Well, it's down to (2) bikes- I finally shortened the list up and it's truly a neck & neck race, where I'm stuck in 'feelings' rather than practicality. So, input is needed to settle it.
Vulcan 900 Custom: Most beautiful, best lines, great sound stock. Once de-badged, Kuryakin switchblade footpegs, stock front windshield, rear sissy bar & matching saddlebags are mounted- perfect bike forever. Over time, I can drill out the stock exhaust, dremel out the stock airbox, move the 2ndary air line forward and fix the gas guage with the diode trick. All done- hop on & ride for years to come. Sure, if I continue to ride long distances, I can swap out front &/or F & R cogs for better highway comfort, but- as is- no problem.
Triumph Speedmaster: Classic, British, midsize cruiser with a parallel twin. More power & torque, higher revving, lighter weight, slightly more nimble. BUT, about $2,000.00 more used, and, I still have to add: windshield, bags, sissy bar. (not negotiable for either bike). Sounds OK, but, not nearly as good as the Vulcan, nor does it have the 'perfect spatial balance' of the Vulcan.
Either bike will work, but, the looks/sound of the Vulcan are stunning. My heart says Vulcan, and, so does my wallet. They are both dependable, reliable, safe and offer plenty of forum support. Both have tons of aftermarket products, so, I'll never be bored with either bike.
I am spoiled with lightweight power on my current bike. Under 500 Lbs with 72HP & 47 Ft./Lbs of torque, dual front discs and unusual looks, I really have NO REASON to switch to either of these bikes, other than a desire to move up into a slightly larger, more roomy bike. Both bikes are comfortable, both do well on backroads, both have excellent switchgear and smooth transmissions. The VN900C has at least twice the 'presence' of the Triumph, moving or stopped.
I can buy a burnt orange VN900C for @ $4,000.00 with low miles, almost completely stock- all day long. I can buy a 2011+ Triumph Speedmaster or America LT for @ $6,000.00 but, they never made burnt orange, and, I don't really even like any of the color combo's in any model year. But, it revs higher, has both more power and torque, weighs less and well, you get the idea. Speedmaster is preferred: tachometer is stock, and, generally, the bike is better looking due to blacked out pieces over the America or America LT...
Current cruiser is almost worthless ($2,000.00?)-2008 Hyosung GV650 Avitar, but, I've owned it since new, it has been as reliable as sunrise- never failed me- has been cheap to own, has brand new tires front & rear, custom exhaust and 11,000 miles so far. Ultimately, I'm thinning out current inventory, down to 1 sportbike & 1 cruiser for all of my needs. Hate H-D's for too many reasons to list, but, there isn't 1 that is under consideration, nor, have I ever really wanted one either. My sportbike is really a naked bike (2014 Triumph Street Triple R in matte graphite with too many mods to list), I love it and can spank many litre bikes that are poorly ridden from a stop light or in the twisties. It's a supebike in every way, and, I don't need more than what it offers.
So, I KNOW I'm asking the Vulcan forum which bike to choose- so, I know the direction everyone will go, but, I need other input. The circles in my head are making me crazy, even though I know it's truly a luxury problem to have.
Flamesuit on, so, fire away!
Dave
Vulcan 900 Custom: Most beautiful, best lines, great sound stock. Once de-badged, Kuryakin switchblade footpegs, stock front windshield, rear sissy bar & matching saddlebags are mounted- perfect bike forever. Over time, I can drill out the stock exhaust, dremel out the stock airbox, move the 2ndary air line forward and fix the gas guage with the diode trick. All done- hop on & ride for years to come. Sure, if I continue to ride long distances, I can swap out front &/or F & R cogs for better highway comfort, but- as is- no problem.
Triumph Speedmaster: Classic, British, midsize cruiser with a parallel twin. More power & torque, higher revving, lighter weight, slightly more nimble. BUT, about $2,000.00 more used, and, I still have to add: windshield, bags, sissy bar. (not negotiable for either bike). Sounds OK, but, not nearly as good as the Vulcan, nor does it have the 'perfect spatial balance' of the Vulcan.
Either bike will work, but, the looks/sound of the Vulcan are stunning. My heart says Vulcan, and, so does my wallet. They are both dependable, reliable, safe and offer plenty of forum support. Both have tons of aftermarket products, so, I'll never be bored with either bike.
I am spoiled with lightweight power on my current bike. Under 500 Lbs with 72HP & 47 Ft./Lbs of torque, dual front discs and unusual looks, I really have NO REASON to switch to either of these bikes, other than a desire to move up into a slightly larger, more roomy bike. Both bikes are comfortable, both do well on backroads, both have excellent switchgear and smooth transmissions. The VN900C has at least twice the 'presence' of the Triumph, moving or stopped.
I can buy a burnt orange VN900C for @ $4,000.00 with low miles, almost completely stock- all day long. I can buy a 2011+ Triumph Speedmaster or America LT for @ $6,000.00 but, they never made burnt orange, and, I don't really even like any of the color combo's in any model year. But, it revs higher, has both more power and torque, weighs less and well, you get the idea. Speedmaster is preferred: tachometer is stock, and, generally, the bike is better looking due to blacked out pieces over the America or America LT...
Current cruiser is almost worthless ($2,000.00?)-2008 Hyosung GV650 Avitar, but, I've owned it since new, it has been as reliable as sunrise- never failed me- has been cheap to own, has brand new tires front & rear, custom exhaust and 11,000 miles so far. Ultimately, I'm thinning out current inventory, down to 1 sportbike & 1 cruiser for all of my needs. Hate H-D's for too many reasons to list, but, there isn't 1 that is under consideration, nor, have I ever really wanted one either. My sportbike is really a naked bike (2014 Triumph Street Triple R in matte graphite with too many mods to list), I love it and can spank many litre bikes that are poorly ridden from a stop light or in the twisties. It's a supebike in every way, and, I don't need more than what it offers.
So, I KNOW I'm asking the Vulcan forum which bike to choose- so, I know the direction everyone will go, but, I need other input. The circles in my head are making me crazy, even though I know it's truly a luxury problem to have.
Flamesuit on, so, fire away!
Dave