Bought a Vulcan EN750 on e-bay today

[burkbuilds]

I wasn't really looking for a new bike but I came across this one while searching for an accessory for my Vulcan 500 on e-bay. I sure hope this guy isn't yanking my chain, I guess I won't know for sure until I go to pick it up. He listed an 05 Vulcan 750 with 500 miles on it. States that the original owner died of health issues a month after purchasing the bike and this guy just bought it from the power of attorney this month. Also states that it has been garage kept the entire time and started once a month. The seller put a new battery in it, changed oil and filter, new spark plugs and listed it on e-bay with a buy it now of $3,000. I like the 750's self adjusting hydraulic valves and low maintenance shaft drive. I also like that the speedo and tach are on the handlebars where God meant for them to be instead of on the tank where you can't see them without taking your eyes off the road. It even has a fuel gauge and left and right turn signal indicators. This bike only weighs a few pounds more than my 500 at 483lbs and is supposed to get 50 mpg. I plan on keeping my 500 until I finish school. By then it should have over 60K miles on it and this 750 will still have low mileage. The only negative I've read about the 750 is the OEM Stator doesn't always hold up well and you have to pull the engine to replace it.

I was already thinking that this would be the bike I'd get after I wore the 500 out going to school, but I never thought I'd be able to find one with this low of mileage in this great condition.

[blaine]

Sounds like a really good deal,hope it works out for you. :2tup: :cool:

[Water Warrior 2]

Wow, Merry Christmas BB. Sounds like a heck of a deal if it is true. And you get to start over with mods and stuff too. We will of course need pics after you get the bike.

[alanmcorcoran]

Out of curiousity - how does one get a bike delivered from E-bay? Was the guy in Georgia already?

[alantf]

Confucious, he say "If deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is" Just playing devil's advocate, but we'd hate to see you get burned. I don't know if it's just that I've got a suspicious nature, but the whole story sounds fishy to me. Please be VERY careful. :2tup:

[Easy Rider]

and this guy just bought it from the power of attorney this month. Also states that it has been garage kept the entire time and started once a month.

Be careful.......be VERY careful.

A month is probably not enough time to have the title processed.......and you should definitely NOT let any money change hands until you actually SEE a clear title in the new owner's name.

It sounds like a good find......but it also sounds like the seller is saying all the "right" things.
You might want to copy down the VIN and see if the DMV will run it for "alerts".

Do you still have the stock seat for the 500 ??
I might be looking for a good deal on a second bike if I find a "winter home" in your area.
I'll be in the area in Jan. and Feb.

P.S. Give the exhaust a careful inspection. Starting without riding can often be hard on pipes (rust).

[burkbuilds]

Good advice everyone, and I don't plan on handing over anything more than the deposit until I see the bike and everything checks out with the title work and all. The deposit is somewhat recoverable since I bought it on e-bay, paid with Paypal and used my credit card. I figure I've got three ways to get it back if it turns out badly.

The bike is about six hours away in North Carolina. I will drive out and get it myself in a truck, but I could have it shipped to my door for around $500 but that would mean I wouldn't see the bike first and I'd have to pay before seeing it and I'd be trusting the seller on the title work, none of which seems like a good idea to me.

Hoping to have it before New Years. Just gotta work out the logistics with the seller and my son-in-law who is going with me to get it.

[Easy Rider]

Good advice everyone, and I don't plan on handing over anything more than the deposit until I see the bike and everything checks out with the title work and all.

and my son-in-law who is going with me to get it.

I think you are a sane and reasonable person :) but it still worries me just a little that you seem to be "set" on bringing the bike back on the first trip......which may not be a good thing.

Keep us posted.

[JWR]

Good advice everyone, and I don't plan on handing over anything more than the deposit until I see the bike and everything checks out with the title work and all.

and my son-in-law who is going with me to get it.

I think you are a sane and reasonable person :) but it still worries me just a little that you seem to be "set" on bringing the bike back on the first trip......which may not be a good thing.

Keep us posted.


What would be the need to make two or more trips???

If it is as stated...Done deal.

[Easy Rider]

What would be the need to make two or more trips???
If it is as stated...Done deal.

If everything is letter perfect; title, long test ride, owner doesn't say "It only needs......", runs perfectly, .......I mean PERFECT.

Human nature being what it IS, you tend to overlook "little" things when you have stars in your eyes. Driving 6 hours just to GET there puts additional pressure on you. Those kind of deals just make me nervous in general. I have seen and heard of WAY too many of them going sour.

I will NEVER buy a vehicle the first time I see it, NEVER. Car, truck, bike, tractor.....hell even a lawn mower. :biggrin:

I have met Mr. Burk; he seems like a REALLY nice guy.
I would just hate for him to get burned.

