04 1500, Advice Please - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Goldnfrm · 10-02-2006, 09:08 PM

I'm new to the forum, as I'm just now looking at a 2004 Classic 1500. I've been riding for many years, but only in the 750 to 800 cc range. I've recently found a 1500 that is very nice and needs nothing but me planted on the seat. I was wondering if I could ask if there are any bad things to consider with this bike. It has a little over 11000 miles on it and will probably need tires by summer. Otherwise it appears to be in great shape. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Gary

Goldnfrm · 10-14-2006, 04:30 PM

OK, I bought the 1500 and so far I'm very happy with the choice. I've updated m avatar with a photo. Also, I'm reading lots of the topics here and getting loads of helpful info. Thanks guys for a great site.

Gary

Atlas68 · 10-14-2006, 06:33 PM

to the forum Gary.
Congrats on the purchase. I don't think you can go wrong with the Vulcans. Some of the metric lines have their idiosyncracies (ie dropping the exhaust to change the oil), but for the most part, metric cruizers are virtually bullet proof. When you have a moment, throw in some close-ups of your new toy and show her off a bit.

Goldnfrm · 10-16-2006, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas68

to the forum Gary.
Congrats on the purchase. I don't think you can go wrong with the Vulcans. Some of the metric lines have their idiosyncracies (ie dropping the exhaust to change the oil), but for the most part, metric cruizers are virtually bullet proof. When you have a moment, throw in some close-ups of your new toy and show her off a bit.

I only have 2 photos so far, both taken at the bike shop where I bought it. I'll try to include them in this post if I can figure out how. The bags have a price tag hanging on them still, as they were an add on by the shop.

Gary

blackie1491 · 10-16-2006, 09:35 PM

Gary
The bike looks great.
What tires does it have? Are they Bridgestones?

Atlas68 · 10-16-2006, 11:06 PM

As Blackie said, great looking bike Gary. Love the paint scheme.
Looking forward to more pic's as you put some time on her.

Talk to you later, Atlas.

Goldnfrm · 10-25-2006, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackie1491

Gary
The bike looks great.
What tires does it have? Are they Bridgestones?

Hey Blackie, Sorry for the delay in replying, but just had time today to look. The tires are Bridgestone. The front still looks serviceable, but the back will need replaced soon. Therefore, a question: What seems to be the tire of choice for this size bike? I've heard tht the Metzler 880 is the best for all around use, but then I hear that Dunlop makes a good one too. Any Opinion? Also, thanks to you and everyone for the comments on the bike, I think we'll be riding to gether for a long time.

Gary

dcstrng · 11-02-2006, 09:05 AM

What seems to be the tire of choice for this size bike...

As you suggest, both the Metz and Dunlop’s have their followers... also Avon from time to time... almost universally nobody goes back to the Stones... but frankly, other than being noisier than most others, there is nothing wrong with them either... I like Metz best, but... on my Nomad, 880 fronts seem to go 22-25K fairly reliably, and rears about 14-18K depending on whether it’s predominantly stop-n-go or long-pavement...

FYI -- If you haven’t already here are a couple of sites of folks who know Vulcan’s pretty well, a couple of `em you’ll need to complete a free sign-up:

http://forums.delphiforums.com/kawvulcan/start
VROC :: Vulcan Riders and Owners Club
Gadget's Fixit Page For Kawasaki Nomad & Classic Modification Maintenance & Repair

blackie1491 · 11-02-2006, 02:24 PM

I replaced my IRC's with Bridgestone, last month.
I found the tread pattern a little noisey on the asphalt that has the small stones in it. The handling seems good, the bikes moves smoothly, the tread pattern is supposely better in wet conditions, not tested with a panic stop yet.

Only have 1,000 or so miles on them.

The IRC's were good for me, but local costs were not.

Goldnfrm · 11-05-2006, 04:35 PM

Hey DC, yes, I've found all of those sites. The page gadget has up is awesome. I think he's going to be my new hero. Thaks for the advice on the tires. I'll probably look at the metz first and then dunlops. Thanks, Gary

spok · 11-25-2006, 12:09 PM

can't go wrong with a 1500. I ride an 04 1500, has 26k on the ticker and zero problems. I'd jump on it right now without even a good checkout and take a long trip on it.

thats how much trust and faith i have in my 1500

Goldnfrm · 11-30-2006, 11:14 AM

Spok, Thanks for the good words on the 1500. I'm hoping for some good days this winter so I can clock some miles and check it out. Of course, here the weather is very unpredictable so I'll just have to wait and see. Gary

spok · 12-01-2006, 11:09 AM

No worries gary, I think I should say...my rear tire is getting thin...uh maybe before that long trip, i'd get that replaced but other than that....i'd be out of here

