1995 Vulcan 1500 classic input!!!!

[Big_D]

I am considering selling my 2005 vulcan 500 ltd and buying a 1995 vulcan classic w 17,000 miles looks great well kept and outfitted w/hard bags highway bar and pegs winshield passenger foot rests. All which are luxuries when compared to my 500. Yet I like to know what are the advantages and dis-advantages to having the bigger bike. I have only had my 500 for 8 months and it has just 6000 miles on it. Any input????

[Spok]

it really all depends on what kind of riding you do or are looking for and exactly what you ride your bike for. if your looking for fuel MPG's, the 500 is certainl the way to go. if your looking for two up riding, 1500.

the 1500 is a good machine, lots of power, low end torque and can go long haul and around town with no problem

the 500 will go long haul but it might not be as comfy but is great for round town errands.

the only real disadvantage I can even think of is less fuel mpgs...but thats not a real problem, you should be able to get 35-40 out of the 1500

[Big_D]

Thanks for the input Spok, I can get $4,200 for the 500 and the 1500 owner is asking $4,300 obo does that sound about right on his asking offer?

[Spok]

sounds like a good price on a 1500 with low miles

[Big_D]

You refered to what kind of riding I do...... and I started thinking "what kind of riding do I do?" I commute to work and school and I travel on the weekends. To work one way is 27miles to school is 43miles and I have taken a 600 mile trip to the beach recently. my wife is pregnant and has not ridden with me yet but I suspect she might in the future....all in all I will probably commute alone on my bike but I need ample storage for books and gear.

[Trent257]

the price seems high, is anything done to it? i payed 3200 for my 94, and book on it is $3145

[woodchucks800]

Originally Posted by Spok

sounds like a good price on a 1500 with low miles

The bike he's talking about is going on 13 yrs old. You still think thats a good price? Plus isn't any of the 1500's before 96 4 speeds ? I'm not sure on that part.

[woodchucks800]

Originally Posted by Big_D

You refered to what kind of riding I do...... and I started thinking "what kind of riding do I do?" I commute to work and school and I travel on the weekends. To work one way is 27miles to school is 43miles and I have taken a 600 mile trip to the beach recently. my wife is pregnant and has not ridden with me yet but I suspect she might in the future....all in all I will probably commute alone on my bike but I need ample storage for books and gear.

It averages out to be around 1400 miles a year for 12 yrs. I wonder how often the oil was changes during that time. Like mentioned in another post ,just offer him book price. As far as the bike comparsion. Yuo can add as much storage on the 500 that you can the 1500, but If your thinking about 2 up. go with the 1500. Have you taken the bike out for a nice test ride? when you do give it a spin around town and out on the highway just so you now how it rides and if it has any power or handling quirks. Ask how long the battery has been in the bike. By milage it should be fine but it's 12 years old if it's still the original battery Need a new one of them . You might as well check out the tires too. Ask about things llike when the last time he changed the antifreeze ,oil, brakefluid, fork oil.lube the drivetrain, and swingarm. These are all things that'll need to be done or checked about (someone's gotta do it)when buying a bike this old. I'm not saying don't buy the bike, just giving you some negotiation questions to bring up.

[flareside]

I own a 87 vulcan 1500 88 se and absolutely love it. It is an older bike with 31k miles on it. I put a windshield on it... The torque is awesome. This bike gets the looks as it is a vulcan but not the newer version of vulcan.
You will enjoy it.
Rick
Atlanta Georgia

[Deeppurple52]

Sorry mate, but that is an outrageous price for a '95. You should be able to get a 2000-2002 for that price. The '95 is a 4-speed bike. I paid $5500 for my 2004 1600, fully loaded, 6,200 miles. You can do better. I'd say no to this one.

[Spok]

Originally Posted by woodchucks800

The bike he's talking about is going on 13 yrs old. You still think thats a good price? Plus isn't any of the 1500's before 96 4 speeds ? I'm not sure on that part.

i spazzed there, yeah...a 95? way too much. not sure why i thought it was an 01?...

anyway, for an 95, you'll want to see if it still has the POG (plastic oil gear)

[bluestringer]

I agree with Woody, that's a little high for a 95. It is a 4 speed, and didn't they have problems with the shift fork. I would pass unless he came way down on the price. Check the VROC classifieds, should be some good buys there.

[Raff]

Hello, This are my two cents, two weeks ago I bought a 95 1500 Vulcan 88, with only 17k miles on it, it has penty of torque with 4 speeds, the 1500 looks better than my Vulcan 03 800 classic, I am really happy with my new bike, one think that I notice rightaway was the power that the 1500 has. Now I am looking for some info about the 1500. good luck

[bluestringer]

Originally Posted by Raff

Hello, This are my two cents, two weeks ago I bought a 95 1500 Vulcan 88, with only 17k miles on it, it has penty of torque with 4 speeds, the 1500 looks better than my Vulcan 03 800 classic, I am really happy with my new bike, one think that I notice rightaway was the power that the 1500 has. Now I am looking for some info about the 1500. good luck

That's why it's called the BUBF......butt ugly, but fast.

[Dudester]

Although my Classic is only an 800cc and a 1997 it came with every possible bling you could ask for, from the after market V&H pipes to the mustang seat and a heck of lot more chromed stuff and floor boards etc etc etc...I mean I really don't know what more I could add to this bike. I purchased the bike last year for $2000.00 and the bike had 25000k on it. It came with two new tires, new battery and a maintenance list of every service check it had in it's lifetime.
My bike is still going strong and I just love it. Personally I think you could do a lot better for that kind of coin, BUT, if that's the bike you love and dream about being seen on, then the price doesn't mean a darn thing. There are plenty of bikes out there for sale, try finding the one that has the most bling on it as well as one that the seller can prove it was highly maintained and not abused. Good luck on whatever bike you decide to go with, but most of all, be safe.

[Aquaman95]

Well, the first thing you should know is that the 1500 Classic didn't exist in 1995. It was introduced in 1996. In 1995 they only offered the BUBF.

Assuming it's a 1996 then it may have some issues that need to be dealt with:

1) POG
2) Shift Fork
3) Gasperitus

On top of that, you'll need to go through it with a fine tooth comb to catch up on all the maintenance that's been mentioned in this thread. That can get expensive if you don't so it yourself.

I'd buy it (if it's a 1996 Classic), but only for $3,000 or so.

[Raff]

My BUBF is a beauty, I am really lucky that I found such a good bike, it doesn't need a clutch cable adjustment, chain lube, rear break adjustment and it runs under the rain really good, I just came back from work and it rain on us big time, tomorrow I am going to take some pictures of my 1500 and post them.

[classic1]

I think the 1500's in 95-97 had tranny problems. Search this site for shifting problems.
Good luck!

[vulcan500rider]

Originally Posted by Big_D

Thanks for the input Spok, I can get $4,200 for the 500 and the 1500 owner is asking $4,300 obo does that sound about right on his asking offer?

I would be shocked if you could get $4,200 for your 500. Book on it is $2600 - 3800. But that would be great.

[Raff]

So what happened?? did you get the bubf????