New VN cruisers

[Padmei]

Had a sit on a couple of new Kwaka cruisers today during the obligatory Friday avo wander around the bike shops. Loved both the VN2000 & VN900 touring.

I was always under the impression that bigger is better (yeah yeah I'm a homo snigger snigger) but wondered how owners have found their mid sized cruisers & if they wished they bought the bigger model or want to trade up to the bigger model.

As cruisers are made for cruising the extra ccs shouldn't matter or do they?

your feedback would be appreciated

[AllanB]

For me the 900 is the pick. Heaps lighter and easier to live with than the 2000. And as you stated its for cruising.

Ditto with the Hondas - the 1300 over the 1800.

And Suzuki - 900 over MT109

I even like the Sportster over the 'big' Harleys

[Daffyd]

Mine's only a 535, but it has enuff performance for me. Its only shortcoming is its lack of range - about 175km.

[kevfromcoro]

JUST spent about 6 months looking for a cruiser for a mate of mine....
rode and sat on everthing.....came down to the vn 900....
then suzuki VL 1500......
the VN is a comfortable bike.....
anyway...he bought a honda VTX 1300......
quite happy with it......picked it up yesterday in Hams.....
dunno about the ccs? sometimes bigest is not best.....
i ride a honda XL 600R...... aint no cruiser
but it comes down to what bikes do you enjoy the most
KEV

[rainman]

Mines a Suzuki but I find the 800 is great for commuting, and both short and longer blats about the countryside.. although I'm normally TEC it doesn't bug me as I'm not out for speed. If enviro-friendliness and cost were not a problem I'd buy the C109R for fun, but still commute on the 800. If/when it breaks I'll get another just like it. Maybe a shaftie like the M50 though.

[zuk]

I went from an M50 to a 2 litre Vulcan and love it..the M50 was a great bike but I do long hauls and solo it was the shiz,but 2 up(which I am doing more of) it lacked a little...The Vulcan on the other hand is great for 2 up,thirsty I must admit but I couldn't go back now.

[P38]

I seriously considered an upgrade from the C50Tto the C109RT.
Trouble is you dont gain a hell of a lot.
The 109 might be better for two up but I,ve had no issues with the C50T in that respect.

Have no troubles keeping up either

Sure the C190RT has heaps more grunt but thats about it really, unless you enjoy riding at licence loosing speeds, which by the way the C50T can do just as easily just takes a little longer to get there.

And then theres the weight difference. Probally not to bad on the shorter runs but on the long hauls it does make a difference.

Riding with a couple of mates who have made the jump has revealed one glaring difference which is importatnt to me and that is the range.

C50T 300kms/15.5L
C109RT 220kms/19L (even less if they give it a handful )

You'd think the designers would have solved that one early on in the design stage.

Even with 300kms from the C50T I would like more, 400kms/fill would be have been better for such a comfortable cruiser.

To tell the truth I dont think I could part with the C50T because it's such a nice bike to ride.

[Padmei]

yeah the fuel range is what I thought would be a problem. I think I will have to get a cruiser in a few years time. In the meantime I'll be enjoying my soon to arrive KLR650.

JUST spent about 6 months looking for a cruiser for a mate of mine....
rode and sat on everthing.....came down to the vn 900....

Were they 2nd hand as I can't seem to get a ride on a new bike for love or money. As there are only 2 new VN2000s in NZ I don't think I'll be getting a ride on one.

I will get a cruiser in a few years after I get tired of my adventure bike.

[Edbear]

I seriously considered an upgrade from the C50Tto the C109RT.
Trouble is you dont gain a hell of a lot.
The 109 might be better for two up but I,ve had no issues with the C50T in that respect.

Have no troubles keeping up either

Sure the C190RT has heaps more grunt but thats about it really, unless you enjoy riding at licence loosing speeds, which by the way the C50T can do just as easily just takes a little longer to get there.

And then theres the weight difference. Probally not to bad on the shorter runs but on the long hauls it does make a difference.

Riding with a couple of mates who have made the jump has revealed one glaring difference which is importatnt to me and that is the range.

C50T 300kms/15.5L
C109RT 220kms/19L (even less if they give it a handful )

You'd think the designers would have solved that one early on in the design stage.

Even with 300kms from the C50T I would like more, 400kms/fill would be have been better for such a comfortable cruiser.

To tell the truth I dont think I could part with the C50T because it's such a nice bike to ride.

+1!!!! (Not that I'm biased or anything...)

[Cave Cleaner]

I have been looking at the Vn900 and the C50, and cant make my mind up.

There is not a lot of visual differance between the Vulcan classic and the C50, but is the extra 100cc worth the extra $$$

Im yet to test ride either but I will before I buy....

My Intruder 800 seems to have enough power (1 up) and will go anywhere,but is near 10 years old now, so thinking time to go NEW. and I guess with the fuel injection, I will get a bit more get up and go from the same cc rating?