Ride and Review of the Kawasaki Vulcan 900

[@OneTreeHill0930]

This is my first bike. Been riding a year now. I started on the Vulcan 900 custom. I’ve put 5,000 miles on my bike. At 8 months of riding I drove my bike from Florida up to North Carolina and Tennessee 1,800 miles on it from that trip. It’s treated me very well and it’s a good reliable bike.

[@kcamsdog1387]

Same, my dude! My buddy told me he had a bike for me to learn on. After the first outing he told me to take it home and pay him whenever I could. That was last March. I'm loving it.

[@Peeinurcereal]

Was it tough learning on it? I just bought a 900 06. My first bike & im changing it into a bobber. I haven’t rode yet cuz I’m going through cancer but I’m feeling better now so I want to start riding soon! I’m in NC... Thanks again bro

[@Voltomess]

guys what's the range before you need to stop for gas?

[@jakeurbano8268]

@@Voltomess 150

[@nickwalters9311]

​@@Peeinurcereal Don't know your religious status but may I say God bless you and I hope you get well. All these preservatives and chemicals bro, it's sad. Get well man and let's ride one day I'll be getting my first bike soon and it will be a 900 vulcan

[@Wolf_Mechanic]

The bike does absolutely fine on extended long rides. I've take in across country twice. I'd do it again in a heartbeat on my Vulcan 900.

[@SamP0rterBridges]

Did you modify the gearing at all?

[@Voltomess]

how many miles you can do on full tank?

[@SamP0rterBridges]

@@Voltomess I get 45-50mpg so like multiply that by 4

[@Voltomess]

@@SamP0rterBridges nice

[@Wolf_Mechanic]

​@@SamP0rterBridgesfully stock

[@Wolf_Mechanic]

I have this beautiful bike. Love riding it, rode it across the country twice. Bought it when it had 20k miles now it has over 50k. Only had the bike for a year.

[@BloodPlusPwn]

Love my 900. It's home in higher RPM's. Takes some getting used to when you come from another v-twin but it really comes to life around 5000-6000. I was kind of annoyed by the vibrations til I learned I could just down shift or speed up and it just smooths out like butter. Also, I like the suspension. Really gives you that good ole hard tail experience ;) As far as long range trips go, it's a pretty good little tourer. It pulls well enough and has plenty of after market parts you can slap on it. Like I said, it smooths out well enough at the upper end of the RPMs so you can cruise 80-90mph all day long with little fatigue if you need to (I think it pulls max power at 5700 RPMs actually, which is kind of hilarious for a v-twin). I got a batwing I put on mine when I do any substantial highway rides and it's great. There was some guy on the SRKcycles youtube that did a cross country trip on it and said it was just lovely. That said, the custom actually has different gearing on it than the classic. The classic is specifically kitted out for touring with a winshield, floorboards, saddlebags and a fatter front tire. This bike is definitely geared more towards hot-rodding around. I mean, you remarked about how well it pulled for what it is. I can ride it for days in pretty much any context personally, but you can always get a bit more out of the highway riding with a different pulley, which I think is actually pretty common. I enjoy whiplash, though. Actually, the biggest complaint from me is the seat hurts my tailbone. But that could be in combination with the hardtail haha Basically I'd say if you wanted a touring bike but also wanted something new and didn't wanna spend more than 10 grand, the 900 can actually do the job more than well enough. If the vibration really bugs you you can always get some rubber whatchamabobs installed on the handlebars and grips to dampen it.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Kawasaki’s approach with these is brilliant. They offer a full framed motorcycle that’s large enough to grow into without having to buy the giant engine. Otherwise is sportster size machines or Honda shadow which is significantly smaller. These are basically the size of a Harley softail...without the 1600+cc engines they have. Better beginner bike in my opinion than it’s smaller framed rivals. People normally don’t outgrow their engine size, it’s the frame size and lack of comfort resulting from it they out grow .The 900 is the perfect beginner bike you won’t outgrow in a year ( if ever).

[@RabidHedgehog]

They are also reliable enough to go that long haul distance.

[@MrPedagno]

seems like your excitement grew for this bike as you continued to ride it

[@johnwolfe9694]

I have a 2013 Vulcan classic..I am 5"1 this has been one of the only bike I can find that fit me nicely. It's not too big it's not too small. I enjoy riding Vulcan. It's comfortable for me at my height and leg with. To me it has enough power to be a intermediate.bike.

