Anyone riden a Vulcan 1600?

Liquidtoon · April 13th, 2013, 03:24 PM

I'm considering selling my bike. I want to start taking longer rides. I only get to ride a few times a year but tend to ride the full day. So I seen a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak Cruiser for sale and thought it was a beautiful bike. I have never ridden, more than 3-4miles, a big cruiser but thought I would get some peoples views on going from a 250 to a big cruiser and what to expect out of it. Any words of wisdom? I have read lots of reviews for the bike and they say about the same thing, not a ton of power but a good strong, well handling bike. Of course, not a lot of power means compared to similar bikes so I kinda expect a ton of power of the little 250.

KawiKid860 · April 14th, 2013, 08:45 PM

It will be kind of like riding a train compared to the 250. Quicker in a straight line, but going around corners will probably feel like you're crawling.

ChaoSS · April 14th, 2013, 09:08 PM

Cruisers are fun, it can feel strange going from a leaned over position to going to sitting upright on a long ride.

I've always wanted a vulcan though.

BTW, people say that they are slow through the corners, most of those bikes can take corners faster than a lot of sport bike riders are comfortable taking them anyway. The low center of gravity can actually make you feel more planted in corners.

kirk595x · April 14th, 2013, 09:22 PM

My Uncle has one....it's ok I guess. My Pops had a VTX 1800 and that was much more fun than the Vulcan. I've taken the VTX on some twisties and I was impressed at how well it handled for being an 820 lb. Civic motor with wheels. Just my opinion. My Uncle really likes his Vulcan though

.

choneofakind · April 14th, 2013, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaoSS

BTW, people say that they are slow through the corners, most of those bikes can take corners faster than a lot of sport bike riders are comfortable taking them anyway. The low center of gravity can actually make you feel more planted in corners.

Well, kinda. I test rode a Vulcan 900 a couple summers ago. It was fine on the road; plenty of lean as long as you were sensible on speed. But I did scrape pegs when I rode into and out of the driveway. Right when I was thinking, "now it feels like I'm turning", they scraped.

But it did toss back and forth pretty quickly, considering how much it weighs. That low center of gravity is good for something.

Fine bike. Great intake sound. Plenty of torque. Just not my style.

rc racer · April 14th, 2013, 11:20 PM

I have ridden cross country on a VTX and a vfr800. Turns out the cruiser was much less comfortable for the long trip. Mostly due to the forward controls. Since your feet are not underneath you when you ride a cruiser all your weight is on your tail and your seating position is locked in. On the sport bikes you can take some of your weight on your feet and shift around more on the seat.

After long trips on the VTX my knees and lower back would be sore. On the vfr nothing was sore.

Liquidtoon · April 15th, 2013, 12:07 AM

I have been looking into a cruiser because my knee is giving me trouble, to the point keeping it bent for 30-45mins is unbearable and I have to stand up to straighten it. I have only ridden a few cruisers but the main reason is the leg position. I looked at the Harley V-Rod but it is out of my price range. The Mean streak looked great and was more on budget. I would like to be able to take longer rides 3-4 hours maybe even with my wife if possible.

Thank all of you for the feed back.

ChaoSS · April 15th, 2013, 02:55 AM

Not sure what modifications are available for that bike, but the mean streak does not look the slightest bit comfortable for a passenger.

Other Vulcan models are much better for the pillion.

Whatever cruiser you end up with, however, you might want to look at some highway pegs if your knee is bothering you.

Liquidtoon · April 15th, 2013, 08:48 AM

Here is the one I was looking at.

Memengkamatis · April 15th, 2013, 08:55 AM

I have a '98 Vulcan 800B, the classic with fat front tires. I've taken it from North Jersey to Maggie Valley, NC all in one day for a week long runs at Deals Gap. Rode it to Virginia Beach, Gettysburg Battlefield, Lake George and Laconia and lots of places in the Northeast. Ride was mostly great and relaxing. Just stop every 2 hours and top off the tank or about 150 miles. Stretch, take a leak, have a smoke or snack. My bike has a Givi topcase instead of sissy bar. Full bagger for long trips, mustang seat with the bead seat cover for air cooling under my a$$, throttle lock cruise control, gps on my smartphone speak to me via bluetooth. I can take my hands completely off the handlebar for a few MINUTES as long as you're on straight road/slab. It's that steady. Cruisers are very forgiving and easy to ride for a big, heavy bike. Test ride a few at your local stealers. Ride safe.

Reyno2ac · April 15th, 2013, 09:36 AM

That looks like a really nice bike!

What about a Kawasaki Versys 1000?

