Opinions on Vulcan 500 LTD for first bike.

japgen · 03-13-2005

I'm planning to get into biking for the first time (have never ridden). I'm 47 yr old male, 5'10" 200 lb, and wonder if the Vulcan 500 is a good choice. My local dealer who carries Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki is recommending the vulcan over the honda shadow aero 750 or honda shadow spirit 750; he thinks the 750's are too big for a beginner and says the vulcan 500 has plent of punch. I'd be interested in comments from you veterans. Thanks.

1400pilot · 03-13-2005

Welcome first of all, this is a great place!!!!!
In my opnion I would look at the 800 as a first bike, yes it is bigger but it will also be more functional as a hiway cruiser, because the minute that you start riding you wont want to stop, and with the 800 it will cruise with the best of them, I had a 2004 800 classic and loved it, but did alot of hiway touring so I bought the 1600, 2 months later, as it was even more comfortable then the 800.
Just make sure that you get the bike that you want, look at the type of riding that you will be doing and purchase the bike that best fits you and what you want it to do.
Once again welcome and keep us informed of your choice, and dont hesitate to post any more questions that you may have, there are lots of 800 owners on here that can give you all the benifits of their knowledge

rwrighter · 03-13-2005

At 5'10" and 200lbs the 500 might be a bit small for you. I am 6'1" and about 230..I ride an 800A. Great bike! But I definately wouldn't want anything smaller. I believe the 500 has plenty of power, but you might feel a little cramped. 800AJay has a sweet 2005 800 with some mods already done with very little miles for sale. Just giving my 2cents worth.....Good luch with your search, and let us know what you decide on.

omega5 · 03-13-2005

I agree with 1600Pilot. Go with the 800 Classic or Drifter. 5'10" and 200 is to big for the 500. You'd be disappointed and trading up in no time anyway. If you wer 5"10" and 130, yeah, but not at 200. Gotta remember, your dealer would love to sell you a 500 and then an 800, 1500 or 1600 a couple months later.

Dano

The Vol-can · 03-13-2005

Just got my first bike, an 800 Classic. Rides really nice, and I'm about your size and weight. But go with what feels comfortable, first and foremost.

japgen · 03-13-2005

Thanks for the input guys. Does Kawasaki also make a 750 ? and if so, what are the differences between it and the 800. Again, looking for a good first bike. By the way, even though I've never ridden a motorcycle, I do ride snowmobiles fairly aggressively and I hope that experience will help with my biking efforts.

boredtwodeath · 03-13-2005

just food for thought japgen, i got my new ride a 2 weeks ago. my motorcycle riding experience is very limited as well but i ride my quad very agressively(praire 650) and i was looking at the 800 but a friend of mine suggested i look at a 1100 minimum becouse he was concerned that i would outgrow a 800 very quickly. i ended up with a 1500 classic.it is suprisenly easy to ride and after 2 weeks on it im glad i didnt get a smaller bike.but as penguin stated go with what feels comfortable.

rwrighter · 03-13-2005

Yes Kawasaki has made a 750 for many many years. It is a shaft drive vs chain on the 800, don't know if that is a factor for you or not. Maybe you should visit a dealer and sit on several different sized bikes to see what feels most comfortable to you, like penguin and bored suggested. That is what i did before buying my 800 last year, then found a used 2003 with only 611 miles on it, with some mods done for much less than new.

bluestringer · 03-13-2005

I had a Vulcan 500 and it is a great beginner bike. I'm also 5'10", 200lbs. It had no problem pulling me around, in fact it will smoke most 800's from 0 to 60, and it handles really nice. But as others are saying it can get a little cramped on long rides. If you are the type that catches on to riding quickly, then the 800 would probably be a better choice, but if you think you need a year or more to get really comfortable,then the 500 may be better, it depends on the person. I traded the 500 for an 800 after a few months. Go to a dealer and sit on both to see how they feel. Also there is not much aftermarket stuff for the 500, but there's plenty for the 800. The 800 is also better for 2up riding.

dhdaniel · 03-13-2005

I think starting off with a 500 is kinda cool, but, I honestly believe
that in just a short time you will be wishing you had something a bit bigger and more powerful, Try sitting on a 800 or even a 1500,
I bought my 1500 after a Long absence, last bike was a 650 years ago,
Had no problem supporting the 1500 and manuvering, I really liked
the Vulcan 800, but I am glad I chose bigger

just my .02

Dave

*pitchinguy* · 03-13-2005

Welcome Japgen!
Glad to have you here at the forum!

