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General Category >> The Cafe >> tried out a different bike today
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Message started by weracerc on 09/26/11 at 17:11:24

Title: tried out a different bike today
Post by weracerc on 09/26/11 at 17:11:24

well in my search for a slightly larger bike my first stop was a 96 kawasaki vulcan 800A - looks like an Savage on steroids - not comfy for the 6'2" 390lbs frame.....would need forward controls and long reach handlebars....so strike one for now.

Title: Re: tried out a different bike today
Post by WD on 09/26/11 at 17:20:48

I loved my 800A, but I'm only 235#. Same height though. My 800 Classic on the other hand, not even if it was free would I suffer the indignity of riding another one of those.

Try a VT1100, ACE and (maybe) Aero are chain drive, standards are shaft drive. Mid 90s and newer were really nice (and you could get full valanced fenders aftermarket). VT750s are stone gutless.

VN1500 was available in several flavors, Classic and Drifter with 16" front wheels, A model with 21" front. The A is kinda goofy looking though, has VN700/750 style air box pods.

Title: Re: tried out a different bike today
Post by SuperSavage on 09/26/11 at 20:16:38

I have a '96 Vulcan 800A. It's a great bike! I installed drag bars with 8" rise and 7" pullback. I also put a Mustang fastback seat on it. It fits me perfect and I'm 6'2", 200#. The stock buckhorns didn't suit me at all, I felt like I had no leverage. Now I can ride all day long without a hitch.

Title: Re: tried out a different bike today
Post by built2last66 on 09/27/11 at 05:02:03

I'm kinda in search of a larger bike too that I can drive on the highway for at least 5-6 hours... I need something a little bigger for long trips. I think I'm going to start with the S50, just to have a look... my second feeling is that I wanna check out those HD sportster 1200cc, that's basically the only HD bike I like. Maybe an older model Goldwing, and rat bike it :D

Title: Re: tried out a different bike today
Post by sjaskow on 09/27/11 at 10:09:34

7A6D71746C2A74796B6C2E2E180 wrote:

Are you looking for more power or better ergonomics? The S50 is essentially the same size as the S40 since it's the same frame. I've ridden both and I feel almost the same on the S50 as the S40. The S50 definitely has more power though.

Title: Re: tried out a different bike today
Post by built2last66 on 09/27/11 at 10:14:37

Looking for comfort and a bit more power/speed for highway travel... S40 is great for around town and 1-2 hour drives though. But I want to retain the style of the S40.. maybe a slightly larger bike in case I have a passenger....

Title: Re: tried out a different bike today
Post by LostArtist on 09/27/11 at 10:54:31

7A6D71746C2A74796B6C2E2E180 wrote:

the sportster is probably your best bet then, if it's a 2004 or newer one anyway. the S-50 really is the same as the S-40, just a little better top end speed. and if you want to go 5-6 hours on a bike, maybe something with a bigger gas tank would be better. The sportster 1200 has a bigger tank, I think the Triumph America/Speedmaster have the same 4.2 gal capacity tank the bonneville has, also if you don't mind a bit of a change in style, the Yamaha 950 is a great great ride, very cushy!

Title: Re: tried out a different bike today
Post by lukeduck on 09/27/11 at 14:10:40

Picked up an 07 Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit earlier this month. Good bike if you just want to ride. Water cooled, hydralic lifters, shaft drive, comfortable ride, odd gearing (wide ratio 5 speed). Not a very good bike if you like to futz with it, but, for just riding, great.

Title: Re: tried out a different bike today
Post by weracerc on 09/27/11 at 18:40:48

my goal is slightly more power without giving up MPG since it will be my primary commuter year round...then I want more of a Big Boy's bike sound....1/2 Harley in the middle of a 100 Harleys on a charity ride was well embarrassing.......my senses require a tad of V twin thunder rumble - not loud but thumping....then comfort of the knees hips is a must and no forward lean to hold on the handlebars have to come to me not me reach for them.......something 800-900 is my preffered cc max......

Title: Re: tried out a different bike today
Post by built2last66 on 09/27/11 at 19:16:13

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNgXjyy36aY[/media]

Title: Re: tried out a different bike today
Post by lukeduck on 09/27/11 at 19:17:49

Well, with the 1100 so far, 55mpg solo, 48 mpg 2 up. Got the windshield on it this evening, am expecting 2-3 mpg increase. Have always felt that a good bit of the mpg deal was in the right wrist.

Title: Re: tried out a different bike today
Post by babyhog on 09/28/11 at 13:11:35

What about a Suzuki C50? (pre-2005 = Volusia or VL800). They can be found pretty cheap! Sounds like it would fit the body positioning you want better than the S50.

Title: Re: tried out a different bike today
Post by SuperSavage on 10/03/11 at 23:26:20

The Vulcan 800A with a Mustang Fastback seat, 8" Drag bars and if you wish-- forward controls is a sweet bike. For a larger ride, it still has that savage feel, thanks to the skinny 21" front tire. It's got just enough power and is a really comfortable ride. I love both my S40 and Kawi 800A. Big bro, li'l bro.

Title: Re: tried out a different bike today
Post by PerrydaSavage on 10/04/11 at 03:21:17

Vulcan 800A's chain drive can be replaced with an aftermarket belt drive from www.scootworks.com too!