900 Perf. Difference: Custom vs. Classic

flybub · 04-26-2008

Hey everyone. Still on my search for that perfect ride. I have been debating the mean streak and 900 Custom. I am coming off a CBR F4 600 and while I know that no cruiser is going to give me what I had in the CBR that is ok with me. With 2 kids at home (1 & 4 yrs old) I think its time I slow down. I love the look of the drag bars on bikes but my wife has informed me she wants to go on rides on days we can find daycare for the little ones. My question to all of you is what is the difference in performance between the 900 Custom and the 900 Classic? The bags would be nice to have to store the beer in on the way home from work but the drag bars to me really set the bike apart from the rest. If I bought the 900 Classic and replaced the stock bars with the drag bars can I expect the same performance out of the classic that I can expect out of the custom? Most of my friends have replaced their sport bikes with cruisers so keeping up with someone is not my intention. I would rather enjoy the countryside on a post dinner ride than see how fast I can take a 90* corner. I know some of you will respond that a 900 may not be up to the task coming off a sport bike and that is fine with me. I still think the MS is the best looking bike on the market but I do not need that much motor right now. I have looked at sport tour bikes, the Honda VFR to be exact, and the wife absolutely hated the back of it. She said she sat too high, but she is 5'9". And while the FJR is a sweet looking ride, it's out of my budge right now. I do very little interstate riding, most of it is in town and some 50-55 mph rides. I have done a search on the drag bars on a classic and I really like the look so if someone could throw some info on performance my way it would be greatly appreciated.

Galen · 04-26-2008

I have a Custom, and I don't believe your wife would like the stock seat at all. In fact, I just switched my seat over to a Kawasaki Gel for a Custom so I can have a passanger if I desired. I also added some saddle bags to mine to make it more useful. I also added a front pulley to give the 900 more interstate legs. Since I couldn't stand all the wind, I went with a windshield for a Vulcan 500. My next mod will be some ape hangers to get rid of the drag bars. They just aren't comfortable to me on long trips. I do like the styling of the Custom more than the Classic as far as fenders and wheels, but am now making my bike my own for looks and utility.

Galen

Deeppurple52 · 04-26-2008

Perfromance difference..... NONE

predfan2001 · 04-26-2008

I'm under the impression that the basic platform of the two are the same. The main differences are the frt end, fenders, wheels, handlebars, seat and poss. exhaust.

I was looking into adding spokes to my Custom and found that the part numbers of the rear swingarms are the same in both models. Therefore a Classic rear wheel should work on a Custom.

sl3slinger · 04-26-2008

imo, the best advice would be take the wife and look at them both, have her sit on them and buy the one that makes her happiest! remember if moma aint happy nobodies happy!

gimmick · 04-26-2008

i agree with Galen, my wife couldn't stand the Custom stock seat and after only one-day trip we bought a Mustang.
i think it is a must(ang!) to change the seat if you want to do two-up a lot.
other than that, the Custom "look" had me sold at first sight

azwiley1 · 04-26-2008

As the only differences of the three VN900 bikes is cosmetic there is no basic performance difference in the bikes. All have the same engine and tranny combo.

sisooktom · 04-26-2008

Depends on how you define performance. I think the Custom is a tad lighter, but not enough to make much of a difference. The Custom also has slightly larger brakes and a good bit more cornering clearance.

Seadog1967 · 04-26-2008

Why not go with the 900 classic LT then ya got the bags, windshield and sissy bar for the wife.

azwiley1 · 04-26-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sisooktom

Depends on how you define performance. I think the Custom is a tad lighter, but not enough to make much of a difference. The Custom also has slightly larger brakes and a good bit more cornering clearance.

In a sense true, the Custom is 549, the Classic is 557 and the LT 594. As to the cornering I can't say for sure, though there was a write up done a while back that is online somewhere where the Classic was reviewed as the better handling of the two bikes.

Cruz · 04-26-2008

My wifes been a passenger on bikes without the sissy bar and didn't care for it.
We got the LT and shes happy to go riding with me.

Best thing is sitting on one with both of you.

Good luck and happy hunting.

VrUoLcCkAsN · 04-26-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seadog1967

Why not go with the 900 classic LT then ya got the bags, windshield and sissy bar for the wife.

I'd have to agree with you Seadog. I was actually looking at the 900 Classic over the Custom because the passenger seat was visibly more cushy for my wife. I sent a picture to her and she went to the website, saw the LT with the back rest, saddlebags and windshield and told me she wanted me to get that one instead. Who am I to argue... The back rest allows her to enjoy the ride without having to hold on to me for "dear life". She feels safer with it there. Like someone else said, if mama's happy, all is good.