I would strongly suggest you take the beginner motorcycle safety coarse FIRST thing. They teach you on their bikes, 250's & smaller. You will learn tons that week-end. I promise you it will be invaluable to you. After the coarse is over if you're feeling pretty confident about your ability, I'd suggest you go no less than an 800. You might even see if you can get a test ride on a 1500. You might even like that better. If after the coarse you are a little apprehensive you might want to stay with a 5oo. Either way you'll feel a lot more educated about making a decision.
I rode a lot as a kid & then took about 25 yrs off to raise a family. I took the coarse as a refresher & then climbed right onto a 1600 & haven't looked back! Best move I could have made. Now I won't spend all that money trading up unnecessarily. No problems handling the big bike!

Bottom line....you'll be doing yourself a big favor by taking the coarse 1st.
Omega hit it on the head. Dealer would love to sell you 2 or 3 or 4 bikes.
Be sure to let us know how you end up.

Cheers

dickwol · 03-13-2005

Hey Japgen,
Always nice to see someone new joining in on the riding fun. When I had gotten back into riding after a 25 year rest I had picked up a new Honda Shadow 750 ACE. Nice bike but after one season and riding frequently two-up with the wife, I quickly realized that a bit more vrooom would be nice on some of those long rides in hilly country. Mind you I'm 5'10 160 and my wife is 5'8 and 130. I think that the Kawasaki 800 would be a great bike to start as is the Honda 1100 which is also a sweet bike, very capable of two-up riding and one that I seriously considered for my next bike until I took a Kawi classic 1500 out for a spin. It was the right choice for graduating from the 750 and took but a day or two adjust. Then again after not riding for 25 years it only took me 2 or 3 days to become one with the bike. Good luck with your decision making and pay attention to the comments made on this forum. These folks have a good knowlege base and know what they are talking about!!

boredtwodeath · 03-13-2005

have to agree with pitchinguy! one important thing i failed to state is that before i did anything i did take the msf basic safety course before i started looking at bikes. i learned a great deal.

woodchucks800 · 03-13-2005

Japgen,Forget the 500. I've got both the 500 an 800 The wife rides the 500, I'm 5'10" also an you feel cramped after about an hour. I do anyway,If your an agressive rider on snowmobiles , fourwheelers, an dirt bikes. riding a street bike is a piece of cake. I was away from streetbikes for about 18yrs. but was in to the above mentioned hobbies big time(thats why I moved to west Yellowstone) . The 800 is a great bike . Will you want something bigger? I don't know you'll have to figure that out. You can't compare an 800 to a 1500 or bigger since there two different bikes in motor size ,weight, an price about $3000 or more. So go with which one you like an what your wallet can afford. Take the course like everyone else mentioned because the difference between riding a street bike an all the others is TRAFFIC the cagers don't see you BRO. ps ,if your planning very much two up riding (more than a couple of hrs at a time) the 1500 or bigger would be a better choice.

windrider18 · 03-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by japgen

Thanks for the input guys. Does Kawasaki also make a 750 ? and if so, what are the differences between it and the 800.

Yes, Kawasaki makes a 750. However, it looks *very* different from the 500 and 800. I would recommend sitting on it and seeing how it feels for you. My husband has a 750 and loves it (he's 5'9" 200-something

The center of gravity is a bit higher on the 750 than on the 500/800s which can make the bike feel tippy (he says you get used to it though). The 750 will do highway speeds and is pretty manouverable. Its big disadvantage is that there isn't much in the way of aftermarket stuff for it. My husband doesn't care to mod out his bike though, so it's not a problem for him

If you want to know anything else about the 750, let me know and I'll ask my husband for ya (since he's not on these forums

harry54 · 03-13-2005

Go with the 800 as a minimum. You will be pleasantly surprised how comfortable you will get within a couple of weeks. I have a friend with a spirit and my 1500 handle better.

Mangler · 03-13-2005

First of all welcome 2nd get permit then take safty course & learn how to ride then other than just sitting on them you can go test ride some used ones.No mater what anyone says you must be comfortable on the bike so ride both if you can & judge for yourself.They will both do the job I have one of each in my garage,but as stated before it is easy to outgrow a small bike.I never rode a bike till last year learned on a 250cc bought a 2004 800a & the wife got a 500 & we are both happy.Good luck with your choice and let us know wassssup.

ppark · 03-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by japgen

Thanks for the input guys. Does Kawasaki also make a 750 ? and if so, what are the differences between it and the 800. Again, looking for a good first bike. By the way, even though I've never ridden a motorcycle, I do ride snowmobiles fairly aggressively and I hope that experience will help with my biking efforts.