[@TheCyberTroll]

got a Vulcan 900 last summer as my first bike, im so happy with it. was a good bike to learn to drive with. much bigger than i thought it would be, but when i tested it for the first time i already knew i had to have it. easy to ride, and so comfortable. going to customize it a bit with a new exhaust and some different mirrors, just to get a better sound and look. Great review, i totally agree with you

[@liamlobillo3362]

I'm looking to get a 900 classic myself. Just out of curiosity, how are the brakes on the 900 classic assuming you have the classic?

[@Cocobeachhippie]

Luis Lobillo Jr I just bought a 2009 Vulcan 900 Classic with 47K on her. I’ll need new rear tire and brakes. With that said; shop indicated I have about 10% right now on my rear brakes. I’ve ridden about 150 miles with those brakes and they work great 👍 lol ! I can’t even imagine how they’ll be next week when new pads are on 😁👍

[@SGTJDerek]

I got my Classic LT off the floor in '07 as a first Bike. 35,000 miles and one paint job later I still love it. I'm 5'9" tall @185. I built my own Cold Air Kit and running Cobra Exhaust with the tuner. You will get scared until you realize that V actually does like to rev. and it has the Kawi. tic. It's small enough for a beginner that is still big enough that you don't feel the need to upsize in a month or a year.

[@adavidson116116]

I just bought an 06’ 900 as my first bike, I love it. I’m 6’4 270 and it feels fine on power for a beginner. Now I do feel on the highway it wants a sixth gear. But also, I have the floor boards with the heel toe shifter and I have to shove my size 13 boot forward or else I’ll accidentally tap that heel shifter when I don’t want too.

[@cledussnow9507]

I had one the year after they came out. I think it was a great bike. I'd still have it if it had a 6th gear, I found myself all the time shifting up to find I was already in top gear. Either that or a taller 5th, has the power to pull it. 70-75 on the highway for traveling led to annoying vibrations, the only reason I got rid it. At the time, it was what it was, Now there's pulleys to change that to make it a great traveler

[@oldpotshot2766]

You should have tested a Vulcan 900 Classic LT. The fat front tire totally changes the quality of the ride. Much smoother. P.S. I hate the Bolt as well.

[@donald2106]

I have a 2012 Vulcan 900 LT, I bought it new and have 35,000 miles on it. I did upgrade the exhaust, air filter, and power commander five. Had it professionally tuned, great cross country steed.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Excellent. Continue to ride it safe!

[@Lee-70ish]

Hi Don Im in the UK and seen a secondhand one I fancy buying but never owned a Kwaka . As you've clocked a few miles (12000 on the one im buying, Belt drive) Is there anything that you dont like ?. I'll probably change the silencers or remove the back baffles and drill the plate. Also fit a sprung Bobber saddle. Thanks Don

[@donald2106]

@@Lee-70ish The one thing I wish Kawasaki do would be to change the back tyre from 15 to 16. 15 is not always available by some manufacturers. I found pirelli to be good tyre’s. If taken care of, the belt should last 129,000 k (80,000 miles).

[@blackbird69xxx]

@@Lee-70ish Im nr Manchester ghad a vzr1800 and vtx1300.. but now this and its fine..[put a baron 34t front pulley on and a procom fuel controller // k & n and stage one exhaust mod.. but leave the baffles in... safe riding

[@olapalmquist9008]

I still have my VN800 Classic from 2000, my first bike that I got brand new that very year. Excellent mashine that has given me 0 problems. Stands alongside my Indian Springfield and my H-D Street Bob in the garage. Works as new but is worth almost nothing as a trade in.

[@evilwestsidefan9249]

I still have my 97, Vulcan 800 Classic it's seen the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Still ride her locally I use my Concours 14 for touring anymore, but still love the 800. If she ever dies I would get a 900 Classic.

[@KevinFreist]

i ride a 95 800 A. it IS a barn stormer. i love it. could use a few more improvements but dollar for dollar , pound for pound , it delivers. handles awesome in any situation but beach sand. keeps up with my buddies harleys no problem. i put 19 and 39 tooth sprockets and put its speed range back in rpm power range. factory gearing is out of balance with American roads. old beast. also have a Suzuki Marauder from 97. bought it new. still got it too. it will eat the vulcan and keeps up with my buddies 13 hp harley .

