Has anyone ever traded a smaller CC bike for an older larger CC bike? Would anyone? For example an 06 Vulcan 500 for a 99 Vulcan 800? Curious if anyone ever has and thoughts about doing so.
I'm considering due to being a larger guy and comfort and better rear view and for spouse to ride with me.
I think this would depend a lot on the condition of the 800. They are very dependable bikes as long as basic maintenance has been done, oil changes and valve adjustment being the biggies. My consious and I have topped 100k miles on our 800, we both about equal in size at around 200lbs each, I'm 5'8", her at 5' 6". We have done up to 700 miles in a day, but were done when we reached our destination. The 800 is still a somewhat small bike, but should be an improvement over the 500. If either of you are much bigger than us, the 900 or bigger may be a better choice if you plan any longer rides, over 3-400 miles a day. We have moved up to a Voyager, but still have the 800, just cant part with it.
TD,
I've owned an 800 going on four years now and felt that it was a good size for my 6'1 220 frame. It's a great ride both solo and two up but an aftermarket seat is a must. I don't know what type of riding you plan on but if you want to do day trips of 200 miles and more a bigger bike may be something to consider. The size and space for both rider and passenger are more forgiving on longer rides and I would like to believe it's better on the freeway too. There will be a learning curve on any new ride but don't let the curb weight scare you, once you start rolling you won't feel the difference. A 99 is seventeen years old bike and you'll see them on CL FOR 3,000 plus dollars asking price. At that price you're gonna find a lot of other options shop around a little. IMO when it comes to bikes there is a progression in skill and size of the ride. Good luck I hope you find a good fit.
Thanks for the replies. I ended up doing the trade and got the bike for around KBB price. It feels good to ride, has nice power, and is loud. That I may need to do something about at some point.
Sounds like a good trade! I'd have done it too. Who wouldn't, really? I have 750s and a 1500, but I'd really like a 900 (settle for an 800 in the meantime).
Like I always recommend, check out the jetting and exhaust. For some reason, everyone things wide open exhaust and huge jets makes the best power. Ideally, you want high flow baffles or lollipops, torque cones, and +5 to 7.5% bigger jets at the most (cross sectional area = flow).
I have jet sizing charts with % for a few bikes. One of these days I'll redo the spreadsheet to calculate from any base reference point. Let me know if you need me to look up a size for you. PM me if I don't get a notification here.
I will definitely do that. When she is cold, she is a little rough and get a little backfire noise but once warm, she runs real smooth. I'm still new to doing work on my own and will be trying to tinker and do some things myself now and will definitely look forward to the advice on here. :smile2:
Pic to come. Took her out for a spin today. Definitely need to get used to her, more weight and power. Feeling more confident. Came to a Y and someone went through a light, as I was turning, but heard a honk and was looking that way and stopped. Being alert helped and kept me from pulling out, but definitely noticed I'm rusty on quick stops. Planning to go to a large parking lot nearby soon and do some exercises to get used to things and sharpen my skills.
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