As a fellow Vulcan 900 owner, I agree with your thoughts on shifting at the rpm levels that you use. I really appreciate the objective data that you gave. Thank you for this video and the helpful how to videos (I also switched headlight and taillight bulbs to led as you did)
I have a 2019 Vulcan Classic and I shift exactly like you do. The buzz is felt a bit through my feet over 75 but then I can make it go away by simply going faster! I also believe this engine was designed to run at higher RPMs. But I mainly stay around the same speed as you. After all it is a cruiser and that’s why I bought it. A really enjoyable bike to ride. I put ten inch mini apes on mine and that really makes for a more enjoyable experience.
Absolutely agree with you. I put risers to bringing the handle bar a bit up and closer, and I love how it rides. A also modified a bit my foot boards to reduce the buzz, and I'd say I don't feel it any more. Ride safe! Max
I've been riding the Vulcan 900 for a year...and noticed at about 68-70 mph..the vibration worried me. Went back to Kawasaki dealership and they said the same thing you did...the engine is designed to run at the higher rpm.
It'll be in the 70's early next week in middle Georgia...I'll have to try this shifting technique. I've owned the Vulcan 900 for a year...love during it..just not used to the high rpm at highway speed. Oh well...this video really helps.
great tips, thanks for the video. I would welcome 6th gear as I tend to ride on highways as well. We have speed limit of 130km/h and anything beyond 100 km/h just asks for a higher gear. I usually shift to 5th around 80kmh.
Hi Marek, At 110 km/h I am pretty comfortable. The highest speed limit we have is 100 km/h. People do go a bit more usually, but not much. I guess if I could ride over 120, I would be looking for the 6th gear as well. Ride safe! Max
A 1200 version with cruise control. I had the 1600 back when they made it and it was nice but big enouvh really a hair smaller would be nice for around the town without sacrificing too much on the interstate if it was a 6 speed with cruise control
Добрый день. Вулкан 900 - мой первый мотоцикл. От Вас я узнал просто мегатонны полезной информации по обслуживанию и эксплуатации. Огромное Вам спасибо!
I recently was switching to the 5th at 100 km/h (about 60-62 MPH) and it felt perfectly fine. Especially when accelerating fast, so it was not revving for a long time, but I could really feel the power. Ride safe! Max
@K Max Video A very delicious video, thank you for the charts and observations. I had a 2012 and now the 2023. It's my sweet spot bike I guess. I tried the lower rpm just so see the manual way, but the way you showed rides better. I don't find I need a 6th gear as 75-80mph on a freeway is the safe way. Cheers
I bought a 900 LT which the owner removed the baffles.I had to get stock pipe.I'm not not a noise guy.Pullies were changed RPM is alittle lower.Great motor cycle.
Fellow 900 owner here. I apparently shift very similar to you, have done some very long rides on the Custom and it handles if like a champ at the highest max speed in the majority of Aus. 110 - cruises effortlessly
Love my SE except no 6th, no cruise control, to low of a windshield on my batwing, more comfortable seat and more front & back lighting/reflective as night riding the bike disappears sans the reflective gear I am wearing. Will led in my headlight and taillight make a huge difference?
I hear alot of people talking about buzzing and such at higher speed. I rode a Suzuki Burgman 400 before I got my Vulcan 900 this past year, and I can tell you at highway speed, it's smooth as glass compared to the 400. That little single cylinder screaming along at 7-8k rpm for 10 hours was exhausting lol. I don't know what possessed me to put the aftermarket exhaust on it, but compared to the Vulcan, in the times I had my earbuds out, it was a deafening drone. Don't be me.
Hey Max, great Video! Some good informations and I loved the torque/power diagram I didn't find before. Going to buy a 2014 VN 900 Custom with 16 " Ape Hangers the next weeks/months. Its already reserved. When I have the bike I will report about the 6th gear thing. Greetings from Germany! Andy
I swapped the pulleys. With a proper install and fitting there's no issues ( I also upgraded to a carbon fiber clutch due to the extra strain on the clutch) 32 Tooth in front and 62 in the Back It gave me power to pass at highway speeds, and I really liked how it changed the feel to a lazier ride. The torque is now at the right place when I need to give it the beans!