[@kalebborders4004]

Just picked me up a 900 the other day my first bike as well been rideing it every day as same year as in the video beautiful buck sounds and runs great

[@Lee-70ish]

Itchy boots rode from India to Holland on a 400cc Enfield. A guy rode from australia to the UK on a 110cc . Its the journey not how quick it takes . These bikes are one of the most reliable V twins on the market. 100000 miles plus is not uncommon.

[@RabidHedgehog]

And they cruise well.

[@makemyday1477]

I think the vibration is the crappy Oklahoma road you were on. Other reviewers said the bike runs smooth and comfortable

[@mistahwrestling1430]

I have a 2012 Vulcan 900 custom and I love it.. would ride it anywhere..

[@paullastnamehere3295]

Great bike. I have a few more upgrades like K&N air filter, cobra exhaust, and fuel management. Driven around city, back roads (not dirt roads), and long highway trips with ease. I will say I have read a lot that getting a custom seat, Saddlemen, Mustang, etc..., is the way to go for a heavier person doing long road trips. From NC to GA the stock seat is not that fun and had to rest a few minutes at each fuel stop.

[@howardcarroll3964]

Thanks for the great review . I will be in the market for a used 900 Vulcan Classic in a couple of months . This helps a lot . I am a beginner rider .

[@keepittwisted3805]

just got an 07 custom 3 days ago.......first bike and loving it so far

[@RabidHedgehog]

May you ride it safe for a long time to come.

[@Voltomess]

guys what's the range before you need to stop for gas?

[@Cocobeachhippie]

@@Voltomess 5.3 gal tank about 220 miles 👍

[@Voltomess]

@@Cocobeachhippie wow nice thanks

[@ryansmith9797]

I got the Vulcan custom as my first bike not as comfortable for a taller person I road a fz1 touring bike the gen 1 and fell in love. The Vulcan has really good power and turns very well not heavy great beginner bike. But sport touring bikes are where it’s at.

[@fernandomagalhaes2957]

This kind of bike disappeared from European line up manufacturer's except Harley and Indian. I can imagine some of the reasons, but i continue thinking that they have their place. I should buy one nowadays.They have character. A real cruiser. Not mild, ...as Vulcan S 650.

[@corneilcorneil]

Same in some Asian country's ...

[@ejakeway]

My lady friend rights a 2015 Vulcan 900 LT. She loves it but clearly would prefer a larger engined bike since we do a lot of long highway rides mostly. We went up two notches on the pre load rear suspension.

[@jembo231jem4]

I had the same bike loved it, but needed to move up in cc's, always reaching for that 6th gear after being a sport bike rider always killed me. It was a greater starter bike for crossing over to the cruiser world.

[@RabidHedgehog]

What did you move on to?

[@jembo231jem4]

@@RabidHedgehog i went to a Honda vtx 1300C loved it, I put a bat wing fairing and had a blast.

[@imthatguy1878]

I just got rid of my 2012 vulcan 900 classic, bought it brand new and 12 yrs later got rid of it with 2400 miles, ran great, rode comfortable, but it just wasn't my style and it had to go.

[@CraigSmith568]

This is not in the same class as a Sportster or Bolt. I would put it in the same class as the Suzuki c50/c90, Honda shadow, Yamaha V-Star650 or Stryker. I would choose the 900 Classic over this 900 Custom. It has a wider front tire and better riding position with floor boards and better handlebars. Everyone is different and I know this is a used one, but Kawasaki sold a ton of these so you can find one that meets your needs.

[@just-dl]

Hey, Hedgehog! really liked hearing your thoughts on the comparisons to the Bolt and the 883; I think the Suzuki C50 is about the closest competitor to the Vulcan 900; would like to hear your thoughts on that comparison. Also, trying to think of a Honda that would be a good side-by-side comparison. The Aero is a 745cc, so a bit smaller. Can't think of anything around 900 in the Honda stable. anyway, great review. thanks!

[@Ichibuns]

So after reading the manual on mine. The rear spring adjustment is set to 4, from the factory. For, get this, the average rider weight of 140 lbs. lol. Probably about right in Japan but every Vulcan 900, in the US, should be a 6 or 7.