Kawasaki has been producing the Vulcan 750 for the past 20 years unchanged - it was very sophisticated for its time and I think it still is. Unlike most cruisers, V750 has high compression DOHC (vs SOHC or push rods) engine. You typically find DOHC on high performance sport bikes. Some may think the look is outdated but I personally like the look.

I think V750 is a good bike for beginners as well as experienced riders.

**2WheelFun** · 03-13-2005

Instead of repeating the good advice that all the others have offered....I'll say welcome and good luck on your purchase. Post some pics when you can.

Lee_2061 · 03-14-2005

Welcome to the Kawi Cruising community.
I agree with most everybody.
For u...
Riding Course is a definite Yes.
500 is for ZZZzzzzzzzz (no offence).
800 for a year or so, Yes, but if you're game
1500 = BIG SMILES, then it just gets better.

Now that I've upset everybody (LOL, sorry), here's the chicken or egg scenario.
Don't worry so much about your height and weight. You're about right to ride just about any big bike.
I recommend experience and plenty of miles under your belt and even a few necessary close calls (touch wood) before going past an 800.
The number of big guys I've seen struggle with medium bikes while petite lassies toast them on RoadKings and 1500s tells me one truth, sure, ride size is limited by physique, but only slightly.
What it is definitely limited by is rider experience.

03-13-2005	#1 (permalink)
japgen Newbie Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2	Opinions on Vulcan 500 LTD for first bike. I'm planning to get into biking for the first time (have never ridden). I'm 47 yr old male, 5'10" 200 lb, and wonder if the Vulcan 500 is a good choice. My local dealer who carries Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki is recommending the vulcan over the honda shadow aero 750 or honda shadow spirit 750; he thinks the 750's are too big for a beginner and says the vulcan 500 has plent of punch. I'd be interested in comments from you veterans. Thanks.

03-13-2005	#2 (permalink)
1400pilot UBER CLUB MEMBER #2 Forum Supporter Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Holdrege, Nebraska Posts: 13,839	Welcome first of all, this is a great place!!!!! In my opnion I would look at the 800 as a first bike, yes it is bigger but it will also be more functional as a hiway cruiser, because the minute that you start riding you wont want to stop, and with the 800 it will cruise with the best of them, I had a 2004 800 classic and loved it, but did alot of hiway touring so I bought the 1600, 2 months later, as it was even more comfortable then the 800. Just make sure that you get the bike that you want, look at the type of riding that you will be doing and purchase the bike that best fits you and what you want it to do. Once again welcome and keep us informed of your choice, and dont hesitate to post any more questions that you may have, there are lots of 800 owners on here that can give you all the benifits of their knowledge __________________ Click for a map of the states I've ridden in 08 ZG1400 Concours 06 KDX200 04KX65

03-13-2005	#4 (permalink)
omega5 Dano BTK Intermediate Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 226	I agree with 1600Pilot. Go with the 800 Classic or Drifter. 5'10" and 200 is to big for the 500. You'd be disappointed and trading up in no time anyway. If you wer 5"10" and 130, yeah, but not at 200. Gotta remember, your dealer would love to sell you a 500 and then an 800, 1500 or 1600 a couple months later. Dano __________________ 2006 Nomad Last edited by omega5 : 03-13-2005 at 05:43 PM.

03-13-2005	#5 (permalink)
The Vol-can It's purple, ma'am Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Northwest Georgia Posts: 1,970	Just got my first bike, an 800 Classic. Rides really nice, and I'm about your size and weight. But go with what feels comfortable, first and foremost. __________________ 1999 Concours "Purple Pavement Pounder" 2005 Vulcan Classic Sold but not forgotten