Mine loves 75 mph. I have a taller back tire than stock. I don’t need a 6th really for the backroads I ride. If I were on the highway a lot….maybe a 6th. I ride at the higher rpm range before changing gears.
I wear custom made ear plugs because of tinnitus so I do not hear the engine , so I am not sure if I am shifting at the right time or not so I just use this method If I am at 40 kms an hour I am in 2nd gear, at 60kms hour I'm in 3rd gear , at 80kms an hour im in 4th and 100kms at 5th gear. Great video with great details.
I have an 02 1500 Classic. I’m also a new rider. I don’t have an RPM gauge, so I just listen to my engine, I couldn’t tell you what MPH I shift at. I have no idea if I’m shifting at the right time or not, but get from point a to point b safely, hopefully doing no engine/clutch damage.
I own a 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 900b Classic. I changed out the original sprockets with Barons modified sprockets which jacked the gear ratio by 10%. I no longer need a 6th gear as now I can go 65 miles an hour in 4th gear before I shift into 5th gear. Now no high reving and no vibration until I hit around 80 mph. Getting over 50 mpg at 60 mph. Ironically, now my speedometer is accurate. T'was off by 10%.
When you should shift depends on conditions your riding in. The factory recommendations are for very conservative riding. Vibration is a killer over time. I have 2 of these bikes and both start vibration at an indicated 68mph which is actually about 64-65mph The 170/80 tire helps about 2 mph and the Baroons 34 t pulley helps about 4 mph, but you cannot run both due to rear wheel location with just the larger front pulley. IMO, The vn 900 would benefit from having a 6th gear, especially for people who ride interstates and other fast roads- ex.Navadas hwy 50. I wish Kawasaki would do his.
Thank you Mike for the comments! I'm planning to go with the different rear tire when time comes to change it. As it relates to vibration, I upgraded my handle grips and the floorboards to the floating (amortized) ones, the same as on VN1700. It helps to reduce vibration and how it feels. Ride safe! Max
You can mount a 62 or 61 tooth rear pulley, so the rear wheel is located more backwards again. I have a 34/61 pulley setup and a slightly higher tire (195/65-15) Rpm's drop aprox 15%, so all gears are 15% "longer" My sollution on a stock 900: shift 1-3-5
awesome man. I ride a 900 classic as well and have always wondered why they didn't put a 6-speed in them. I ride a lot of back roads around 60mph but I also have to get on the freeway to get to those roads. At that time I usually do about 75-80mph. anything over 85-90mph and it does begin to vibrate so I keep it under 80-85mph. a 6th gear would be nice but needed,,, not really.
Yeah I feel the same way but I have gotten used to it now, the bike still does ok on the highway, but I think no matter what bike you have you will always look for another gear. I just got the bike and did not like it at the very beginning but I love it now, it worked out to be the perfect bike for me. It's a nice ride and I find it very nimble, it is not clucky or cumbersome .
You said it, you don't go on freeways The sweet spot for this bike is between 90 kms/hour to 110 kms/hour If you want to go beyond 110 for cruising or passing purpose then you need a 6th gear or torture your bike.
It's a great bike I own one. This man is correct. If you never go over 65 MPH for more than 10 minutes it does not need a 6th gear. That being said the bike will do 90 MPH all day long easily, it just won't be easy on you.
"That being said the bike will do 90 MPH all day long ...". I happily own this bike but have never gone over 75mph (and seldom beyond 60mph) because beyond 70 the buzz becomes intolerable to me and the motor sounds like it is going to explode! I use my 900LT exclusively for 2-up daytrips on the twisties with my wife. It simply isn't a comfortable (or IMO a practical) highway touring bike. Yes you COULD go 90mph all day long (and I'll have to take your word for this) if you are a glutton for punishment. Your hands and feet will be numb, your whole body will be hosed.
I'm the same as you, I shift as I hear the engine, I don't watch for speed 😅 and I've taken the highway to speed things up and ran 125km but I bought the Vulcan for back roads not to go fast.
