Vulcan 900 Classic LT

[Cajunrider]

???My son is thinking seriously about upgrading from his Honda Shadow 600 to a new Vulcan 900 Classic LT. Anyone here ever own a Vulcan 900 or know someone who has? If so, is the 900 a suitable two-up cruiser? His Shadow just isn't up to long hauls at Interstate speeds. He picked it up in February and was told by a few local bikers that he would be looking for something bigger soon. They were right on. Any compliments or complaints concerning the 900 are welcomed. Thanks.

[bikerbeagle]

I started on a 900LT and, well, he might be looking for something bigger soon. Don't get me wrong, I loved the 900 but I upgraded to the Nomad within a year. The guy who bought my 900 upgraded to a V2k within a year. On the other hand, I know people who have a 900 and take the thing everywhere.

The 900 was absolutely a fantastic bike, and I even miss it from time to time ...in the city. What I tell people though, when asked for my opinion, is that the 900 engine will run all day long on the interstate, even two-up, but that's really not it's purpose. The bike's low weight is a detriment to high speed and traffic turbulence and the engine is wrapping some pretty decent rpm at 70 (and, yet, it still got better gas mileage than my Nomad, go figure).

For the year I owned mine, I put 10,000 miles on it, the majority of that on weekend rides and probably 6 trips from Kansas to Eureka Springs, AR. Oh yes, it could get out on the open road, it could carve the twisties, it could keep up with bikes twice its CC size ...but it will beat the living crap out of you doing it. A 600-800 mile ride on the 900 would literally wear me out. I never realized how hard and how much I was fighting the 900 to stay on the road at high speed until I got my Nomad. Now, I can do 600 miles in a day and be wanting more.

It depends a lot on how much your son will be riding long rides at high speed. A few good trips a year, but mostly commuting ...the 900 is a great bike. 400-600 miles every weekend plus 6-8 large out-of-state rides like I try to do? He's going to want something heavier and larger displacement.

[mikesth]

My wife has an 07 900 Custom - same engine and driveline. For her size and skill level it's an absolutely wonderful bike. It's simple and uncomplicated. Cable clutch, decent brakes and turns into corners easily. In short 3 months she has had it, she has turned 2k miles and can run with almost anyone in our group. Her skill level has increased greatly and she is a worthy riding companion. It is her FIRST bike. She learned to ride and took the MSF class 3 months ago. That 900 will probably be a good choice for at least another two years. Crosswinds have little to no affect on the bike.

When I ride it, it feels like a tinker toy. It will carry my 280 lbs, but I look silly and feel sillier.

Two up? Depends on the size of the folks, I've seen several 900LTs WAY overloaded by Mid-Age RUB couples. Safe - Probably not.

For a Single Rider around 150lbs or less that is average height, I would think it was adequate. In my opinion - I would never buy a bike that was adequate.

[cactusjack]

There's a guy I know from the local VROC group that owns a 900 and it is a fantastic bike. It's quicker than my Nomad by a long ways. He rides 2 up all the time on it. He is very lax about maintenance and even so, the thing runs like a top.

That said, I had a 50 cu in (805cc) Suzuki and I ended up trading it in on my Nomad. But that's me. I wanted a BIG cruiser.

I guess your son needs to decide what he wants. If he wants a big superslab cruiser, then the 900 might not be the way to go. If he wants a good bike that will take him anywhere he needs to go and will be dependable, then the 900 is a good choice.

[blowndodge]

If his combined 2 up weight is considerably over 300 lbs and he rides 2 up a lot, no. Solo and slight build 160lbs? might be fine. Only problem is is that once his skills are up and he rides your Nomad once, thats it!

[ringadingh]

A pal of mine traded in his Nomad for a 900 and loves it. He was finding that the Nomad was a bit too much for him around town . He finds the 900 is more nimble and suits all of his needs.

[doctorgski]

After 28 years of not having a bike or riding, my brother bought a 900 LT. He and his wife loved it. Went on several long rides with them (over 250 miles) two up and w/o any problems. Those bikes have a lot of power. After finding out how much he missed having a bike, and how he loved the open road, he went to a 2008 Nomad. He likes the extra weight on the road at highway speeds. He now is a KawaNOW member... Under the name "MEAT"

[Cajunrider]

Ricky weighs in at ~ 180 and is 6'0". I moved his Shadow the other day and it felt like I wan on my grandson's dirt bike. Thanks guys. I'll pass all of this info on to him.

[mikesth]

Originally Posted by doctorgski

After 28 years of not having a bike or riding, my brother bought a 900 LT. After finding out how much he missed having a bike, and how he loved the open road, he went to a 2008 Nomad.

How long before he traded up?

[redeye]

If your son has any riding experience I would try & talk him into a Nomad. I was set on buying a new 900LT & was doing the paperwork in the salesman office when the service department wheeled in my current Nomad. It was a trade they had just serviced. A low mileage (7500) 2003 1500FI & was priced $1700 less than the new 900. I have never regretted buying the Nomad. If you shop around, there are used bargain priced bikes to be had. Just my $00.02 -Rich

[doctorgski]

My brother traded up after 1 year and about 6K miles.Â* He did rather well on the trade too.Â*Â* The 900 is a great reentry bike. I hate to call it a reentry bike as it is large for its cubic inch size and it has a butt full of power.

[ice793]

thats what i had for two years,great bike to learn on very forgiving but was always looking for more power and cruiseability so to speak.im in the process of selling mine still has at least two year warranty on it.