Tech

Last post for today...

This bike has a lot of features that I've never had on any bike, before, and some that are unusual for a base-model cruiser.  In the list, I've also included some features that aren't novel, but are cool to have:

• Dual Disc Front Brake + Single Disc Rear Brake
• Range, Fuel Remaining, Distance to Empty and Fuel Efficiency Gauges
• Dual Trip-Meters + Clock
• Self-Cancelling Turn Signals
• Adjustable Clutch and Front Brake Levers
• Gear Position Indicator
• Electronically-Controlled Throttle Valves
• Positive Neutral Finder
• Preload-Adjustable Rear Air Shocks
• Floorboards
• Heel-Toe Shifter
• LED Tail Light
• Cast Wheels
• Belt Drive
• 108 ft-lbs Torque (Peak)
• Liquid-Cooled, 4-Valves Per Cylinder, Digital Fuel Injection
• 20L Fuel Tank Capacity
• 2-Year Warranty With Roadside Assistance

I used to think that cruisers were far behind when it came to technology, features and performance.  With this bike, Kawasaki makes it clear that they are interested in, and capable of, delivering all of the above for a very reasonable price.

Of course, in order to provide a lot of features at this bike's price point, some sacrifices had to be made.  This bike, as with most other Japanese cruisers, has a lot of plastic/plastichrome pieces.  Can't win 'em all...  So far, though, that's the only complaint that I have about this vehicle (and it's a very minor complaint at that).

Philosophy

Specifically, Design Philosophy.

Clean vs Tacky-licious.

I like what Kawasaki's designers did with this bike.  I wasn't all that sure about it when I first saw images online, or even when I first laid eyes on it at the motorcycle show, but it grew on me.

Kawasaki used enough of the traditional lines that tell you that you're looking at a "Classic" cruiser.  They also added a few styling cues to give the impression of muscularity, and to hint at (ok, hit you over the head with) the underlying big-bore (1700cc) displacement.  My first impression of the styling was that it bordered on overly-bulbous.  I still see that at times: the side covers and air filter cover being excellent examples.  Overall, though, I'm really feelin' what they put together on this one.  I decided that my goal, when customizing this bike, would be to keep it looking clean, uncluttered and classy.  This goal drove my choices in engine guards, bags and bag mounting kit.  It also will play into any decision I make on windshield +/- lowers as well as a light bar.

This contrasts sharply with my previous effort: 2002 Suzuki Volusia 800.  I loved the idea of customizing my bike, and went a bit overboard.  The concept was fine, but the materials that I chose were a bit much.  At the present time, I'm not big on studs and conchos.  Back then, that clearly wasn't the case.  Looking back at photos of the finished product vs the stock bike, the thought that crosses my mind every time I see the end-product is "tacky-licious."  My approach this time around was to avoid excessive amounts of shiny stuff (eg. studs and conchos).  The contrast is pretty sharp:

One is clean and classy, while the other is a bit too busy.  I'm determined to take my time with all customization decisions for the Vulcan 1700 and to pursue the right pieces rather than the right now pieces, even if that means sometimes having to wait a long while.

It's worth the effort.

It's Here

It's here.  Finally.  Actually, it arrived yesterday.  I spent most of the evening installing my accessories -- engine guards (went on relatively quickly...about 20 minutes), saddlebags and saddlebag brackets.  The saddlebags + brackets were a bit of a chore, but in the end were definitely worth the effort.  The bike looks great, the bags and brackets fit nicely, and now I just have to wait for the snow to go away so I can actually ride.

I'm excited.  I'm very excited.  It has been two years since I last rode.  My motorcycle at that time?  Yamaha WR250R...a dual-sport bike.  I actually had two bikes.  The second was a Suzuki GSX-R1000.  I sold them both after my first daughter was born.  I had little time for riding prior to her arrival, tried to hold onto the bikes after she was born, and found that what little time I had for riding evaporated in that first year after her birth.  I paid more in insurance premiums than the kilometers I put on the bikes.  It didn't make sense to keep them.

Somehow, though, after the birth of my second daughter I felt the need to get out and ride, again.  I think that a number of factors played into the decision.  (1) I love riding.  I miss it.  Even a little bit is better than none. (2) I have colleagues who ride, now.  Grant it, all but one of them ride dual-sport machines and I'm pretty much done with off-road riding, now, but the idea of potentially going riding with like-minded people is still appealing. (3) I tend to get vehicle-crazy every couple of years -- bikes, cars, doesn't matter.  (4) I got a great deal on the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic.

My bike is a leftover 2009 model.  The fact that it was still sitting in the dealership -- and it's not the only leftover 2009 sitting on dealership floors; in that regard it had PLENTY of company -- says a lot about the state of the economy over the last several years.

Anyway, here are some photos of the bike.

 

 

Two Sleeps

I'm a child all over again.  It's just two more sleeps until my Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic comes home.  Saturday.  Noon.  How silly am I?