Modifications and gadgets on my Vulcan 500

[burkbuilds]

I've got a little over 600 miles on the new Vulcan now and I've added a few things and changed some too.

Added:
Windshield
Saddle bags
Sissybar/luggage rack
Stem nut clock

Modified:
The seats. I completely reworked the shape and height of the seat to fit my fanny and long legs, then I had a local shop cover it for me $110 and re-installed it. I bought the foam from Sargent's cycle products for about $80 So less than $200 out of pocket and my time and it fits great and I've done a little 1 1/2 hour drive on it and felt good at the end no fatigue or cramps at all. :2tup:

The next to last picture is how she looked when I brought her home. I actually like the look bette than my mods, but I bought this bike to ride not to look at it and it wasn't practical or comfortable to ride long distance with the way it came from the factory.
http://www.postimage.org/aVT_ey0.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVT_ey0)

http://www.postimage.org/Pq1cJhpJ.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq1cJhpJ)

http://www.postimage.org/Pq1cJySJ.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq1cJySJ)
http://www.postimage.org/aVU0xRJ.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVU0xRJ)

http://www.postimage.org/aVU13hA.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVU13hA)

[bonehead]

Drastic change from the stock seat?

[burkbuilds]

I just edited the post so you can see a picture of the stock look.

[bonehead]

Holy crap! How tall are you?

[Easy Rider]

The next to last picture is how she looked when I brought her home.


.....the first time, that is. Last one is the modified version.
Drastic change might be an understatement !!
Many folks find more comfort with a flatter seat (maybe due to more padding ??).
It is unique for sure.

[burkbuilds]

I'm 6'1" and I've got long legs and the seat on this bike comes in at 28" stock. My knees were up over the gas tank before I added 3 " to the seat and also I reshaped it towards the rear about 3", so now I'm very comfortable and the foot pegs and shifter/brake all hit at a good angle for me. This also puts me in a very straight back upright position which for me is a must because I've got several bad disks in my lower back and any slouch really aggravates it. I'm still flat footed on the ground with slightly bent knees. My final seat height is about 31"

[Water Warrior 2]

It is all about comfort and safety. If you are comfy with the right posture you will be safer and not worn out from being cramped and in pain. You look good with the raised seat and if anyone complains about the looks well $%^&* em, it's your bike. And the seat looks good with a professional covering on it. :rawk: :rawk:

[burkbuilds]

Thanks Water Warrior! That's pretty much how I feel too. Everybody should do what they want to do with their bike and not worry about what anyone else really thinks about it.

What's the temperature like up in BC? I bet this is a great time of year to be riding up there.

[Water Warrior 2]

Today was high 70s F and low 80s. Moved here from Alberta 4 years ago to get away from the winters and don't regret a moment. Nice to ride in mesh gear and look at snow capped mountains.

[Quimrider]

I've just started a forum for the Vulcan 500 at http://vulcan500.com I'm modeling it after this site. It's still a work in progress, but I hope it will some day rival the greatness that is gz250bike.com. I like what you've done with the seat. the stock setup has got to go. I can only ride for an hour on my vulcan 500 before things start to get numb then painful.

[dhgeyer]

Wow! With a seat height of 31", and the position of your arms in the third picture, I'd say you've almost made it into a standard. To finish the job, you'd have to move the pegs back, which I know you don't want to do. Definitely different, and I hope it works out for you.

[Water Warrior 2]

It is a case of deciding which bike will do the required duties and then making it fit your body for maximum comfort and control. The Vulcan may be a little long in the tooth but comes with a proven reputation for reliability. Same as a GZ, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Not many riders leave a bike completely stock, there is always a creature comfort or farkle to make the miles that much sweeter.