2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic
MSRP: $13,899
Caretaker: cherney
Measurements:5'7"/155 lbs/30" Inseam
Odometer: 1589
Miles Since Last Issue: 1,077
I picked up the Vulcan 2000 at Cruiser's editorial compound about a week ago and have already put over 1000 miles on the clock. Why would a grown man ride the biggest-ass v-twin in production from Los Angeles to Portland in the middle of February - in 15 hours? Let's just say it was for the love of a good woman.
The good news is the cruise allowed me plenty of time to assess the big Kaw's ergonomics. Three hot showers and a bottle of Old Crow later, I've managed to thaw out enough to take stock of its lesser qualities.
First thing to be yanked is the seat--it's the right height, but a 1000-miler it's not. And since I froze my face off coming through the Siskiyou Pass along I-5, a windshield will most definitely take up a long-term residence here. I got a nice little memo from Johnny Law along the way, so there's no question about the Vulcan 2053cc engine's capabilities. Fueling was flawless and the stock pipes sound good, so no need to swap anything there, though I probably will need to upgrade suspension--the fork felt mushy on downhills.
Finally, I want to do a serious facelift on this boulevard monkey without chopping it to hell. Losing some of that 838 lb tonnage would be ideal, but I'll have to tread carefully, as Kawasaki will want this puppy back in the same shape. Stay tuned...--Andy Cherney
Honda VTX 1300T
MSRP: $11,299
Caretaker: Zimmerman
Measurements:5'10"/220 LBs/32" Inseam
Odometer: 355
Miles since last issue: 65
I've always thought the VTX1300 Honda, particularly when decked out in touring trim was one of Honda's better efforts, so taking delivery of my 2009 long term VTX 1300T was like meeting up with an old friend. Unfortunately, we've haven't been able to spend as much time together as I'd like, February in Connecticut being what it is.
During the short ride home I decided my time would be better spent in a warm garage making any necessary ergonomic adjustments and stowing away all the junk I normally carry in my saddlebags than it would be in freezing my butt off on a ride.
Last Sunday was warmer, it got up to an almost subtropical 40 degrees so I was able to put a few miles on and rediscover why I'm such a fan of the VTX 1300 in the first place. Overall the VTX is a great handling, comfortable and easy to manage bike, with good power, and decent brakes. The factory supplied windshield provides terrific protection and the leather bags, while not the most commodious, can certainly hold everything I'd need for a decent week or two on the road.
My only real complainant at this point is overly lean, EPA mandated carburetor jetting. The bike is easy to start, and runs well enough once it's warm but until the bike gets good and hot, which is always something of a problem when you're tooling around on winter day in New England.
At low speeds the throttle response is just plain flat, which makes it hard to ride the bike off turns, and at times, even away from stops. According to the manual the `09 pilot jet settings are significantly leaner than previous years. With any luck a tweak of the pilot screw maybe all I need to put things right.
I'd also like to install a set of driving lights, my eyes ain't what they use to be, ya know, and a Road House Classic Exhaust, simply because I like the way they look, sound and perform. Other items on my wish list also include a set of crash bars, and maybe a sexier seat, not so much because the VTX needs one, but just because.
Problem is the economy is sort of slow these days and the manufacturers don't seem to be as free with the swag as they previously were. If that's the case expect to see a lot of el-cheapo projects, because while I'm pretty good at spending other people's money, I'm notoriously cheap when it comes to laying out my own hard-earned cash. --Mark Zimmerman