[burkbuilds]

Thanks ER, I appreciate your advice and concerns. I have a scheduled date of Dec. 30th to pick up the bike. The seller was nice enough not to press the "must be paid for and picked up within 7 days of auction end" claus. I'm hoping that the bike will be as shown in the pictures and as advertised in the listing. Taking another person with me is one way to help me keep my head on my shoulders and not get overwhelmed at the moment. Raymond is about the most level headed, non excitable person I've ever met. (Think young Tommy Lee Jones). He's all army, seen action in a lot of places and has trained with special forces, those guys are trained not to get excited and keep observing no matter what is going on around them. I also won't have to worry about anybody physically intimidating us with him along. I've bought enough vehicles in general over the years to realize that things aren't always as listed. I plan to run a VIN check in a few minutes and see if anything "funny" shows up.

Merry Christmas everybody!

[burkbuilds]

I just ran a VIN check on the bike and everything was in order. The bike was originally registered in NC on 4/12/2004 with 3 miles on it and again on 11/11/2010 with 238 miles on it, which is in agreement with the sellers statements. So, basically, he put another 250 or so miles on it in a month, installed a new battery, plugs and oil change and now he's selling it. Here is a copy of the report. Kinda hard to read in this format.

Motorcycle History Report

Click here to get a FREE Recall and Defects search.
To Email, Print or Save in PDF Click here
VIN Specification
Country JAPAN
Make Kawasaki
Vehicle Type Motorcycle
Model VN750-A
Check Digit 6
Model Year 2005
Assy. Plant Lincoln, NE
Production Seq. Number 554543
Horsepower 68HP
Sales Name Vulcan 750
Motorcycles Type Street
Engine Type 2cyl, 750 cc; 4-Stroke
Fuel Type Gasoline
Mobile6 Class. MC
Vehicle Class On Road Motorcycle
Manufacturer Kawasaki Heavy Ind
Engine Code VNDA1

MULTI-STATE VEHICLE HISTORY REPORT
VIN JKAVNDA165B554543
YEAR 2005 MAKE KAWK
This data was originally accessed on 2010-12-19 19:24:13.868 EST at which time it was current with the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)
BRAND INFORMATION
BRAND CATEGORY

NMVTIS SEARCH RESULT
Total Loss

No report found by Cyclechex
Salvage

No report found by Cyclechex
Disclosed Damage

No report found by Cyclechex
Bond

No report found by Cyclechex
Flood

No report found by Cyclechex
Cars/Cash for Clunkers

No report found by Cyclechex
Gray Market

No report found by Cyclechex
Junk

No report found by Cyclechex
Manufacturer Brand

No report found by Cyclechex
New/Re-Issued VIN

No report found by Cyclechex
Odometer

No report found by Cyclechex
Rebuilt/Repaired/Reconstructed

No report found by Cyclechex
Dismantled

No report found by Cyclechex
Rental/Taxi/Police

No report found by Cyclechex
Agricultural/Logging Vehicle

No report found by Cyclechex
Title Copy

No report found by Cyclechex
Antique/Classic

No report found by Cyclechex
Undisclosed Lien

No report found by Cyclechex
TITLE INFORMATION
Current Title Information
State

VIN

Issue Date

Odometer
North Carolina

JKAVNDA165B554543

20101111

000000238 North Carolina
Historical Title Information
State

VIN

Issue Date

Odometer
NC

JKAVNDA165B554543

20041204

000000003 Miles
JUNK AND SALVAGE INFORMATION
Reporting Occurrence

Reporting Entity Information

Date Obtained

Vehicle Intended for Export?

Vehicle Disposition
No Junk/Salvage Reportings Found
INSURERS INFORMATION
Reporting Occurrence

Reporting Entity Information

Date of Total Loss Declaration or
Date Total Loss Claim Paid
No Total Loss Reportings Found
DETAILED VEHICLE INFORMATION
Standard Data
body-type

Cruiser

check-digit

5
country

Japan

engine-type

749 disp 2 cyls
identification

JKAVNDA165B554543

make

Kawasaki
model

VN750-A20 Vulcan 750

model-year

2005
production-seq-number

554543

vehicle-class

Cruiser

[JWR]

What would be the need to make two or more trips???
If it is as stated...Done deal.





I will NEVER buy a vehicle the first time I see it, NEVER. Car, truck, bike, tractor.....hell even a lawn mower. :biggrin:




WOW...
:shocked:

[Water Warrior 2]

I did a Google search for pics of the bike. Looks good. Should be a trouble free bike for a long time. Hydraulic valve lifters and a shaft drive will make the bike easy to live with. BB, am I right in assuming the bike is coming home in the back of a truck ?