Bosgarage57 · April 15th, 2013, 10:03 AM

I've had many cruisers (2 vulcan 1500's) and I realllly like the mean streaks. If the price is right I say go for it. I believe, unless you are 2 uping ALOT or highway riding ALOT, a 1500 > cc bike is just over kill. I had a vstar 1100 and I believe it was about perfect, it had pegs instead of floor boards like the vulcans had and I had no issueswith dragging pegs on the 1100 like I did on the 1500. If it'll make you happy, DO IT!

StephenA · April 15th, 2013, 10:33 AM

http://bluecollarbobbers.com/web/ind...id=24&TreeId=2

or

http://bluecollarbobbers.com/web/ind...id=24&TreeId=1

ChaoSS · April 15th, 2013, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reyno2ac

That looks like a really nice bike!

What about a Kawasaki Versys 1000?

I think he wants to be able to be seen on it in public without hanging his head in abject shame.

Liquidtoon · April 15th, 2013, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaoSS

I think he wants to be able to be seen on it in public without hanging his head in abject shame.

That, and I was looking for a bike with forward foot controls to better accommodate an aging body.

Asspire · April 15th, 2013, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liquidtoon

Here is the one I was looking at.

WANT

ChaoSS · April 16th, 2013, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liquidtoon

That, and I was looking for a bike with forward foot controls to better accommodate an aging body.

You know, it's funny, I find the sports bike position more comfortable, something about sitting straight upright with no backrest just isn't comfortable to me after a long while.

Most older people seem to find the cruiser position much more comfortable.

I would recommend trying to ride something, anything, that is more upright, just to get the idea if it is comfortable for you, but I'm guessing that it will be, even if you have to get used to it.

Does that bike have some sort of muffler in those pipes? I like the look, I just can't imagine your wife would want to sit on a bike with straight pipes for too long, unless she's already going deaf?

Xoulrath · April 16th, 2013, 07:43 PM

Well, it won't handle like your 250, and it probably won't be as comfortable as you think it will. A better option would be buying a cruiser set up to tour from the factory (a Suzuki C90T, for example; that T designates it is touring-oriented).

Or if you are dead set on getting a certain style of cruiser, like the Mean Streak, then check on whether or not it comes with mid-mount pegs. They put your feet more or less directly beneath you in a far more neutral position, with a lot less pressure directly compressing your spine.

Another option would be a used sport-tourer, which is going to be far more comfortable and more passenger friednly than a Ninjette or a standard cruiser for long rides.

According to what you said, you don't ride much, so I would definitely look for a serious deal, regardless of what you decide to do.

April 13th, 2013, 03:24 PM	#1
Liquidtoon ninjette.org member Name: Josh Location: Sacramento, Ca Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 215	Anyone riden a Vulcan 1600? I'm considering selling my bike. I want to start taking longer rides. I only get to ride a few times a year but tend to ride the full day. So I seen a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak Cruiser for sale and thought it was a beautiful bike. I have never ridden, more than 3-4miles, a big cruiser but thought I would get some peoples views on going from a 250 to a big cruiser and what to expect out of it. Any words of wisdom? I have read lots of reviews for the bike and they say about the same thing, not a ton of power but a good strong, well handling bike. Of course, not a lot of power means compared to similar bikes so I kinda expect a ton of power of the little 250.

April 14th, 2013, 09:22 PM	#4
kirk595x ninjette.org guru Name: Robbie Location: Sacramento Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 03' Ninja 250ex Posts: 333	My Uncle has one....it's ok I guess. My Pops had a VTX 1800 and that was much more fun than the Vulcan. I've taken the VTX on some twisties and I was impressed at how well it handled for being an 820 lb. Civic motor with wheels. Just my opinion. My Uncle really likes his Vulcan though.

April 15th, 2013, 08:55 AM	#10
Memengkamatis ninjette.org member Name: AL Location: west new york Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): ex250r, vulcan 800b, k1200r Posts: 40	Cruisers I have a '98 Vulcan 800B, the classic with fat front tires. I've taken it from North Jersey to Maggie Valley, NC all in one day for a week long runs at Deals Gap. Rode it to Virginia Beach, Gettysburg Battlefield, Lake George and Laconia and lots of places in the Northeast. Ride was mostly great and relaxing. Just stop every 2 hours and top off the tank or about 150 miles. Stretch, take a leak, have a smoke or snack. My bike has a Givi topcase instead of sissy bar. Full bagger for long trips, mustang seat with the bead seat cover for air cooling under my a$$, throttle lock cruise control, gps on my smartphone speak to me via bluetooth. I can take my hands completely off the handlebar for a few MINUTES as long as you're on straight road/slab. It's that steady. Cruisers are very forgiving and easy to ride for a big, heavy bike. Test ride a few at your local stealers. Ride safe. Last futzed with by Memengkamatis; April 15th, 2013 at 08:57 AM. Reason: spelling

