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Is the 900 supposed to be a "Girl's Bike"?

17K views 44 replies 26 participants last post by  SL500  
#1 ·
I am not trying to start something by asking an inflammatory question - I was just wondering. It seems most of the marketing I am seeing has female riders on them. Being a newbie wannabe (I am looking to buy my first bike if/when the economy ever turns around) I am considering the Vulcan 900. Not knowing my A$$ from a hole in the ground I am doing as much research as I can. Is my big 6'2" 240lb butt going to look stupid on a bike potentially designed for women?

Again, I am honestly not trying to pick a fight here - just asking a question.
 
#2 ·
I don't think that the 900 was designed or marketed for women in particular, keep in mind I don't watch TV at all so I don't see the commercials etc. If that were the case I think we'd see more color options from Kawi that are feminine(I probably spelled that wrong:eek:) I see it more as an entry level cruiser. I gotta add that a good friend of mine rides a 900 classic, he's about 6', 300lbs, he does look a little out of place, but he could care less, he loves his 900. Another friend rides a 900 custom, he's just fine on it and he's 6'2", 250lbs. I know looks can be important, but the bottom line is getting a bike that you like, to hell with what anyone else thinks.
 
#6 ·
Looks like Harley-Davidson is a girls best friend.

Meh, 900 is not a girls bike. Damn thing looks bigger than most Harleys and handles like a tank. I have visited the Harley dealers several times and aways appreciate my 900 after seeing those very gorgeous bikes--damn to pretty for me.
 
#4 ·
Yo...I bought my 900 Classic LT in January '08 , I'm 5-10 & 210 and the bike is awsome. I don't care what others think but my daughter's Bo, who rides a ZX10R loves any opportunity he has when he takes my bike out. I will say that the stock seat did hurt my rear on longer 3 hr. rides but the new Mustang seat cured that problem. Not cheap but worth every penny! I also swapped out the pipes with Vance & Hines staggered and they definitely give it a "Manly" sound but not obnoxious. You see some women in their ads but that it because of the low seat height and Kawa is tapping into all markets but I've seen 6'-2 guys ride and never complain. Bottom line is simply go with what you like, customize it to taste and don't care what other people think!:cool:
 
#7 ·
The 900 is not a small bike by any means. check the specs on it, its bigger than most think.
thats what Kawasaki intended. they wanted a mid size engined bike with full size bike ride. I think they nailed it.
I actually am more comfortable (more room) on my 900 than on my nephews Ultra classic
 
#9 ·
What is it about the 900 that would sway your brother to replace his VTX with one? Fuel injection, gas gauge, ?

I was also considering the VTX and the Yamaha 1300. It seems like somebody said the Yamaha's short service intervals will cause you to go broke.

Any input will be appreciated.
 
#12 ·
Have you ever looked at a 900 classic parked next to a HD cruiser? Sizewise there just isn't much difference. My $8K 900LT isn't a $20K HD cruiser, but it's every bit as much fun at a fraction of the cost. And nope.....I'm not a girl.
 
#14 ·
No one would know it was a 900 if you changed the intake cover. I'm 6ft, 210lb and my custom fits me very well. This bike caught my eye when I wasn't even looking for one then I saw the price and couldn't believe it. The only reasons you need one of those bigger bikes is if your going to do some major traveling or you just want to blow everybody off the road (which is a lot of fun;) Heres a pic of my big butt on mine.Does it look like a girls bike I don't think so.
 

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#15 ·
900 hmmmmm

My 2 cents.

I just bought a 900 custom. At 6' 200lbs the bike was the best fit. The power seems about right..... I mean if I would have wanted a crotch Rocket I'd have bought one. The handle bar fit right the pegs are about right. For me it was a good size not a monster cruiser, but larger mid size.

The features were good. nice size , fuel injected, largest gas tank, and too me a great look.

So far the bike is and awsome ride. Nice and smooth.

Girls bike, Guys bike .......Don't care it seems to be a great bike.
 

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#17 ·
I don't know if your interested but the Kawasaki dealer in nicholasville, KY has a Custom SE.
 
#19 ·
Anybody who thinks the 900 is a woman's bike has never taken one out and twisted the throttle a little bit. It has enough spunk for anyone, it will haul your big behind down the road as fast as you have any business going and will do it with plenty of authority.

I rode one for the first time last week. I had sat on it at the dealer several times (in fact, I had sat every different model in the place) and the 900 Classic just fit me better than anything else. It was just comfortable! And when I finally fired up the engine and rode the thing I was (and am) totally in love. There is definitely a 900 Classic LT in my future. :D:D
 
#21 ·
Girls bike.
i dont even like the sound of that.
we got any women here to chime in?
I mean, do you know how many women ride full size bikes?!?!
I have seen plenty of women riding HD baggers for cripes sakes! lol
I was on a ride this last summer with about 70 bikes and there were at least a dozen to
a dozen and a half women on softail deluxes, FatBoys, Road Kings, you name it, a women was riding it.
nowadays, I dont think theres a bike that can be labeled *a womens bike* .
they are cabable of riding anything.
 
#22 ·
Slpr61 - I agree with you. You wouldn't believe the number of guys who ask my wife "isn't that bike too big for you?". Most of the comments come from non riders, so her response is usually "and what do you ride?". That tends to shut them up.

I think the question of bike size is one that all new street riders ask. I remember asking around to see what the "recommended" first bike size should be for my wife. No one had an answer other than "whatever she's comfortable on at slow speeds". She is very comfortable on the 900, and so am I. It's a great bike for riders. Period.
 
#29 ·
Steve 21-Here is the link.

http://www.mustangseats.com/cart/in...index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6_39_265&zenid=35425027a6014f74f7e0d86d06fe5184


I bought model 79416, which looks great on the bike. I agonized over the price with the backrest but made the jump and so happy that I did! I paid $611 incl. shipping from a place in Utah that had it in stock. Other places had it for less until you added their high shipping. My first choice is to look at Meancycles.com. They are in Miami, very friendly, ship the same day and maybe even throw in a free tee shirt now and then.

I can ride all day without a pain in my hip!
 
#30 ·
for mustang seats go to someplace like phatperformanceparts.com. its cheaper than direct. or even meancycles.com you'll get a better deal. I know Phat has free shipping over $100 and i think meancycles is over $200 free shipping.
keep in mind the mustang will raise you about 1" and move you forward almost 1" also.
 
#32 ·
I work in an office with a many motorcycle riders. There are three 900 classics alone. There is mine, and two other WOMEN that ride them. Needless to say I catch it from the other men in the office about my 'Girl' bike. I don't mind. It was my first bike and I didn't want one with too much power to learn on. I eventually want to get a Fat Bob. But you can buy two 900s for what one of those cost.;)