Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

yep it is 18hp


dont let weight throw you off too much, a properly balanced bike with a low center of gravity will feel really light, if you dump it and halve to pick it up you might have a hard time getting it up but i have a semi heavy but but it dose not feel all that heavy. do a lot of setting test on different bikes and see what feels the best.

Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

A good set of crash bars will allow you to virtually roll the bike up on it's wheels after a drop. Many cruisers have a wider crash bar for this reason. The OEM bars on most Zuks are for decoration only and the aftermarket is the place to go. MC Enterprises bars on Lynda's bike are good looking and functional. Light mounting, peg mounting and roll over protection all in one.

Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

Yeah i was thinking of getting crash bars but i don't think weaving through traffic would be much of an option then on crappy Irish roads - that and i don't want to make the bike any heavier

Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

Crash bars are fairly light weight being hollow tubing and are usually just a tad less the handle bar width. Most suppliers can give you the dimensions on line.

Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions. I ended up going with an '08 Vulcan 500 LTD.

So far I like it a lot. I love how smooth and stable it is on the hwy, while still not too difficult to maneuver in parking lots. And I've gotten used to the extra weight. The 3-4 months I initially spent on the GZ250 definitely helped build up my confidence and helped become more comfortable before moving on to slightly larger machines.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...0/P1050741.jpg

Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

Slick looking machine you got there

Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

Sharp looking bike.You got one of a dying breed.
:2tup: :cry:

Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

Nice looking ride. A proven bike with a reputation for being a good runner.

Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

Congratulations, great choice with your new 2008 Vulcan! The black is really sharp. I bought a brand new 2009 a few weeks ago. Almost 500 miles later I can definitely say it was a great purchase. The Vulcan runs really smooth and is surprisingly powerful. Looks like Kawasaki didn't make the 500 again for 2011. Enjoy your new ride! I'm still trying to get a few more miles on mine before the snow flies!! :roll:

Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

Thanks, all!

Yeah, that's why I went for 2008. Otherwise I would have bought new as well.

Same here. This weekend was great weather. I still need to get a small windshield for it.

Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

I think you can get something in a spray can that gets rid of 'em. :crackup

Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

The only thing I've done to the bike at this point is add some bungee nuts for my Cortech tail bag to attach to. I would have liked an engine guard but the Kawasaki one is much too small and would offer very little protection if I dropped the bike. Still considering something after market...

Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

Very funny!! :roll: I just started riding in April 2010 and I can see myself being very depressed when I have to garage the GZ and my new Vulcan for the winter. Spring 2011 can not come quick enough for me! I'll have to spend the long Central New York winter reading up on riding (Proficient Motorcycling) and watching youtube videos of other people riding their motorcycles! :cry:

Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

Heh... I'm reading it right now.

Re: Lightweight yet more powerful bike?
 

Yup, that is the cheapest life insurance you will ever buy and read.