Newbie Needs Advice on Buying Vulcan

[Medellin]

I saw a 1993 used Vulcan 500 for $2000 at a motorcycle dealer. They said their mechanics do a check out and fix anything as part of the resale process. The bike has a few dings, apparently someone else's first bike. I know I will put some dings too since it will be my first bike. I also know I will have to put some money in it because of its age. My concern are design flaws on the engine and other parts, since replacing an engine is more than I could consider.
I would appreciate opinions about this bike, and its engine (though a 500, I think its actually a 498??). Anyway, any advice is highly appreciated, since I am seriously considering it. I want to take some nice trips with it, could involve highway travel.

thanks

[jbporter]

The 500's are good bikes, very reliable as long as it has been reasonably maintained, my wife has one. With that said, 2K for a 93 sounds a little steep to me, even with low miles. Kelly Blue Book has value listed as $1930 for retail, but with a few dings and such, depending on mileage, I would try to get them down further. It is ultimately up to you depending on mileage and specific condition.

[Scruffy]

$2000 for a 14 year old EN500? Tell me that you do not live in the Puget Sound Region...
-Scruffy

[Uthor]

Sounds a little high to me also, but it is coming from a dealer.

I don't think the bikes have changed much, if at all, in a long time. I have an '06 and can't recommend it enough for a new rider. Since mine is relatively new (~5.5k miles), I can't speak much for reliability. The biggest downfall I see is the total lack of an aftermarket.

[relli]

way too much. 4999 for an 07

[Slow Ride]

sounds high to me for a 14 year old bike. If it was a bmw, something collectable that might be one thing, but like relli said and 07 is listed $4999, , and a dealer should come down off of that amount.

[stevebtx12]

+1 ^^^, offer 'em about $1400, that is way too high IMO. When I traded in my '94 VN750 which was in mint condition, they sold it for about $1900.

[Bob Brooks]

I saw a 1993 used Vulcan 500 for $2000 at a motorcycle dealer. They said their mechanics do a check out and fix anything as part of the resale process. The bike has a few dings, apparently someone else's first bike. I know I will put some dings too since it will be my first bike. I also know I will have to put some money in it because of its age. My concern are design flaws on the engine and other parts, since replacing an engine is more than I could consider.
I would appreciate opinions about this bike, and its engine (though a 500, I think its actually a 498??). Anyway, any advice is highly appreciated, since I am seriously considering it. I want to take some nice trips with it, could involve highway travel.

thanks

Recalling your last sentence, I would think about getting a bike with more power. You'll notice quite a lot of chatter on this web about how great the VN 900 is. After a year on mine, I still marvel at what a cool machine this is for the price.

[accord_guy]

Offer $1500 and run the stink out of it. It's a great engine.

[kc6wfs]

I have my 05 500 LTD listed in the for sale page $3500.00


Dave

[TJ900B]

In general, I feel the 500 is an excellent choice for a first bike. Its reliable, light weight enough and maneuverable enough to make getting your license easy, yet heavy enough you aren't going to change lanes when a truck passes you, and low cost enough that you can have a few mistakes and not want to go commit Sepiku.

Ultimately though I can not make a recommendation without knowing the miles and condition. The 93 is selling from anywhere from $1,000 to $2,400.

Personally a few dings or dents wouldn't concern me as much as the condition especially tires and if higher milage sprockets and chain. That's very short time frame dollars out of your pocket over the selling price.

As for dealers, don't trust anyone who says trust me.

Tj

[Spok]

how many miles?

2k?

hmmm, steep price

[vulcan500rider]

Wayyyy too much. I sold my 06 Vulcan 500 with 6600 miles for $2500. I would pass on this one. Check out Craigslist. There aren't any design flaws but know that after 1995 there were major design changes.