I'm 68 & a 50 year motorcycle rider, I have ridden most brands sold in the US. In 2023, I wanted a new bike, I didn't want a used bike. I love my 6 month old, 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT, that is the one with backrest, windshield, bags & floorboards. I paid about $11K, with the 6 year warranty upgrade.
Yep, one of the best crusiers for the money. Fuel injected, belt drive, not much power but fantastic mpg and torque curve as flat as the Bonneville salt. Run the PCV out through a breather filter instead of the intake. Commander 2 tire can last over 25k on the rear.
Ye these bikes are legit, comfortable, dependable, beautiful,good priced. I broke my leg on a sport bike and had yo go to a cruiser but now that i did,i LOVE it Great bikes ,good vid bro👍
thank you for your time! I got rid of my Harley got a Suzuki M109R it was way too fast 150 mph so now I have a 2021 Vulcan 900 and I love it! it's the custom model.
Yep! I bought an 06 Vulcan 900 classic last year. It's the perfect first bike for me. I intend to pass it on to my son in the near future as I move up to a Vaquero. Every now and then, someone will make a lighthearted joke about me having a Kawasaki, but in truth, they're all just glad to see me riding.
Just picked up a 2010 Vulcan 900 for 3700... looks great...runs even better....i looked at harleys but just cant justify that kinda money ..went on a 50 mile ride this AM
Got 900 custom from a guy who was in a rush to sell just 40 min from home for $2500 with just 800 miles. Only downside it’s 2009 but makes no difference since they didn’t change at all over the years and it was garage kept so basically a brand new machine. Changed oil right away and that’s all. Nearly brand new machine for 2500. A steal ;) Insurance is dirt cheap. Nice first bike for me. Honestly, for it to be a first bike, you goto be a big guy. I’m 6’4 240lb. Some of my smaller (experienced) buddies tried it and it was heavy for them. Pretty heavy for a complete beginner if you are smaller person. Put like 1000 miles on it. My first motorcycle experience. Only downside I see is that the bike loves anything under 70mph. Anything over is a challenge for it. Of course you CAN run it at 100mph but the ride is too shaky. You’d say why you need anything over 70 as a beginner and I’d agree to a degree but where I usually ride it (to and from work) everybody is driving in a 75-80mph range even though the speed limit is 50. So you’d like to have an ability to cruise with a traffic speed and have an ability to accelerate fast even for a short period to go around someone or get out of a dangerous road situation. So, while I’m learning I’d stay with the bike, but in 20-30k miles I’ll definitely want something a bit faster. Not a sport bike, sport bikes are stupid in my humble opinion. But a cruiser or semi sport or something like this with a bit more power and definitely 6th gear.
I just bought a 1 owner 2018 Vulcan 900 CLASSIC LT with 1,092 original miles on it in like new cond for $5,500. Have put approx 1,500 miles on it so far & only real complaint is no matter what anyone says it need at the very least a larger drive pulley(which I already installed) because this bikes overall top gear ratio is too short turning too many rpm at highway in 5th gear even with the 2 teeth larger drive pulley. I installed a tach & at 60mph(verified with gps) it’s turns approx 3,100-3,200rpm (4K rpm at 70mph ) which is quite a lot even for this high winding 900V-twin sending tjis vibes thru hand grips & footboards.(and I installed foam comfort grips & have gel inserts in my riding boots & still feel it on open highway. But with only 900cv & 650lbs wt tiu can’t over gear it too esp if you do a lot of 2up riding in mountains with long steep in clones like I do. But riding the 900 Vulcan 2up & bags loaded up steep 4-5 mile long grades in 5th gear at 60-65mph it holds it np with just a little more throttle with plenty left to go if need be which surprised me. But overall as already stated for the money they are a great reliable bike that should go many yrs & miles without issues. You can also install a 2 tooth smaller pulley on the rear wheel yo bring cruise rpm down a bit more then just larger drive pulley alone does. But with only 900 if you ride 2 up I’d not rec found both pulleys upgrade is your often in mountains because the 2 pulley upgrade may be a bit much for only 900ccs eith wt & riding 2up in mountains csusing more downshifting along with poss needing wot at times with taller gearing (2up in mountains!) maybe overloading the clutch poss leading to slippage requiring new clutch plates & hvy dty clutch springs be installed for a considerable repair if you can’t do it yourself.
Awesome vid on awesome bike! I have an 07 classic lt with 29k on it and getting stronger, lol. Just finished rebuilding a wrecked 2021 with 1k. I've got a bit over 200 miles on the new 1 and I am excited as only a new, practically perfect motorcycle can make me! VN 900 is the best in twisties and hills of Appalachia that I have seen in 50 yrs of riding. Great to moto camp off of or just tool the Blvd to relax and eats highway miles like they are cheerios
Found an 09 for a good price near me, and im a brand new rider looking for something. This was super helpful to get ideas what I’d want, especially with my fiancé wanting to ride with me.
