2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD

Pros: Good power, good handling, good seating position.
Cons: needs a Tachometer and a Gas Gauge, could sound more beefy (not louder)

After countless hours on the Internet reading the reviews and visiting different bike dealerships and studying the details such as height, weight, comfort, style, engine etc. I determined that for my height (5' 6") and weight (~180 Lbs) and age (46 yrs) ...

Pros: Lightweight, powerful, great seat, smooth, maneuverable and affordable.
Cons: Small gas tank, shift all 6 gears by 40 mph!?

Fact: I'm 50 years old now and know enough to not repeat my past. I'm also a 5'6", 120ish lb. female whose idea of a workout is kicking a tennis ball for her dog. The last bike I had was an '85 Honda CB650 and it was great for me while I was in my ...

Pros: Comfortable, good mileage, does not pretend to be a clone.
Cons: Requires a Ph.D to do maintenance, lack of accessories

If you don't mind spending endless hours maintaining your bike, or paying a dealer a small fortune to do it, this could be the perfect motorcycle. The reason I bought my Vulcan 500 was because it was comfortable, light weight, easy to handle ...

Pros: Weight and Power, reliability, looks, price & mileage
Cons: Wind buffeting, lack of available accessories

I am just getting back into riding after some 40 years. Obviously, motorcycles have changed somewhat in that period of time. My interest was re-kindled after riding my son in law's Triumph Legend 900cc three cylinder which I rapidly discovered was a lit ...

Pros: Engine power! Mileage. Maneuverability!
Cons: Lack of aftermarket accessories. But you can find them if you look hard!

I just got this bike a couple of weeks ago and I must say admit that I don't regret the purchase at all! On the initial test ride I found myself searching for the footpegs after every stop. They are a little more forward than most of the bikes I've ...

Pros: Fast, powerfull, very comfortable, great looks, affordable
Cons: needs a tachometer, a bit more throaty exaust

After nearly 25 years without a motorcycle, I have once again gotten on two wheels. "Spock" the plate on my Kawasaki Vulcan 500 reads, and I have almost convinced myself that I bought it for the gas mileage. Truth be known, I enjoy zooming about on my ...

Pros: Light, good acceleration, tough, gas mileage(50), a looker
Cons: lack of aftermarket accessories

I've had this bike for about 3 years now, and it's been 100% wonderful. I'm 6'2", 240lbs and this somewhat small bike is still comfortable. (great seat!) I live in LA, and my Kawa 500 ltd is my daily commuter. This is the ideal big city commuter bike. ...

Pros: Great beginner bike, good power and control, looks good
Cons: A little small (but that's why I bought it...), sound is not terribly impressive

Let me start by saying I'm 5'8", 160 lbs. This is my first bike. My only experience in the Motorcycle Safety Course. In my opinion, this is an excellent starter bike. Very easy to control with enough power and size that you won't be intimidated on the road. I don't do a great deal of highway riding, but I don't see any problems. I ride this to work, 28 miles each way. I consistently ride at speeds between 55-65 mph. At this speed I feel totally comfortable with PLENTY of engine left if I need to accelerate. Big gusts of wind will blow you around a bit. I'm not sure how that compares to larger bikes. Nothing too serious. It's never going to sound like a big twin, but it doesn't look too bad. I'm sure I'll be looking to upgrade in a year or two, but will never regret this purchase.

Pros: Value, style, low and mid power, fuel economy, reliability.
Cons: Top end power, under frame corrosion, chain drive, sound.

I've owned this bike for 4 years now. I've put 10,000 miles on it. For the money, there is no going wrong. I'm 6' tall and weigh 185 lbs. It's got plenty of power and stability. It looks like the big boys and performs at least as good. I've had to replace one carb (under warranty at the time) and the fuel tap valve (petcock) went bad ($70 - it's got the vacuum valve which, in my opinion, is a bad design in general). Other than that, no problems. The exhaust needs to be cleaned and polished regularly, otherwise it will corrode. If you're looking for top end, look elsewhere. I was able to get this thing up to 105 mph. As far as I'm concerned, this is plenty fast enough (impressive for a 500cc!). There are plenty of factory and aftermarket accessories available, but be prepared to shell out a good chunk of coin. I highly recommend this bike to anyone looking for a powerful, 50+ mpg, stylish, reliable, and affordable bike.