Going back to my first bike a Vulcan 500

[JoeLansing]

Well, I started out with a Vulcan 500, loved it. Then I bought a Shadow Spirit 1100 and sold the Vulcan to another BB rider. That was last year. I've became unhappy with the Shadow. It's just way big, and heavy, and loud (vance & hines pipes), and doesn't do anything that the Vulcan didn't do. It's not even any faster that I can tell. I'll admit, I'm a minimalist. I drive a Toyota Corrola, and laugh at people in SUV's that handle like a drunk pregnant hippo and slurp gas... I kinda did the same thing to myself trading a Vulcan 500 that I loved for the big black and chrome pig. I suppose if I was into ego and style I'd love the Shadow, but I'm more about ease of use and MPG. I guess I really am getting old...hahaha I'm 5'10", 160#, my only 2-up rider is about 100#. The shadow is nicer on distance freeway trips, but that's less than 5% of my riding time. I guess I just wanted to say "Don't sell a bike you love until you fall in love with your new one!" - Joe

[karpsymoto]

Hey Joe, Welcome back to the Vulcan500. It's my first bike too. I was thinking of changing but decided against it after I got input from others here. Enjoy your new/old bike.

[Bobthearch]

I prefer the 'fat' crusiers for the style and an undescribable feeling. But loud pipes do suck. You can always re-install originals, and some aftermarket pipes do have effective optional inserts.

At least you know exactly what you want. I'm perpetually undecided, and envious of you decisive types...

Good Luck with your shopping. None of the dealers here stock the Vulcan 500; I've made a special point of asking. One salesman/sales manager didn't think they were even made any more, "I haven't seen one of those in two or three years."

Best Wishes,
Bob

[karpsymoto]

Bobthearch: Yup they're still being made

FYI http://www.kawasaki.com/product_deta...tag=motorcycle

I too don't like loud pipes. Enjoy.

[JoeLansing]

I think you hit the nail on the head Bobthearch:

I prefer the 'fat' crusiers for the style and an undescribable feeling.

I got my indescribable feeling from the Vulcan 500, just all smiles and no down sides in my normal in town driving. The Shadow didn't blow around as bad on the freeway, but seeing people roll up their windows to protect themselves from my loud bike really bothered me. I don't want to give riding a bad reputation. And the weight issue really bugs me. I get more smiles flicking around a little bike, than trying to herd a pig into the right direction. I learned to deal with the shadow's weight, but I'd just as soon not deal with it at all if I don't need to. I'm sure it's all just a matter of taste, some like big cool things, and some love cheap cost effective things. I get more smiles out of a little bike that fits my needs and comfort, not my ego. If I ever became a real "biker" and wanted to use a bike for camping, hauling a big lady 2-up, impressing other people, or many other things the Vulcan would lose it's attraction in a hurry. Anybody want to buy a 98 1100 Shadow with 5k on it cheap? - Joe

[JoeLansing]

My next door neighbor has ridden the shadow as much as me. I let him just take over payments. He'll own it for about $3k.. Actually, he's ridden most of his life and was bikeless. I think he fell in love with the 1100 the first time he drove it last summer. I'm taking a big loss on it, but the payment is gone..

I found a 2005 Vulcan 500 about 50 miles from me. Told them I would only spend 5k out the door, and they dropped the price, cut the wierd new bike dealer charges down to nothing, and now it's in My Garage. I ordered a sissy bar and large shield for it today at 25% off. I'm happy!!!!

I'm not sure I'll ever get a larger bike. I just commute, non highway to work. Drive around town a bit on weekends. I'm really cheap and love 55-60MPG or so. I think I found out why I didn't like the big bike. For summer cruising in town a Mazda Miata would be very cool, heck, even a Sunfire convertible. Not a Explorer or a Suburban

A couple people at work that ride shook their heads when I told them I was going back to a little 500 cruiser. The friends I've rode with understood because they've ridden with me when I had a Vulcan 500, and they know what one will do. Supersizing is ok for food once in a while, but don't supersize my pretty, light, and easy to flick around in town bike. - Joe

[Bandalero]

[QUOTE=J
I'm not sure I'll ever get a larger bike.
A couple people at work that ride shook their heads when I told them I was going back to a little 500 cruiser. [/QUOTE]

I know what you mean - after a year with my Virago 535, I get a lot of "when are you moving up?" and "don't you want more power?", etc.

I feel fine with my bike's handling and power and am still learning to ride it. It is light (400 lbs) and does everything I've wanted to so far, from long trips to mountain rides.

And the fact that I own it outright is a very big plus, also

[Liz]

My first and current bike is a Vulcan 500 and I love it. My only complaint is that it sounds inferior to larger models. The bigger bikers tease me and ask 'is it started yet?'. I've ridden my riding buddy's 1100 Shadow and that thing is huge, too huge for me. When I do decide to upgrade, it will probably be to an 800 or so, but nothing bigger. But I'm not too worried about it. I'm in no great hurry to get rid of it. Like you said, it's GREAT for commuting and in town handling.

[subvetSSN606]

Joe,

Welcome aboard!

What a great testament to several concepts...
1. Bigger isn't necessarily better
2. Ride what suits YOU and your type of riding.
3. A confident person is comfortable with their own decisions, approval of others is not required.
4. What you think you want isn't always what you really want.
5. If you find you've made a mistake, fix it! No sense being unhappy.



Tom

[dalan]

The Vulcan 500 just seems to be one of those bikes that folks remain loyal to. My wife feels the same way about her V500 - she's certain that she'll never want a different bike, and when this one wears out, she'll get another one. She loves hers so much we're going to be stripping it down and giving it a custom paintjob this winter. Indeed, this "little" bike will do anything any larger cruiser will do short of long-distance two-upping.

And regarding finding them, every one of the 4 kwaker dealers I've visited this spring have had one on the floor. I think all the dealers get one early in the season and sell it quickly. Seems like if you want a new V500, you have to stake out all the dealers as soon as the snow starts to melt, and be ready to jump.