2009 Kawasaki Vulcan

[Sarris]

The front brake noise is probably just breaking in the new pads, and yes, the whirring noise is the thermostatically controlled radiator fan running to cool the radiator coolant down after shut down.

There is usually a 500 mile (?) break in service and I suggest you make a list of questions and ask them then. I think what you're hearing is normal.

Good luck and enjoy your new bike.

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by alantf

Yeah - keep rubbing it in, when you know I want one & can't get hold of one! :poorbaby:

Would it be cost prohibitive to get a good used one on the mainland ?

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

.....except for the neck and chin. Below 45 and I'm done.

Have you tried a light weight bala clava ? Thin, light and stretchy but cuts the wind very nicely. Just a thin layer over your chin and neck will make a big difference in your comfort level. And a helmet slips on easier too.

[alantf]

Originally Posted by Water Warrior

Would it be cost prohibitive to get a good used one on the mainland ?

Problem is, due to the Spanish "mañana" syndrome, there's no place,really, where information like that is stored in one place. Craigslist is virtually unused over here, & if I found any it'd be a $200-$400 trip every time I went to look at one, plus the cost of ferrying it back. When I got the geezer, there wasn't one in Tenerife, so the local bike shop found one on one of the other islands, but that was new, so shipping came included in the book price. If they still made the European version, the guy at the bike shop would do the same with the Kawasaki.

[dannylightning]

so is it way to fast for you lol.... very nice bike congrats..

[SuziQ07]

Originally Posted by Sarris

The front brake noise is probably just breaking in the new pads, and yes, the whirring noise is the thermostatically controlled radiator fan running to cool the radiator coolant down after shut down.

There is usually a 500 mile (?) break in service and I suggest you make a list of questions and ask them then. I think what you're hearing is normal.

Good luck and enjoy your new bike.

Thank you so much Sarris...you've put my mind at ease! What you're saying makes perfect sense to me now.

[SuziQ07]

Originally Posted by dannylightning

so is it way to fast for you lol.... very nice bike congrats..

It's a lot faster than my GZ...still getting used to it. I fall back into the seat when I take off! Now I can actually pass some cars when the light turns green! Of course I'm still trying to go easy on it with the engine break-in. My dad tells me to not go over 50 mph for the first 500 miles!!!!! O_o

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Water Warrior

Have you tried a light weight bala clava ?

After I see how my new helmet handles the cold......that's on my list.

[burkbuilds]

SuziQ07, your new bike looks great.
The noises you are hearing are indeed normal for the Vulcan 500. If you get a high pitch squeal when you use the front brakes lightly that is not "normal" but it is

pretty common. After I had the dealer try several things on my Vulcan to quiet the squeal, I finally just replaced the OEM pads with some good quality aftermarket pads

and problem solved.

Good quality cold weather gear can extend your riding season a good deal longer. You've gotten some great tips on here, windshield, balacava, and such. I will

add that heated grips (about $75.00) are really nice to have and are fairly simple to install. I've found that my hands are the most exposed part of my body. Even

with great insulated gloves, it's usually my cold fingers that put a stop to my riding in Winter.

I hope you get some nice mild weather to ride in before the NY Winter's shut you down. Enjoy the new bike.

[mrlmd1]

That problem can be partially/mostly solved with a windshield that extends out over the grips to block your hands from the wind.