Glad I could help.. the stock seat is crappy and definitely needs the upgrade, other than that no complains, except the sissy bar w/ backrest is definitely a nice addition for a passenger.
Very nice ride!! I recently got a 2009 Classic Lt that I’m working on. I agree with you about the speedo bezel. That thing is obnoxiously bright during a sunny day. What type of paint did you use? Looking into the horn upgrade as well, it’s a much needed upgrade.
Thars a very nice Vulcan! I've owned a 2006 900 Classic for 6 years and am very pleased with it. What brand luggage rack and sissy bar are on your bike? I also agree about the seat. I'd like to have a Mustang seat with a backrest. They're quite expensive though.
Thanks! I think I just got the sissy bar / backrest from ebay. It had a built-in luggage rack but I had that extension plate fabricated so I could put a large trunk on it.
I appreciate your response. I saw a sissy bar and luggagerack on eBay and a similaroneon Amazon and wondered about the quality. Based on your experience, I'll probably buy one of those. I want it to carry a bag. Ride safely. @mrdevinstone
Dude. I’m totally with ya. I got a Versys-X recently but not a fan of the ride height. Great bike. But honestly thinking of trading for the Vulcan Classic 900 for better ride height. $8999 brand new. And I would, however, get different bars. Looks like a Heritage Softail windshield on it. What kind is it? Looks nice. Dude. Demo the horn.
I think the Vulcan blows Harley Davidson out of the water. Yes, the Vulcan exists BECAUSE of HD, but Kawasaki has raised the bar and in my circle of friends the Vulcan IS the pinnacle. Harley Davidson's strength is in MARKETING. They make you think they are a blue collar everyman company, but they are for the elite rider who has $40k to spend. I do not, and I like reliability over a stupid badge. As a bass player, Harley is the Fender Pbass of bikes - WAY overpriced and a USA Peavey will play circles around it for half the price.
I got an 09 saki vulcan classic. Its a decent bike. For 3k you cant beat it. Been thru 3 Hondas. So riding the saki is a little different. I think its got plenty of punch. 2 people can get up to bout 105 with np...lol we love it. I actually put battery tender hookup in thru side of saddle bag for no see. I just told someone else on here. I got a single air horn on amazon for like 30 bux. Put compressor and wiring harness in front fork tool bag. Its really loud.
You remind me of the John Prine song, "Your flag bumpersticker won't get you n2 heaven". So hush, child, the adults are talking and we veterans have EARNED THE RIGHT to wear the flag as WE choose!
I've been to multiple patriot-themed rallies including Patriot Thunder and Ride for 22 (which is a veteran suicide awareness non-profit), the only comments I've ever gotten are 'these Kawasaki's are GREAT bikes,' multiple Harley owners told me they had Honda Shadows or Kawasakis but wanted a Harley to be a part of the community (which I totally respect). All the motorcycle community cares about is if it has two wheels and that you love riding. Not one negative comment, nothing but compliments and most of these open to the public rides start and end at Harley dealerships.
@@chipblanc6037 Thanks for the comment, I'm not a veteran but I attend many veteran themed rides like Ride for 22 (veteran suicide awareness ride), lots of vets ride Japanese bikes, it's who you are not what you ride :) wheels down friend!
This is what I have too... Couldn't be happier. I paid $6500 for mine but it is an LT and it has a lot of expensive accessories on it too that the previous owner bought and installed.
Please agree or disagree RESPECTFULLY! If you think I wasted your time, please don't waste more of your precious time by typing out a nasty comment.
I'm 68 & a 50 year motorcycle rider, I have ridden most brands sold in the US. In 2023, I wanted a new bike, I didn't want a used bike.
I love my 6 month old, 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT, that is the one with backrest, windshield, bags & floorboards. I paid about $11K, with the 6 year warranty upgrade.
Yep, one of the best crusiers for the money. Fuel injected, belt drive, not much power but fantastic mpg and torque curve as flat as the Bonneville salt. Run the PCV out through a breather filter instead of the intake. Commander 2 tire can last over 25k on the rear.
Couldn't agree more!
Ye these bikes are legit, comfortable, dependable, beautiful,good priced. I broke my leg on a sport bike and had yo go to a cruiser but now that i did,i LOVE it Great bikes ,good vid bro👍
Thank you 🙏🏻!
thank you for your time! I got rid of my Harley got a Suzuki M109R it was way too fast 150 mph so now I have a 2021 Vulcan 900 and I love it! it's the custom model.
