[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.

[Munch]

Dyno charts? For what? Riding the bike …learning to control it will do you more gains then trying to decipher a Dyno chart.
The only reason I would seeing for a dyno chart is A) your a “gearhead” that gets his willies off of modifications towards speed and power, you want to get into a pissing contest with your friends about who’s ride can do what.
Which both A & B can be easily argued by what experience is on the bike.
However some higher end bike shops will have some, I know most HD shops around here do.

[Munch]

As long as you can keep the original parts after the lowering you should be able to set it back to stock. Provided there was no cutting involved in the modification. Make you you do a lot of research on the lowering kit you intend to use to see what is going to be required.
Along with what Brider said another thing that may change is lean angle. That is going to depend on how much the bike is lowered….though with a sport bike that will be minimal.

[Munch]

The 100 lbs will be a minimal addition… especially since your starting out on the same level of experience either way. A friend at work is starting on one and he was surprised how manageable it is. It’s still a fairly short bike…meaning in total length which lends itself to being agile in parking lots and slow maneuvers. Which you will want to acquaint yourself with as much as possible. The center of gravity is low and well balanced. Try and locate one and see how you like it.

[Munch]

Can try the Vstar 650…. not going to e too much of a leap from the V500

[Munch]

Nothing like a good ol person to person conversation to clear it up… Though you may have to sit through a 25 minute recording full of options you care nothing for to get to that person….

[Munch]

Be careful of that last statement. The size of the bike can make many differences.
However….welcome!
Looking to hear more stories and seeing lots of questions from another new member!

[Munch]

LOL….almost missed the wink…. and ummm no. If we are going to really try to save lives might as well abolish religion, politics, hate, greed….clearly have a defining line between ambition and greed so we don’t mis judge… oh wait… what to do with those that offend the new “regulation” …. hmm… can’t kill em, that would be breaking our own rule…… selective breeding?…. hmmmm….. That has been tried over and over again…. hmmmm how to keep idiots from killing themselves…… build something idiot proof!!!! Wait wait…. then ma nature comes up with a better idiot. ….. dang … I know the answer has got to be there somewhere……………….

[Munch]

Howdy Dex…western part?..>Appalachian? Did some wheeling up in Boone several years ago. V500 huh…your gonna love her. Let me know when you get settled in for riding. Might hook up on a ride or two. I ride from Wendell to Cary every day. Where you taking the MSF?

[Munch]

Yep, ride from Wendell to Cary everyday. If you see a Blue Vulcan 900 Classic LT running down 264 or 440… likely its me. I might be in my half helmet and likely got my full face on the “sissy bar”. What do ya ride so I know to give a wave.

[Munch]

That’s really going to depend on your comfort and your need of use. Around town and cautious… go with the 250’s . The rebel is a renowned best beginner cruiser. The Vulcan is excellent to ( I am biased that’s what I started with) and is good especially if you need that extra highway security. Personally don’t know much about the Virago.

[Munch]

mines down well below my collar…. but luckily being a mechanic I go from helmet to hat in a matter of a few yards.

[Munch]

Apologies…. after a hot shower and a hot dawg ( yes its spelt correctly…I am from the south remember) I realize your not bashing mechanics and was just concerned about the price. If you were to ask the manager most times you will get a typical “thats the industry standard” remark with no explanation of why it got so high. However if they cut the prices from what they are used to …guess who else pay gets cut… I’ve seen it happen to many times. They will still hit their profit margins and we (techs) will still be breaking our backs doing the hard work for less then before.
We as mechanics and techs… well the good few of us that are out there. Get berated, belittled and cussed because we can do our jobs quickly and efficiently by those who do not take time to see things past their nose. Never mind I had to get trained, never mind in my shop specifically I have to be knowledgeable about every make of car, truck and van in production…never mind that I had to pay out of my pocket for the $25000 worth of tools to work on said car……but the biggest thing that baffles me….
While “you” are fussing that it took to long, or “I” did it faster then the labor rate “you” paid for customers never stop and think that “I” am responsible for “your” safety as you toodle along home at 75+mph. And for the non bikers I get insult to injury by being cut off, nearly run down and whatever other screwy situation I can think of and some that I can’t.
So…. my apologies for going off on a rant. No one on here justifies it. But I will leave it up there to get a point across to hopefully open an eye or two.

[Munch]

good luck!!!

[Munch]

again….depending on vehicles condition. Not saying bigguy’s is bad. Not sure how the cycling industry works but with automotive it is set by a person with his/her tools set out and timed to figure out what that flat rate is. Do enough of it ..yes you get quick at it. So then should we as mechanics get penalized in pay for doing a good job? Not to mention the abused vehicles that come through that “we” lose said time on. I am not saying the prices are always fair. Hell I argue that with my boss man a lot. Especially on those cars I know I am geting paid an hour for but because it’s a rust bucket from the beach or fresh out of winter I will spend 2 to 3 times as long on it as I should. For instance… at the Hot Rocks… I get .6 of an hour to do 4 tires… that’s 6 tenths of an hour… hypothetically lets say I get paid $10 an hour. I just got paid $6 to put tires on your vehicle….including the mounting and balancing (which you get charged for). He will come out on these rich b!tch cars and be happy that it was a $1300 sale… guess what… I still only get the .6 of an hour to mount them.

[Author]

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