[burkbuilds]

That is my plan WW. I've got ramps and it should fit in my son-in-laws Ford Ranger without a problem. He and I will team drive out and back to get the bike. I just finished "Google-ing" a map and it's a little longer trip than I first thought, about 7 1/2 hours each way according to Google, maybe a little less if we drive slightly fast getting out there, but it's straight through the mountains on highway 64 and I've driven that route before, not a lot of room to really speed unless you want to die in a ravine. On the other hand, it is a really scenic drive, and I'd rather do that than 15 hours on an Interstate. The trip will take us through Ashville (where the Biltmore house is located) and Greensboro and almost to Raleigh.

[Water Warrior 2]

Excellant plan considering the distance and time involved. The Ranger will do just fine with the tailgate left down. That is how we got Lynda's M-50 home when she picked it up. Good to know you have a fine young man to keep you company. Sounds like a great little adventure for both of you.

[Easy Rider]

The Ranger will do just fine with the tailgate left down. That is how we got Lynda's M-50 home when she picked it up.

Is two people enough to load one .......safely ??
And unload it ??
Seems like the ramp would be pretty steep.......unless it is VERY long.

[burkbuilds]

I've loaded my 500 this way before with Raymond's help and the GZ250 by myself this way, so I don't really think it will be a problem. It's even easier if you can find a bank that you can back the truck up to but I've done it on flat ground several times.

[JWR]

I have loaded my PC800 by myself. Neighbor has a slope from his yard to mine.

Found a good small ditch on the other end, no problems.

And did it on the first try.

[dhgeyer]

I won't enter the discussion of possible problems with Ebay, as they are well known, and BB seems to be making the right moves. I will comment that, having owned 2 Vulcans (500 and 1500), I was an active participant on their forum for years (VROC - one of the best forums out there). The 750 is considered by many to be the best of all the Vulcans with respect to engineering, handling, performance, ease of maintenance, and so on. I have no doubt that, assuming it's in good shape, it's an amazing find and will give years of very good service. I wish you the best with it. Do check out VROC (Vulcan Riders and Owners Club). They even used to have shootin' competitions. Say Hi to Wampus for me.

[Water Warrior 2]

Good to hear owners are so satisfied with a Vulcan 750. Just did a little lurking on a Vulcan forum. The bike even has a center stand, gotta love that.

[alantf]

Good to hear owners are so satisfied with a Vulcan 750.

Tried to do a little searching for prices of a 2011. Looks like it's gone the way of the vulcan 500.

[Water Warrior 2]

Of course it is gone. Must have worked too well and the owners couldn't justify going to a bigger bike.

[burkbuilds]

The VN750 production run ended in 2006 after 20 years of virtually unchanged bikes. It's an older style visually and one I prefer to more "modern" looks. It is carbureted not FI, which probably makes it almost impossible to comply with newer EPA restrictions, and buyers are constantly bombarded with "bigger, faster, more HP" sells tactics so more people want to buy 900cc's or more and that is what the manufacturer's build and sell. I can't really blame the mfg's, they are in business to turn a profit, and there's got to be a lot more profit in selling the larger cc bikes, I mean, how much more can it possibly cost to build them, but they sure sell for a lot more. I can remember when a 750 would have been considered a big bike but by today's USA standards, it is considered a mid size cruiser at best, maybe even considered a small bike by many. I love the fact that it has self adjusting hydraulic valves and the shaft drive. Those two items are becoming tough to find on anything less than 1000cc's. I don't think Kawasaki makes anything less than 1500cc's that currently has the hydraulic valves, and most of their lineup has belt drive, which is okay, but I think the shaft drive probably requires the least amount of general maintenance.

[Easy Rider]

I don't think Kawasaki makes anything less than 1500cc's that currently has the hydraulic valves, and most of their lineup has belt drive, which is okay, but I think the shaft drive probably requires the least amount of general maintenance.

They CAN build practical bikes.

The perfect all purpose street bike:
Honda's Nighthawk 550-4.
Hyd. valves, shaft drive, alloy wheels (I think) and virtually no maintenance except changing fluids, plugs and tires. Will break any posted speed limit.....by quite a bit.
A close second: Kaw Eliminator 600. Same as above except valves. Does 100 with TWO gears left.

The sad part is that neither was made for but a few years.
Even sadder is that I owned both......and was too stupid to keep either. :cry:

[dhgeyer]

I had an '83 Nighthawk 650 - same as you describe your 550. Way ahead of its time, with full LCD readout including gear indicator and gas gauge. Unfortunately mine was no bargain, as it had been treated very badly. I bought it off some guy's lawn for very little, but it immediately turned onto a huge money pit. One thing after another, and not cheap stuff either. I finally gave it away to a friend. If it had been in better shape, I might still have it. Apart from the ease of maintenance, it was powerful and very smooth. Whenever I see one, I still drool a little.