Those are seriously good bikes, I would love a new one.
Yep! I bought an 06 Vulcan 900 classic last year. It's the perfect first bike for me. I intend to pass it on to my son in the near future as I move up to a Vaquero. Every now and then, someone will make a lighthearted joke about me having a Kawasaki, but in truth, they're all just glad to see me riding.
Ye I got the same bike bro,there awesome.They set at the top of there class in middleweight cruisers.
Ye I got the same bike bro,there awesome.They set at the top of there class in middleweight cruisers.
The "cons" you get are "it's not a Harley." Get past that and you have a bike that runs better, is bulletproof-reliable for one-third the price.
I just got a 2008 Vulcan 900 it is in great shape. My first bike
Good choice!
Just picked up a 2010 Vulcan 900 for 3700... looks great...runs even better....i looked at harleys but just cant justify that kinda money ..went on a 50 mile ride this AM
Rode mine 2 yrs before adding Mustang seat. got it used for $400. Game changer!
That’s the must-have upgrade
got one,love it,uk weather is a bit harsh but every word you say is true,a brilliant cruiser.
Got 900 custom from a guy who was in a rush to sell just 40 min from home for $2500 with just 800 miles.
Only downside it’s 2009 but makes no difference since they didn’t change at all over the years and it was garage kept so basically a brand new machine.
Changed oil right away and that’s all. Nearly brand new machine for 2500. A steal ;)
Insurance is dirt cheap.
Nice first bike for me.
Honestly, for it to be a first bike, you goto be a big guy. I’m 6’4 240lb.
Some of my smaller (experienced) buddies tried it and it was heavy for them. Pretty heavy for a complete beginner if you are smaller person.
Put like 1000 miles on it. My first motorcycle experience.
Only downside I see is that the bike loves anything under 70mph. Anything over is a challenge for it. Of course you CAN run it at 100mph but the ride is too shaky.
You’d say why you need anything over 70 as a beginner and I’d agree to a degree but where I usually ride it (to and from work) everybody is driving in a 75-80mph range even though the speed limit is 50. So you’d like to have an ability to cruise with a traffic speed and have an ability to accelerate fast even for a short period to go around someone or get out of a dangerous road situation.
So, while I’m learning I’d stay with the bike, but in 20-30k miles I’ll definitely want something a bit faster. Not a sport bike, sport bikes are stupid in my humble opinion. But a cruiser or semi sport or something like this with a bit more power and definitely 6th gear.
I just bought a 1 owner 2018 Vulcan 900 CLASSIC LT with 1,092 original miles on it in like new cond for $5,500.
Have put approx 1,500 miles on it so far & only real complaint is no matter what anyone says it need at the very least a larger drive pulley(which I already installed) because this bikes overall top gear ratio is too short turning too many rpm at highway in 5th gear even with the 2 teeth larger drive pulley.
I installed a tach & at 60mph(verified with gps) it’s turns approx 3,100-3,200rpm (4K rpm at 70mph ) which is quite a lot even for this high winding 900V-twin sending tjis vibes thru hand grips & footboards.(and I installed foam comfort grips & have gel inserts in my riding boots & still feel it on open highway.
But with only 900cv & 650lbs wt tiu can’t over gear it too esp if you do a lot of 2up riding in mountains with long steep in clones like I do.
But riding the 900 Vulcan 2up & bags loaded up steep 4-5 mile long grades in 5th gear at 60-65mph it holds it np with just a little more throttle with plenty left to go if need be which surprised me.
But overall as already stated for the money they are a great reliable bike that should go many yrs & miles without issues.
You can also install a 2 tooth smaller pulley on the rear wheel yo bring cruise rpm down a bit more then just larger drive pulley alone does.
But with only 900 if you ride 2 up I’d not rec found both pulleys upgrade is your often in mountains because the 2 pulley upgrade may be a bit much for only 900ccs eith wt & riding 2up in mountains csusing more downshifting along with poss needing wot at times with taller gearing (2up in mountains!) maybe overloading the clutch poss leading to slippage requiring new clutch plates & hvy dty clutch springs be installed for a considerable repair if you can’t do it yourself.
Awesome vid on awesome bike! I have an 07 classic lt with 29k on it and getting stronger, lol. Just finished rebuilding a wrecked 2021 with 1k. I've got a bit over 200 miles on the new 1 and I am excited as only a new, practically perfect motorcycle can make me! VN 900 is the best in twisties and hills of Appalachia that I have seen in 50 yrs of riding. Great to moto camp off of or just tool the Blvd to relax and eats highway miles like they are cheerios
Right on!
I got an '08 for me and my girlfriend to ride around. It's great in town, kind of sucks on the highway though. The gearing needs revision.
