Vulcan Custom 900

[Socal_Rider]

Hi i'm new to cruisers, but been on sportbike for a while now.
I'm looking for a beginner Cruiser, I really like the styling of the CUSTOM 900.
but concern over the thin front tire and will it be difficult to handle at high speed or to a NEWBIE like me?
All input is Appreciated..
thanks

[colbycurtis]

Originally Posted by Socal_Rider

Hi i'm new to cruisers, but been on sportbike for a while now.
I'm looking for a beginner Cruiser, I really like the styling of the CUSTOM 900.
but concern over the thin front tire and will it be difficult to handle at high speed or to a NEWBIE like me?
All input is Appreciated..
thanks

I can't answer your question but I was wondering the same thing. I noticed alot of the HD bikes are like that skinny front tire. I wonder what the advantage and disadvantages are

[Mycruiser]

I have an 800A, it has a thin front tire, I have no problems with handling or vibration at high speeds! And if Kawasaki thought there would be question about safety or handling they wouldn't have put it on the market!

[Socal_Rider]

Well I talked to the Dealer, and they said the thiner front tire is quicker on handling (easier to turn and etc.), they said that it wouldn't effect handling at HWY speeds..
My other concern is since it's a thiner tire, therefore it has a smaller contact patch with the pavement, would this be a problem on turns (mainly mid to high speed)? i know at slow speed this bike should be easier to turn.

ALSO... can anyone tell me will the any windshield fit on the bike? since kawasaki hasn't come out with a factory one yet. Also anyone got any accessory for this bike yet????

[RichLockyer]

Yes, the smaller tire provides more responsive handling.
As far as the contact patch... it's not a sportbike, don't ride it like a sportbike, and you'll be fine.

Windshield on that style bike?

[Socal_Rider]

[QUOTE
Windshield on that style bike? [/quote]

haha.. sorry, again I'm new to cruiser.. and i might take the wife on rides up the PCH and others... so might need a windshield.

[RichLockyer]

One of the reasons I enjoy riding is the wind in my face.
Though the shield looks okay on the 1600 Classic, for me it's 1/2-helmet and bare bars.
A good set of goggles to keep the wind out of my eyes and it's fine... nothing wrong with a little free dermabrasion.

If I throw the lady on the back, I'll block the wind for her

[Socal_Rider]

what about Sissy bar and Luggage options? if anyone knows anything.. I'm really interested.. I might want to get one within weeks

[RichLockyer]

Gonna be a tough call on the 900 Custom. It's a brand new design (literally hit the dealers last week).
It LOOKS like the 900 Classic sissy bar will work, but no guarantee yet.

[mumbles]

My 800a has the skinny front tire. My only problem was that the front end would flop around at slow speeds.
Since replacing the Bridgestone that it came with, with the Metzlers 880, I haven't had any problems at slow speeds with the front end wanting to flop over.

[LordGT]

Originally Posted by mumbles

My 800a has the skinny front tire. My only problem was that the front end would flop around at slow speeds.
Since replacing the Bridgestone that it came with, with the Metzlers 880, I haven't had any problems at slow speeds with the front end wanting to flop over.

Just out of curiosity, won't the skinny front tire also find and follow little uneven patches and grooves in the road easier than a wider tire, making the bike follow the grooves? Espeically on the hwy or fwy where they cut those grooves for traction?

[Socal_Rider]

Originally Posted by LordGT

Just out of curiosity, won't the skinny front tire also find and follow little uneven patches and grooves in the road easier than a wider tire, making the bike follow the grooves? Espeically on the hwy or fwy where they cut those grooves for traction?

that's a good question, i'm wondering the same thing. BTW does anyone on this forum own a VN900 CUSTOM??

[budro40]

Originally Posted by Socal_Rider

that's a good question, i'm wondering the same thing. BTW does anyone on this forum own a VN900 CUSTOM??

I am not sure about this site but i think over on the delphi900 forum somebody just bought one.

[Socal_Rider]

Originally Posted by budro40

I am not sure about this site but i think over on the delphi900 forum somebody just bought one.

is it possible for you to provide a link to that forum? thanks

[RichLockyer]

Originally Posted by Socal_Rider

that's a good question, i'm wondering the same thing. BTW does anyone on this forum own a VN900 CUSTOM??

Anyone with an 800A or Harley Dyna would be able to tell you.

I think the larger diameter tends to offset the loss of width (you end up with a longer but narrower footprint). My dirtbike has no troubles at all on or off road with it's 80/100-21, but I have not taken it on the highway.

[pat0021]

http://forums.delphiforums.com/kawasaki900/messages

Look for the 900 custom thread in the general category. but from what you say you want in a bike maybe the classic will give you more of what you want??? Just my .02

[Tattoomarc]

I owned a few old triumph's with thin front tires they don't handle open grate bridges very well, But my 900 classic does not have any problems at all with the wider tires

[Socal_Rider]

Went to delphi and check out the thread.... seems like the guy has no problem with handling or grabing of the pavement by the thin front tire..
I know going over a bridge might be a different case.... I think i'm gonna get the Custom over the Classic... I like the styling of the custom more then classic (since I'm not over 30 yet. haha)
Also the guy said that the 650 Custom windshield fit on the 900 CUSTOM !!!!! big news.. NOW I CAN GET WindShield

[AZ rider]

I dont know. You say youve been riding a sport bike for a while?? That tells me you know how to ride,
So just get on the SOB and ride it.

[mumbles]

Originally Posted by LordGT

Just out of curiosity, won't the skinny front tire also find and follow little uneven patches and grooves in the road easier than a wider tire, making the bike follow the grooves? Espeically on the hwy or fwy where they cut those grooves for traction?

The 21" front wheel on the 800 follows the grooves on the road the same as the Suzuki with the 150/80-16 does.
The only problem I notice is that the front end on the 800 seems very light at speeds over 95 mph. Kinda lets you know to back out of it.