I have to say, the 900 Classic LT is an awesome ride. The stock seat is actually quite comfortable after you put in a few hundred miles to get use to it. It's got more than enough power to keep me happy.

skewterdewd · 04-26-2008

How about this- You get the custom and put a nice saddleman/mustang/better seat on it. You get the fun feel of forwards & drag bars, she gets a seat that's not torture to ride on for more than 15 minutes. (the stock custom seat might be ok for you, but she will hate it.

The 900 is the perfect bike for mellow riding at legal speeds. Other than seating/postion all 3 versions will be very similar performance-wise.

sdm74 · 04-26-2008

i thought i read on a review in a mag, that the custom was sketchy in the turns because of the skinny front tire.

azwiley1 · 04-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdm74

i thought i read on a review in a mag, that the custom was sketchy in the turns because of the skinny front tire.

I believe you and I are refering to the same article.

NewRoadie · 04-27-2008

I rode the LT after purchasing my Custom and in my opinion, the Custom is more comfortable. I am not real tall (5' 8") and have short legs (30" inseam) and have found the seating position on the Custom to fit me perfectly. I did not like the floor boards and heel/toe shifter on the Classic, or the bars, but I am sure that you could get used to them.

I guess my butt is just different than others as I have over 1,000 miles on the stock seat and am still okay with it. My wife rode with me for her first 2-up ride on 'our' bike tonight and after 60 miles, she is not ready to try a new seat yet. Are we just wierd?

Bottom line = purchase what YOU want!!

c_law23 · 04-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by azwiley1

In a sense true, the Custom is 549, the Classic is 557 and the LT 594. As to the cornering I can't say for sure, though there was a write up done a while back that is online somewhere where the Classic was reviewed as the better handling of the two bikes.

I would say since the custom has pegs the cornering clearance would be better. I read a lot of reviews on the bikes before i bought last year and the biggest "handling issue" was that the custom had the skinny front wheel and while it rides great, it just wasnt "confidence inspiring" (their words not mine

)

sisooktom · 04-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdm74

i thought i read on a review in a mag, that the custom was sketchy in the turns because of the skinny front tire.

I think I may have read that write up as well. I also read one where the reviewer thought the Custom handled better, so it's probably a wash. There's no question that it has more clearance though.

flybub · 04-27-2008

Thanks for the help everyone. If I end up with a custom I am prepared to get a custom saddle for it. You all have been a big help, as always. I'll take the wife to the stealership this week and let her butt try out some different styles and go from there. Thanks again for the help. Ride Safe.

sl3slinger · 04-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybub

Thanks for the help everyone. If I end up with a custom I am prepared to get a custom saddle for it. You all have been a big help, as always. I'll take the wife to the stealership this week and let her butt try out some different styles and go from there. Thanks again for the help. Ride Safe.

you do realize pics are mandatory when ya get your bike!

04-26-2008	#1 (permalink)
flybub Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 14	900 Perf. Difference: Custom vs. Classic Hey everyone. Still on my search for that perfect ride. I have been debating the mean streak and 900 Custom. I am coming off a CBR F4 600 and while I know that no cruiser is going to give me what I had in the CBR that is ok with me. With 2 kids at home (1 & 4 yrs old) I think its time I slow down. I love the look of the drag bars on bikes but my wife has informed me she wants to go on rides on days we can find daycare for the little ones. My question to all of you is what is the difference in performance between the 900 Custom and the 900 Classic? The bags would be nice to have to store the beer in on the way home from work but the drag bars to me really set the bike apart from the rest. If I bought the 900 Classic and replaced the stock bars with the drag bars can I expect the same performance out of the classic that I can expect out of the custom? Most of my friends have replaced their sport bikes with cruisers so keeping up with someone is not my intention. I would rather enjoy the countryside on a post dinner ride than see how fast I can take a 90* corner. I know some of you will respond that a 900 may not be up to the task coming off a sport bike and that is fine with me. I still think the MS is the best looking bike on the market but I do not need that much motor right now. I have looked at sport tour bikes, the Honda VFR to be exact, and the wife absolutely hated the back of it. She said she sat too high, but she is 5'9". And while the FJR is a sweet looking ride, it's out of my budge right now. I do very little interstate riding, most of it is in town and some 50-55 mph rides. I have done a search on the drag bars on a classic and I really like the look so if someone could throw some info on performance my way it would be greatly appreciated.

