2007 Vulcan 900, opinions wanted please!

[Stonestrike]

Morning folks :}

Just registered on the forums today, thoguh from what I've seen so far, I have a feeling ill be here often...

I'm considering the purchase of a vulcan 900. Either clasic or custom due to the lessor price compared to an LT. My riding history is pretty simple.. Picked up a honda helix as a commuter scooter years ago, decided I liked being on 2 wheels and upgraded to a honda goldwing <grin> was an interesting transition, let me tell ya!! Rode the goldwing as my exclisive vehicle for about 6 years and sold it during some hard times..

I love a full dress bile, and the power that I had at the time, but I can't afford to pick one up again. I'm looking for a good commuter bike, that has the power to handle our 80-85 mph freeways out here. My commute is roughly 70 miles a day, and gas in the car is getting costly.

Where I'm wanting opinions are the following.. First, will the 900 suit me as well as I think it will? All the reviews I've read online seem to say the bike is pretty sound overall, and I think it will have plenty of power for my needs. And secondly, looking for a 2007, can I reasonably expect dealers to have stock left at a descent discount? Or am I fooling myself in that?

Want to make the best deal I can of course.

Your thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated! :}

Thanks in advance
Steve {Coolidge, Az}

[Teamlopez1]

Steve i think if you really look you can get yourself a deal out there some where. I see alot of 06-07 used for sale with less than 3K miles on them and thier selling for under 6500.00. Being that you rode a goldwing i would suggest spending the extra cash and get the LT because not having a shield sucks for freeway riding if you do that alot. The 900 is a solid bike and will work for most folks needs. Good luck

[N3FOLN3FOL]

+1 on used 900's. You may be able to find a used 900LT out there with less than 10K miles. Since you came from a full dressed bike, it sounds like to me you tend to bring luggage with you...so you will need those bags. The 900 will perform endlessly for your commute to and from work.

[Vulcan900]

I have both a VN900 Classic (added a shield, bags, and an overdrive pulley) and a VN2000LT. The 900 was a bit busy at interstate speeds... until I installed the pulley, now it is fine. I find the 900 a very capable machine, very easy to ride, low center of gravity, low seat height, maneuverable, etc... It does lack a little in the power and braking categories (but that is compared to my V2K!!!) I still swap days between the V2K and the 900 for my short commute.

[CycleDude]

Ken (Lobocop) is selling his 900. I know it's far, but what a road trip it would be.... Check it out...
http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...can-900-a.html

[Stonestrike]

I looked :} before I posted, and while that is a bit of a trip, that isn't what kept me from seriously considering it..

Will only have about 4k cash to put down :{

That will cripple me buying from a private party, but a dealer with a discounted bike would jump at financing the remainder.

Love the bike though Ken :}

Really appreciate the responses so far folks, great to have feedback from those with current experiance on em. :}

And my apologies for any and all typos.. Using a phone to post, so somewhat limited on my editing capabilities.. Will fix from home later! <grin>

[ALStensby]

First off, a lot of dealers will finance...using a credit card system. AKA...HUGE APR! Check out a local Credit Union that you can join or even a regular bank. I took out a loan at my Credit Union for my Meanstreak (financed it all) and had a rate about 8%. Bought it private party. With $4K down, how much are you looking to pay monthly? That'll dictate how much you want to spend.

As for the LT, I'd recommend staying away from that and going with the regular Classic. You can use the saved money to buy better bags, shield, etc and you can probably find better deals anyhow. Several people I know who've bought LTs decided they wanted better stuff anyhow...so you'll save money in the long run. On a side note, if you like the big bikes made for longer hauls, why not look in to a used Nomad? If you finance $5K, that gets you about a $9K bike which could put a Nomad in your range and at 10% (just a guess...goes up and down depending on your credit), your monthly would be right around $100. Just a thought.

[Colorado900]

+1 Don't use dealer financing. Most credit unions have web sites where you can submit your loan and find out within 24 hours.

[El Zorro]

I second the idea of getting a credit union loan if at all possible. Buying from a private party will get you a better price (unless you want to buy used from the dealer). I bought my LT used, and financed it 100% through my CU at a sweet 6% interest for 4 years. If you are willing to go used, check out local CUs and see if you can secure a loan. Then you can put down your 4K, and be done paying it off relatively quickly.

[fljohnboy]

Try looking in cycletrader in Arizona. They had some pretty good deals on 07's I saw. Here's the link

Motorcycles for Sale - CycleTrader.com

[Dougsboy]

I just bought a new '07 900 custom here in Dallas for $6800.00 out the door. Fly to Dallas, buy it and ride it back home.

[CootoronScooter]

Are you wanting it strictly for a commuter bike? And do you want to stay in the cruiser style? If not check out the Versys. You can slap on some hard bags and trunk and do some serious commuting.

[Skiing49er]

I wouldn't trade my VN900 for a Versys or any crotch rocket for that matter, I'm spoiled allready! I would trade the cost difference I paid for the LT for some different accssy's. I like the 2 tone paint tho... The front pulley upgrade is a must for your commute. It'll enhance your gas mileage as well.

[mwmalotte]

You can't go wrong with a 900 - they are great bikes.

As far as the diff between a regular classic and an LT, it depends on what ya want. I liked the LT windshield, bags and backrest. To me, it added to the "finished" look and - with the Vulcan logos on all three - really tied it all together. Plus, I didn't have to worry about coming up with the $$$ for them later.

Of course, that's from my perspective. If you were gonna replace em anyway, yeah, go with the regular classic. It'll save ya some $$$ and you can get what you like.

Regardless, good luck in your search. I'm pretty confident you'll love whichever version ya get

[Stonestrike]

2007 vn900lt used in stock. t has less than 4000mi. on it and is in perfect condition. It belonged to one of our customers and has been serviced at our location ssince new. We are asking 6999.00

this one came in on email tonight, dont know color or any other specifics, but find myself tempted <grin>

figure with 4k miles on it it's just getting broken in, and if they have proof of service, thats a big plus as well.

[Sierra Vulcan]

Originally Posted by Stonestrike

2007 vn900lt used in stock. t has less than 4000mi. on it and is in perfect condition. It belonged to one of our customers and has been serviced at our location ssince new. We are asking 6999.00

this one came in on email tonight, dont know color or any other specifics, but find myself tempted <grin>

figure with 4k miles on it it's just getting broken in, and if they have proof of service, thats a big plus as well.

I bought my 07 in June of 07 for 6500.00 + all the BS fees with ZERO miles!
Seven grand + dealer fees for a used bike seems high to me. IMHO Look into a private party and avoid commissions. Any "service" records will be fluff. It is a brand new bike what do they have 2 oil changes. That bike should sell for about 5K cash thru a PP. At least where we are.

Keep looking.

Keith

[Stonestrike]

It happened...

Found a 2007 900 classic, 4800 asking price :} out the door for 5300.

Just finished signing the paperwork, can't wait to get some good pics taken and begin to make her mine :}

[nedley]

Congrats Stonestrike! Sounds like you got a GREAT deal and sure am looking forward to the pics! I know you'll love the ride!!

[ZeroPunch]

Originally Posted by Stonestrike

It happened...

Found a 2007 900 classic, 4800 asking price :} out the door for 5300.

Just finished signing the paperwork, can't wait to get some good pics taken and begin to make her mine :}

Good deal! Enjoy the ride.