alex cruzer - vulcan 500 lover for life!  July 16, 2010 07:56 AM
i started out in 1998 with a 1996 yamaha virago 250, a smaller and lighter cruiser(im a guy 4 foot 2 inches 100lbs wet lol)and put 11000 miles into her before the front fork got kissed by asshole cabbie. bought this bike as a 1998 leftover new in 2000, now has 14000+miles. of course the kawi is bigger+heavier. chose her over a harley 883 as i didnt wanna become another name-brand $ucker. tipped her over various times cuz i hadda relearn balancing more weight/heft on my tiptoes. candy persimmon red, a headturner dressed with bags and shield. gets confused with a softail often. and yes, this cruiser can wheelie if youre good. fast as hell, especially when winding out 2nd and 3rd gears. took out a mustang at a light, he didnt shift efficiently. taught 3 women to ride her. best bike to buy as a first or to step up from any 250. parts are pricey from the dealers(example-tank $600). ebay is the way to go for essential parts. way cheaper. drill holes into the exaust pipes, gets a nice lil cruiser sound. wont need another bike.