03-13-2005	#9 (permalink)
bluestringer Rebel Rider BTK Expert Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Albany, Georgia Posts: 3,445	I had a Vulcan 500 and it is a great beginner bike. I'm also 5'10", 200lbs. It had no problem pulling me around, in fact it will smoke most 800's from 0 to 60, and it handles really nice. But as others are saying it can get a little cramped on long rides. If you are the type that catches on to riding quickly, then the 800 would probably be a better choice, but if you think you need a year or more to get really comfortable,then the 500 may be better, it depends on the person. I traded the 500 for an 800 after a few months. Go to a dealer and sit on both to see how they feel. Also there is not much aftermarket stuff for the 500, but there's plenty for the 800. The 800 is also better for 2up riding. __________________ ..... bluestringer 2005 Vulcan 1500 Classic FI V&H Longshots VROC #13910 GAVROC #159

03-13-2005	#3 (permalink)
rwrighter Can't find time to ride BTK Expert Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Galena, Ohio Posts: 694	At 5'10" and 200lbs the 500 might be a bit small for you. I am 6'1" and about 230..I ride an 800A. Great bike! But I definately wouldn't want anything smaller. I believe the 500 has plenty of power, but you might feel a little cramped. 800AJay has a sweet 2005 800 with some mods already done with very little miles for sale. Just giving my 2cents worth.....Good luch with your search, and let us know what you decide on.

03-13-2005	#6 (permalink)
japgen Newbie Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2	Thanks for the input guys. Does Kawasaki also make a 750 ? and if so, what are the differences between it and the 800. Again, looking for a good first bike. By the way, even though I've never ridden a motorcycle, I do ride snowmobiles fairly aggressively and I hope that experience will help with my biking efforts.

03-13-2005	#7 (permalink)
boredtwodeath Newbie Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: phoenix,az Posts: 15	just food for thought japgen, i got my new ride a 2 weeks ago. my motorcycle riding experience is very limited as well but i ride my quad very agressively(praire 650) and i was looking at the 800 but a friend of mine suggested i look at a 1100 minimum becouse he was concerned that i would outgrow a 800 very quickly. i ended up with a 1500 classic.it is suprisenly easy to ride and after 2 weeks on it im glad i didnt get a smaller bike.but as penguin stated go with what feels comfortable.

03-13-2005	#8 (permalink)
rwrighter Can't find time to ride BTK Expert Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Galena, Ohio Posts: 694	Yes Kawasaki has made a 750 for many many years. It is a shaft drive vs chain on the 800, don't know if that is a factor for you or not. Maybe you should visit a dealer and sit on several different sized bikes to see what feels most comfortable to you, like penguin and bored suggested. That is what i did before buying my 800 last year, then found a used 2003 with only 611 miles on it, with some mods done for much less than new.

03-13-2005	#10 (permalink)
dhdaniel "Gone" BTK Intermediate Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Baytown Texas (Houston) Posts: 271	I think starting off with a 500 is kinda cool, but, I honestly believe that in just a short time you will be wishing you had something a bit bigger and more powerful, Try sitting on a 800 or even a 1500, I bought my 1500 after a Long absence, last bike was a 650 years ago, Had no problem supporting the 1500 and manuvering, I really liked the Vulcan 800, but I am glad I chose bigger just my .02 Dave __________________ When In Doubt, Use Sea-Foam it won't let you down. ALWAYS CARRY DUCK TAPE

03-13-2005	#11 (permalink)
pitchinguy I miss Deron. Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 8,747	Welcome Japgen! Glad to have you here at the forum! I would strongly suggest you take the beginner motorcycle safety coarse FIRST thing. They teach you on their bikes, 250's & smaller. You will learn tons that week-end. I promise you it will be invaluable to you. After the coarse is over if you're feeling pretty confident about your ability, I'd suggest you go no less than an 800. You might even see if you can get a test ride on a 1500. You might even like that better. If after the coarse you are a little apprehensive you might want to stay with a 5oo. Either way you'll feel a lot more educated about making a decision. I rode a lot as a kid & then took about 25 yrs off to raise a family. I took the coarse as a refresher & then climbed right onto a 1600 & haven't looked back! Best move I could have made. Now I won't spend all that money trading up unnecessarily. No problems handling the big bike! Bottom line....you'll be doing yourself a big favor by taking the coarse 1st. Omega hit it on the head. Dealer would love to sell you 2 or 3 or 4 bikes. Be sure to let us know how you end up. Cheers

03-13-2005	#12 (permalink)
dickwol Wants better weather! BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Binghamton, New York Posts: 709	Hey Japgen, Always nice to see someone new joining in on the riding fun. When I had gotten back into riding after a 25 year rest I had picked up a new Honda Shadow 750 ACE. Nice bike but after one season and riding frequently two-up with the wife, I quickly realized that a bit more vrooom would be nice on some of those long rides in hilly country. Mind you I'm 5'10 160 and my wife is 5'8 and 130. I think that the Kawasaki 800 would be a great bike to start as is the Honda 1100 which is also a sweet bike, very capable of two-up riding and one that I seriously considered for my next bike until I took a Kawi classic 1500 out for a spin. It was the right choice for graduating from the 750 and took but a day or two adjust. Then again after not riding for 25 years it only took me 2 or 3 days to become one with the bike. Good luck with your decision making and pay attention to the comments made on this forum. These folks have a good knowlege base and know what they are talking about!!

