Vulcan 750

[Triple]

I've asked this before, but what are some sites that give general specifications for all production motorcycles? I'm suddenly very curious about the performance and power figures regarding the Kawasaki Vulcan 750. I've looked at a few Vulcan-specific sites, and they actually haven't been of much help.

[NOTIME2RIDE]

Hope this helps some:

http://www.echnet.com/vn750/specs.html

[Triple]

Cool, thanks, Ethan. Not that fast, but no slouch, I suppose. Still enough to outpace most four-wheeled traffic.

Now I just need to find some power specs. If I did buy this bike, I would be using it almost exclusively for two-up riding.

[cop1215]

i highly recommend the shadow a.c.e.........vulcans are nice bikes but the aftermarket goodies are everywhere for the a.c.e..........not to mention its a single crank pin v-twin as opposed to the dual crank pin vulcan which means it can have that killer v-twin sound with very little work......just a suggestion triple sir:headbang:

[Triple]

Cop, I like the looks of the Ace, but it doesn't have shaft drive. That's a big plus to the Kaw. After looking through the big four's websites, it looks like the only bike comparable to the Vulcan 750 in price and features is the Suzuki 800 Intruder:

http://www.suzukicycles.com/sr_03/cruiser/images/vs800main.jpg

It retails for $300 more, though. Still shaft drive, a little bit lighter, but looks like a smaller tank.

[blue7]

Triple,

It looks like you are touring on a Cruiser instead of cruising on a Tourer with this bike. I would guess it is underpowered for two up and the added luggage and stuff. Guessing at 45HP or so. I'm not convinced the suspension would be up to the task. Maybe a used touring machine like a Concours or a used but clean Gold Wing, or a 1500 Vulcan used.

[cop1215]

for the love of god dont get the intruder,,,,,,its about as ugly as they come........yes i must admit i love shaft drive but so far my ace has been smooth as silk and very reliable............anyway,good luck no matter what you buy

[Triple]

It's too bad Yamaha doesn't still offer some version of the Maxim. I think the only shaft-drive cruisers out there that aren't V-twins are the Magna, V-Max, and Valkyrie (correct me if I'm wrong). The Maxim was just a simple, air-cooled (later ones were liquid cooled) in-line four cruiser with shaft final drive; I would prefer something like that to any of these V-twin middleweights I have to choose from today.

Then again, a cheap shaft-drive standard would be the most ideal alternative. I don't want to buy used, though.

[Berto]

Originally posted by Triple
It's too bad Yamaha doesn't still offer some version of the Maxim. I think the only shaft-drive cruisers out there that aren't V-twins are the Magna, V-Max, and Valkyrie (correct me if I'm wrong). The Maxim was just a simple, air-cooled (later ones were liquid cooled) in-line four cruiser with shaft final drive; I would prefer something like that to any of these V-twin middleweights I have to choose from today.
Triple,
Yamaha has a 1300? V-4 shaft drive cruiser, but not "budget". The current Magna's are chain drive, the 80's Magna's (& Sabres) are shaft drive.

With your criteria, you don't get much selection. Some of these used bikes have less than 15k and really might be worth opening up your options.

[Triple]

Huh, I didn't know that new Magna's were chain driven. A quick look at Honda's site confirmed it, though.

A dealer in Toledo (two hours from me) just quoted me an out the door price of $5818.25 for a new Vulcan 750 with the factory hard bags. Doesn't sound too bad, mm?

[Andy]

Hi Triple,

The Intruder is a very small bike. I would only suggest it for a person in the 5 foot range.

Your first choice the Vulcan 750 is a very nice bike. The 750 is one of the few bikes that have hydraulic valves. I think it is an extremly comfortable bike. I really like the seat as it has a built in backrest.

Another nice feature is the dual disk brakes up front.

http://www.kawasaki.com/admin/uploadFiles/k_vn750_c_800.jpg

[Triple]

Originally posted by blue7
Guessing at 45HP or so. I'm not convinced the suspension would be up to the task.

Well, I'm small at 5-foot-8 and roughly 160 pounds. And my intended passenger only weighs about 85 pounds. This 750 might still be buff enough for the two of us.