[@MrWhothefoxthat]

i miss america, the open road and great food along the way.

[@momo89shine]

I’m happy with mine

[@Scorpi0nPrince]

Think this is a good bike for a beginner? Got my eyes on a used Vulcan with 35k miles

[@kcamsdog1387]

Do it, my man! I got mine as a first bike this Spring. 5'10" and 230 lbs. and it's been plenty of bike for me to learn how to ride on and tinker with.

[@rickschoephoerster1149]

Bought a Rebel 500 as my first bike, after a year I bought a 2019 Vulcan Custom and love it.

[@RabidHedgehog]

YES! It would be a great place to start and continue on.

[@bleichty714]

Bought mine last August. No complaints. Easy to operate with enough power to do what you need to. Very easy to work on and you can get to the manual on Vulcan 900 Facebook page.

[@eduardomonteclar392]

I love my Vn9 ❤smooth ride all the time

[@stephengrainger7586]

The bike is 15 years old now they should bring out a new vn 900 with 6 gears and a 240 back end that would sell well

[@rebelwraith8138]

Shout out from Tecumseh Oklahoma.

[@RabidHedgehog]

What's up!

[@Brough1111]

The comparison should be made with the Road King instead of an iron 883 because it's wheel base is longer than a road king, it's power very similar to a evo road king

[@jimmyonthecorner]

I have a Vulcan 1500, let’s ride sometimes…yes I’m in Oklahoma City 😜

[@nickd5170]

Great video and bike.... The start was awesome!

[@jordanblair5410]

Mr. Hedgehog, how would you compare this bike to the Suzuki Boulevard M50 you tested (power, handling, comfort)? I'm ready to step down from my ZRX1200R and "enjoy the sights" so to speak. I still want something with some juice but I don't need to be doing triple digits very often.

[@RabidHedgehog]

The one thing about the M50 is that it is a bit of a smaller machine but still really comfy. The engine also likes to have a little more rev as well. The Kawasaki feels more traditional V-Twin like and has the wide seats and tank and everything to go with it. If you are looking for more cruising the Kawasaki will win this.

[@allancaspers6471]

How does the Vulcan 900 compare to the 2013 Suzuki C50? Wish Kawasaki had a Vulcan 1300! There is a market for it. I would want one when I down size from the big cubic inch bike.

[@douglashawkins4402]

I had this bike and they are a dream on the country roads and city, BUT the highway doing 65-70 was not a dream. Kinda scary even. I moved to a Yamaha Royal Star and that's a dream on the highway. Too bad the 900 doesn't have a 6th gear.

[@scottwheaton9689]

All you need to make it a better lower rpm cruiser at 70-75+ mph is a new larger by 2 teeth 34 tooth drive pulley that installs in less then 1hr retaining stock drive belt. If you want/need to cruise at higher 80+ mph there’s also a couple teeth smaller rear pulley too.

[@douglashawkins4402]

@@scottwheaton9689 I heard about that, but I bought the Voyager for better 2up riding. I might venture back to the 900 for solo riding one day but i'd have to ride one with the change before I'd commit.

[@niloduarte7266]

A 6th gearbox still missing

[@kcamsdog1387]

Had my '09 (first bike) for coming up on a year. I didn't know I missed 6th until 4 months in. Like he said, I find myself reving higher. As much as I appreciate the long gears, I'm debating on doing the sprocket change it seems like everyone does. We've still got a few months of snow here in New Hampshire for me to get off my butt and do it.

[@niloduarte7266]

@@kcamsdog1387 some guys changed the pulley

[@niloduarte7266]

Two teeth more

[@smarangolo1234]

I even heard putting on bigger tires.

[@niloduarte7266]

@@smarangolo1234 so why purchase this model? There's Vulcan classic and LT Assembled with it

[@therandom802]

Good review. I’ve been looking at a 2005 Vulcan 900 for a couple weeks now. The skinny front tire bugs me a bit, but I might be sold on it anyways lol

[@corneilcorneil]

Why do you want a old 2005 and why no Classic when you don't like the skinny 21" wheel?

