2003 Suzuki VL800 Intruder Volusia vs. 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic

WhiskyDevil · 07-04-2012, 02:22 PM

I've got my license. I've done the MSF course. And now I'm looking at buying my first bike. I'm 6'2" and 290lbs. I plan on mix of local and highway riding. I wanted to stay under 1000cc for a starter bike. So I'm struggling between the a 2003 Volusia and a 2004 Vulcan.

2003 Suzuki VL800 Intruder Volusia
1 owner
5000 miles
appears it was maintained

2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic
1 owner
7600 miles
appears it was maintained
garage kept
cobra pipe

Any recommendations from the experts or more experienced? Asking price is around $3500 for each bike. Both look like they are in great shape.

WhiskyDevil · 07-05-2012, 11:38 AM

Oh well... the Vulcan was gone by the time I got to it and I just didn't get a good vibe from the guy selling the Volusia (no maintenance, not registered, no title with him, wanted KBB retail value, etc.).

Tomorrow I'm hoping to get a look at a 2001 Suzuki VZ800 Maurader with 6000 miles.

primalmu · 07-05-2012, 01:35 PM

The Marauder is an excellent bike. Some days I still regret selling mine.

WhiskyDevil · 07-09-2012, 02:34 PM

Well the guy selling the 2001 Maurauder turned out to be less reliable than the others...

But I did ned up buying a 2003 Honda Shadow 750 ACE with low miles, maintenance paperwork, new saddlebags and bike cover thrown in. Wasn't exactly what I was looking for but was a good deal and will serve me fine for now.

Jeff10236 · 07-09-2012, 08:06 PM

All the bikes you were looking at would make terrific starter bikes. That Shadow should be a great bike for you to start with. Going used for your first bike was also smart, if you are like many of us, you'll be ready to move on to your next bike in a year or two and starting used makes that easier (less depreciation).

WhiskyDevil · 07-10-2012, 03:32 PM

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the feedback. Got my plates yesterday and put 30 miles riding local streets in my neighborhood. While having fun, I am taking this seriously and cautiously. I know I need more experience and I know I need to practice slow maneuvers. The dealership where I took the BRC was pushing me to buy... 'Oh, you are big enough to handle the Road King. You'll grow into it.' While that might be true for some people, I know my abilities/limits and was having none of it. I always intended to start with a used mid-class cruiser and work my way up to something bigger if and when I was ready. For me, starting out with a Road King (or VMAX or Boulevard C109, or 1300 Custom, etc.) is reckless.

07-04-2012, 02:22 PM	#1
WhiskyDevil Motorcyclist Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 10	2003 Suzuki VL800 Intruder Volusia vs. 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic I've got my license. I've done the MSF course. And now I'm looking at buying my first bike. I'm 6'2" and 290lbs. I plan on mix of local and highway riding. I wanted to stay under 1000cc for a starter bike. So I'm struggling between the a 2003 Volusia and a 2004 Vulcan. 2003 Suzuki VL800 Intruder Volusia 1 owner 5000 miles appears it was maintained 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic 1 owner 7600 miles appears it was maintained garage kept cobra pipe Any recommendations from the experts or more experienced? Asking price is around $3500 for each bike. Both look like they are in great shape.

07-05-2012, 01:35 PM	#3
primalmu 2005 Bandit 1200S Join Date: May 2008 Location: Starkville, MS Posts: 4,303	The Marauder is an excellent bike. Some days I still regret selling mine. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

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07-05-2012, 11:38 AM	#2
WhiskyDevil Motorcyclist Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 10	Oh well... the Vulcan was gone by the time I got to it and I just didn't get a good vibe from the guy selling the Volusia (no maintenance, not registered, no title with him, wanted KBB retail value, etc.). Tomorrow I'm hoping to get a look at a 2001 Suzuki VZ800 Maurader with 6000 miles.

07-09-2012, 02:34 PM	#4
WhiskyDevil Motorcyclist Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 10	Well the guy selling the 2001 Maurauder turned out to be less reliable than the others... But I did ned up buying a 2003 Honda Shadow 750 ACE with low miles, maintenance paperwork, new saddlebags and bike cover thrown in. Wasn't exactly what I was looking for but was a good deal and will serve me fine for now.

07-09-2012, 08:06 PM	#5
Jeff10236 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Odenton, Maryland Posts: 736	All the bikes you were looking at would make terrific starter bikes. That Shadow should be a great bike for you to start with. Going used for your first bike was also smart, if you are like many of us, you'll be ready to move on to your next bike in a year or two and starting used makes that easier (less depreciation).

07-10-2012, 03:32 PM	#6
WhiskyDevil Motorcyclist Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 10	Thanks everyone, I appreciate the feedback. Got my plates yesterday and put 30 miles riding local streets in my neighborhood. While having fun, I am taking this seriously and cautiously. I know I need more experience and I know I need to practice slow maneuvers. The dealership where I took the BRC was pushing me to buy... 'Oh, you are big enough to handle the Road King. You'll grow into it.' While that might be true for some people, I know my abilities/limits and was having none of it. I always intended to start with a used mid-class cruiser and work my way up to something bigger if and when I was ready. For me, starting out with a Road King (or VMAX or Boulevard C109, or 1300 Custom, etc.) is reckless.