 Nomad. But even with the LT package on the V2K it loses to the current Nomad simply because of the hard bags. Hard bags are what make a bike a serious option for daily transportation in my very opinionated view ...

Obviously just my opinions here

[james t. kirk]

Well written Bro.

There are things I really like on paper about both bikes, not to mention the 1600 as well. IMO it is irresponsible to equip these bikes with small tanks. I was looking at the Suzuki C90, a bike I like a lot, but no matter what, the size of the tank will keep me from buying it.

I believe a bike should be able to go at least a couple hundred miles on a tank. That will at least put you 2, 2.5 hours down the road. America can be a big place to travel, especially at night.

[Plato]

Originally Posted by james t. kirk

Well written Bro.

There are things I really like on paper about both biles, not to mention the 1600 as well. IMO it is irresponsible to equip these bikes with small tanks. I was looking at the Suzuki C90, a bike I like a lot, but no matter what, the size of the tank will keep me from buying it.

I believe a bike should be able to go at least a couple hundred miles on a tank. That will at least put you 2, 2.5 hours down the road. America can be a big place to travel, especially at night.

Holy cow, a couple hundred miles in 2 hours You may want to wait for the soon to be released Vulcan 3000 with turbo afterburners and racing seatbelt

Just kidding with ya, I'm always wishing my Nomad either carried an extra gallon or got 45mpg

[LordGT]

Originally Posted by jmonty4u

^^+1

^^+2

Let's see, Kawasaki Forum

Talking about Kawasaki's

Yep, I'd say we're on track.

[james t. kirk]

Originally Posted by Plato

Holy cow, a couple hundred miles in 2 hours You may want to wait for the soon to be released Vulcan 3000 with turbo afterburners and racing seatbelt

Just kidding with ya, I'm always wishing my Nomad either carried an extra gallon or got 45mpg

Well I was thinking more along the lines of being able to ride for at least 2, 2.5 hours before having to stop. You could get around a minimum of 140 miles cruising at 70 mph. At 2.5 hours you would be 175 miles down the road. Then you would still have some reserve fuel in the tank. Those are pretty comfortable cruising numbers.

I have cruised for long distance at 130 mph. Of course this was in Germany, where they know what a freeway is designed for. I was constantly having to get in the slow lane as the fast cars wanted to pass. I love the Autobahn!

I was driving across Colorado where the posted hwy speed was 75 mph. I was doing 80 by giving myself five over the posted. You can make some good time like that. Montana is pretty good as well, just don't get stupid with it.

[Spok]

Originally Posted by vulcan500rider

What's the news in all that? Or are you just adding to your post count?

sorry to bother you

[Targetbuster]

Originally Posted by spok

sorry to bother you

I wasn't going to dignify that persons response with an answer. I, as well as many others here appreciate this kind of first hand info.

[2WheelFun]

We see it all the time. People ask what's the difference between that handling of a Nomad...a 1600 Classic...a 1500...etc...so with you posting your impressions of the two bikes you own should be helpful to new persons wondering about this.

David, I wonder how your V2K will feel on highway 12 with those 77 miles of twisties?

[bluestringer]

Originally Posted by anrfknm

you highlight the one big draw back of the 1500. a small gas tank. why someone doesn't come out with a 5-6 gal tank for this bike i don't know.

Mine has a 5 gal. tank. All the FI ones do.