[burkbuilds]

My son-in-law and I drove out to Apex NC Thursday and picked up the bike. It was indeed exactly as described. Turns out the original owner purchased this bike after he retired and then died in his sleep a month later. His widow couldn't bear to sell it until this Fall. The guy I bought it from purchased it and then decided he needed the cash to use as a down payment on a new house. He replaced the battery with an AGM battery, installed new spark plugs, changed the oil and filter, flushed the radiator and re-filled but only put about 221 miles on it before I bought it.


http://s4.postimage.org/2q2vl0nms/Vulcan_750_Pics_001.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/2q2vl0nms/)

http://s4.postimage.org/2q35i8qlg/Vulcan_750_Pics_002.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/2q35i8qlg/)

http://s4.postimage.org/2q38tbfl0/Vulcan_750_Pics_003.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/2q38tbfl0/)

http://s4.postimage.org/2q3np5k10/Vulcan_750_Pics_004.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/2q3np5k10/)

http://s4.postimage.org/2q42kzoh0/Vulcan_750_Pics_005.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/2q42kzoh0/)

http://s3.postimage.org/184ift9c4/Vulcan_750_Pics_007.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/184ift9c4/)

Now I need to move the rectifier out to get some airflow over it and replace the six year old tires, not worth the risk to me to run on tires that are around six years old.
Other mods will follow. :)

[blaine]

Really nice looking bike.You really lucked out.It has a few things styled like my older EN450(LTD454),the seat,backrest,rear tool box,and signal lights.The gas cap and gages are identical.
:2tup: :)

[Water Warrior 2]

Wow, that bike is just so pretty. Looks like it just rolled out of a crate already assembled. New tires are a good idea of course. If you are thinking of a CT on the rear might I suggest an Ice Radial winter tire. The rubber is softer with better grip at cooler temps and the wear factor shouldn't be much of a factor to worry about on a bike.
There is a Vstrom rider with an Ice Radial on the rear and a newly installed studded MT tire on the front. He is quite happy with the grip factor of the rear on all surfaces at any temp so far.

[JWR]

Bike looks great.

I like the colors.

[jonathan180iq]

Friend of mine has a Vulcan 750. When he bought it, the gas tank was rattle-can blue and had dents and gas streaks in it.
He spent about $150 in paint and a 2005 (I think) gas tank and now you would never be able to tell that it was an '87.

They are easy bikes to work on and they're a very smooth ride.

Good find.

[burkbuilds]

I've made a few mods since I bought the bike and I finally got out and rode it this afternoon. I'm currently working on the floorboards and trying to get the windshied to fit, it was supposed to mount up without any problems, but either they sent the wrong model, or it needs some type of adapter, or it just won't work with my bike. Got an e-mail in to customer service now waiting for a response.

I mounted the left floorboard today, and I have to make some modifications to the right mounting hardware before it will work but it shouldn't be to hard to do. Basically I need to get some 7/8" square solid bar stock, cut the existing piece off the mounting bracket and weld a 3 1/2" long piece of the bar stock in it's place, then drill a 1/2" hole through in the correct location and cut a 45 degree bevel on the end so it will pivot up if I drag the "pegs".

I've replaced the front fender with a chrome one, added saddle bags, relocated the front turn signal lights and converted all my lights except the headlight to LED's. I've moved the rectifier out from underneath the battery box to a location near the passenger foot pegs on the left side so it will get some airflow and I changed the brake light lens to clear with colored led bulbs. Here are a few picks some before and some after mods.

http://s2.postimage.org/21i4duulg/VN750_Mods_004.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/21i4duulg/)

http://s2.postimage.org/21i7oxjl0/VN750_Mods_009.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/21i7oxjl0/)

http://s2.postimage.org/21i9cgw2s/VN750_Mods_006.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/21i9cgw2s/)

http://s2.postimage.org/21ib008kk/VN750_Mods_012.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/21ib008kk/)

http://s2.postimage.org/21icnjl2c/VN750_Mods_010.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/21icnjl2c/)

[blaine]

Looking good.I like the clear tail light,it makes a big difference in the rear of the bike. :2tup: :cool:

[Water Warrior 2]

Good repositioning of the front signals. I am going to assume this is to help windshield installation or ............ maybe not. Do the front signals also act as running lights ? If they do there is the triangle effect in your lighting to make you more noticeable head on.