Goldnfrm · 12-04-2006, 07:06 PM

Well Spok, so much for hopes of good weather, at least for now. Low last night hit 24 & the high today was only 32. It even snowed a bit this morning. As for your rear tire, I know the feeling. Mine is also getting kinda thin. Before spring I'll get a new set put on. The front still looks pretty good, but since I'm changing brands, I figure it would be better to replace both at the same time. Any opinion on this?

dcstrng · 12-08-2006, 12:39 PM

I figure it would be better to replace both at the same time

Not a bad idea, but not all that necessary on a cruiser – you’ll drag your footboards before your tires get near their adhesions limits, even when they're almost bald – some riders have even committed the unpardonable and mixed bias with radial ply, going against all contemporary folklore... again, on a cruiser the tire are not remotely as stressed as they might be on a performance bike, although I don’t like to mix bias with radial...

If you want to change, fine, might be nice to be totally ready for spring – but the earth won’t shift on its axis if you delay on changing the front until it is worn enough to warrant it...

**intimid8er** · 12-08-2006, 01:32 PM

Ya got a good bike...

The Vulcan is pretty much bullet proof!

Uechi Kid · 12-08-2006, 03:01 PM

Congrats Goldnfrm on the purchase of your vulcan. It's a great bike. I'm sure you're going to live it. I really like the paint.
Spok, it must be slow over at the Kawasaki site.

Goldnfrm · 12-12-2006, 08:00 PM

Hey Guys, Thanks for all the advise and good words about my bike. I'll take another look at the front tire in a few weeks and decide what to do. Whichever way I go, I'll remember what you've all told me.

Hey, if I don't hear from anyone before then, I hope everyone has a great holiday season.

spok · 12-13-2006, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uechi Kid

Congrats Goldnfrm on the purchase of your vulcan. It's a great bike. I'm sure you're going to live it. I really like the paint.
Spok, it must be slow over at the Kawasaki site.

slow? nah, i just thought i'd bump a post count somewhere else

10-02-2006, 09:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
Goldnfrm Newbie Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: 04 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan Classic Location: North/Central West Virginia Posts: 10	04 1500, Advice Please I'm new to the forum, as I'm just now looking at a 2004 Classic 1500. I've been riding for many years, but only in the 750 to 800 cc range. I've recently found a 1500 that is very nice and needs nothing but me planted on the seat. I was wondering if I could ask if there are any bad things to consider with this bike. It has a little over 11000 miles on it and will probably need tires by summer. Otherwise it appears to be in great shape. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Gary

10-14-2006, 04:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
Goldnfrm Newbie Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: 04 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan Classic Location: North/Central West Virginia Posts: 10	Update on 1500 Classic OK, I bought the 1500 and so far I'm very happy with the choice. I've updated m avatar with a photo. Also, I'm reading lots of the topics here and getting loads of helpful info. Thanks guys for a great site. Gary

10-14-2006, 06:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
Atlas68 Sit speling cheker Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 SOLD '05 Anniversary Edition VMax #1878 Location: Vancouver B.C. Canada Posts: 1,728	to the forum Gary. Congrats on the purchase. I don't think you can go wrong with the Vulcans. Some of the metric lines have their idiosyncracies (ie dropping the exhaust to change the oil), but for the most part, metric cruizers are virtually bullet proof. When you have a moment, throw in some close-ups of your new toy and show her off a bit. __________________ Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength. SuperTrapp Exhaust

10-16-2006, 11:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
Atlas68 Sit speling cheker Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 SOLD '05 Anniversary Edition VMax #1878 Location: Vancouver B.C. Canada Posts: 1,728	As Blackie said, great looking bike Gary. Love the paint scheme. Looking forward to more pic's as you put some time on her. Talk to you later, Atlas. __________________ Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength. SuperTrapp Exhaust

11-02-2006, 09:05 AM	#8 (permalink)
dcstrng Ditch Magnet Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: `99 Nomad`96 FLHT Location: Colonial Beach, VA Posts: 182	What seems to be the tire of choice for this size bike... As you suggest, both the Metz and Dunlop’s have their followers... also Avon from time to time... almost universally nobody goes back to the Stones... but frankly, other than being noisier than most others, there is nothing wrong with them either... I like Metz best, but... on my Nomad, 880 fronts seem to go 22-25K fairly reliably, and rears about 14-18K depending on whether it’s predominantly stop-n-go or long-pavement... FYI -- If you haven’t already here are a couple of sites of folks who know Vulcan’s pretty well, a couple of `em you’ll need to complete a free sign-up: http://forums.delphiforums.com/kawvulcan/start VROC :: Vulcan Riders and Owners Club Gadget's Fixit Page For Kawasaki Nomad & Classic Modification Maintenance & Repair __________________ Larry VROC -- IBA Milwaukee & Metric

10-16-2006, 09:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,333	Gary The bike looks great. What tires does it have? Are they Bridgestones?

