Do you think the Vulcan 1500 would be good for me.

[devildogpost]

Good day all,

After owning a Honda VLX for a year now I have decided I would like to upgrade to a bigger bike and pass the VLX on to my 16 yr old son. After many trips to the two dealerships we have here in Sheridan, Wyoming I think I am most interested in the Vulcan 1500. It actually came down to the VTX 1300 and the Vulcan 1500 but after a closer look at the two bikes yesterday I think the Vulcan 1500 is the better choice. The VTX has so much plastic chrome that it turned me off.

The reason for the upgrade -- My other half wanted nothing to do with the motorcycle life when I first got the VLX. After finally going on some rides with me this last summer she really enjoys it. So that said I want a bike that really handles the 2 up riding well, is realiable and loves the open roads, which we have plenty of here in Wyoming. There is the possibility a trailer may be in tow at some point so that is a factor as well.

My big decision is this -- To buy used or to buy new. The Kawasaki dealer has a 2001 1500 classic FI with only 7000 miles on her. Upgrades are V & H pipes, Mustang seat, sissy bar, highway bars and windshield. This is just about everything I would want to put on a new one. price $5700 and my choice of tires put on, it needs new tires. The family knows the previous owner (small town) and he took very good care of the bike, it was his baby.

So should I buy new or go for this used one. I am not sure what kind of deal I can get new yet. If need be I can go to another town to get a better deal but I have to make sure it's worth the 150 mile trip each way.

Thanks in advance for all the input.

[Cranky CJ]

How about keeping the Honda for your wife to ride? After 8 yrs of my wife riding with me, this year she decided to get her own. After riding her own for a couple months she made the comment she should have done this years ago. I just sighed and said yea, I know. Other wise the 1500 sounds fine to me. Nothing wrong with a good used bike. the 1500s are a pretty proven platform that have some pretty good longevity. Check out the value of it against what the NADA site has. Cycle trader also has the nada values, you just plug in the specifics and it will spit out a value of the used bike.

[jparent]

First, welcome to the forum! Now, as to your bike purchase; to me, it sounds like a really good deal, plus, you have the advantage of knowing the previous owner, and how well the bike was taken care of. I don't really see a downside to buying the used 1500, especially with the add-ons it's coming with. CrankyCJ makes a couple of good points, as well, but I don't think you'll find a better deal. Go for Metzeler 880 tires, most everyone here seems to agree they're the best. If you check the values online, and they are lower than what the dealer wants, see if they will lower the price. You might get an even better deal.

[Plato]

...The reason for the upgrade -- My other half wanted nothing to do with the motorcycle life when I first got the VLX. After finally going on some rides with me this last summer she really enjoys it. So that said I want a bike that really handles the 2 up riding well, is realiable and loves the open roads, which we have plenty of here in Wyoming. There is the possibility a trailer may be in tow at some point so that is a factor as well...

For folks wanting to do what you describe here, I generally tell folks the Nomad is always the best bang for the buck. I has all the accessories you will quickly add to a Classic when doing long 2-up riding (and they are well matched & good looking).

Having said that, its your money and if you find a sweet deal on a 1500 there's nothing really wrong with that choice

[Cranky CJ]

Not to hijak, but does anybody know if you can even pull a trailer with a 1500? I think I remember reading in my OM that they aren't for pulling trailers?

[jparent]

Not to hijak, but does anybody know if you can even pull a trailer with a 1500? I think I remember reading in my OM that they aren't for pulling trailers?

Good point, and if you do, will that single front rotor be up to the job of stopping the extra weight?

[2WheelFun]

Not to hijak, but does anybody know if you can even pull a trailer with a 1500? I think I remember reading in my OM that they aren't for pulling trailers?

Yes you can. There are a few members here who do pull trailers with their 1500's and 1600's.

[RDap98]

I just looked local and found a 2006 (1500) listed for $6999 and a 2007 for $8150. About 6 months ago I went with a co-worker and bought an 2007 (at the dealer listing $8150) for $8300 out the door. Remember that these are new bikes with zero miles and full warranties. If you look into a new one try CycleBuy.com - Accessories for Motorcycles-ATVs and Dealer invoice information for invoice pricing. Also try Buy or Sell New and Used Motorcycles - CycleTrader.com for local values on similar bikes.

[BamaBob]

First - Welcome aboard!!

Second - 1500's are awesome bikes! I loved my 2004 1500 Classic. Sounds like the used one at he dealer is a good bike. I'd go with the Metzler 880's or Michelen tires.

Another thought is to look at the Nomad - sweet for 2 up or single riding.

[bluestringer]

Good day all,

After owning a Honda VLX for a year now I have decided I would like to upgrade to a bigger bike and pass the VLX on to my 16 yr old son. After many trips to the two dealerships we have here in Sheridan, Wyoming I think I am most interested in the Vulcan 1500. It actually came down to the VTX 1300 and the Vulcan 1500 but after a closer look at the two bikes yesterday I think the Vulcan 1500 is the better choice. The VTX has so much plastic chrome that it turned me off.