[@therandom802]

The 2005 is cheaper than the 2016...if you can imagine. I haven’t seen another good, used Vulcan 900 in my area (and price range) in the last year. Maybe I’m talking myself into it just because it’s the best I’ve found so far. The skinny tire isn’t a deal breaker. I guess it’s more accurate to say it’s just not my preference. The classic has a wider front tire?

[@corneilcorneil]

@@therandom802 just a 16 inch rim and much wider tire, 130/90, different handlebars, seat, floarboards, fork covers, ... The pre 2008 models have some problems with the stator. That bike is 15 year old, you gona have to do some replacements after a short time. But when you can have it for a good price ...

[@therandom802]

EVC good to know. I’m going to wait for a newer model classic then. I have an 05 Vstar 650 and getting sick of seasonal carb cleaning lol

[@Worshipbyruben]

The classic has the wider front tire. Feels very solid

[@clydeosterhout1221]

Just goes to show how subjective opinions on bikes are! I have owned a 900 Classic Lt (not quite the same bike but pretty close), for a while now, and I would say that it is at its worst in the city, as the long wheel base and weight make it clumsy in traffic (a small scooter is far better for cities around here). On country two lanes it’s perfectly adequate, but no where nearly as much fun as amy smaller, lighter bikes. What we use our 900 for is week long 1200+ mile trips. We load the bike up with a bunch of camping gear and the two of us, and go where ever we want. The bike just chugs along at 70 mph 3500 rpm (my car runs more rpms than that!) over mountains, thru woods, where ever. The bike just keeps on moving down the road. The highway is where the Vulcan does best. For us! Everyone’s expectations and needs differ.

[@Peakfreud]

I guess that depends on the City, here Miami, FT Laud & W.P.B It's a better city bike than most that's out here.

[@clydeosterhout1221]

I am from Boston, MA, where traffic generally doesn’t actually move very much. City riding consists of driving thru parking lots, along sidewalks, and in between cars that container drivers trying their best to kill you. The Vulcan provides them a large slowly moving target!

[@Peakfreud]

@@clydeosterhout1221 Yeah, that's up north Im from New York so I definitely understand what you mean.. but here in Florida everything is flat, no hills , not many curves ... And long stretches of roads.

[@jlrutube1312]

The speedo exaggerates... you are probably going 60 at least at 3800.

[@clydeosterhout1221]

@@jlrutube1312 I was allowing for that. We have a Mitsubishi Mirage. My wife was driving the car, and I was following her. We compared speed and RPMs, and at the same speed my tach was slower than hers. Of course the Mirage isn’t a typical car. It has a 3 cylinder engine that revs pretty high at 70. The car gets better mileage too, but that’s another conversation!

[@lucan4042]

Good info !! Thanks !!!!!

[@FrancoisTX1974]

How is it with a passenger? My wife and I are tall people....

[@clydeosterhout1221]

My wife and I do fine on ours. I am 6 foot, she is 5’8”. She likes the leg room and floorboards, which means she can move around a bit on longer trips. She likes to keep daily totals to 300 miles or so, but that goes for every bike we own. Loaded up with camping gear We can maintain 75 mph all day (the bike will do more, but that’s my 2 up limit). Mountains aren’t a problem. It’s not a Goldwing, but it’s a lot more comfortable than our more sporty bikes.

[@FrancoisTX1974]

@@clydeosterhout1221 tks a lot.

[@michaelb.42112]

I WANT ONE NOW.

[@plexiglass6087]

Great Vid and great bike. Quick question Rabid. Did you ever go by the name of Daboo7 I think it was on another site by any chance, you sound so much like him.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Nope, always been a Hedgehog.

[@kerrysteen6806]

Nice review.

[@darrenquinn8295]

am incomplete paraplegic n able t get larger 900cc with electric gear shift n reverse gear f my bike n side car, in australia in th country n cant feel th car at all the engine power so strong, on these vulcans f the money perfect heavier bike under 1000cc , n response on throttle n long rides comfy , was going to go up to fatboy hd but having too much fun on this an so affordable, an i a cripple,i dont ride it hard but dont need to, i ride australian long crowd vehicle free highways for days. it has all the top end speed u need....enjoy if ur 1st bike n keep it in th shed if it ur 2nd....ce ' la vie n live free, love hds, but the kwaka 900 no joke

[@williamrose2506]

I'm interested in the 2021 900 Custom, but 600 lbs and 50 hp sounds anemic. Is it?

