Upgrade to what?

[Quattro Pete]

Had my Vulcan 500 for almost 3 years now. I'd like to get something with fuel injection, a fuel gauge, etc... something a bit more modern while still maintaining the relatively low weight, seat height (I'm fairly short), and riding position.

I went to a Honda dealer today, thinking the new CTX700N was going to be it. Not. Even though Honda made the seat height low, it doesn't necessarily mean this bike is for short riders. They made the foot pegs very front forward, and hence it was actually a struggle for me to reach them and operate them with comfortable amount of force. I loved that new 700cc engine, but the leg position killed it for me.

I also rode the new CB500X and the CBR500R. The X was just a bit too tall for my liking. The R had an acceptable seat height, but the torso position is leaning a bit too forward for what I'm used to, so I don't think I want to buy it either. The R is a nice looking bike though, especially in black.

So, I'm back to square one as none of the above provided as comfortable of a riding position as my old Vulcan.

What should I be checking out next?

 

[volk06]

I had a 2010 vulcan 900 and being 5'9 and a smaller guy it was a perfect size. I got 50mpg with that bike until I sold it.

 

[123Saab]

A harley sportster?

 

[Hermann]

Saw a CB500R in red at the store the other day. Nice looking bike. The only Honda in recent memory the I would consider owning. Worked at a dealership for about 2 years, it was a common problem with seat height, and the reach to the controls with cruiser type bikes. Good luck with your search.

 

[Robenstein]

Yamaha Star line would be a good one to look at. V star 950 or Yamaha's new Bolt (if you like the looks).

The Kaw vulcan 900 is a sweet ride, but a little underpowered for its displacement. I would also recommend a Triumph America or Speedmaster. Only gripe you might have is the lack of a fuel gauge, but you do get a warning light when you are down to 1 gallon out of the 5 in the tank. I love my Speedmaster, and since you liked your parallel twin in your Vulcan 500, the 865cc Triumph mill might be just up your alley.

 

[skyactiv]

My wife is 5'9" and wants to get a motorcycle. She checked out a Bonneville and was able to put both feet flat on the ground.
The dealer sells other brands and says people that buy Triumphs are really satisfied with them.

 

[Falken]

I always liked the Harley Sportster in racing orange.

It is just so difficult to get a motorcycle license in Quebec.

If I move back to Calgary I am getting my motorcycle license and a Sportster for sure.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Thanks guys. I don't mind the looks of Bolt or Sportster, and I like the fact that they're belt driven. But why do they both have such tiny fuel tanks?

Also not sure how noticeable the extra 100 lbs of weight (compared to my current bike) will be. Guess I need to ride them and find out.

 

[ammolab]

Try a Kawaski Ninja 650. The riding position is more normal than "sport bike".

 

[Robenstein]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Thanks guys. I don't mind the looks of Bolt or Sportster, and I like the fact that they're belt driven. But why do they both have such tiny fuel tanks?

Also not sure how noticeable the extra 100 lbs of weight (compared to my current bike) will be. Guess I need to ride them and find out.




The small tank is all part of the styling. I will say that the 883 sportster especially does not have a lot of power for its displacement. Also, the sporty does not have a great suspension on it as far as travel, so you can really feel the bumpy roads. However I did look very hard at an Iron 883 with the intent of putting a 1200 kit in it before going for the Triumph which is much roomier but not any heavier. I also found the Speedmaster to have a more user friendly powerband versus the 883 Iron I was looking at. It's torque peaks at 3,300 and you maintain 90 percent of it throughout about 6k rpm so it pulls smoothly and has no vibration.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: ammolab
Try a Kawaski Ninja 650. The riding position is more normal than "sport bike".

Thanks, but the seat is too tall.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Robenstein
I love my Speedmaster, and since you liked your parallel twin in your Vulcan 500, the 865cc Triumph mill might be just up your alley.

Any common issues with the Speedmaster that I should be aware of? I've read about starter clutch problems/design flaw, alas, not sure if this was related to the current models or some older ones and may already have been addressed...

 

[Mik]

Perhaps look at a Ducati Monster... low, light and capable (goes well, handles and stops; not just meant to be looked at.....), with a nice sporty sound......

 

[Mik]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: ammolab
Try a Kawaski Ninja 650. The riding position is more normal than "sport bike".

Thanks, but the seat is too tall.


Depending on how "too tall" it is, the suspension can be lowered for not much money.... The 650 is a nice, well rounded motorcycle BTW.......

You can always get a Gurney "Alligator": http://allamericanracers.com/alligator-motorcycle-dan-gurney-post/

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Mik
Perhaps look at a Ducati Monster... low, light and capable (goes well, handles and stops; not just meant to be looked at.....), with a nice sporty sound......

I guess I should have been more clear: I want a straight up sitting position with mid controls. I don't want to be leaning on the handlebars, so judging by the photos neither the Monster nor the Ninja 650 fit the bill.

 

[Mik]

IMO, cheaper and easier to fit a set of Helibars or swap bars on a bike that runs well than to buy a "boat anchor" and try to make it perform (in the larger sense of the word, not simply accelerate, but brake, steer and all those other things that motorcycles should do well). My opinion anyhow...... Good luck in your quest......

 

[skyactiv]

Do you insist with putting both feet flat on the ground? I've seen guys well over 6' tall on dual-sport bikes that are on their tip toes. If the bike has a good riding geometry you like, I'd consider if tip toeing is holding you back.
BMW has options on a few bikes for shorter seats. The F700GS can be tailored for a 30.3" seat height according to BMW.

 

[Mik]

Originally Posted By: skyactiv
Do you insist with putting both feet flat on the ground? I've seen guys well over 6' tall on dual-sport bikes that are on their tip toes. If the bike has a good riding geometry you like, I'd consider if tip toeing is holding you back.
BMW has options on a few bikes for shorter seats. The F700GS can be tailored for a 30.3" seat height according to BMW.


Nice bike, that. I haven't tried the new "700" but did spend some time riding the "650" version and have to concur that it's an excellent choice (especially now that it has twin front rotors). Very user-friendly and gets wicked fuel economy. Comes with ABS too IIRC. The only "fly in the ointment", in my opinion, was a mild vibration from the engine (mind you I am certain it's still less than an 883 or something similar).....

 

[Quattro Pete]

Thanks. The F700GS with the low seat might in fact be something I'd consider. Not crazy about its looks, but not too bad.

 

[Falken]

I have a BMW handout from the Montreal Auto Show, and man their bikes are insane!

You'd think they were building a plane or something. I think I could like BMW motorcycles as their suspension and frame technology is wild.

But I'd still buy a brand new Sportster and not baby it.