2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic - DdP_PHX

I got to do this at the Kawi dealer in Goodyear,AZ. I had been doing a ton of business with them and they know me well. I just rode it around the business park parking lot where the dealer is at. I want to see how the bike handled at low speeds.

Where do you test ride a bike?  I went to the local dealer and asked to ride the Vulcan 900 and he said no one does test rides any more except Harley because they can't afford the insurance.  I'm in Southeastern Virginia.

Good Deal, glad to hear (read) it. Welcome to the 900's. I did leave out a lot of things but you added them for me. The belt drive is much better. As you get more miles on her, she just gets better and better. One other thing, i don't have to fuel at 160 miles. Its just real weard looking to see the fuel gauge on "E". I just ran to 200 miles and it took 3.9 gallons to fill it. Happy Riding.  

I took the plunge and traded up to the 900 Classic. I didn't pop for the LT as I wanted to ad some things a little at a time and did not like the color scheme's for the LT. I have to second everything you said about the 900. The EFI and belt drive sure provide one smooth ride. It handles even better than the 500. I only have about 50 miles on mine, can't wait for the weather to break a little. I took it out for a test ride and was hooked. I don't plan on trading this one anytime soon.

Well, the 900 dose not vibrate like the 500 dose. It has a much smoother ride than the 500. Fuel mileage for me has been a lot better than the 500. I'm getting 53MPG on the hiway and 49 in the city. I can run about 160 miles before having to fuel. Having EFI has made a big difference in power. You no longer need to down shift to pass some one. Just roll on the throttle and you will be up to passing speed real fast. The 900 is only a little heaver than the 500. I will say that the 500 is a good starter bike, but I out grow it real fast. With the 900 that I have now, I will be keeping this one for some time. Hope that helps a little. I now have 2800 miles on it and it is doing real good. I do recommend the classic over the custom. And if you have a little extra money go for the Classic LT. It has all the goodies on it all ready.

I also am about to trade up from a 500 LTD to a 900 Custom. I haven't had the opportunity to take a test ride on the 900. How would you compare the handling of the 500 to the 900?

Thanks. Yea it dose have a little vibration at 75 mph and up. As I put more miles on it, it starting to smooth out. This is one really great ride.

Nice bike!  Great looks, easy handling, decent power, and nice exhaust note.  Have you had it on the freeway yet?  The one I test drove was a bit "buzzy" at 70 - 75 mph.