11-02-2006, 02:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,333	I replaced my IRC's with Bridgestone, last month. I found the tread pattern a little noisey on the asphalt that has the small stones in it. The handling seems good, the bikes moves smoothly, the tread pattern is supposely better in wet conditions, not tested with a panic stop yet. Only have 1,000 or so miles on them. The IRC's were good for me, but local costs were not.

11-05-2006, 04:35 PM	#10 (permalink)
Goldnfrm Newbie Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: 04 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan Classic Location: North/Central West Virginia Posts: 10	Hey DC, yes, I've found all of those sites. The page gadget has up is awesome. I think he's going to be my new hero. Thaks for the advice on the tires. I'll probably look at the metz first and then dunlops. Thanks, Gary

11-25-2006, 12:09 PM	#11 (permalink)
spok Where Am I ? Joined: Nov 2006 Bike: Vulcan 2000/1500 Location: Planet Vulcan Posts: 39	can't go wrong with a 1500. I ride an 04 1500, has 26k on the ticker and zero problems. I'd jump on it right now without even a good checkout and take a long trip on it. thats how much trust and faith i have in my 1500

11-30-2006, 11:14 AM	#12 (permalink)
Goldnfrm Newbie Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: 04 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan Classic Location: North/Central West Virginia Posts: 10	Spok, Thanks for the good words on the 1500. I'm hoping for some good days this winter so I can clock some miles and check it out. Of course, here the weather is very unpredictable so I'll just have to wait and see. Gary

12-01-2006, 11:09 AM	#13 (permalink)
spok Where Am I ? Joined: Nov 2006 Bike: Vulcan 2000/1500 Location: Planet Vulcan Posts: 39	No worries gary, I think I should say...my rear tire is getting thin...uh maybe before that long trip, i'd get that replaced but other than that....i'd be out of here __________________ 2005 Vulcan 2000 / 2004 Vulcan 1500 Classic

12-04-2006, 07:06 PM	#14 (permalink)
Goldnfrm Newbie Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: 04 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan Classic Location: North/Central West Virginia Posts: 10	Well Spok, so much for hopes of good weather, at least for now. Low last night hit 24 & the high today was only 32. It even snowed a bit this morning. As for your rear tire, I know the feeling. Mine is also getting kinda thin. Before spring I'll get a new set put on. The front still looks pretty good, but since I'm changing brands, I figure it would be better to replace both at the same time. Any opinion on this?

12-08-2006, 12:39 PM	#15 (permalink)
dcstrng Ditch Magnet Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: `99 Nomad`96 FLHT Location: Colonial Beach, VA Posts: 182	I figure it would be better to replace both at the same time Not a bad idea, but not all that necessary on a cruiser – you’ll drag your footboards before your tires get near their adhesions limits, even when they're almost bald – some riders have even committed the unpardonable and mixed bias with radial ply, going against all contemporary folklore... again, on a cruiser the tire are not remotely as stressed as they might be on a performance bike, although I don’t like to mix bias with radial... If you want to change, fine, might be nice to be totally ready for spring – but the earth won’t shift on its axis if you delay on changing the front until it is worn enough to warrant it... __________________ Larry VROC -- IBA Milwaukee & Metric

12-08-2006, 01:32 PM	#16 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 30 41'47.99" N 83 11'26.54" W Hold My Beer Posts: 10,092	Ya got a good bike... The Vulcan is pretty much bullet proof! __________________ Song Pick of the Week 12/03 Booker T and the MG's - Green Onions Bonus for Buster The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight I had no idea 20% ABV beer could get me drunk so fast!

12-08-2006, 03:01 PM	#17 (permalink)
Uechi Kid Fourth gear and illegal Joined: Sep 2005 Bike: 04 M95, Yamaha VStar 650 Location: Antioch, Ca. Posts: 744	Congrats Goldnfrm on the purchase of your vulcan. It's a great bike. I'm sure you're going to live it. I really like the paint. Spok, it must be slow over at the Kawasaki site. __________________ "Carpe Diem"

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12-12-2006, 08:00 PM	#18 (permalink)
Goldnfrm Newbie Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: 04 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan Classic Location: North/Central West Virginia Posts: 10	Hey Guys, Thanks for all the advise and good words about my bike. I'll take another look at the front tire in a few weeks and decide what to do. Whichever way I go, I'll remember what you've all told me. Hey, if I don't hear from anyone before then, I hope everyone has a great holiday season.