Nice deal, left my heated grips in Idaho Falls, moved to Florida!
Found an 09 for a good price near me, and im a brand new rider looking for something. This was super helpful to get ideas what I’d want, especially with my fiancé wanting to ride with me.
Glad I could help.. the stock seat is crappy and definitely needs the upgrade, other than that no complains, except the sissy bar w/ backrest is definitely a nice addition for a passenger.
Very nice ride!! I recently got a 2009 Classic Lt that I’m working on. I agree with you about the speedo bezel. That thing is obnoxiously bright during a sunny day.
What type of paint did you use? Looking into the horn upgrade as well, it’s a much needed upgrade.
It’s just krylon fusion flat black 👍
Thars a very nice Vulcan! I've owned a 2006 900 Classic for 6 years and am very pleased with it. What brand luggage rack and sissy bar are on your bike? I also agree about the seat. I'd like to have a Mustang seat with a backrest. They're quite expensive though.
Thanks! I think I just got the sissy bar / backrest from ebay. It had a built-in luggage rack but I had that extension plate fabricated so I could put a large trunk on it.
I appreciate your response. I saw a sissy bar and luggagerack on eBay and a similaroneon Amazon and wondered about the quality. Based on your experience, I'll probably buy one of those. I want it to carry a bag. Ride safely. @mrdevinstone
Dude. I’m totally with ya. I got a Versys-X recently but not a fan of the ride height. Great bike. But honestly thinking of trading for the Vulcan Classic 900 for better ride height. $8999 brand new. And I would, however, get different bars. Looks like a Heritage Softail windshield on it. What kind is it? Looks nice. Dude. Demo the horn.
I think it’s just a universal one, came with the bike. Thanks for watching! Yeah I could demo the horn it is LOUD and drivers hear it!
2007 Vulcan 900 Custom, no chain, no carb, liquid cooled and no spokes to clean.
Ye those spokes are a mofo to deal with.I get to experience that alot😂
I think the Vulcan blows Harley Davidson out of the water. Yes, the Vulcan exists BECAUSE of HD, but Kawasaki has raised the bar and in my circle of friends the Vulcan IS the pinnacle. Harley Davidson's strength is in MARKETING. They make you think they are a blue collar everyman company, but they are for the elite rider who has $40k to spend. I do not, and I like reliability over a stupid badge. As a bass player, Harley is the Fender Pbass of bikes - WAY overpriced and a USA Peavey will play circles around it for half the price.
Yeah it’s really just the name. I get the same experience on my $3,000 bike with bulletproof reliability and no payment.
@@mrdevinstone Yes, my thoughts exactly. No payment and more reliable, so why NOT Vulcan ?
I got an 09 saki vulcan classic. Its a decent bike. For 3k you cant beat it. Been thru 3 Hondas. So riding the saki is a little different. I think its got plenty of punch. 2 people can get up to bout 105 with np...lol we love it. I actually put battery tender hookup in thru side of saddle bag for no see. I just told someone else on here. I got a single air horn on amazon for like 30 bux. Put compressor and wiring harness in front fork tool bag. Its really loud.
How many miles were on it when you bought it?
5,000
Hello.. can it tow a teardrop trailer????
Stock it can't I've seen some special tailer-towing setups out there.. it would be interesting to try but keep in mind it's only 900cc's.
Who and is the backrest for passenger
It is for my gf 👍
You’re gonna get in trouble riding a Japanese bike wearing a t-shirt with an American flag on it!🤣
Has never happened because nobody cares.
You remind me of the John Prine song, "Your flag bumpersticker won't get you n2 heaven". So hush, child, the adults are talking and we veterans have EARNED THE RIGHT to wear the flag as WE choose!
I've been to multiple patriot-themed rallies including Patriot Thunder and Ride for 22 (which is a veteran suicide awareness non-profit), the only comments I've ever gotten are 'these Kawasaki's are GREAT bikes,' multiple Harley owners told me they had Honda Shadows or Kawasakis but wanted a Harley to be a part of the community (which I totally respect). All the motorcycle community cares about is if it has two wheels and that you love riding. Not one negative comment, nothing but compliments and most of these open to the public rides start and end at Harley dealerships.
@@chipblanc6037 Thanks for the comment, I'm not a veteran but I attend many veteran themed rides like Ride for 22 (veteran suicide awareness ride), lots of vets ride Japanese bikes, it's who you are not what you ride :) wheels down friend!
This is what I have too... Couldn't be happier. I paid $6500 for mine but it is an LT and it has a lot of expensive accessories on it too that the previous owner bought and installed.
That’s how to do it. A $25,000 Harley won’t make you any happier. Riding is riding!