Kawasaki VN900 Custom (2007-current)

I bought this bike after completing my Direct Access and wow am I impressed. I was previously riding a Honda Shadow 125 and the stability of the VN900 is out of this world its responsive, agile and great looking which why it was the clear choice for me when upgrading to my first 'big' cruiser. Awesome stealth looks on my 2011 model with the matte black everywhere. Just hoping for some decent weather!

Have owned this bike for just over a week and have covered a little under 1000 miles, mainly commuting up the motorway. Bought 2nd hand, 4 years old with only 1600 miles on the clock. In that time, I have returned an average of 60-63 mpg at motorway speeds, its very comfortable and holds the road like a dream. The seating position is excellent and I love this bike. I have owned a few bikes over the years, and to date, this far exceeds my expectations and will remain on the inventory for many years to come. Would recommend riding in low gears around town to ensure head turning reactions!!!

I've owned cruisers, supersports and 'UJMs' and the VN900 is a very good bike by any standard. Japanese cruisers have come a long, long way in the last 10-15 years and a lot of the people who knock 'em might do well to check out a new one just to see how good they've got. At all sensible speeds this Vulcan handles outstandingly well -- in most situations I find it easier to ride than the CBR600F I traded it for, which is saying a lot. Great low-down torque for town riding, and I actually prefer the slower roll-on at highway speeds (more time to think about how fast you're going...). Luggage is an issue, can't really carry any without bolting extra bits on, but otherwise I just love it. And I found out the other day (the hard way) that if you drop it at walking speed or less it rests on the footpeg rather than falling flat! Result!!

After coming to the conclusion that my knee could no longer live with the ZZR (this being classed as a roomy bike cut down the replacement options somewhat), I started looking at adventure tourers like the Ktm's and the Bmw's, but none really lit a fire under me. Loved the look of the Griso and the Triumph Scrambler but sitting on them soon ruled them out. Then I saw the 09 custom with the black pipes and thought very nice, but am I still too young at 31 (and after the ZZR) to go sedate. Simple answer, the best money I ever spent. Absolutely the most comfortable and relaxed miles I have ever done on two wheels. As for speed you don't ever feel like you want to rush, and there is plenty there to overtake most traffic anyway. She handles great and I haven't managed to ground the pegs yet. Anybody worried about the weight will be glad to hear it feels like it is carried really low and gives loads of slow speed confidence. I am putting K-Drive panniers on her, but am going to try and resist the temptation to over-bling! Downsides: None really, just adjustments to the class. Remembering to put my feet forward to the pegs instead of down onto the road! Driving her home 300 miles from the dealer in sub zero conditions bought home how much a fairing cocoon's you from the wind chill. Thought I was going to have hand's like Ranulph Fiennes afterwards. Heated grips are on the list. Brakes are what could be classed as a bit lazy, but that is only to be expected after coming from a bike with the same weight but an extra disc. If you find yourself liking the looks, then at least try a test ride before dismissing the idea out of hand. You just might find yourself smitten! I would like to say a big thank you to Lloyd Cooper Motorcycles in Watford for putting in all the effort of finding me an 09 model when everybody else just said can't get one, but here's the 2010 model.

After lots of years on sports tourers, this is my first cruiser. I've always hankered after a Harley but wasn't prepared to pay over the odds for the brand name on something that is inadequate in the stop, go and build-quality departments. I really can't fault the VN Custom in any of these respects, plus it handles very well for a 250kg custom thanks to its 21" front wheel. Not so sure about the finish on the 2009 MY bike, though - I got a good deal on my chrome-laden metallic black 2008 bike registered in April 2009. Despite 4-star scores for ride/handling, equipment and engine, I've rated it 5-star overall because it's a great package and exactly what I wanted.

What can I say? I've had my '07 Custom for nearly 8 months and I love her. Not only is the Custom the best looking sub-1000cc cruiser available, but it's extremely affordable, very comfortable, handles fabulously and performs wonderfully. Considerably cheaper than the basic HD Sportster, the Custom has a bigger engine, bigger fuel tank (i get 200 miles out of mine), looks better, is more comfy and draws more attention than the boring HD. I've spent about £1500 on extras from the US on mine and will keep her until she dies. By far the best looking bike on the road. The only down-sides: Stock exhaust is very quiet, stock seat is uncomfortable after 2-3 hours in it, and the skinny front tyre can easilly get caught following tarmac tracks. Otherwise i'd highly recommend it to anyone if i wasn't a little anxious that they would become as common as muck. I've not seen another on the road since December.

Another awesome cruiser from Kawasaki. Handles like a dream, very stable, accleration awesome, very comfortable beautiful bike. Recommend to anyone who wanted a cruiser bike.