[mole2]

Very nice ride. I like the chrome front fender and the bags do it justice. Everything you've done looks good. Good luck with her and ride safe.


:)

[burkbuilds]

Thanks for the compliments on the bike. The front signal lights are also running lights and I did move them down to accommodate a windshield, however when I attempted to install it this weekend, it did not fit because it hits the headlight and the guages. Got an e-mail in to the company, hopefully they just sent the wrong hardware or shield or something and it will be easily remedied.

I switched the front signal lights out to white LED's and did the same with my 500, and it does seem to make me more noticeable to traffic, but maybe that is just my gut feeling and not really grounded in any measurable facts. It just seems like less cages are pulling out in front of me since I did the switch.

[blaine]

I put a set of 2" M-16 lights on mine,under the signal lights.I put 20w bulbes in them so they wouldn't over power the charging system.I find I'm more noticable in the daytime.They also light the ditches up at night.


:) :cool:
http://s4.postimage.org/dwb0nnz8/0203726_1.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)

[blaine]

The front signal lights are also running lights and I did move them down to accommodate a windshield, however when I attempted to install it this weekend, it did not fit because it hits the headlight and the guages. Got an e-mail in to the company, hopefully they just sent the wrong hardware or shield or something and it will be easily remedied.

I have the National Cycle street shield EX on my 454.It is a universal fit,and came with hardware for 7/8 & 1" bars.My signal lights & gages are the same as your 750.The shield cleared the signal lights without moving
them.

:) :cool:


(not a picture of my bike,just the shield.)
http://s2.postimage.org/2ehtwb690/N2568_1.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/2ehtwb690/)

[Water Warrior 2]

I put a set of 2" M-16 lights on mine,under the signal lights.I put 20w bulbes in them so they wouldn't over power the charging system.I find I'm more noticable in the daytime.They also light the ditches up at night.


:) :cool:
http://s4.postimage.org/dwb0nnz8/0203726_1.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
Be prepared to replace the bulbs now and again. They get hot and any vibration will shorten their life. I am not sure how but I have collected a box full of MR-16 bulbs in 20/35/50 watt flavors. I even have two 50 watt amber bulbs. Last year I installed MR-16 LED's in my driving lights for the triangular effect and longer life. They are quite visible to oncoming traffic but will not really light up the road any better than a Bic lighter. Mission accomplished at 2.4 watts total draw. Some Walmarts have them in stock.

[blaine]

They are quite visible to oncoming traffic but will not really light up the road any better than a Bic lighter. Mission accomplished at 2.4 watts total draw. Some Walmarts have them in stock.

When I changed my bulbs to 20w,I used a flood lite style,rather than a spot lite style.They are the same bulb used in track lighting.The light is spread out in a much wider pattern,and makes a big difference in visibility to the sides of the road.
:cool: :)
W.W do you have any experience with the MR-16 l.e.d.s that I see for sale at Wal Mart lately?I was thinking higher output with less draw on the charging system.Wal Mart is the only store I've seen them at yet.
:2tup: :)

[Water Warrior 2]

Had MR-16 halogen bulbs fork mounted on the Vstrom and beat them to death. Crash bar mounted on Lynda's M-50 theywork well to fill in the sides with the flood beam version. As for MR-16 LED's don't get too excited. They will barely light up the inside of a cow after dark. The are great to complete a triangle effect and are visible to oncoming traffic but that is it. Would love to have them in Amber for more visibility............Hmm, maybe just an Amber film over the bulb, there is no heat to do harm.

[burkbuilds]

I got over to the machine shop at school last night after work and was able to fabricate a new piece and weld it onto the mounting post. Still needs a little filing to clean her up and then some primer and paint and maybe I'll get it on this weekend. I left my camera back home so no pics for a couple more days but I'll post them as soon as I can get the camera.

[burkbuilds]

Here are a few shots I took tonight while doing my trial fit up. Now that I'm happy with that I sanded it all down really good and smooth and painted it, but those pictures will come later after the paint dries.
http://s1.postimage.org/1j4f450uc/142.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1j4f450uc/)

http://s1.postimage.org/1j4grodc4/144.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1j4grodc4/)

http://s1.postimage.org/1j4k2r2bo/145.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1j4k2r2bo/)

http://s1.postimage.org/1j4lqaetg/133.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1j4lqaetg/)

http://s1.postimage.org/1j529nvr8/132.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1j529nvr8/)

http://s1.postimage.org/1j55kqkqs/127.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1j55kqkqs/)

[burkbuilds]

Here are a few final shots of the floorboards with the new adapter.

http://s1.postimage.org/25s995apw/P1020347.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/25s995apw/)

http://s1.postimage.org/25sawon7o/P1020349.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/25sawon7o/)

http://s1.postimage.org/25se7rc78/P1020350.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/25se7rc78/)

http://s1.postimage.org/25sfvaop0/P1020352.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/25sfvaop0/)

http://s1.postimage.org/25sj6ddok/P1020353.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/25sj6ddok/)

http://s1.postimage.org/25smhg2o4/P1020354.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/25smhg2o4/)

[blaine]

Looks good.I'll bet they are way more comfortable than the original pegs.How is the seat compared to the original on the 500? :) :cool:

[Water Warrior 2]

Impressive floorboard mod. You do nice work BB.

