Its like expecting a Freightliner with a 425 cat to be faster than a Mustang Cobra with 5.8L because it has more displacement. My 650 Nighthawk would smoke my 1500 classic but to get me big hind end (at the time 300lb) pulled out on that 650 it took a bit more clutch slipping than it did on the 1500.
Bingo.
These days, even with V-Twins, displacement can't be the only determining factor. The 900's overhead cam, fuel injected V-Twin produces about the same horsepower as Kawasaki's old 1500cc twin did. A ducatti 900cc V-Twin produces the same horsepower as a V2K and nearly 100 ft/lbs of torque!
Obviously the V2K smokes all three in the raw power department, but even that is a combination of size AND technology. As discussed in this thread, it's a high tech motor, even with the pushrods. IMO, it's the coolest V-Twin anyone has ever made. To me, a V-Twin motorcycle is like a 60's muscle car. The new, lighter, smaller japanese 4-bangers might be faster, but the muscle car FEELS faster because it could have just about the same quarter mile time, with that 4-banger on a trailer behind it! It's that stump pulling torque! And nothing epitomized that better than the V2K.
Obviously there are a lot of advantages to a bigger bike, but, mid-sized cruisers can do a lot more, and do it a lot better, than they could even just a few years ago. So I think that's part of the reason the market is shifting that direction. I am disappointed the V2K is gone though.
As far as resale value JJ, it's low for the same reason Kawasaki didn't sell them very well; not much of a market. If people weren't interested in buying them new, then they won't be interested on spending much on them used. There are lots of used V2K's going for around the same price as a used 900 of the same year. Which, again, is an indicator of where the market has shifted.
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"8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8 (NIV)
2006 Vulcan 900 Classic LT "Couch-a-Saki/Mini-Bagger" Fire and Steel Highway Bars w/ pegs, Mustang seat, Harley-Davidson King TourPak, Shark 600W stereo, Rick's Stator, and more to come!
2011 Honda Shadow Aero 750 (Wife's) Memphis shades windshield, and one happy new rider!
Member of the Christian Motorcyclist Association
VROC: 34661
Patriot Guard Rider
But with that shift in the market makes for great prices for the people who want bike like the V2K. I was out of the market for a few years and was astonished at how low they were going for. What I love about the V2K is the stump pulling torque. Being able to roll on the throttle in 4th or 5th gear at 35 mph and not have to down shift is wonderful when you are out for a cruise. It is a not a necessity as it is a luxury. The biggest downfall to the V2K that I have experienced is that it is too easy to scrub board (or pipes when loaded or 2 up). It makes it a little hard to keep up with some spirited riding in the mountains.
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2008 V2K Classic
Who would have thought I would grow up to become "Spatially Educated" and play Connect-the-Dots for a living.
I know a bike is not an "investment" but you guys are sayin' that resale is atrocious.
Is that a "feature" ?
JJ
Don't know what resale might be. Deals on leftovers don't necessary influence the overall market all that much because it's not like there is a new, carrover V2K laying around at every dealer, and not like just because you could get one of them for a bit over 9K then, that you could get the same deal today.
That said, I doubt much I'll care too much about the resale when that time comes because my plan is to drive the wheels off it, then get what I can for pieces, parts, or scrap metal.
And, even if I did sell it and took a fair beating, because the price of the bike was considerably less, it's still roughly equivalent or maybe even less $ I'd be out of hand than getting a better resale on a considerably more expensive bike. IOW, I don't care about the relative percent of resale to new, it's the actual dollars that matter.
Don't know what resale might be. Deals on leftovers don't necessary influence the overall market all that much because it's not like there is a new, carrover V2K laying around at every dealer, and not like just because you could get one of them for a bit over 9K then, that you could get the same deal today.
That said, I doubt much I'll care too much about the resale when that time comes because my plan is to drive the wheels off it, then get what I can for pieces, parts, or scrap metal.
+1. I do not plan on getting rid of the V2K unless it is for something a lot the lines of a touring bike, and then I would consider turning the V2K in to a touring machine.
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2008 V2K Classic
Who would have thought I would grow up to become "Spatially Educated" and play Connect-the-Dots for a living.
Looked these up online and really like their appearance! Did you put yours on yourself? If so, any odd details of assembly would be appreciated.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dadinator
.... I have the stock bags but have a leatherlyke trunk that I mount to the luggage rack when we travel ....
Online, the large studded Leatherlyke trunk looks superb and goes with the look of the Classic LT. What luggage rack do you have to mount this on? Easy to remove and replace the trunk, and it fits behind the stock passenger backrest?
Online, the large studded Leatherlyke trunk looks superb and goes with the look of the Classic LT. What luggage rack do you have to mount this on? Easy to remove and replace the trunk, and it fits behind the stock passenger backrest?
I like it. I use a common luggage rack. It is small. The trunk hooks to it just fine. Sticks out a bit with the stock passenger backrest, but I like it. It is easy to remove and reinstall. 4 bolts and 2 brackets hold it on to the rack.
Here are a couple of pics:
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2008 V2K Classic LT.
Ride Long and Prosper
Don't know what resale might be. Deals on leftovers don't necessary influence the overall market all that much because it's not like there is a new, carrover V2K laying around at every dealer, and not like just because you could get one of them for a bit over 9K then, that you could get the same deal today.
That said, I doubt much I'll care too much about the resale when that time comes because my plan is to drive the wheels off it, then get what I can for pieces, parts, or scrap metal.
And, even if I did sell it and took a fair beating, because the price of the bike was considerably less, it's still roughly equivalent or maybe even less $ I'd be out of hand than getting a better resale on a considerably more expensive bike. IOW, I don't care about the relative percent of resale to new, it's the actual dollars that matter.
Hey,whoaru99,I found out that you are a hi fidelity guy.
I saw your posts on audiokarma.
I'm a player and use some hi fi & some pa gear for my stereo.
Dadinator,the trunk works on your rig.
It's a shame that racks mount so high up on the V2k. WAY too high up.
Looking at that picture it seems that the "best" place for the rack,C of G wise would be just above the taillight.
In it's present location I would not want to put anything heavy in it.
Not a "feature".
Dadinator,the trunk works on your rig.
It's a shame that racks mount so high up on the V2k. WAY too high up.
Looking at that picture it seems that the "best" place for the rack,C of G wise would be just above the taillight.
In it's present location I would not want to put anything heavy in it.
Not a "feature".
JJ
Although a lot of people relocate it, the stock license plate on the V2K is right above the tail light, sticking straight up. Looks really bad.
Soo.. anyways, "stock" luggage racks are designed to go above/higher than the plate.
2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
Hi Fi
Linear Mode
