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r/motorcycles•
allforumer

Help me decide between 2 bikes - 2007 vs 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 classic

So I've finally decided on getting a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 after doing a lot of research. There are two listings I like on my local Craigslist.

Listing A -

2007, 3900 miles, $4200. KBB value - $4785

Listing B -

2009, 5900 miles, $4559 (pre tax from dealer, I'm estimating it to be ~5000 out the door). KBB value is 5275.

I'm planning on riding this one for a while, so I won't be selling it in 2 years. The 2007 bike also comes with saddlebags which I plan to add - don't know if this makes a lot of difference.

Thanks!

Posted Feb 9, 2012, 8:24 PM UTC

412
roundblackTexas: 78 xs650; 07 Bonneville T100•

I would lean towards the 2007. fewer miles, more farkles, one could assume it was well taken care of.

2
allforumerOP•

That was my impression too. Even if I wanted to sell, I'd still be under 10k miles for the next couple years with that one.

1
matty_m•

2007, really the same bike as the 2009, less miles and more extras for less money. Pretty much a no brainer. Especially if you are going to keep the bike for a few years.

2
allforumerOP•

This is what I wanted to know. I tried to determine if there were major changes between the two versions, but couldn't find any good article which talked about that.

1
cajual2011 ZX10R | 2003 Z1000•

Nah the 2007-2009 are all the same.

1
cajual2011 ZX10R | 2003 Z1000•

I owned a 2008 for a little while. Get an 1100, the 900 is seriously lacking in power reserve. I'd say a Shadow 1100 would be perfect.

1
allforumerOP•

I previously had a Shadow 750 (sold 2 years back). I want a fuel-injection bike because the Shadow was seriously hard to start towards the end of fall (It gets cold here in MN). Is the 900 that bad? I could go up to 90mph on my 750 and I generally don't ride very fast.

1
NothingImportant2008 Kawasaki VN900 Custom•

I ride a VN900, and haven't found it to be under powered. It does get pretty buzzy once you get up to 70-80 mph but that is true of most middleweight metric cruisers.

It won't be the fastest 0-60 but for the riding I do I have not had any problems with it.

1
cajual2011 ZX10R | 2003 Z1000•

I had a VN900C with no windshield it topped off at about 85, and my hands would go numb after a 30 minute ride. Talk about buzzy. I want power to maneuver, so if I ever get a cruiser again, it will be a Mean Streak or something 1600+.

2
NothingImportant2008 Kawasaki VN900 Custom•

You're right about this. Most of the roads around me are 55 mph, and people rarely go over 70. I can't imagine it would be much fun for long trips on an interstate.

1
mgered•

I'm a big dude (320 pounds) and my Vulcan 900 carts my big butt all over the place quite easily. I've had mine up to 85 mph and felt it could do even better. Vibration is always an issue on bikes, just get gloves.

1