[NewRoadie]

I am researching for my new cruiser. This will be a first road purchase for me, but have been riding dirt bikes for 20+ years. I have rented a couple of bikes and the 1600cc HD Dyna Glide rode well at 80mph and felt stable. I haven't ridden a Jap bike yet, but understand them to be more powerful.

I am leaning toward the VN900, but am concerned about the ability to ride comfortably at 80 mph (solo). I have read quite a bit on this forum relating to the 9 being susceptable to cross winds and such. For the owners of the 9:

1. How much vibration do you feel at 80 mph?
2. Do you feel the bike is 'comfortable' at this speed?
3. Does the overdrive make the comfort level better?

I have also been looking at the Mean Streak 1600, and if money were no object I might just get the 1600. Unfortunately, I am on a budget and the 900 would fit better.

Thanks for your help in this matter.

 

[sisooktom]

The 900 will cruise at 80mph all day long. That said, the rpms are going to be significantly higher than a larger displacement bike at that speed. That's what leads to the buzziness. If you're planning on a large percentage of your saddle time being on the highway at that speed, you'd probably be more comfortable on a larger bike. No cruiser under 1500cc is going to be immune from that. Personally it doesn't much bother me, but if I was planning on doing a lot of long trips, it might.

 

[brwdarr]

I like the 900 up to 70 mph. mine starts to vibrate quite a bit above 70. I do plan on putting a scootwork pully on it to make it more highway friendly. I think you get alot of bike for the money with the 900.

 

[sisooktom]

How long have you had it? The engine smoothes out quite a bit between 1000 and 3000 miles. You'll notice that the speed you have to hit to get it to vibrate keeps going up and up.

 

[David Madden]

My brother has a Dyna special, and I think the 900 is about the same as far as vibration goes. The 900 is more comfortable to handle, with a better seat installed.
I don't think the 900 is designed for superslab riding, although it handles it fine. There are other bikes that would do a better job for not that much more money.

D

 

[NewRoadie]

My brother has a Dyna special, and I think the 900 is about the same as far as vibration goes. . . .

Thanks for the input! That helps me to get an idea what I am looking at. I will be cruising mostly off-highway roads, but want the ability to hit the interstate now and then.

 

[David Madden]

If that's your use, you will love either the 900, or the Dyna. They're both sweet bikes. The 900 price tag is a little easier to swallow.

D

 

[NCDave]

If you're really concerned about it, buy a used 1500 or 1600. you can probably find a good example for the price of a 900, and may already have aftermarket upgrades done as well.

 

[CheriAnn]

I like the 900 up to 70 mph. mine starts to vibrate quite a bit above 70. I do plan on putting a scootwork pully on it to make it more highway friendly. I think you get alot of bike for the money with the 900.

+1
I keep hearing what a big difference the scootworks pulley makes for the 900!!!! I can't wait to get one!!!!

 

[Oz Saki]

Hell mine is not broken in and I dont get a buzz, nice! 334 miles!

 

[CheriAnn]

I actually don't feel a whole of vibration...I just hear the engine rev at high rpm's when I go that fast. Scootworks pulley lowers the rpm's :biggrin:

 

[pat0021]

1. How much vibration do you feel at 80 mph?
2. Do you feel the bike is 'comfortable' at this speed?
3. Does the overdrive make the comfort level better?

I have over 16000 miles on my 900 and its a great bike, but to answer your questions.

1. Its pretty buzzy at that speed

2. Comfortable in handling, but a little buzzy, but the LT is running out of power at this speed. That big shield kills the top end.

3. The front pulley helps a little.

 

[NCDave]

I actually don't feel a whole of vibration...I

Too bad for you, huh! :wink:

 

[plasma blue]

After the first 3500 miles it gets smoother at 75, a little busy turning at about 4200 rpm. This bothers some people doesn't bother others.
I have the pulley and it does help significantly, drops RPM about 300 or so which is about 6% I think.
I like a bigger bike for myself & passenger but just me and the 900 is fine, I'm 230 lbs. Wind is a factor but most bikes are untill you get to 650 lbs or more.

 

[JohnScott]

:lol:

Oh man, Dave. You are on a roll today....

 

[Alf]

:lol:

Oh man, Dave. You are on a roll today....

Yep take foot out of mouth....

 

[CheriAnn]

Too bad for you, huh! :wink:

Dave, Dave, Dave.....what can I say to this that won't get me banned from the forum....um...nothing....:lol:

 

[gonzosc1]

I've not rode the 900 but I can tell you about the 1600 classic. It seems to be a bike that doesn't like the slow speeds,,LOL. up to 65-68mph its ok, from about 68 to 75mph or so I start to get a little buzz in the Dually pegs on the cobra fatty bar but not bad. but when I get past that and get up to 80-90 mph its like riding on glass, like everything just starts to hum and it all comes together at those speeds.
its awesome

 

[rod2625]

My 900 is the first bike I have had in many years so I really can't compare it to anything. That being said, I usually rode between 60-70 on the highway and I never noticed any vibrations. Once I started running 75-80 I noticed some vibrations in my feet. Not bad, but not there at lower speeds. Because I knew I was going to be taking a trip later this summer I got the Scootworks pulley. The bike has a Memphis Fats shield and Leatherlyke bags. So on my trip with me, my tail bag and side bags loaded it is carrying somewhere around 350 lbs. I do know we were running I-5 for 300+ miles at 80 (GPS) and I did not notice the previous vibrations. My top speed was 93 (GPS), it just would not go any faster.....now my car I don't think I have ever had it over 80mph and on the bike 70-75 is my comfort level on the highway. As a result of the trip I added some Phat I risers (comfort) and a Baron's BAK for just a bit more hp/torque....

 

[Greenie]

I don't mind the vibrations as much as I mind the tapped out performance at 70-80 MPH. You get the feeling that if you do not like where you are in traffic you only have one choice...slow down. Going around a semi that is spitting pebbles at you and creating disturbed air in front of you is no realistic option at that speed. I have already acquired a ZRX 1200 (Standard Sport Bike) for that reason and will likely trade my 900 in for a Mean Streak this Summer. Unless someone wants to buy it here.