What to look for in a used Vulcan

2698 Views 11 Replies 9 Participants Last post by LBV, Feb 1, 2015

billygeorge

Discussion Starter · Jan 26, 2015

I've been riding Kawasaki bikes for 30 years. I'm in the market for a used Vulcan. For the past 15 years I've only owned sport bikes. I am wondering if there are any common issues I should look for in the 2006 - 2009 Vulcan 900. I have found several that I will take a look at this week that are all 06 - 09. Any and all info will be greatly appreciated. Let me add that I have owned seven Kawasaki bikes and never had a problem with any of them. Thanks again.

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ryanbrooks94

· #2 · Jan 26, 2015

Ask about frequent oil changes. Also many people on here have had issues with their Vulcan taking a few cranks to start up because of a bad stator, so listen carefully to when it starts.

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MMGUT

· #3 · Jan 26, 2015

Don't know where you are but bikes like that are dirt cheap here. As in $3800 for a minty one with less than 4k miles.
In warm months there are usually 10+ as you describe in the local online ads and definitely a buyers market.

Has it been dropped?
Who maintained it? Records?
Problems?
If super low miles for the age did they winter it properly?
Modifications? Add-on's?
Poor quality or goofy customizing?
Ridden by a speed freak or gently?
Clutch slipping?
Oil level?
Tire condition?
Your gut feeling of the seller if buying private party?

When I bought mine last september I did not know to ask ANY of these questions, didn't even know how to ride a motorcycle so had a friend ride it to my place after the deal

But I liked the lady selling it and the bike turned out to be a keeper.

See less See more

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mes882

· #4 · Jan 26, 2015 (Edited)

in 06-08 or it was 06-09. Had stator issues. There is something about a grease zerk fitting that is low. It gets broken off easily. Other then these items your basic bike stuff.

If it was me I would look for a 10 or newer. You could probably get one for about the same money.

Read this it will tell you most common complaints about the 900. Don't get me wrong the 900 is a good Bike
http://www.vulcanforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=160866

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crazyriderguy

· #5 · Jan 26, 2015

mes882 said:
in 06-08 or it was 06-09. Had stator issues. There is something about a grease zerk fitting that is low. It gets broken off easily. Other then these items your basic bike stuff.

If it was me I would look for a 10 or newer. You could probably get one for about the same money.

Read this it will tell you most common complaints about the 900. Don't get me wrong the 900 is a good Bike
asking 6848 open to reasonable offer

Yo, your linky no worky

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mes882

· #6 · Jan 26, 2015

oops sorry it would have been the wrong link to.. But I fixed it

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Scott_in_TX

· #7 · Jan 26, 2015

BG,

I don't want this to be interpreted as a knock against the 900.

But, if you like the HP of sportsbikes; you should understand that cruisers are slow and clumsy! LOL! And 900ccs in a cruiser isn't going to keep up with a sportsbike half it's size.

The 900 is a great bike! But, it isn't a performance machine by any standard.

Scott

Oh yeah, if you're making the change because of comfort; you may want to go ahead and budget for an aftermarket seat.

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900bubba

· #8 · Jan 26, 2015

If you are sure you want one there are many with low miles and low cost.
Max 5,000 miles and $4,000 or less. Be patient, keep looking until you find one that's mint and negotiate.

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crazyriderguy

· #9 · Jan 27, 2015

OP, if you want a good blend of cruiser and sport bike, you should check out the Yamaha VMax or the Yamaha Road Warrior. Both bikes have crazy HP. The Road Warrior is more cruiser styled while the VMax has a more up right sitting position. Should be able to find used units for less than 10 grand. Probably less than 7500.

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billygeorge

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jan 27, 2015

Thanks to everyone for the input. I am wanting the cruiser for comfort and do not expect the sport bike performance. That just happens to be what my last two bikes were. I just want to cruise the North GA hills and enjoy the scenery. It just happens that a guy I work with has offered me a deal on a 2003 1500 Intruder with 12,000 miles for $2500. He's recently divorced. It also has Cobra pipes. I'm going to look at it Wednesday. It looks like I might purchase a non-Kawasaki bike after all. (if it's as nice as he says it is)

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Poncho Villa

· #11 · Jan 27, 2015

who let the dawgs out?

billygeorge said:
Thanks to everyone for the input. I am wanting the cruiser for comfort and do not expect the sport bike performance. That just happens to be what my last two bikes were. I just want to cruise the North GA hills and enjoy the scenery. It just happens that a guy I work with has offered me a deal on a 2003 1500 Intruder with 12,000 miles for $2500. He's recently divorced. It also has Cobra pipes. I'm going to look at it Wednesday. It looks like I might purchase a non-Kawasaki bike after all. (if it's as nice as he says it is)

itsa bow'ser bike.. zooks are good.. jus fuhgly is all get out..

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LBV

· #12 · Feb 1, 2015

If you were up here near me (Toronto, Canada) I'd have you look at mine as I'm going the other way, cruiser to naked (Yamaha FZ-07) come spring ... 3,200 km on a 2009 Custom SE (black with orange pinstripes).

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