Motorcycle.com

First impression

I bought this motorcycle for my wife but she was scared to ride it home from the dealership, so I did and here's my first impression. The close ratio 6 speed is very smooth. The engine pulls strong in 6th gear anywhere from 35MPH and up, it's like a cruising gear. The bike was very stable and bal...anced as it tracked straight and true down the road and during stops. Since the bike is new and in it's break in period, I did not do any full throttle or speed tests, but after reading other reviews about this Ninja derived engine, I have no doubts it will have more than enough get up and go for the novice and intermediate riders. It will keep up and exceed interstate speed limits with ease, unlike the underpowered Rebel 250cc. Motorcycle.com review states this bike will outrun the larger 650cc and some 800cc motorcycles. The 4 gallon tank will provide a decent range between stops. Standard equipment is minimal, no tach or fuel gauge, but that's why it's called an entry level motorcycle I guess. The bike was smallish for myself, I'm 5'10" and 190lbs, and even though I'm no giant, I was searching for some highway pegs to stretch out my legs. The reliability of these motorcycles is legendary and should provide my wife with years of troublefree enjoyment. In the $5000 range, I don't believe you will find a better value. Read Full Review

Awesome Bike!

I purchased this model in August of 2010 from my local Kawasaki Dealer in Great Falls. It had 3.5 miles on it and it now has 555. I traded in a 2009 Honda Rebel for it after owning the Rebel for only 4 months. Started out small and realized I went to small.



Here is what I can tell you. I am n...ot a mechanic, nor do I know too much about motorcycles (but I am learning). For a beginner, this is an awesome bike. I am 5'6" and 210 and it handles like a dream. It has kept up with a Suzuki Boulevard C50 and passed with the addition of the 6th gear on this model.

There are only a few small things that I have found that could seem odd, but to me they are nice little reminders. When the back tire gets about 2 psi under normal range, it seems a bit wobbly. This is just the reminder that I need to check the air. The other thing that may grab someone off guard (did me the first time it happened) when starting the bike and letting it warm up when you shift into 1st sometimes it lurches BADLY. So far only once bad enough that it killed the engine. But it scared the heck out of me the first time, now I just expect it and if it isn't bad, then I just figure cool.

All in all, this is a great motorcycle and I would very much urge anyone that is thinking about this as a starter bike to just do it. I wish I would have started here instead of with the Rebel, although that was a great first bike! Read Full Review

A little Wobbly in the Wind

This is my first bike - height, weight, reach all great - and I like the way it looks. Handles well around town - and pleanty of power - limited vibration - all great!



However - I am a small person - 120lbs - over bridges - in dips and valleys - anywhere there is a wind draft - it is a tough rid...e. It sits slightly taller than my husband's soft-tail - and it's so light unless you have a little "junk in the trunk" you will be blown around - w/or without a windshield. I think it's better w/out.

Even at slower speeds 50-60 a gust of wind - causes me to fight like the dickens - no biggie on short rides - but think before you go long haul - and weight it down w/saddlebags - or something.

This is the only thing I'm disappointed about my bike - but to be honest - it's a significant disappointment - as my whole goal - was to cruise on overnight trips... Peace in fellow riders - and god speed! Read Full Review

Great small-size Cruiser

I purchased the Vulcan 500 LTD because it had a great price point and had enough size to get around on the freeway. The bike handles well and has enough pep to deal with most traffic situations. Reliability for my first 2600 miles has been great and it will make a good bike for my wife when I buy a ...bigger cruiser. The bike sits comfortable and the forward brake and shifters help acclimate the rider to the cruiser set-up. I added highway bars and had the seat modified. The only drawback for this model is limited options for modification. That said I am very happy with the bike and the way it rides. Read Full Review