[burkbuilds]

Thanks guys. The seat on the 750 is not very comfortable. I'm already planning my mods for a new seat. I've gotten so used to having floorboards that the pegs felt very strange to me and were not comfortable.

I really like the look, size and style of the SS-32 Falcon Slipsteamer windshield, unfortunately, it is not on the list to fit the VN750's. I decided to give it a shot though and see if I could make it work. Here is what I did.
First off, you have to move the turn signal lights down onto the fork tubes, which I did with a Memphis shades relocation kit purchased on e-bay.
Second, you will have to loosen the two bolts that hold the gauge package to the triple tree to give a little room to slide the mounting brackets up as high as possible on the fork tubes. Once they are in place you can tighten the gauge bolts. There is no way to get a wrench in between the upper bolt on the bracket and the headlight bracket on the 750, so I tightened that bolt up with the bracket out at a 45 degree angle and then pushed it back up against the headlight bracket and installed the remaining bolts.
Third, you will have to fabricate some type of spacer to put the windshield an additional 2" out to clear the headlight and gauges. I did that with some 2" x 1" rectangular stock aluminum. Two holes will need to be drilled all the way through to allow the mounting bolts to go thru. I also purchased 1/4" x 2 3/4" chrome hex head bolts to replace the 5/8" bolts that come with the windshield, since I've extended it by 2 more inches. I wanted them to be chromed too, so I purchased some chrome tape in a 6" wide roll made for doing the lower rocker panels of cars. I wrapped the aluminum in this tape. Then used a razor blade knife to trim the top and bottom flush and cut out the drilled holes. Next I bolted the windshield onto the mounting brackets using the 2" spacers and I am pretty pleased with the results. Here are a few photos of everything.
http://s3.postimage.org/1xdim9ybo/P1020366.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1xdim9ybo/)

http://s4.postimage.org/1b5we7d5w/P1020365.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1b5we7d5w/)

http://s4.postimage.org/1b5zpa25g/P1020364.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1b5zpa25g/)

http://s4.postimage.org/1b630cr50/P1020355.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1b630cr50/)

http://s4.postimage.org/1b64nw3ms/P1020356.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1b64nw3ms/)

http://s4.postimage.org/1b69mi544/P1020357.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1b69mi544/)

http://s4.postimage.org/1b6cxku3o/P1020359.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1b6cxku3o/)

http://s4.postimage.org/1b6jjq82s/P1020360.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1b6jjq82s/)

http://s4.postimage.org/1b6musx2c/P1020361.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1b6musx2c/)

http://s4.postimage.org/1b6oic9k4/P1020362.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1b6oic9k4/)

http://s4.postimage.org/1b6v4hnj8/P1020363.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1b6v4hnj8/)

[JWR]

You sure do a nice job.

I am more of a" get a bigger hammer type".

Great work.

[Water Warrior 2]

The attention to detail is what makes this such a nice bike with it's mods. The floorboards and windshield are very nicely thought through. Waiting to see the seat mod next.

[burkbuilds]

I am still in the "thinking" stages on the seat mod, although I did buy an old seat off of ebay to use as my guinea pig. I'm leaning towards a single seat instead of the OE which has the added placement for a passenger. My wife forbids me from taking my youngest daughter on the bike and when she initially told me she didn't want me taking Valerie on the bike any more and there was to be no discussion, I started a discussion, which immediately led to all of my personal belongings being thrown out the carport door. So.... We did not have a discussion, I have absolutely no knowledge of why I am no longer allowed to take my teenage daughter on bike rides but I have a wonderful marriage that has lasted 27 years and that's worth a lot of unanswered questions. Someone at school asked me if I took my girlfriend for rides on my bike and I said, "no, my wife hates it when I do that.". So the single seat will probably win out. The next question is how to conceal the wiring from the tailight that just runs across the rear fender and under the existing seat. I also want to mount a "trunk" and that may serve both to conceal the wiring and give me a backrest. But that will all take some more thinking before I'm ready to start making the new seat. I could not be more pleased with the comfort of the seat I now have on the 500, but it lacks a lot in the aesthetic department. I'd love it if I could arrive at a seat design that does both jobs of being very comfortable and also looks "stylish" on the bike. But I gotta tell you, comfort will win out if I can't come up with the other criteria. There's nothing like riding for four hours and the only thing on your mind is finding a gas station to fuel up and empty your bladder. :)

[Water Warrior 2]

Don't know a thing about rebuilding seats or doing upholstery but it seems to me that most of the comfy aftermarket seats are mostly a variation of the old tractor seat. Wide at the rear and very supportive. Might be an idea to research that mod. Also iffn you want storage and a backrest maybe a top case in place of the passenger seat would work for you. You clearly have the skill to make a light steel mounting plate for a top case mounting plate to be attached to..