Thanks for the video. Where I live the interstate min speed is 70 MPH. You really need to go 75 or 80 to keep from getting runover. I think it needs a 6th gear.
Oh goodness I am going to have to watch this. After all these years I am always searching for a 6th as it just runs/sounds so high. I need an aftermarket cruise control if you have any suggestions.
I have an 09 Vulcan 900 and I tend to ride about 70ish mph on regular rides and roads i run about 90ish on the highway and the ole girl seems to love it I do however burn a significant amount of fuel 😂
I own a 07 felt like it needed a 6th gear I had the bike dynod fuel processor aftermarket air cleaner and exhaust that went away best thing I did to it way more power very happy with it
Do you switch gears on your Vulcan 900 as it is recommended in the Owner’s Manual? Are you looking for the 6th gear? Check this one out. It gives some food for thought
i swapped the front 32 tooth pulley for a 34 tooth pulley. Its a 6% reduction in RPMs and torque. with 94% of the starting power i used to have, its a worth while trade so that i can still enjoy the backroads and get better performance on the highway. I dont need to accelerate hard. just crusin.
How is it better performance? You’re getting worse performance, save maybe unnoticeable gas mileage. I’d be more concerned about carbon buildup, I love revving mine up on the highway, good carbon clean.
I’ve heard a couple people talking about for the Kawasaki 900 custom to run better on the highway with its 5 speed transmission, you could change the front sprocket to a different one with 1 more tooth and it would make a huge improvement. Does anyone know more about this?
I did. I got the barons 34 tooth front pulley. Its a 6% reduction in RPMs. It makes highway riding much more comfortable and backroads performance is unaffected. At 6% its not a major difference but its just enough to make 70mph a comfortable ride.
I put a 170/80B15 tire on the back versus the spec 180/70B15 of my Vulcan 900 classic LT and it made a difference at highway speeds. It helped more than I thought it would. I really don’t shift to 5th gear now till about 60 mph. It helped the speedometer error (now “only” 5 mph off) and lowered 5th gear rpm (and was $50 cheaper for commander iii). I don’t feel vibration or buzzing as much as the head buffeting at highway speeds (75-85 mph), which makes highway speeds pretty miserable for any significant length of time. At 85 mph it’s pretty much tapped out anyways with only 5 gears and the tire change. It’s not a highway cruiser anyway, mainly due to the head buffeting, even with added lowers, which helped some. I would take a 6th gear, but would prefer they fix the buffeting over the extra gear. And I’ve tried higher and lower positions of the windshield and nothing gets rid of it. Very enjoyable bike on back roads and non-interstate highways.
Hi Todd, I totally agree with the comments about the buffeting. I am doing the lowers now, so we'll see if it is going to help. I guess every bike is built for the purpose, and Vulcan 900 serves the purpose exactly it was designed for. If I was looking for something different, I would probably was saving for a different bike. 😁 I was thinking about different tire for the back when time comes as well. Ride safe! Max
I am looking forward to putting the lowers on. I have to do some customizing here as the OEM lowers don't fit my windshield. We'll see how it goes. I'll do the video on that. 🙂
@@KMaxVideo go to vulcan forums and build your own lowers. Really simple and all the directions / materials are are there. You can customize the size to fit what you need. Need 1/4" plexiglass.
Your rpm's will drop 3.2% for the same speed with a 170/80 tire. If you want serious results, you need a pulley mod... but NOT THE BARONS REAR PULLEY!!! They last only 10 or 20K km.
I have a theory the manual states those shift points for passing some kind of noise or emissions standard, and has nothing to do with where you should actually be shifting.
Hi Michael, I think you are bang-on with this comment. It helps to compete in ads' war and comply with some environmental regulations. :) I like it the way that is right for the bike and the rider. Ride safe! Max
Quite the class. Thank you very much for the info. While doing some research I've heard (can't vouch if it is true or not) that the owner's manual has a mistranslation or mis-calculation for the RPM's per gear ratio. So your recommended shift points actually match what would be the manual true recommended speed to shift each gear.
With this bike Kawasaki has designed it around a specific price point. If the truly needed 6th gear was added then price would go up and it would have to compete with a whole new group of bikes.
