Going back to my first bike a Vulcan 500

[Kat]

I am thinking about a Vulcan 500. I currently have a GZ250, and I really really love this bike but, it is a little short in the power department. I don't need or want lots and lots of power but, a friend from this group "Shannie" just got a V500 and she loves it. What will be hard for me to give up is the classic cruiser style. Can you put the bigger front fender on one of these and kind of "dress" it up a little or would that look dumb. I know looks aren't important but, if I can get best of both that would be nice. I saw the Vulcan 800 classic and that would be the look I would love, my problem is I had bought a ACE before I knew how to ride and then when I got my license, I just couldn't handle that much bike. I threw me off more than once. I can't bounce like I used to and I am more than a little gun shy. I think the rake angle and not being used to handling a bike like that at low speed played a part. If anyone has any thoughts on the 800 classic, it would be great to hear that too.

Not going to sell my thumper until at least fall, as I still feel there is much she needs to teach me and I have to learn, but, I can't believe it, I am starting to think about something a smidge bigger.

Any thoughts from my fellow biker friends would be much appreciated.

[subvetSSN606]

I would expect the 800 Classic to feel similar to the ACE. The S40 (Savage) might be just the ticket for you.

Tom

[JoeLansing]

I test drove an S40 Savage before. Now I'm sure this is just me, but between it being a thumper, and it's size, I got an incredible flashback to when I was a kid and drove around a lot on a big 5HP Heathkit "Boonie Bike" mini-bike. It felt just like it.. - Joe

[PerrydaSavage]

Well, I started on a Honda CMX250 Rebel and after a Summer riding her, I "moved up" to a Suzuki LS650 Savage ... and would have to say that it was a perfect move for me ... I loved the Rebel and with the Savage (S40), I now have a Bike that is essentially the same (lightweight and easy to ride), but with much more power and torque ... the move from a GZ250 to the LS650 would be even more "natural", as both are one-lungers with similar handling characteristics and such.
If I ever decide to "move up" again (and right now I have no plans to ... I love my Savage!), the logical step for me would be Suzuki's VS800 Intruder (S50).

[djnull]

my first (and current) bike is a vulcan500 too. other than wanting something a little more sporty, its really a perfect bike. i let my dad take it for a ride last month, and he said it well.. "you put your hands out, and there are the bars. you put your feet up, and there are the pegs. its just such a neutral feel... really comfortable. " and fun to lean in on corners