Best beginner motorcycle, Kawasaki Vulcan 750?

By "cruising in the summer" I'm assuming getting up on the superslab and going a few hundred miles; a 250 wouldn't hack it. The old Vulcan 750 is fairly light for a cruiser, about 500 pounds, and wouldn't be unreasonable for a first bike. Very similar in size, weight, performance would be the Suzuki Intruder 800 / Boulevard S50. The Honda version would be the Shadow Spirit 750, but with a chain drive rather than the shaft of the Kaw/Suzi.

And then... there's the cruiser I would want for rolling down the interstates, the Kawasaki Drifter 800 . . .

Kawasaki Vulcan 750

Vulcan 750

Bonez, the best thing to do as far as I am concerned is: 1. Take a Motorcycle safety course! You will need it to get an endorsement, you need the endorsement for most insurance companies to cover you in case of an accident, especially if it turns out to be your fault!. 2. As someone else suggested sit on as many bikes as you can. let the dealer know you are a first time buyer he will have some suggestions for you. 3. Buy a used first bike! Try a Honda Helix! You cannot go wrong and if you get tired of it you will be surprised at the resale value. You can ride it for a year and still get very near what you paid for it! I have had 3 of them, they all got above 65 mpg. Traveled many miles on them, they are not real good for express ways only because they get buffeted around by big trucks. They are comfortable for leg stretches and low center of gravity so they handle better in a parking lot situation. On the highway that really doesn't matter. The Honda Rebel is also a good bike, a little different handling but a good ride! 4. What ever bike you decide to buy have it checked by a reputable mechanic. It may cost you $25 bucks but will be worth it. Make a few friends to ride with. There are all kinds of groups around to ride with. I suggest this for 2 reasons, knowledge, this is shared in a group with gusto, Fun, eating breakfast is better when you are sharing stories about last weeks ride with other riders. 5. Whatever you do decide to buy, do so because it is something YOU like not because I or anyone said it is the best one for you. And 6. Ride safe and many miles of smiles to you. If you are ever in arkansas let me know and I'll buy breakfast! Bob G.

I started on a Vulcan 750, it had good power handling and braking. Dual front disc and hydraulic clutch made what I consider an easy and forgiving bike to ride. The only problem I had was when I doubled up with my wife on the back. Things got a little bit tight for us as this is a short frame bike. The shadow or C series boulevards would be better for two up riding if you feel confident enough to carry a passenger.

TAKE a MSF course!!!

How tall and big are you?

A vulcan 750 is too much. It is almost 500 lbs if not more with slow steering.

Go to a dealer and sit on several different sizes, the balance will belittlee higher, gas weighs 6.3 lbs/gallon so a 4 gal tank adds 25 lbs above the center of gravity, If you are a grown adult pick one you like and can pick up. That's your first stop, now go buy a used bike, it has been dropped before so you don't have to worry about it, ride this bike for a season and sell it to another beginner.

The 750-800 Kawasaki Vulcan is a heavy cruiser bike, its similar in power as a Yamaha and Honda 1100 cruisers.

I personally love the Yamaha 650 V Star, its a perfect beginners cruiser that's easy to ride and handle, plenty of power, faster than the Honda 750 Shadow and very reliable.

STAY AWAY FROM THE SUZUKI BOULEVARD 50 SERIES CRUISERS C50-M50-S50, THEY ARE JUNK

Good bike and will last you a long time. You might look at a Honda Shadow 750 I hear these ride nice too. Unlike someone said a Honda Rebel 250 is too small its only good for puttin around town and shakes horribly at 60 mph and over. 750's will let you cruise down freeways with no problem and around town with ease.

The Vulcan would make a great 2nd bike but is a bit big to learn on. My favorite is the Honda Rebel 250. Most riders log about 5000 miles on one of these before moving up.

No matter what bike you choose, please go to your local library and get a copy (or purchase your own set)of the "Ride Like a Pro" series of dvds. I have been a rider of over 20 years when I watched it and must admit that I learned a lot about riding safer.

depends on the rider and their comfort level on the Vulcan 750, may be too much power for some, you have to be able to harness power or it can hurt you