The first 1,000 miles on the new 900 Vulcan Classic

So far my Vulcan has been great however there are a couple things that
the factory should change.

The very first thing I noticed that I didn't like was the oil level
sight glass. It is really difficult to see. I have a mirror on a
telescoping handle that I carry in a fanny pack and that works great
but it shouldn't be a necessity.

Please put a tachometer on at the factory. The motor is really hard to
hear at highway speeds and without a tachometer it is difficult
guessing the RPM's. A light when in top gear would be nice also.

I had a problem getting used to the heel & toe shifter the first few
days. I have rather large feet and neuropathy in them and a couple
times when taking off from a stop I accidentally bumped the heel
shifter and knocked it up into neutral. I came close to falling on my
ass once or twice before I learned that I needed to swing my left foot
all the way forward on the floorboards. BTW Kawasaki engineers really
did a great job on the floorboards. I love them.

The cable clutch is great so far. I just hope I can get a good shop
manual before I ever need to replace it alongside the road.

MyGawd those handlebars sure are wide! I love them though but they did
take some getting used to. Allow a lot of clearance when negotiating
between narrow spaces.

My drive belt seems to track awfully close to the left side of the rear
wheel drive pulley. The mechanic at the shop assures me it is OK but a
20/1,000ths feeler gauge is a snug fit. That seems like awfully close
tolerances to me.

I am a pretty large fellow and so far the monoshock seems to be
adjusted perfectly for my riding style. If I stick to dating ladies 125
lbs or less I should be OK. Any heavier than that and I will have to go
on a diet.

I have never owned a new bike before that has recieved the compliments
that this Vulcan has gotten. Everyone loves that Silver Gray metallic
paint. I was thinking some blue pinstriping but I may save that for
next year.

The 900cc's does a fine job of hauling my large carcass down the road.
It has plenty of torque to pass in high gear from any speed above 45
mph. Not bad for a mid-size motor.

Gas mileage has varied from 57 mpg ( the first fill when I was breaking
it in) to a low of 35 mpg (hot & windy Interstate riding that day). It
looks like I can get 50 mpg as long as I ride sensibly. No complaints
in this department.

I plan on keeping a real close watch on the push/pull throttle cable
system. No problems so far but I have a feeling that they will need
good lubrication to stay troublefree.

The adjustable clutch & brake levers are great.

I haven't been out on the open road after sundown yet so I don't know
about the headlights but around town they seem to be adequate. Heck
with daylight savings time it doesn't get dark until Ten PM around
here. For an old phart like me that is damn near past my bedtime.

All in all so far I am happy with my Vulcan. I would definitely
recommend it to anyone thinking about buyine one.

Dennis

 

That's rather a good idea. I should do that. Better than grovelling in
the dirt.

Seems par for the course for a lowish-powered cruiser.

They don't, IME. In fact, many cables these days are Teflon-lined and
lubing them actually makes them stickier!

<snip>

Every now and again I ponder about buying a cruiser. I've resisted so
far.

 

After you get used to the bike and riding without a tach, you'll
never miss it. If you feel the need to wring out the last little
bit of RPM, you're probably on the wrong bike.
You will get better at judging the RPMs and keeping track of
what gear you're in and you don't need a loud exhaust to do
this, engine "feel" and vibrations will do fine.