They could have changed the final drive ratio instead. That has nothing to do with "price point". I personally like a much taller final drive, but japanese bikes tend to place gears closer together and shorter final drive than a Harley.
Yup,jf Kawasaki installed a 34 vs 32 drive pulley at the factory it would have helped a bit in lowering cruise rpm.(inc cruise at same rpm by approx 4mph). Add couple teeth smaller rear pulley at the factory & it’s just about a perfect setup for country & or open road riding without having to increase the price at all. I just bought a clean well kept 2016 900 with 11k miles on it & plan to very soon install the larger 34t drive pulley & maybe even the smaller rear pulley at next rear tire change too. Here in fl I have to hit rt95 at times & will be run over if I don’t cruise at least 78-80mph and even though the motors designed to handle the pretty high cruise rpm the motors running at that speed I think it’s best to reduce the cruise rpm a bit at higher road speed to inc mpg a bit,reduce engine wear/stress & be a bit more comfy for the riders too achieved by low cost pulley change.
I shift closer to you normally, but for carbon buildup I regularly full throttle accelerate to almost the rev limiter. These engines actually would probably be better off just sitting in higher rpm’s always, the only negative would be reduced gas mileage. The main killer of engines is carbon buildup in my experience, wear is so negligible especially with regular synthetic oil changes that it’s just a non issue. It’s carbon I worry about the most, so for that reason I try to get it hot in the high rpm’s regularly. Lugging is also just nasty for an engine, so much force on your pistons and cylinders, they’re made for high rpms.
Exactly, I shift as I feel it. And it happens to be on the higher RPM than recommended, and it is actually better for the bike and riding dynamics. Ride safe! Max
I was a little surprised to learn it's turning about 4,000 rpm at 68 mph, if I heard correctly at 8:15. I'm sure it has the torque to pull taller gearing. My Honda NC700x is 670cc & also makes about 50 hp but less torque. At an indicated 70 mph it's turning 3,500 rpm. To be fair that indicated 70 mph may be about 66-67 mpg on a GPS. It feels a little buzzy around 85 & up & roll on power tapers off. Rev limiter is 6,500 rpm. Anyway, I love the Honda but it's too tall since I put on a comfortable seat so I'm researching this Vulcan 900 which is a great looking bike that I probably fit on & it looks comfortable too.
They have a very flat torque curve, so 20 or 25% taller final drive would be fine. 1st gear would be more usable and acceleration wouldn't be affected much. Gears are too close together on Japanese bikes.
Bought my Vulcan last year with Cobra pipes already on it which are quite loud. I imagine I wouldn't feel the need to shift as frequently if it wasn't so loud. I don't have the stock pipes though and don't have any intention to find and pay for other options at this time. I think the gearing would have been adequate where I was living previously but I'm in Florida now and 75-85 mph is the norm on the highways. The Vulcan has enough power but the engine is screaming at those speeds and can be fatiguing on longer rides.
Hmm, I ride an 08 classic and there is no issue at that speed whats so ever. I get vibration at 95-100 miles an hour but not at 75-80. Maybe the pipes? but nice bikes though must say
my 2011 vn900 classic was way to low geared stock ! I put front and rear pulleys and a 200 rear tire ! the speedo reads 5 mph under the road speed ,also put larger air cleaner fuel management and 2 into 1 headers ! wish I knew what rpm but much lower highway rpms and when you want to go ,drop a gear to the high rpm and go she pulls harder at a point in the band like a bump in the graph ! it is a good set up I have been up to the Canadian border down top san luis obispo CA over yosemite through the back gate up the CA coast HWY 1 and 101 a few times Brookings OR a few times ! 50,000 niles and nothing has broke except what me and 2 deer broke ! I wanted to buy a Harley ( the only one I could get was geared like the stock vn900 and cost 3x as much ) but they would not give me $10,000.00 credit card and $200.00/month payments ( she has been paid off for years now ) I think I put $200.00 down payment and let me ride away with no insurance ! there must be some kind of underhanded criminal deal to make imports dog down the proformance so that Harley can compete !