[Ken]

The first streetbike I ever rode was my brother's '87 (I think) Vulcan 750. I thought it was a pretty cool ride. It doesn't look like it's changed too much since '87. If Kawasaki can keep selling a bike thats been essentially the same for 15 years, its probably a reasonably trouble free bike. Not the best at anything, but pretty good at everything.

[Martin64]

If Kawasaki can keep selling a bike thats been essentially the same for 15 years, its probably a reasonably trouble free bike. Not the best at anything, but pretty good at everything.

.....hmmm, that sounds pretty familiar..... kinda like something that started out as a 650.....

[cop1215]

hey andy...could you now post a nice picture of a 750 shadow a.c.e the same size??.........i just like to look at them as they are so beautiful...lol

[Andy]

Hi cop1215 Sir,

I would be happy to post a picture of that lovely machine. Just so you can do it in the future yourself, here is how I did it.

I went to the Honda web ite. After I chose the correct bike. I assumed you have a blue 2002 model. I right-clicked my mouse and selected Properties. I highlited the Address URL. Make sure you grab the complete address by scrolling down. Then I Copy into my clipboard by hitting Ctrl-C.

Then I start a message, and Paste CTRL-V the address into the message.

Example below. Note that the complete address is only visible if you right-click and select Properties.

http://www.hondamotorcycles.com/images/model/c028_029_030_031_photos_all/motorcycles/2002/ACE_750_Deluxe/LargeHoriz/ACE750DLX_gall_Large_07.jpg

Now if I preceed the Address with [ img ]
And end the Address with [ /img ]

The picture will magically appear after you submit the reply.

Be sure not to put in the spaces.

http://www.hondamotorcycles.com/images/model/c028_029_030_031_photos_all/motorcycles/2002/ACE_750_Deluxe/LargeHoriz/ACE750DLX_gall_Large_07.jpg

:smilewink

Andy

[cop1215]

very good work andy.......its almost identical to mine if it only had saddlebags,windshield,crash bar,backrest,yadda yadda...etc..etc.........it still kicks the vulcan right in the crotch though...doesnt it sir??....lol :headbang:

[Triple]

Originally posted by cop1215
it still kicks the vulcan right in the crotch though...doesnt it sir??....

Heh-heh, depends on your tastes, I guess. The Honda definitely looks more contemporary. I kind of dig the Vulcan's 1980's retro look, personally. :cool:

[cop1215]

i see what you are saying and they are both cool bikes in their own right...i guess im just kinda partial to the a.c.e............have you ever sat on or driven either one of these bikes triple??

[Andy]

http://www.kawasaki.com/admin/uploadFiles/k_vn750_c_800.jpg
http://www.hondamotorcycles.com/images/model/c028_029_030_031_photos_all/motorcycles/2002/ACE_750_Deluxe/LargeHoriz/ACE750DLX_gall_Large_07.jpg

[Triple]

Originally posted by cop1215
have you ever sat on or driven either one of these bikes triple??

Unfortunately, no. None of my local dealers allow test rides, and none of my riding buddies own either bike. A friend of mine owns a newer Magna that he said I could borrow, but that bike is chain driven and therefore not of interest to me.

[cop1215]

shaft drive on a bike of 750cc or less tends to rob rear wheel h.p. but anyway at least do yourself the favor of sitting on an a.c.e.......it is unreal how "big" they feel...its so solid.........anyway.....enough rambling..........as the "fonz" from happy days used to say......."aaayy.....sit on it".......lol:headbang:

[Triple]

Well, I definitely decided against the Vulcan 750:

http://www.zr-7forums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4241

[cop1215]

did you get a 750 nighthawk??.......those bikes rock!!.......a nighthawk 650 was my main bike during high school (1987-1991) along with a 450 rebel.........i know you will like the nighthawk.......good choice........what turned you away from the a.c.e.?:headbang:

[Triple]

Originally posted by cop1215
did you get a 750 nighthawk

Why, yes I did. The ACE actually started making a little sense to me, because just like the Nighthawk, there is a belt-drive conversion kit available for it. However, I prefer the seating position of a standard over a cruiser, and the Nighthawk makes a lot more power.