Hi All,

I just bought a used 04 Vulcan Classic with 1600 miles on it and have some concerns. I picked it up in Jacksonville and drove it back to the Fort Lauderdale area, approximately 325 miles. Here's what I noticed, please tell me if you have any similar experiences or suggestions.

Going 80 mph, which is what I was cruising at on i-95, the comfort level of the seating position wasn't ideal. Keep in mind I did NOT have a windshield. My arms were almost involuntarily, fully extended, didn't like that. My back/*** started hurting at about 80 miles. It felt a little bit too low, and the bars could be a little bit narrower. At lower speeds it was much more comfortable. I just noticed that for a cruiser, it has a little bit of a chopper feel (low seat, out stretched arms). Kinda had buyers remorse in thinking I should have gone with a more traditional cruiser style like a road king, with a more upright position. Am I off?

Also I was thinking, that the Nomad is surely meant to go long distances and set up like some of the long distance cruiser harley's. Is the Nomad the same exact bike as the classic but with a windshield and hard bags?

Also with the exhaust being low volume and the engine being so smooth, it was hard to hear on the highway when she was wanting me to upshift. If you can, let me know at what mph do you usually upshift into 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear? I felt that even at 80, 5th gear seemed boggy, like she was fine in 4th at 80 mph.

Some thoughts that I had on improving the ride were different handle bars, and a seat that may raise me up a few inches.. Please let me know your thoughts on the above post..

Thanks so much...

Jeff

 

Actually it is a 2005 Vulcan Classic 1600.. Don't know if that makes a difference in the issues.

 

Hey Jeff

I think they did change the handlebars to a rams horn style in 05 or 06 which is a little narrower. i think 80 mph in 5th should be fine. my 2k is comfortable at 60 and above. the v twins don't really turn alot of rpm's

 

there are aftermarket tach's available. I got a cobra tach and love it.

 

Where did you get the windshield/price? Is it a quick release? Does it help a great deal? Thanks..

 

It's a Kaw windshield, they didn't seem to make an aftermarket windshield that fit the way I liked. so I got the kaw windshield and had to cut it down (I'm vertically challenged 5'6"). I like it it helps the comfort level on the highway allot. I seem to get a little buffeting but i'm still working on that. I've seen new ones on e-bay too. they said mine didn't come with a lower triple cover but it did. the cover has holes in the side to access the mount bolt holes. no, no quick release. you can try Memphis shades they have some nice shields. there seems to be more stuff avail for the 1600's than the 2k's

 

here is the link, allot of places sell them

http://www.memphisshades.com/

 

I have a '06 1600 Nomad and added Mustang Seats. It's a world of difference, moved me closer and the seat is way more comfortable. (though honestly, the factory Nomad seat isn't bad)

Aftermarket seats each fit differently. Before you start adding 'pull backs', I would swtich the seat.

 

You might try a drivers back rest. I don't like them but a lot of guys do. You can adjust them to put you forward on your scooter.