The reason for the upgrade -- My other half wanted nothing to do with the motorcycle life when I first got the VLX. After finally going on some rides with me this last summer she really enjoys it. So that said I want a bike that really handles the 2 up riding well, is realiable and loves the open roads, which we have plenty of here in Wyoming. There is the possibility a trailer may be in tow at some point so that is a factor as well.

My big decision is this -- To buy used or to buy new. The Kawasaki dealer has a 2001 1500 classic FI with only 7000 miles on her. Upgrades are V & H pipes, Mustang seat, sissy bar, highway bars and windshield. This is just about everything I would want to put on a new one. price $5700 and my choice of tires put on, it needs new tires. The family knows the previous owner (small town) and he took very good care of the bike, it was his baby.

So should I buy new or go for this used one. I am not sure what kind of deal I can get new yet. If need be I can go to another town to get a better deal but I have to make sure it's worth the 150 mile trip each way.

Thanks in advance for all the input.

The 1500 will serve you well. When I got mine I tried out the VTX1300 and the Vulcan 1500. To me there is no comparsion, the Vulcan won hands down. The VTX was clunky, awkward and just didn't fit me. Plus it is carbed and does not have self adjusting valves. That 1500 deal sounds good, 7000 miles is hardly even broke in, go for it.

[jukief]

I love my 1500. It's a beautiful bike and a real workhorse. Dependable as they get. The 2001 sounds like a great deal and has some really nice after-market mods.

I agree with the recommendation for the Metzlers. I'm running those on my bike and they're great.

We have a friend (member of this forum) who rides two up with his wife on his 1500 AND pulls a trailer. You shouldn't have any problem.

[RichLockyer]

EVERY owners manual says not to pull a trailer OR mount a sidecar.
Lawyers write those things, ya know?

That price is a TOUCH on the high side for an '01 Fi, but only by $100 or less, and with the accessories and new rubber, it sounds like it's a pretty good deal.

For trailer pulling though, I would recommend the Nomad or one of the 1600's... the dual front disk is a big help.

[Classic]

Average retail for a 2001 1500 Classic according to NADA is $4775.00 so I'd say that price is high. Obviously I like the 1500 Classic as I have one but the dealer is being optimistic in my opinion.

[RichLockyer]

Average retail for a 2001 1500 Classic according to NADA is $4775.00 so I'd say that price is high. Obviously I like the 1500 Classic as I have one but the dealer is being optimistic in my opinion.

Retail, private party, or trade value? Kelly Blue Book puts dealer retail at a touch over $6k.

That is surprising, because typically I find NADA pricing to be quite optimistic... I've been able to get KBB trade value on a number of vehicles, but I've been laughed out of dealerships asking for NADA.

[BamaBob]

Retail, private party, or trade value? Kelly Blue Book puts dealer retail at a touch over $6k.

That is surprising, because typically I find NADA pricing to be quite optimistic... I've been able to get KBB trade value on a number of vehicles, but I've been laughed out of dealerships asking for NADA.

Ummm . . . their laughing didn't have nothin' to do with NADA Rich!!!

BwaHahahahaha!!!!

[flanman]

Bob,
I made the exact move you are discussing 2 months ago. I had a 2006 vlx deluxe that I drove for about 4 months. It felt a little small for me ( 6 ft 260 lbs). I started looking orginaly at a vulcan 900, but then a used 2006 1500 classic with 5k miles came along for $5500. Too good of a deal to pass up, so I got it. Now I am so happy I got the 1500, and get compliments on it all the time. As far as the price you are seeing for the 2001 I would really look around first. Per a previous post with a little patience you can probably go 2005 or newer for a similar price range.

Good luck,

Flanman

[Plato]

...For trailer pulling though, I would recommend the Nomad or one of the 1600's... the dual front disk is a big help.

Also in the 1600's favor is the tubeless tires. And one other small issue -between the 1500 and 1600 -which one do you think is most likely to be discontinued in the future ?

But NONE of those things would be a deal killer for me. Powerwise the 1500 is fine for 2up and trailering...

[Ojisan]

You can't go wrong with the 1500, however if the $$$ allow I would seriously look at the 1600, bit more chrome, tubless tires. The 1500 is, like everyone says, the Bread an Butter for the Kawasaki line with proven, time tested reliablility. Its bullet proof and will serve you well in the years to come.

Me, I love my 1500, but the "Call of the Nomad" is whispering in my ear!

Ride Safe

[CycleDude]

I think it sounds like a good deal.

[RichLockyer]

which one do you think is most likely to be discontinued in the future ?

Good point. Every year since the 1600 was released, everyone is expecting the 1500 to be dropped, just like the 800 was dropped when the 900 was released.

But the 1500 and 1600 really are completely different "flavors"... the 1500 is a little closer to the traditional "Fat Boy" styling than the 1600, which has a longer, but lower profile tank, makes it look a little more streamlined. Kawi has done a good job of making a cruiser true to form while breaking away from the Harley Clone image, without going QUITE as far as Yamaha has done with the new 1300 and the art-deco trim package on the 'Liner series.
All very nice bikes though!