Vulcan 500 vs Suzuki S40

[rflnomad]

Hey all. The wife is thinking about having a bike for occasional use. She likes the Vulcan 500 a bunch. It seems to fit her very well and that IS important. I also mention the S40 thumper for the torque and ease to handle.
I tried to search for Vulcan 500 clubs but did not see one.
We ruled out the Vulcan 800, ( too big) Sportster883 ( too pricey) and VLX 600 ( no 6 speed like Vulcan 500).
Any info would be helpful. Thanks.

[gopjohnny]

I think the vulcan would have a little more zip

The Vulcan 500 is really reliable and the engine's about as bulletproof as an engine gets. It's not for people over about 5'-8" tall though.

[jussmatt]

I too would suggest the Vulcan 500.... just a question... Did you look into the Vulcan 900 LT at all? Being that the 800 was a little big, the 900 might be as well...just a thought.

[rflnomad]

Yes, JussMatt, I did. but she considered it too big as well. Also, the cost of a virtually new bike went out the window QUICK. She is looking to ride maybe one Sunday a month and only about 100 miles. She is about 5'7" so the 500 Vulcan should fit.
I have been looking at cycle trader and craigslist with little sucess. When I do find one, it is kind of beat. LOTS of 500 Ninjas, but she likes the cruiser. Glad we aren't in a big hurry.
Thanks.

Originally Posted by rflnomad

...She is looking to ride maybe one Sunday a month and only about 100 miles...

That's just not enough to keep a bike healthy. All the internal moving parts on the bike will gum up, & you'll have continual problems IMO. Battery, carbs, brakes, cams & valves, rings, bearings...all will suffer.

Even if you ride 1 day in 7, your bike will run less than optimal.

1 day in 30 just isn't enough; but maybe she'll really like it and decide to ride it more. Or you could ride it for her.

There's hope, right? ;)

[scion0]

My wife, Robin, is taking the MSF Basic course starting tonight and into the weekend. Maybe we will try to find a 500 for her to try out.

The 500 is a great bike - Although most people don't realize when they are comparing it to other cruisers, they are really comparing apples to oranges. The motor in the 500 is basically the same motor and tranny as in the Ninja 500. The six speed is nice and the inline 4 makes freeway speed very smooth for a small displacement engine. That being said, I have a friend who now has a Nomad, but used to have a VLX 600. I think it's actually a better bike for a beginner. Now my friend rode his VLX back and forth to Sturgis several times and we toured together a lot. The VLX will do alot more than anticipated. The seat height and center of gravity are low, the bike is light, and you should ride it with the four speed. It's actually very appropriate for the motor. The 600 is actually a smaller version of Honda's 750's. The last thing I'll say about this is if your wife really loves that v-twin sound, the VLX is one of the best sounding bikes I've heard when it is equipped with V&H exhaust. Good luck and happy hunting.

[bugman]

how bout a Volusia 800 21/2 lowered, would fit her perfect

[beezer]

Originally Posted by bugman

how bout a Volusia 800 21/2 lowered, would fit her perfect

Good plug there buggy ;)

[bugman]

and i live in florida and the price is right ;)

[oledawg]

Did you consider the Vulcan 750?
The style is a little dated, but IMO it is one of if not the most trouble free bikes out there. And it'll whip the pants off anything its size & then some. It has more features than anything you can buy for the price. Tach,Shaft Drive, Liquid Cooling,Center stand,
Hydraulic lifters, etc. most of my friends wife's, who ride have one.
And wouldn't part with it.