[@user-wr4uz8pg7m]

You make a great point. Try even finding the HP listed on Kawasaki's web page! They've got all the other stats but HP is no where that I could see!

[@TheSirhc1975]

She pulls good up until about 75mph. Right around 60ft lb of torque. It's a back road cruiser.

[@kelleymanning1137]

You should state in the title that it is a 2009.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Same bike as it is today and as it was in 2006. So this covers it's range of time without specifying year as it might make people miss it if they are year specific.

[@turtle19dad]

How the hell do you get to test ride??!! Japanese bikes are tough to get to ride. They mostly wanna have you signed already before you “test ride.”

[@cheetor18]

I was expecting a DeLorean to appear on that train station there. Too bad :/

[@Braundinator]

How does this compare to the triumph America 865? Cheers! Good video and you've got a new sub for sure!

[@RabidHedgehog]

About the same to be honest in terms of power, top end speed. The America is much more comfy as I had one and the LT has the floorboards and nice cushy seat that rocked for long range.

[@Kstang2790]

What windshield is this?

[@GoldenGod69]

Would it fit someone 6’3ish

[@187fluffy187]

I have a 08 vulcan Im 5'11". Its comfortable for me, how ever 6'3" may be a little cramped. Sean on the srkcycles channel has a review too. he's about that height and didnt complain.

[@RabidHedgehog]

I would agree with him. I am the upper end of rider height at 6 feet. I would say that if you can rock the bars forwards, take some out of the seat, and stretch the foot controls it would work.

[@GoldenGod69]

Thanks for the responses guys

[@maddice1503]

I’m 6’2 I ride one comfortably

[@guitarskooter]

Im 6'4" and it fits me great. First bike I've had that I dont feel cramped on and can sprawl out on.

[@anarchist-_-6962]

Hey im looking to buy a used 06 900 vulcan dressed with full windshield sattle bags and foot boards. Im 6ft and 290lbs do you think this is a good bike for long rides on 2 lanes here in west Virginia and it has little over 3k miles and the owner wants 2,500 for it. Do you think that is a good price

[@RabidHedgehog]

Actually I do believe that is a fair price as generally a stock bike with nothing is usually around 2200 still. So having all the extra goodies for 300 more is in line.

[@bougelaal]

gear 2-3 is the best

[@ubaldo24v81]

Should I buy one for 1800$ o has 6 k miles

[@RabidHedgehog]

If everything looks in order and it's well kept then there should be no worry.

[@JohnBraman413]

how comfortable are these for long distance?

[@RabidHedgehog]

I think it would do good for a tank of gas trip and a stretch. Add a little bit extra give to the seat for the long long rides though.

[@clydeosterhout1221]

Could use a mustang touring seat. I have one on my wish list.

[@nothankyou3885]

Does this bike go by any other name ? I can only find 650’s ?

[@RabidHedgehog]

US market or abroad?

[@nothankyou3885]

U.K

[@Lewes41]

In the UK the 900 is usually labelled as a vn900 and the 650 is the vulcan

[@goldberg245]

205,000M ON MY 2004 VN800 -----I BOUGHT IT IN 2012 W/24.000KM IN 2016 I DID A 10,000KM OUT WEST AND BACK---THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON -- BLUE RIDGE PKWY - 555 ------ AND A WEEKEND TRIP TO PEI - N--- AND 3 HALIBURTON RUNS THIS MONTH----COULDNT PASS THIS DEAL FOR A 2013 900---W'LL SEEOVA SCOTIA - NEW BRUNSWICK

[@ogbigfoot9196]

I wonder how tall this guy is

[@RabidHedgehog]

6 feet

[@cocoabiscuits]

I'm not liking that windshield. It's dirty and makes visibility not as clear as without one. Preference.

[@bigpapa8152]

Considering you will be looking over it and not through it, dirty is not an issue nor visibility.

[@mikethefordguy1972]

Do what I do; clean the windshield on a regular basis.

