I think you would be OK with the 900. Several friends have them, One recently sold his 1600 Nomad and showed up at the last rally on a 900LT riding 2-up. He really likes the reduced weight, said it doesn't have all the acceleration the 1600 had but did fine. The ones I've ridden seemed capable.

And fwiw, I've had my 750 Shadow on two week trips riding 2-up, Did fine. Don't miss the weight of my 1500 Nomad. I feel the lighter bikes make riding fun again, the Nomad was heavy, riding it was more like work. With luggage and the wife, I was balancing 1000 lbs at every stop...

Note my signature line, but bottom line buy the bike YOU like. not what someone else likes.

 

I think the final drive is a Kevlar belt. I would never buy a bike with a final drive like that for a few reasons. One is availability, if Kawasaki decides to stop selling them (like they did with the 44) LTD), and the other is that replacing the belt is a major job. If you don't have a place to work on your bike, you will have to take it to a dealership, and a lot aren't working on older bikes. Get a bike with a shaft, or chain final drive. IMHO

 

More than happy with the latest purchase of a 900 Vulcan .. only drawback is the belt ..
But , more than capable bike ....

 

 

G'Day
Congratulations on your purchase, its a good looking machine and fully equipped for touring. I have a 2014 model and enjoy it due to he reduced weight compared to my VN1500 E1 model. I don't know how many miles your bike has on it but I suggest keeping an aye on the condition of the final drive belt. I had to replace mine after 30,000 miles due to stone damage. The teeth on the front and rear pulleys were OK but the belt had a hole in it. Contrary to popular belief you do not have to remove the swing arm to get the belt off the front pulley so if you ever need to do this please let me know and I will send details. It's a bit like removing the exhaust system prior to removing the rear wheel. it's simply not necessary and saves a heap of work. Anyway, good luck with your LT I am sure you will enjoy it.
Cheers
Laurence

 

Thank you for your replies. I went ahead and got this beauty.

 

G'Day Congratulations on your purchase, its a good looking machine and fully equipped for touring. I have a 2014 model and enjoy it due to he reduced weight compared to my VN1500 E1 model. I don't know how many miles your bike has on it but I suggest keeping an aye on the condition of the final drive belt. I had to replace mine after 30,000 miles due to stone damage. The teeth on the front and rear pulleys were OK but the belt had a hole in it. Contrary to popular belief you do not have to remove the swing arm to get the belt off the front pulley so if you ever need to do this please let me know and I will send details. It's a bit like removing the exhaust system prior to removing the rear wheel. it's simply not necessary and saves a heap of work. Anyway, good luck with your LT I am sure you will enjoy it. Cheers Laurence

Thank you for the tip. Mine (2010 model) had 12000 on the clock but I already have added 1500 miles, just so excited to have a working machine again. I did wonder about the belt issue so many keep mentioning but hope I have sone time before I have to deal with it and if there is a short cut, I will gladly take it; I’ll be in touch as and when the time comes. A quick question in case someone on this thread knows, totally unrelated to the above. I have a few bits for my old vn1500A including a brand new Dunlop 404 rear tyre 150/90-15. What is the best place to sell it? I’ve tried FB marketplace and all I get is masses of messages asking if I still have it and even promising to come over soon but it never happens. I literally bought it a few days before I had to write my old bike off so I’m stuck with it.

 

Hi
Pleased to know you are enjoying the VN900 LT. Sorry I can't help with suggestions for the sale of your VN1500 rear tire. It is not something I have ever had to do but I wish you luck. I am sure there is a buyer out there who is prepared to pay postage costs if the price is right.
Cheers
Laurence