1st bike and I'm 6'2"

[LWanTeD]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking into getting my first motorcycle, and I'm getting a cruiser. Everywhere online, people say that the Vulcan 500 LTD is a very good starter cruiser bike that has enough oomph in it, but there are few people here and there that would recommend the Vulcan 900 over it, even as a starter bike.

Any recommendation? I am 6'2". I sat on a Vulcan 900 and it felt fine. Do you think the Vulcan 500 LTD would be small for me? I'm still looking for a used one to test it out and see if I'll be cramped on it.

Thanks in advance!

[nvbirdman]

I decided to start riding again after not being on a bike in thirty years. I bought a vn900 and it seemed to fit me like a glove. I am 5'8" and 155 lbs and I never thought it was too big.

[Suze711]

I have a 900 Classic, I'm 5'9, bout 155. Very comfy, I agree with nvbirdman, it has NEVER felt big or difficult to get around on. I don't think you'll have any problems & you won't feel the need for more...maybe ever.

[ALStensby]

Both will work fine as a first bike. Your learning curve on the 900 will just be slightly steeper. Though, not horribly. Make sure you sit on both to see which is more comfortable. You'll likely be happier with the 900 longer as it'll provide more flexibility for riding.

On a side note, I'm 6'-2", 210lbs with a 32" inseam and fit just fine on a 900. Haven't ridden the other one you mention.

[bschmidt]

I don't thing I would go any smaller than a 900 if you have ridden in the past. The 900 is a grat size and will have enough power for your size. And as Suze said you may never need any bigger!

Be safe! And go slow for a while.

[eclectophile]

I just started riding and found an amazing deal on a Vulcan 500. It's a 2009 that's been sitting in a garage with 45 miles on it. Came with a windshield, saddlebag supports but no bags, engine guard, sissy bar, and luggage rack. Gotta love getting a brand new bike for half off.

I've been reading forums for some time and thought the Vulcan 500 was a good choice for me because it has good power, long wheelbase, and a 6 speed transmission. I was mostly looking for a bike that I could ride around in town and for that the 500 is awesome. It's quick. It has a retuned Ninja 500 power train so that's no big surprise. It'll keep up with cruisers much bigger in displacement. It's relatively light so it handles well. I'm 6' 240 and the 500 does fine with me on the back of it. It's got enough power to keep up on the interstate, pass when I need to and that 6th gear really makes highway cruising relaxed. It's stable at high speeds but wind will knock you around a little but it's nothing to be concerned with. My favorite part of it is that I've been averaging 60-62 mpg.

The 900 has a 5 speed tranny, produces close to the same HP (45-50) and has about 10 lb ft more torque than the 500 but it weighs about 180lbs more (657 for the 900 classic vs 470 or so for the 500). My guess is that the added weight will make it a more comfortable highway cruiser. I love my 500 but one thing I don't like that can't be changed is the saddle. It's not terribly comfortable for long rides. After half an hour to 45 minutes things start going numb. I've been looking around and there just aren't any aftermarket saddles for the 500. I'm probably going to keep the 500 to zip around town with and get a bigger cruiser for weekend trips. Either that or I'm going to take my saddle apart and reupholster it myself over a rainy weekend to try to make it more comfortable.

That's my experience with a Vulcan 500 hope you found it helpful.

[oldkawboy]

I am selling my KZ1000 and my son-in-law is 6"1" and he loves it but rides a crotch-rocket.

just for grins look for my bike in "street bike/cruiser" and if interested......I will tell you it is the best one around. I live in Md near DC>
good luck

oldkawboy