[@cheezyridr]

i have a 2017, that i bought as a leftover 2 yrs ago. i like it, but i don't love it. the gear whine is annoying. on the freeway it's tempting to say it needs another gear, but handling wise, it doesn't really like going over 70-75 mph anyhow. i have bags and a tombstone shield on mine, i ride to work most days. it's good for that. i take it valley cruisin' on the twisty roads, and it's pretty flickable. i use more back brake on this bike than the others i've had. i'm not sure the tires could handle much more brake than the bike already has. i don't trust the skinny front tire for some reason. i had an 800 intruder that had the tall skinny wheel on it, and it didn't bother me at all. i don't know why this one does. i might trade it in this spring, just for the sake of trying something new. otherwise, i don't have any serious complaints.

[@RabidHedgehog]

This might be one of those, well I rode a Harley first moments for me. But I did not realize there was that much gear whining at all. I agree that like the Sportster it does need a 6th gear, but like the Sportster it is a relic on the road.

[@cheezyridr]

@@RabidHedgehog maybe i hear it more because i have stock pipes and a big shield?

[@MrSean03839]

@@cheezyridr I can hear the transmission/gear noise in the video. I rode a 2012 classic just today and was concerned about the gear sounds, makes me feel much better to hear others with the same sound. I think it's the belt drive?

[@Peakfreud]

Skinny tire makes you ride the grooves on the highway, I use to have that Problem with my Fury..

[@cheezyridr]

@@Peakfreud that's not an issue that bothers me much, it's not my first bike with this sized front wheel. there is something about this one though, that doesn't inspire the same confidence my 800 intruder did.

[@rubo1964]

I think what you experience is "transportation" with very little real excitement because the bike doesn't have the power for that.If that's what you want its fine machine personally like twisting the throttle and feel there is life in there and put smile on my face.This bike is your burger fries meal not Rib Eye steak!

[@niloduarte7266]

A hundred miles speed cruising is it not enuff?

[@cheezyridr]

i've had one a couple years, and i basically say the same. it's a good all-arounder, but it doesn't really wow you in any aspect.

[@cheezyridr]

@@niloduarte7266 it'll do a hundred+, but it's not the most stable cruiser once you pass about 75. it's happy right around 65-70 mph. no one buys a bike like this to go fast anyhow. some folks just prefer a little more than this one delivers. he might spend alot of time on the freeway. i bigger bike for someone like that would be a better fit

[@niloduarte7266]

@@cheezyridr I'm sorry I was thinking about my Vulcan 900 with a larger front tire

[@niloduarte7266]

@@cheezyridr Man I got I Indian chief classic nowday. It so thinner pass more than 90 miles.. and American want more power.. more power this is endless..

[@herrmahlzahn6924]

WoW. 55-65mph on an Interstate? Looks like the bike is not capable to go outside the city limits at all.

[@scottwheaton9689]

Not true,you must have never ridden a Vulcan 900. It can handle 70-75mph all day long though the motor is twisting a bit at that speed the motor is designed to handle . There’s also a 2 tooth larger drive pulley (installs in approx 1hr) that lowers higher speed cruise rpm a bit so the motors comfy at 75-80mph all day long & can go coast to coast NP!

[@Cybersnake-he4zr]

Can a 5’6 guy handle this

[@RabidHedgehog]

Yes!

[@Cybersnake-he4zr]

Rabid Hedgehog thank you 🙏

[@pasthibault77]

Yes, and you can purchase the lowering kit

[@mariog3777]

I’m 5’6 and have a Vulcan 900 classic, and it feels right. I can easily stand the bike up and get it going

[@jembo231jem4]

I had it and i'm 5'5 and i was flat footed with regular work boots

[@stephengrainger7586]

This is only a 900 it dose the same speed as the vn 800

[@takingoutthetrash1512]

Only one thing i hate about the vulcan 900 = NO F**KING 6 GEAR!!!

[@RabidHedgehog]

And the same could be said of the 883/1200/Scout 60. If a dual sport 230 can have a 6th everything could!

[@scottwheaton9689]

Install a new larger 34tooth drive pulley in approx 1hr & it will lower cruise rpm a bit at higher road speed.

[@danielnyman1070]

it's sometimes difficult to listen to your channel because you literally sound like a pilot

[@RabidHedgehog]

Well I'll turn on the seat belt sign real quick.

[@stephengrainger7586]

These people who make these bikes are not bikers they sit in front of a computer to make these bikes

[@knowone6214]

clean that damn windshield....LOL

[@RabidHedgehog]

If it was mine lol

[@christianmittendorf6623]

Nice review.