April 15th, 2013, 10:03 AM	#12
Bosgarage57 ninjette.org sage Name: Luke Location: Sevierville, TN Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 06 Buell Uly, 05 VStar 1100 Posts: 577	I've had many cruisers (2 vulcan 1500's) and I realllly like the mean streaks. If the price is right I say go for it. I believe, unless you are 2 uping ALOT or highway riding ALOT, a 1500 > cc bike is just over kill. I had a vstar 1100 and I believe it was about perfect, it had pegs instead of floor boards like the vulcans had and I had no issueswith dragging pegs on the 1100 like I did on the 1500. If it'll make you happy, DO IT! __________________________________________________ In the East TN Region (Knoxville/Maryville/Chattanooga area) come join us. www.EastTNBikers.com Great group of people who just wants to RIDE!

April 15th, 2013, 10:33 AM	#13
StephenA Riding Ruby.. Name: Stephen Location: SoCal Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec, 2007 Ninja 250R Posts: 392	http://bluecollarbobbers.com/web/ind...id=24&TreeId=2 or http://bluecollarbobbers.com/web/ind...id=24&TreeId=1 __________________________________________________ Unregistered

April 14th, 2013, 08:45 PM	#2
KawiKid860 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Murphey Location: Eastern Washington Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.	It will be kind of like riding a train compared to the 250. Quicker in a straight line, but going around corners will probably feel like you're crawling.

April 14th, 2013, 09:08 PM	#3
ChaoSS ninjette.org sage Name: Tim Location: Goshen CA Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 red 250 ninja Posts: 740	Cruisers are fun, it can feel strange going from a leaned over position to going to sitting upright on a long ride. I've always wanted a vulcan though. BTW, people say that they are slow through the corners, most of those bikes can take corners faster than a lot of sport bike riders are comfortable taking them anyway. The low center of gravity can actually make you feel more planted in corners.

April 14th, 2013, 11:20 PM	#6
rc racer ninjette.org member Name: robert Location: Dallas Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2015 R3, 1969 CB160, 2002 TTR125, 2007 KX250F Posts: 96	I have ridden cross country on a VTX and a vfr800. Turns out the cruiser was much less comfortable for the long trip. Mostly due to the forward controls. Since your feet are not underneath you when you ride a cruiser all your weight is on your tail and your seating position is locked in. On the sport bikes you can take some of your weight on your feet and shift around more on the seat. After long trips on the VTX my knees and lower back would be sore. On the vfr nothing was sore.

April 15th, 2013, 12:07 AM	#7
Liquidtoon ninjette.org member Name: Josh Location: Sacramento, Ca Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 215	I have been looking into a cruiser because my knee is giving me trouble, to the point keeping it bent for 30-45mins is unbearable and I have to stand up to straighten it. I have only ridden a few cruisers but the main reason is the leg position. I looked at the Harley V-Rod but it is out of my price range. The Mean streak looked great and was more on budget. I would like to be able to take longer rides 3-4 hours maybe even with my wife if possible. Thank all of you for the feed back.

April 15th, 2013, 02:55 AM	#8
ChaoSS ninjette.org sage Name: Tim Location: Goshen CA Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 red 250 ninja Posts: 740	Not sure what modifications are available for that bike, but the mean streak does not look the slightest bit comfortable for a passenger. Other Vulcan models are much better for the pillion. Whatever cruiser you end up with, however, you might want to look at some highway pegs if your knee is bothering you.

April 15th, 2013, 08:48 AM	#9
Liquidtoon ninjette.org member Name: Josh Location: Sacramento, Ca Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 215	Here is the one I was looking at.

April 15th, 2013, 09:36 AM	#11
Reyno2ac ninjette.org member Name: Andrew Location: Michigan Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): Red 2009 Ninja 650r Posts: 209	That looks like a really nice bike! What about a Kawasaki Versys 1000?

April 16th, 2013, 07:43 PM	#18
Xoulrath ninjette.org sage Name: T Location: U.S. Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): Current: '11 ZX-6R; Previous: '09 Ninjette; '08 ZX-6R (Ex-Wife '09 TU250X) Posts: 981	Well, it won't handle like your 250, and it probably won't be as comfortable as you think it will. A better option would be buying a cruiser set up to tour from the factory (a Suzuki C90T, for example; that T designates it is touring-oriented). Or if you are dead set on getting a certain style of cruiser, like the Mean Streak, then check on whether or not it comes with mid-mount pegs. They put your feet more or less directly beneath you in a far more neutral position, with a lot less pressure directly compressing your spine. Another option would be a used sport-tourer, which is going to be far more comfortable and more passenger friednly than a Ninjette or a standard cruiser for long rides. According to what you said, you don't ride much, so I would definitely look for a serious deal, regardless of what you decide to do. __________________________________________________ R.I.P EthioKnight (Alex)