04-26-2008	#3 (permalink)
Deeppurple52 Deeppurple52 BTK Expert Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 1,346	Perfromance difference..... NONE __________________ Enjoy the ride! Deeppurple 2004 1600 Classic 2006 900 Classic

04-26-2008	#4 (permalink)
predfan2001 Pro Blinker Tapper BTK Expert Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Clarksville Tn Posts: 1,015	I'm under the impression that the basic platform of the two are the same. The main differences are the frt end, fenders, wheels, handlebars, seat and poss. exhaust. I was looking into adding spokes to my Custom and found that the part numbers of the rear swingarms are the same in both models. Therefore a Classic rear wheel should work on a Custom. __________________ 2007 Vulcan 900 Custom 1998 Lakota 300

04-26-2008	#6 (permalink)
gimmick Still On The Kickstand BTK Beginner Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sydney, AUS Posts: 44	i agree with Galen, my wife couldn't stand the Custom stock seat and after only one-day trip we bought a Mustang. i think it is a must(ang!) to change the seat if you want to do two-up a lot. other than that, the Custom "look" had me sold at first sight __________________ Mick http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NDQ8T4N61M

04-26-2008	#7 (permalink)
azwiley1 Former foxhole digger Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,182	As the only differences of the three VN900 bikes is cosmetic there is no basic performance difference in the bikes. All have the same engine and tranny combo. __________________ Larry US Army 1989-2005 Desert Shield/Storm/Provide Comfort Vet PGR Member Rest in Peace Deron!

04-26-2008	#2 (permalink)
Galen Foil Inspector BTK Beginner Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 119	I have a Custom, and I don't believe your wife would like the stock seat at all. In fact, I just switched my seat over to a Kawasaki Gel for a Custom so I can have a passanger if I desired. I also added some saddle bags to mine to make it more useful. I also added a front pulley to give the 900 more interstate legs. Since I couldn't stand all the wind, I went with a windshield for a Vulcan 500. My next mod will be some ape hangers to get rid of the drag bars. They just aren't comfortable to me on long trips. I do like the styling of the Custom more than the Classic as far as fenders and wheels, but am now making my bike my own for looks and utility. Galen

04-26-2008	#5 (permalink)
sl3slinger Forensic Bug Splatter Analyst BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,672	imo, the best advice would be take the wife and look at them both, have her sit on them and buy the one that makes her happiest! remember if moma aint happy nobodies happy!

04-26-2008	#8 (permalink)
sisooktom 900 Customer BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 781	Depends on how you define performance. I think the Custom is a tad lighter, but not enough to make much of a difference. The Custom also has slightly larger brakes and a good bit more cornering clearance. __________________ Plasma Blue Vulcan 900 Custom Not riding a Vulcan is illogical!

04-26-2008	#9 (permalink)
Seadog1967 Wannabe Poser BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Western Ma. Posts: 1,942	Why not go with the 900 classic LT then ya got the bags, windshield and sissy bar for the wife. __________________ Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club 1968 USS America CVA-66 http://www.newenglanddigitalphotography.com

04-26-2008	#11 (permalink)
Cruz Ride Hard, Ride Free! BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Peekskill, NY Posts: 2,419	My wifes been a passenger on bikes without the sissy bar and didn't care for it. We got the LT and shes happy to go riding with me. Best thing is sitting on one with both of you. Good luck and happy hunting. __________________ A.K.A Chris Kick it up a gear! '07 900LT

04-26-2008	#13 (permalink)
skewterdewd Team Zissou BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 1,535	How about this- You get the custom and put a nice saddleman/mustang/better seat on it. You get the fun feel of forwards & drag bars, she gets a seat that's not torture to ride on for more than 15 minutes. (the stock custom seat might be ok for you, but she will hate it. The 900 is the perfect bike for mellow riding at legal speeds. Other than seating/postion all 3 versions will be very similar performance-wise. __________________ 01 Nomad FI • Did I reset my odo back there?

04-26-2008	#14 (permalink)
sdm74 Sit speling cheker BTK Expert Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: york PA Posts: 426	i thought i read on a review in a mag, that the custom was sketchy in the turns because of the skinny front tire. __________________ Steve "LIVE and let LIVE" V900b

04-27-2008	#16 (permalink)
NewRoadie Old enough to know better BTK Intermediate Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Surprise, AZ Posts: 224	I rode the LT after purchasing my Custom and in my opinion, the Custom is more comfortable. I am not real tall (5' 8") and have short legs (30" inseam) and have found the seating position on the Custom to fit me perfectly. I did not like the floor boards and heel/toe shifter on the Classic, or the bars, but I am sure that you could get used to them. I guess my butt is just different than others as I have over 1,000 miles on the stock seat and am still okay with it. My wife rode with me for her first 2-up ride on 'our' bike tonight and after 60 miles, she is not ready to try a new seat yet. Are we just wierd? Bottom line = purchase what YOU want!! __________________ Bryan (Big B) 07 Vulcan 900 Custom Candy Plasma Blue VROC Member #27075 MRCA Member

04-27-2008	#19 (permalink)
flybub Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 14	Thanks for the help everyone. If I end up with a custom I am prepared to get a custom saddle for it. You all have been a big help, as always. I'll take the wife to the stealership this week and let her butt try out some different styles and go from there. Thanks again for the help. Ride Safe.

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