2009 Kawasaki Vulcan

[SuziQ07]

I promised some pictures of my new 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 500. I went out for a short ride tonight; and some parking lot practice. I'll probably feel more comfortable on the Vulcan right around the time the bike has to be stored for winter! The weather has turned much cooler lately in NY. I ordered two fleece neck gaiters from L.L. Bean yesterday, in the hopes they will keep my neck warmer on the motorcycle. My next purchase should be long underwear to wear under my jeans while riding!! :tongue:

[mole2]

Very nice ride SuziQ! Good luck and ride safe.

On another note, it got into the 90's in the middle of May here and it hasn't let up yet. lol

[Water Warrior 2]

Oh my goodness that is a sweet looking bike. Have to say it will be a while before you tire of riding it. And congrats for being so dedicated to just go out and practice in a parking lot first thing. That alone will be a great skill builder on a new bike. The rider has a winning bike and the bike has a winning rider. Suzi your attitude makes me happy and puts a smile on my face.

What's next ? Farkles, farkles and more farkles. :2tup:

[dhgeyer]

Nice ride! Same color as the one I had.

As the weather turns cooler, one of the first, if not the first, accessory you might want to consider would be a windshield. Not only helps some with the cold, but takes the pressure off your chest at speeds of 50 mph and above. Kaw makes one for the bike. I've never tried it, but it looks very good. It costs a lot for what it is. I've always had good luck with the Spitfires, which are very easy to mount, cheap, and can be had most anywhere.

[blaine]

I put a NATIONAL CYCLE street shield EX on my Kawasaki.It fits the bike well,looks good,and offers good protection.I paid $149.95 for it, and it arrived in 3 days.It has a 4 point mounting system that is very sturdy.I have used the SPITFIRE shield and there is a night & day difference between the two of them.The SPITFIRE is small and not very sturdy as it only has a 2 point mounting system and is not very thick in comparison to the Street shield.

:2tup:

[Water Warrior 2]

SuziQ a good way to keep warmer is wear a rain suit. It will stop the cooler air from penetrating your clothing. Some of the products available actually make a fashion statement and a smart statement at the same time. I prefer the outer rain suit to an inner rain liner that comes with jackets and pants because you have less undressing/dressing on the road.
Ckeck with "webbikeworld" for their evaluations of available clothing options.

[alantf]

Originally Posted by Water Warrior

Oh my goodness that is a sweet looking bike.

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

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by dhgeyer

As the weather turns cooler, one of the first, if not the first, accessory you might want to consider would be a windshield.

It also deflects bugs, birds and rocks !!!

And makes the overall riding experience more enjoyable.......except for those with an overwhelming need to prove how "tough" they are. :whistle:

I find that I can ride down to about 55 F. just with extra "layers"......like she mentioned.....even with a big windshield. From there down to 45 F., my one-piece snowmobile suit does wonders......except for the neck and chin. Below 45 and I'm done.

[SuziQ07]

Originally Posted by alantf

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

I'm sorry... Must be very frustrating for you. Can you pick up an older one near you???

[SuziQ07]

Thanks for all the wonderful compliments on my new bike. I truly appreciate all the words of wisdom too. I am going to do some research on a windshield...I really should consider one. A rain suit or chaps etc. would come in really handy this fall too. My neck and legs get a bit chilly. I just started riding in early April 2010...so I'm not accustomed to the cold.
Rode my new bike about 100 miles today...it was in the low 70's and sunny (poor GZ sat alone in the garage)! My Kawasaki makes a few odd noises. When I pull the hand brake lever it makes a buzzing noise and then eventually goes away. After parking in the garage and turning the bike off I heard a high-pitch whiny noise...perhaps a fan as the bike cools?!?! So strange...I've got to give the dealer a call next week. I was really impressed with the bike overall however. Thanks again for all your help!