03-13-2005	#13 (permalink)
boredtwodeath Newbie Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: phoenix,az Posts: 15	have to agree with pitchinguy! one important thing i failed to state is that before i did anything i did take the msf basic safety course before i started looking at bikes. i learned a great deal.

03-13-2005	#14 (permalink)
woodchucks800 08 FatBob BTK Expert Join Date: May 2004 Location: Garfield,Arkansas Posts: 5,173	Japgen,Forget the 500. I've got both the 500 an 800 The wife rides the 500, I'm 5'10" also an you feel cramped after about an hour. I do anyway,If your an agressive rider on snowmobiles , fourwheelers, an dirt bikes. riding a street bike is a piece of cake. I was away from streetbikes for about 18yrs. but was in to the above mentioned hobbies big time(thats why I moved to west Yellowstone) . The 800 is a great bike . Will you want something bigger? I don't know you'll have to figure that out. You can't compare an 800 to a 1500 or bigger since there two different bikes in motor size ,weight, an price about $3000 or more. So go with which one you like an what your wallet can afford. Take the course like everyone else mentioned because the difference between riding a street bike an all the others is TRAFFIC the cagers don't see you BRO. ps ,if your planning very much two up riding (more than a couple of hrs at a time) the 1500 or bigger would be a better choice. Last edited by woodchucks800 : 03-13-2005 at 08:01 PM.

03-13-2005	#16 (permalink)
harry54 Still On The Kickstand Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Brunswick Posts: 29	Go with the 800 as a minimum. You will be pleasantly surprised how comfortable you will get within a couple of weeks. I have a friend with a spirit and my 1500 handle better.

03-13-2005	#17 (permalink)
Mangler Can't find time to ride BTK Expert Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 524	First of all welcome 2nd get permit then take safty course & learn how to ride then other than just sitting on them you can go test ride some used ones.No mater what anyone says you must be comfortable on the bike so ride both if you can & judge for yourself.They will both do the job I have one of each in my garage,but as stated before it is easy to outgrow a small bike.I never rode a bike till last year learned on a 250cc bought a 2004 800a & the wife got a 500 & we are both happy.Good luck with your choice and let us know wassssup. __________________ 2005 MeanStreak Black + Goodies... Later... Mangler

03-13-2005	#19 (permalink)
2WheelFun the "fun" guy Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Albion, Washington "Pacific Northwest" Posts: 32,674	Instead of repeating the good advice that all the others have offered....I'll say welcome and good luck on your purchase. Post some pics when you can. __________________ *KING KAHUNA* *2007 V2K LT* ****PICS** 2007 Brute Force 650i **PICS** I love the smell of SeaFoam in the morning**

03-14-2005	#20 (permalink)
Lee_2061 V2K Blingaphile BTK Expert Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Western Australia Posts: 1,791	Welcome to the Kawi Cruising community. I agree with most everybody. For u... Riding Course is a definite Yes. 500 is for ZZZzzzzzzzz (no offence). 800 for a year or so, Yes, but if you're game 1500 = BIG SMILES, then it just gets better. Now that I've upset everybody (LOL, sorry), here's the chicken or egg scenario. Don't worry so much about your height and weight. You're about right to ride just about any big bike. I recommend experience and plenty of miles under your belt and even a few necessary close calls (touch wood) before going past an 800. The number of big guys I've seen struggle with medium bikes while petite lassies toast them on RoadKings and 1500s tells me one truth, sure, ride size is limited by physique, but only slightly. What it is definitely limited by is rider experience. __________________ VROC17211 ROG189 UMC38326 V2KBUM#3 www.cruisercustomizing.com/lee_2061 www.flipdrive.com/silkfire Last edited by Lee_2061 : 03-14-2005 at 05:42 AM.

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