Just bought a Vulcan 900 Custom! But I have some questions!

[Red Barchetta]

Hey guys, first let me say that I've found this site to be a great resource so far.

Anyway, I just bought a Vulcan 900 Custom a few days ago and am loving it so far. But I'm still fairly new to cycling and wanted to get some clarification on a few things.

First off, the manual says to put the bike into neutral before turning it off...huh? Shouldn't one leave it in 1st, to prevent it from rolling, especially if you're on an incline?

Speaking of inclines, you have to be on a pretty level surface while warming up a bike, right? Since there's no way to "park" it (like a car), I was wondering what the steepest slope I could have the bike safely warm up on, without me having to sit on the bike.

Thirdly, I'm still early in the break-in period, but I'm concerned about engine braking when going downhills. Clearly it's a smart thing to do from a safety perspective, but could it be putting too much strain on the engine at this point?

Thanks!

[USAF Dad]

Originally Posted by Red Barchetta

Hey guys, first let me say that I've found this site to be a great resource so far.

Anyway, I just bought a Vulcan 900 Custom a few days ago and am loving it so far. But I'm still fairly new to cycling and wanted to get some clarification on a few things.

First off, the manual says to put the bike into neutral before turning it off...huh? Shouldn't one leave it in 1st, to prevent it from rolling, especially if you're on an incline?

That's probably because you would use your left hand to turn the ignition switch off, thus letting go of the clutch. You'd have to be in neutral to do that. They don't want you to get used to using the "kill" switch on the right grip, because too many people will use that and forget to turn off the switch. My boss did that....dead battery when he left work. Personally, I usually stay in first with clutch disengaged while reaching over with my right hand and turning the ignition switch off. It's not that difficult.

Speaking of inclines, you have to be on a pretty level surface while warming up a bike, right? Since there's no way to "park" it (like a car), I was wondering what the steepest slope I could have the bike safely warm up on, without me having to sit on the bike.

If it doesn't roll away, you're good to go.

Thirdly, I'm still early in the break-in period, but I'm concerned about engine braking when going downhills. Clearly it's a smart thing to do from a safety perspective, but could it be putting too much strain on the engine at this point?

Decelleration and acceleration are both part of breaking in a new motor. Don'tworry about it, just ride it. The only thing you really want to do is vary your speeds. Don't do any long trips at a sustained speed. Around town type driving is great for breakin, with the occasional highway cruise while varying your speeds from 55 -65.


Thanks!

Now just go out and ride it to get past that 600 mile mark!

[Classic]

Be careful about parking the bike on an incline where the front of the bike is lower than the rear as it can drift forward right off the sidestand. My driveway has a biit of an incline and I have to be careful when washing the bike to make sure it's pointed up hill. Even putting it in gear may not be enough as it can still roll a little till the engine and tranny catch it.

[stevebtx12]

+1 ^^^ USAF Dad nailed it on his responses. Make sure and let the bike warm up for 2 - 3 min. before taking off, and varying the speeds during break-in is the most important thing to do. Like he said, around town driving is the best way to break one in.

[Smokedawg]

Congrats on your new bike purchase! Looks like these guys have answered your questions...

[Rsmith]

"First off, the manual says to put the bike into neutral before turning it off...huh? Shouldn't one leave it in 1st, to prevent it from rolling, especially if you're on an incline?"

You can always just put the kick stand down with the bike in gear and it will kill the engine. Then you can turn off the key, and leave it in gear to prevent rolling. Just remember to put it into neutral before trying to start it.

[USAF Dad]

[quote=Rsmith;719725
You can always just put the kick stand down with the bike in gear and it will kill the engine.Then you can turn off the key and leave it in gear to prevent rolling. Just remember to put it into neutral before trying to start it.[/QUOTE]

Then you can turn off the key

Can't resite this part enough.

[Smokedawg]

Originally Posted by Rsmith

Just remember to put it into neutral before trying to start it.

My 900 Custom wont start unless its in neutral...

[Parrothead]

Originally Posted by Smokedawg

My 900 Custom wont start unless its in neutral...

really, I have one and didnt know that. Will have to try it tonite.

I started off using the kill switch but twice I left the key in. I still use it but have drilled into my mind to get the key out.
I leave mine in gear while parked. Had it almost roll of the stand on my sloped driveway once.

Congrads on the bike, I love mine! Good luck!

[Smokedawg]

Originally Posted by Parrothead

really, I have one and didnt know that. Will have to try it tonite.

I am 99% sure thats right. I knowI have tried it before...

[cbr74]

It will not start while in gear... unless the clutch is pulled in.

[Smokedawg]

Originally Posted by cbr74

It will not start while in gear... unless the clutch is pulled in.

That must have been what I done then

Thanks

[Thunder Lizard]

Just a thought...... if your driveway/parking area is sloped enough to concern you, is there any spot you can install a "parking block" to back the bike into?
(So it's facing uphill, like). Then you can back into the block like you would a curb, and all should be well.
I used a "landscape tie" (like a fencepost, sorta) on it's side, and pounded a couple pieces of rebar into the ground to attach it to. Worked like a charm.
It just looks like I used the tie to put an edge around the spot I parked in.

[Mustard]

Originally Posted by cbr74

It will not start while in gear... unless the clutch is pulled in.

It will start in gear, but the clutch has to be pulled and the kickstand has to be up.

[chukster]

You can't go wrong with following the manual for break in procedure. I did mine a little quicker and had it on the hwy by 300 miles for my commute. Don't be afraid of some full throttle bursts. It won't hurt and can actually help seat the rings. Just don't get it really hot by running constant high speeds/high rpm.

My "hurry up and park" routine is simply to put down the kickstand (which kills the engine) and then pull out the key, leaving it in gear. Hurry up and leave is just pull the kickstand up, turn on the ignition key, pull in the clutch and hit the starter, although most of the time I put it in neutral and start it so it can warm up while I am putting on my helmet and gear. In the mornings, it usually finishes the high idle routine before I even leave the house.