[dfulmer]

Hello. My name is David. I’m a newbie (three months of riding experience).

I had a Suzuki GZ250 last summer that I put 1000 miles on. I took the MSF course beforehand. I bought the bike at auction last summer. It was an MSF training bike (model year 2002) and it had 3600 miles on it.

I’m now thinking about moving up to a Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD. I got on the bike at a dealership and the ergonomics fit me better (I’m 5’10” 190 lbs with a 32″ inseam), although I will say the weight of the bike seemed “heavy” in comparison.

When I took the Suzkui GZ250 on one rough road last summer, I really got bounced around at 40 mph and that shook me up. The road had a section in it that was re-paved because I guess they put a new water main in the street. I had to ride in this section but it didn’t look too bad before I got on it.

Will the Vulcan 500 LTD handle this type of riding situation better?

Thanks a lot! This site is great!

[Munch]

The V500 has an adjustable suspension. If you look at the MOM it will explain how to adjust it for a softer or stiffer ride. As far as handling it… any bike will handle it… just depends on what your definition of it is. As far as comfort goes it should do fine. I have almost the exact stats as you when I had my V500 and it handled my gravel road and all its wash out cracks fine. Just keep in mind that if you know your going over the rough stuff to try and not to sit so heavy in the saddle.

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