Should have a pic of Lynda's old GZ here somewhere. You probably would forego the backpad on the top case.

[burkbuilds]

I think you hit the nail on the head with your assessment of what makes a seat comfortable. Wide, dished and supportive are the keys. Almost all the factory motorcycle seats I've sat on seem to put most of the pressure on about a 5" diameter circle. Comfortable seating usually requires that you spread the load out across the largest area possible and give lateral support for the sides and includes some support for your thighs. My comfy desk chair for example goes almost out to the back of my knees and is wider than my big butt.
I've also noticed that a back support at just the right spot can make my ride more comfortable and much less fatiguing. If it is to low it bothers my lower back and if it is to high I end up sitting in a bad posture which makes my back hurt after a short period of time, but if it is in the sweet spot, I sit with good posture, in a more relaxed position and with less effort holding on to the handlebars.

[alantf]

most of the comfy seats are mostly a variation of the old tractor seat.

That's what came as standard on my 1959 Lambretta LI 150. Never had anything as comfy, since. :)

[Water Warrior 2]

The nicest bike in the world can be a torture device without an adequate seat. My Vstrom started out that way for me. The first 3000 kms were put on 15 minutes at a time and then I had to stop and get off because of the discomfort and/or extreme pain. The seat did absolutely nothing to support me although many riders found the seat just dandy. I eventually sprung for a Gel seat which made my day. Now as age changes everything it does not provide adequate support to my old and weakening superstructure. So I am giving some very serious consideration to a Corbin seat. It does not appear much different than the present seat but Corbin makes their own seat base which I think is the deciding factor in comfort. Even the Russell DayLong seat uses the factory seat base which I think is just the wrong shape.
Gotta do the income taxes before popping for a seat though. I'd hate to order the seat and then find out I need that extra few $100 to buy my portion of the government foolishness programs.

[mrlmd1]

What's more important, your butt's comfort or the govt.'s butt's foolishness?

[Water Warrior 2]

Apparently the Gov. foolishness is more important than my comfort so I will play their game for a while longer. Down to H+R Block to do the taxes on thursday and probably order the seat no matter what the outcome. Sometimes I just like to have all the info before I make the obvious right decision.
The seat will be about $560, maybe a bit more but if I can't ride it as is the bike is basically a large paperweight.

[alantf]

The seat will be about $560, maybe a bit more

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[Water Warrior 2]

The seat will be about $560, maybe a bit more

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:
Yeah but I'm worth it. :2tup:

[burkbuilds]

Which seat have you decided on? The Russel or the Corbin or something else. I read a lot of information on both of these companies designs before I made my last seat and I thought they had some really good information. I did make my own seat pan, but I used a lot of the design ideas from the Russel website.

[Water Warrior 2]

I think the Corbin will be the choice. They make their own seat base which is probably a bonus in the long run. The other seat folks tend to use the stock base and I think they are working with a flawed piece to begin with(flawed for my behind). There is an authorized Corbin dealer in the GWN and the price is not that out of line with U.S. prices. Probably cheaper in the long run if I buy it here rather than deal with cross border shipping and duties on top of the U.S. price.
Will probably order the seat tomorrow after the taxman gets a piece of me. Order conformatiom the next day hopefully and then 4/5 weeks waiting time.

[mrlmd1]

All these companies making custom seats should have you sit your butt in some sort of impression/mold to be accurately able to customize something that fits and is comfortable to ride on. You could wind up spending $5-600 and be no better off except your wallet is thinner so it doesn't press on your left cheek so much.

[blaine]

your wallet is thinner so it doesn't press on your left cheek so much.
I keep mine in the right. :poke2: :tongue:

[Water Warrior 2]

A butt mold would be very hard to utilize. The only way to really make it work would be to somehow have it on the bike to take into consideration all the ergonomics involved on a butt by butt basis. Do they ship you a butt mold to be returned soonest or do you make a personal appearance at the shop ?
Russell Day Long seats require your old seat and pics of you on the bike to judge what is needed. They are apparently the best and their prices reflect it. In my case I think the Corbin will do the deed with an entirely different seat base under my butt. Looking at a pic of the Corbin on a Vstrom makes me think it will be far better.

