New member interested in Vulcan 900 Classic or Custom

[Kawa 900]

I have been an avid follower of this forum site for the past six months and am very interested in acquiring the Vulcan 900 Classic bike. I have recently seen that Kawasaki are updating their range by introducing the Vulcan 900 Custom bike and would like to know your views with regards to this particular bike. Do you think I should order the 900 Classic or the 900 Custom bike ? I would greatly appreciate your views with regards to both these bikes so I will be in a position to order the bike before the end of November.

[SilverEagle]

It mostly depends for what your personal taste is for a bike, both 900's are very good choises. The 900 custom if you like cast rims for easier cleaning and shorter fenders with a more muscle appeal, the classic for you got it....the classic spoke wheels and more classic look. Myself I'm for simplicity, and being my 1600 has cast wheels. And it is a breeze to keep clean. Else there doesn't seem to be much difference equippment wise out of the two

Custom


Classic

[budro40]

Welcome to the forum Kawa 900.That is a tough one i love my 900 classic but i would have been tempted with the custom.There are pros and cons for both, either way you cant go wrong you will be getting a great bike.

[Stoneball Jones]

The classic has floorboards, I dont think the custom does. If your planning on making a bagger out of it, the classic suits that style better, imho.

[LuckyArmpit]

The only thing I like about the 900 Custom are the wheels. I don't like the puny front fender or the chopped back fender of the custom.


Lucky...

[Cool Hand]

I don't like the look of the Customs foot pegs, rear fender, wheels or seat. I do like the small front fender tho. I love it on my 500 LTD.

[Spok]

i like the looks of the 900 custom. too bad it has cast wheels, it'd be hot with nice spoke rims

[flamingo]

recently got my 900 LT from Kennedy's sports cycles in Elyria, OH . got a great deal...7174 + 100 for temp tag. they were advertising a buy it now price on ebay that nobody local here could beat or even get close to. these bikes have been ranging 8000 - 8500. I couldn't resist saving that kind of money and got a ride up to OH and back. my friend came with me on my old bike, and we came back on two!

If you go that route, talk with Scott. If you can't drive it home, I'm sure he can work out the transportation. he said he's getting a lot of out of state people.

good luck and btw, I love the 900 lt

[N3FOLN3FOL]

Kawa 900,

If I were you, I would go to a dealership and sit on both bikes. Depending on your mood that day, you will definitely end up with either one. But, think about this long term. There are a lot of Classic LT owners out there just like me who are very happy with the bike. Do you want a unique looking bike? Then go for the custom look. Forum members are right, either one is nice. Good luck on your choice.

[BigJon800A]

Im going for the Custom,
I totally like the look, It looks like a much more expensive bike. And if your
of a mind to do some customizing, its totally the way to go.

If your older, slower, and just like fat tube type tires, do a lot of hwy driving. Got to have some saddle bags and a big ol windshield get the classic or LT.
Because those things would totally screw up the custom.

No contest in my mind.

[woodchucks800]

Originally Posted by spok

i like the looks of the 900 custom. too bad it has cast wheels, it'd be hot with nice spoke rims

Just so you know the 800"A" front wheel is a direct swap (no extra parts needed) Now I'll have to decide what to do with the extra front "A" wheel I've got . I had the wheel hub chromed and relaced with diamonded polished stainless spokes. I haven't seen one in person yet so I'm still somewhat undecided whether or not I like it(the bike)

[woodchucks800]

Originally Posted by BigJon800A

Im going for the Custom,
I totally like the look, It looks like a much more expensive bike. And if your
of a mind to do some customizing, its totally the way to go.

If your older, slower, and just like fat tube type tires, do a lot of hwy driving. Got to have some saddle bags and a big ol windshield get the classic or LT.
Because those things would totally screw up the custom.

No contest in my mind.

Like you mentioned in another thread ,it looks like scootworks is working on a different front pully to help lower the rpm's and a lowering kit. from reading the 900 delphi forum it sounds like thunder mfg. has an adapter kit out to install some of there aftermarket intakes so it looks like the parts are starting to show up for the 900.

[woodchucks800]

Originally Posted by N3FOLN3FOL

Kawa 900,

If I were you, I would go to a dealership and sit on both bikes. Depending on your mood that day, you will definitely end up with either one. But, think about this long term. There are a lot of Classic LT owners out there just like me who are very happy with the bike. Do you want a unique looking bike? Then go for the custom look. Forum members are right, either one is nice. Good luck on your choice.

your right about test riding both bikes because they'll both handle different due to the different size wheels in the front. The 21" will handle better in the twisties and around town where as the wider 16" tire tends to cruise better on the interstate. The different handlebars will make the ride feel different as well.

[Plato]

Originally Posted by spok

i like the looks of the 900 custom. too bad it has cast wheels, it'd be hot with nice spoke rims

Actually I consider that one if its best features -I just don't like tube tires One of the reasons I like the 1600 over the 1500

[Johnny5]

I dont get the question here. The bikes are basically the same except for ashtetics. The custom will ride and feel a little different cause of the skinny front tire and drag style bars.

For these two bikes it really comes down to looks so go with what bike turns you on the most.

Have fun shopping.

[woodchucks800]

Originally Posted by Johnny5

I dont get the question here. The bikes are basically the same except for ashtetics. The custom will ride and feel a little different cause of the skinny front tire and drag style bars.

For these two bikes it really comes down to looks so go with what bike turns you on the most.

Have fun shopping.

He better go with the custom then ,because it'll be the quicker of the two. ( it just looks faster,so it must be)

[scrappy]

I was thinking the same thing! Why does it go faster???

[woodchucks800]

Originally Posted by scrappy

I was thinking the same thing! Why does it go faster???

It's a joke. In a couple of years you'll start seeing friendly bannter between the classic and custom rider's. There always was(and still is at times) between the 800 owners.

[fastball]

Hey, SilverEagle,

I prefer the classic look myself. Don't care for that "Big Wheel" look. You might check out my other thread I just posted on how a Classic can look if you dress her properly. Buy her pretty things and she'll treat you right!

[Keith Sutton]

I just bought a 900 Custom, and I purchased it because it should be a much better cornering bike. I have not rode the Classic, but traded in a Vulcan 750. The 900 Custom corners like a dream compared to the 750, no counter steer, and no problems at low speed. The pegs provide greater lean angle, the 21 inch wheel was matched with an inch more travel in the rear shock, and the seat height was raised a half inch. And the thinner front tire adds easier steering. I was looking at the 900s but didn't want the floor boards or spoked tires, so when the Custom showed up, it was a no-brainer. I'd say the deciding factor is how you will be riding it. Mostly freeway, go with the Classic, but if you like the curvy backroads, go with the Custom. I'm really glad I did.