Sounds like a good deal,ought to be able to sell yours or just trade him
I have an '04 1500 Classic, I have a chance to buy '10 1700 Classic. Any thoughts?
Here's the thing, I love my bike. Not a thing wrong with it. But went for a putt and ran into a guy who's just plain afraid of his bike, hasn't ridden it and wants to sell it for $5k. It's a 2010 1700 Classic Lt with Mustang his/hers backrests. I think everything else is stock.
So now it's in my head. Now I'm here. What I want to know is the 1700 that much of an upgrade? Is it worth a change?
I'm about ready to replace my seat on my bike (wore it out) so I'm getting ready to throw down big $$$ on Corbin's (I'm 6'4" and hear they're perfect for tall riders) so I either invest more on mine or just get this other bike.
Whaddya think?
So now it's in my head. Now I'm here. What I want to know is the 1700 that much of an upgrade? Is it worth a change?
I'm about ready to replace my seat on my bike (wore it out) so I'm getting ready to throw down big $$$ on Corbin's (I'm 6'4" and hear they're perfect for tall riders) so I either invest more on mine or just get this other bike.
Whaddya think?
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I would jump on it.
It's belt driven with a larger smoother running motor, 6 speed trans, the upgraded seat...
Unless you're modded to heck & Back on the 1500, I'd jump on it.
It's belt driven with a larger smoother running motor, 6 speed trans, the upgraded seat...
Unless you're modded to heck & Back on the 1500, I'd jump on it.
I DO have a lot of upgrades on my 1500 and it only has 16k miles on it. I've heard that the 1700 runs hot, has noisy gears and the sixth gear is luggy unless your doing at least 70mph. I'm kinda talkin' myself outta this. Like I said, there is not a damn thing wrong with what I got. Another poster here on the boards said it best:I would jump on it.
It's belt driven with a larger smoother running motor, 6 speed trans, the upgraded seat...
Unless you're modded to heck & Back on the 1500, I'd jump on it.
"The only time I think about trading is when I'm not riding (when I'm sitting in front of my computer at 1:00 in the morning). Once I'm back on the bike, I find myself thinking "I love this bike, why would I part with it?" And that's after 52,000 miles."
I think I feel the same way. Sorry to waste everybody's time here. Thanks.
Sometimes its harder to remain satisfied right where your at, and we improve through challenges; at other times opportunities come our way that not only help us but the one who brought it as well. It's not always about what makes sense, but in choosing what sense we wish to make of it.....ride on....
Funny, I've only thought about trading a bike while I'm riding it.I DO have a lot of upgrades on my 1500 and it only has 16k miles on it. I've heard that the 1700 runs hot, has noisy gears and the sixth gear is luggy unless your doing at least 70mph. I'm kinda talkin' myself outta this. Like I said, there is not a damn thing wrong with what I got. Another poster here on the boards said it best:
"The only time I think about trading is when I'm not riding (when I'm sitting in front of my computer at 1:00 in the morning). Once I'm back on the bike, I find myself thinking "I love this bike, why would I part with it?" And that's after 52,000 miles."
I think I feel the same way. Sorry to waste everybody's time here. Thanks.
Cruise and. 6th gear sure are nice if you ever travel the super slab. Fuel injection is a major upgrade. If all you ever travel is curvy two lanes at relatively short distances I would keep the 1500.
And that is exactly the type of riding I do around here. Rural, rustic, mildly hilly two lane blacktop. No more than 45min to an hour between stops. Thanks everybody.Cruise and. 6th gear sure are nice if you ever travel the super slab. Fuel injection is a major upgrade. If all you ever travel is curvy two lanes at relatively short distances I would keep the 1500.
You know it's still gonna be in my head now for a very long time.
I too have a 2004 1500 Classic. It is not a perfect bike, but it comes pretty darn close. It will do anything I want it to, is good on every kind of paved road, has all the power I need for 2 up, and while belts are nice, shaft drive is virtually maintenance free. In short, it is (IMO) Kaw's best all-around cruiser and the best bang for the buck.
Is he affraid of ALL bikes or just this one? Maybe you can trade bikes for a couple hours to ride and decide then. See if you like it better.
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IIRC, the 2004 Vulcan 1500 Classics are carb models as the 1500 Classic FI wasn't available that model year. If it was a 1500 Classic FI with low miles then I'd be all over it.Whaddya think?
Personally, I'd avoid the 1700 Classics as they seem to have more than their share of issues compared to the 1500 Classics. You can't go wrong with your current 1500 Classic as a keeper. Shouldn't have any problems getting replacement parts for years to come. Your bike is a timeless classic much like the Harley-Davidson Shovelheads.
Keep in mind that Kawasaki debuted the 1500 Vulcan 88 in 1987 followed by the 1500 Classic in 1996. Took them a couple of years to get the latter right due to valve issues and POG. IOW, the 1500 was in production from 1987 to 2008. That's a proven motor.
1700 has only been in production since 2009 model year if I got that right and word is that it might be discontinued in 2016 model year. They're not selling anywhere near the 1500 levels. 1700 Classic, Classic LT and Nomad were all dropped from the Vulcan range.