[BillInGA]

Hey BB, congratulations on the new bike! Nice work on all the mods. Did you use the SS-32 windshield on your Vulcan 500 as well? Mine has National Cycle Plexistar2 and I find just a little bit too big. Also, I agree that a trunk with an integral backrest will be to way to go for a one-up configuration.

[burkbuilds]

Hey Bill,

Yes, I have the same windshield on my 500. It works really well for me and I like the way it looks on the bike.

I'm still banging around ideas on the solo seat and trunk options for the 750. Might be this Summer before that happens. Right now I'm mainly focused on passing Chemistry class. :)

[Water Warrior 2]

Now I've done it. Just sent in my order for a Corbin seat. They will get back to me(hopefully tomorrow) with details blah blah blah and a preferred method of taking my hard earned pension cheque. This is the Canadian outlet for Corbin so there is no cross border shipping on my part.

[BillInGA]

Right now I'm mainly focused on passing Chemistry class. :)

Hey BB,

Which school are you going to, anyway? I'm in Kennesaw, just a few blocks from Kennesaw State University. I get the feeling that we're crossing paths quite often. Heck, we've probably even waved at each other a couple of times. :)

[Water Warrior 2]

The order for the Corbin seat to fit the Vstrom is a done deal. I fit the target height/weight range that the seat is designed to meet. The waiting begins. I have a good feeling about this.

[BillInGA]

How long before you get it?

[Water Warrior 2]

How long before you get it?
The folks say 4 weeks but I won't hold my breath. By then the weather will have changed for the better and I will have already been out a few times to refresh my skills and check the air pressure.

[burkbuilds]

Hey Bill,
I am attending SPSU in Marietta. We probably have passed since I ride through Kennesaw back and forth each week as I travel home on the weekends up towards Tennessee.

WW,
I hope your Corbin seat comes in soon and I hope it takes care of your discomfort. Corbin is known for making great seats. Let's see some pictures when you get it.

[Water Warrior 2]

If I am real smart I will post pics of the stocker, the gel and the Corbin seat for comparison.

[mrlmd1]

Why don't you get one like this? Looks real comfy.
http://s3.postimage.org/1omvnovb8/comfy_motorcycle_seat.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1omvnovb8/)

[Water Warrior 2]

I already have a backrest to lean on but the map pocket on that highback might be handy.

[mole2]

Why don't you get one like this? Looks real comfy.
http://s3.postimage.org/1omvnovb8/comfy_motorcycle_seat.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1omvnovb8/)

Now ya did it. I just spit my beer all over the screen. :lol:


:)

[burkbuilds]

I bought a rack from a guy on the VN750 Forum. His name is Matt and he makes these as a sideline. He is a machinist by trade and did a great job. This baby is made from solid stock, not tubing and I have no doubt the mounting bolts would shear off before the rack ever bent. I painted it and installed it today and got my trunk bag mounted. Here are a few pics.

http://s4.postimage.org/21fzbj5wk/750_Rack_001.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/21fzbj5wk/)

http://s4.postimage.org/21g2mluw4/750_Rack_003.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/21g2mluw4/)

http://s4.postimage.org/21g98r8v8/750_Rack_004.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/21g98r8v8/)

http://s4.postimage.org/21gawald0/750_Rack_005.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/21gawald0/)

http://s4.postimage.org/21gcjtxus/750_Rack_006.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/21gcjtxus/)

http://s4.postimage.org/21ge7dack/750_Rack_008.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/21ge7dack/)

[Water Warrior 2]

Nice rack. Looks well thought out and finished with some care. Looks like you have a touring bike now.

[mole2]

Nice rack. Looks well thought out and finished with some care. Looks like you have a touring bike now.

Where? Where? :lol:


:)

[burkbuilds]

Thanks WW, I'm close to having the 750 where I want it. It's a pleasure to ride except for the seat, which is my next project for it. Once that is completed I think it will be my favorite of the three bikes I've had as an adult. (GZ 250, Vulcan 500 and Vulcan 750). I took it for a nice spin up Lookout mountain on Nick-A-Jack Road Saturday night and she really hugs the curves well and no lack of torque to climb the mountain even in the highest gear. She ran nice and smooth as I traveled across the top on Highway 157 and was really just a pleasure to ride.

[Water Warrior 2]

Color me envious. I haven't had a night ride this year and I do need one. Little to no traffic, I can ride a lot slower and smell the flowers plus the solitude of being very alone. Shoulda been a hermit.