08 Vulcan 900 custom review

[buttons252]

I feel disappointed. I never got a chance to test ride the bike because none were prepped. I am coming from a line of sport bikes ZRX1200 ZX-10, lastly a Hayabusa. A few years ago I test rode a 02 Vrod and just LOVED it. the forward pegs, the sound, the comfort... just hated the price.

These days i looked at a lot of used bikes and sat on a lot of new bikes. The VTX1300, Vulcan 900 Custom, and Mean Streak fit me perfect...but i didnt want to spend over 7k. Out of the three i felt the vulcan was the best looking bike and read a ton of good reviews.

For the most part I think i will be contempt with the bike and possibly love it with a few mods. Any riding over 50mph i find uncomfortable and annoying. To much wind in the face. Simple add a windshield right? well I hate windshields. Fixes my problem but murders the appearance in my opinion. Unless i can get some little bikini fairing that matches the bike .. MAYBE. Power wise, it felt satisfactory I think it would struggle with two at highway speeds. A lot of buzz/vibration during acceleration but pretty smooth when just taking it easy. They tried to offer me a deal on 06 mean streak SE but i didnt care for it. and it was $9700 out the door. didnt seem that good of deal to me for an almost 3 year old bike.

Once i got off the highway I immediatly enjoyed the bike more. My commute is 7 miles all back roads 35-45mph so i should be fine there. Ill have pics tonight of my new lime green kawasaki.

[05HDRAM]

I would think any cruiser without a windshield is going to give you wind in the face. I used to ride sportbikes, and made the switch to a cruiser. You should have shopped around for a used VRod, the prices are coming down. I saw a couple locally that were in the $9k range.

[buttons252]

After spending more time with the bike i really enjoy it now. It took some getting use to, but i still hate riding over 60mph for sure full face helmet helped a bunch. Yeah i might like a vrod more but 9k + used bike financing didnt seem like a good idea. i didnt really want to spend 7 though either.

[c_law23]

Originally Posted by buttons252

After spending more time with the bike i really enjoy it now. It took some getting use to, but i still hate riding over 60mph for sure full face helmet helped a bunch. Yeah i might like a vrod more but 9k + used bike financing didnt seem like a good idea. i didnt really want to spend 7 though either.

Try the front overdrive pulley from Scootworks.com.

I have it and it does an amazing job of smoothing out the vibration above 60.

I can run in 4th at 55 with ease now and it feels as buzzy as 70 did in 5th pre-pulley. and IMO there is very little low end loss... i cant notice it, but Im sure there is some. completely worth it IMO.