Don't see any new Vulcans that'd I'd be willing to sell or trade my 1500 Classic FI for as it turned out to be a much better motorcycle than I originally anticipated.
The FI models were available starting in 2002.
I was there man , I had a 1500 FI I bought off the showroom floor in 2001 original color was the burgundy/silver like you nothing wrong with it either new tires, thunder a/c, bully fuel module, ape hangers, ostrich skin grips, custom paint with burnt orange flames over gloss black many chrome custom touches had 43,000 on the clock. what got me is its worth more to you than any buyer. I was way far from that point. that's why I decided to paint it ( myself ) came out killer. in my mind I was keeping now, to much has now been invested. welp kawi came out with the burnt orange vaquero that did it if I don't do this now I never will now I have to get the olady on board. that was easy burnt orange is her favorite color too. I think you also pass the motorcycles prime as far some one wanting a bike that old.Here's the thing, I love my bike. Not a thing wrong with it. But went for a putt and ran into a guy who's just plain afraid of his bike, hasn't ridden it and wants to sell it for $5k. It's a 2010 1700 Classic Lt with Mustang his/hers backrests. I think everything else is stock.
So now it's in my head. Now I'm here. What I want to know is the 1700 that much of an upgrade? Is it worth a change?
I'm about ready to replace my seat on my bike (wore it out) so I'm getting ready to throw down big $$$ on Corbin's (I'm 6'4" and hear they're perfect for tall riders) so I either invest more on mine or just get this other bike.
Whaddya think?
up for sale it went NO BITES nothing but scams I had it listed everywhere after 4 long months, traded it in my thought was nobody wants this old bike who am I kidding, my dealer sold it in 3 days seriously I was sick.
life goes on now I have a 14 Vaq ( burnt orange ) awesome handling machine. 1700 platform handles 3 times better than the ol nomad ever did
SKULLSHAKER
Actually, the 1500 Classic FI models were available from 2000 to 2002 then discontinued from 2003 to 2004 (displaced by 1600 Classic) before being revived from 2005 to 2008 when they dumped the 1500 Classic carb.The FI models were available starting in 2002.
So, that's 7 model years for the 1500 Classic FI.
Moot point now. Texted the dude first thing the following Monday, he called but his reception was nonexistent. Messaged me back that he would be heading into town the next day and would call from there to set up a meet for Saturday...last I heard from him. Musta changed his mind, oh well, I ain't gonna chase him.
I'm good with that anyway. The more I thought about it, the more I looked out the window at mine....yeah, I'm happy with my ride. I like the chrome wire spoke wheels. I luuuvvv the green over cream paint, etc.
Like it was said here, because of the extra's, the way I have it set up to fit me....it's worth more to me than selling it would bring. AND THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT!!!!!
I'm 57 now, slowin' down just a bit. Been single all my life. Damn! Chicks and bikes! Got a good one, but always lookin' at others.
I'm good with that anyway. The more I thought about it, the more I looked out the window at mine....yeah, I'm happy with my ride. I like the chrome wire spoke wheels. I luuuvvv the green over cream paint, etc.
Like it was said here, because of the extra's, the way I have it set up to fit me....it's worth more to me than selling it would bring. AND THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT!!!!!
I'm 57 now, slowin' down just a bit. Been single all my life. Damn! Chicks and bikes! Got a good one, but always lookin' at others.
I have both bikes and love them both. I have the 2004 1500 classic loaded to the gills with mods. I am selling her to a friend the Feb. But if the deal falls through I am keeping her. The 1500 is a completely different design. The 1700 pulls like a freight train even 2 up. For 5K the 1700 is a steal especially if he rode it gently. It took about a week to get used to the Vaquero 1700.
I may be going against the grain here but I would keep the 1500 for the reasons you mentioned; but if you DO decide to buy the 1700 be sure to check to see if there were any recalls and if they were performed. I'm pretty sure the ECUs were recalled, my '09 was. Get the VIN number and Google around to see....good luckI DO have a lot of upgrades on my 1500 and it only has 16k miles on it. I've heard that the 1700 runs hot, has noisy gears and the sixth gear is luggy unless your doing at least 70mph. I'm kinda talkin' myself outta this. Like I said, there is not a damn thing wrong with what I got. Another poster here on the boards said it best:
"The only time I think about trading is when I'm not riding (when I'm sitting in front of my computer at 1:00 in the morning). Once I'm back on the bike, I find myself thinking "I love this bike, why would I part with it?" And that's after 52,000 miles."
I think I feel the same way. Sorry to waste everybody's time here. Thanks.
I wouldn't have to try out a 1700 to know if it's worth it.
All true..its hot heavy and noisy. 6th is an overdrive gear...so expected, though it can work well above 60 on straight freeways, though generally I'll stay in 5th at that point.I've heard that the 1700 runs hot, has noisy gears and the sixth gear is luggy unless your doing at least 70mph.
That said I love the 1700 Classic LT, all kitted out...very comfortable ride.
1 - 20 of 23 Posts
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