Interesting. I think it has something to do with the fuel consumption and environmental ratings. Thus, manufacturers can claim that they are so good at this and that. 😁 Ride safe! Max
I do not ride fast but love to accelerate fast. I do similar to you but shift sooner that 4th and 5th. But i agree with you. 110kmph feel pretty good to me. Maybe not s 6th gear but the front pulley mod
I ride a 97 Vulcan 800 Classic it red lines at 8200 rpm, the 900 sounds similar, harleys and larger twins red line at 5500 rpm, so no they don't need a sixth gear, fifth gear is its overdrive. Running 80 to 90 mph I do lose some mpg my best mpg is at 60 to 70. mph.
Yes it needs 6th gear. It's true that it depends on how you shift, but still it's different when there is a 6th gear. All of the reasons here are just justification of the limited 5th gear. Let's face it! Who wouldn't have here a 6th gear for his motorcycle. Conclusion: we all want a 6th gear. 6th gear is better than 5th gear. All reasons are just justification of the limited 5th gear.
Its a low speed cruiser. Up to 110km hr its designed perfect. If you ride Faster than that on a regular basis you should get a different bike , although I had mine up to 160km hr no problem but i could feel the vibrations
Yes, a VN900 needs lower rpm's in highest gear. Sollution: different pulley ratio or build a total new gearbox, what is not worth the work. If you can ride 60km/h in 5th gear and you don't have to shift back to accelerate fluent te 160km/h, the gearbox ratio's sucks.
Yep, and probably not just a gearbox. At the end of the day it is about how efficiently the mix is burning in the cylinder, how the valves are working, etc. Thus, we need more sofisticated ignition, larger cylinders, new gearbox, ah... Wait we need a different bike. 😁
If you say yes, because you have no choise. But 6th gear is needed. If your vulcan has a 6th gear, wouldn't you like it and happy? I had a chance of buying a vulcan several times but it's the 5th gear that prevents me from owning it. I want my cruiser to have a 6th gear.
I milk every gear, and engine break a lot, bike runs a bit hot, and burns a lot of fuel. I get bored with the Vulcan's speed to be honest, and in Texas these highways go on seemingly forever. I want a 6th gear for highway riding.
@@KMaxVideo I'm looking into the Ninja 650 for a bit more thrills, but I've got a special love for the Vulcan I can't express! First bike love I suppose?
Yeah, as much as I love these 900cc Vulcan bikes, they do burn fuel ⛽️ more than I would not hope for and yes the engine gets extremely hot 🥵 quickly and after about one hour of riding or 100 miles , I start to feel a bit uncomfortable at the seat, between my tail bone and ass, and a bit on my lower back. But still, for the price, value , looks, style and this being a Japanese bike , I can’t really complain, I just have to deal and live with the little negative perks of this bike, ( it would be cool if Kawasaki fixed these issues, then it would be a perfect bike ) > of course the bike would go up in price. But it will be well worth it.👍
I get 41.5-52mpg riding 2up cruising 60-62mph in 5th gear on my 2012 Vulcan 900 classic lt with side bags & added rear bag all full riding 2up.(riders = 320lbs). I keep it tuned:running well with 3k miles max oil & filter changes,use cleanable k&n air filter element ,iridium plugs too. You have to ride very aggressive & have poor maint to get low mpg with a Vulcan 900.
As a fellow Vulcan 900 owner, I agree with your thoughts on shifting at the rpm levels that you use.
I really appreciate the objective data that you gave. Thank you for this video and the helpful how
to videos (I also switched headlight and taillight bulbs to led as you did)
Thank you David!
I really appreciate it, and I am happy my videos are helpful.
Ride safe!
Max
Shifting moments don't change the fact that the highest gear is a almost 1:1 ratio and cause vibrations when you ride over 120km/h.
I have a 2019 Vulcan Classic and I shift exactly like you do. The buzz is felt a bit through my feet over 75 but then I can make it go away by simply going faster! I also believe this engine was designed to run at higher RPMs. But I mainly stay around the same speed as you. After all it is a cruiser and that’s why I bought it. A really enjoyable bike to ride. I put ten inch mini apes on mine and that really makes for a more enjoyable experience.
Absolutely agree with you.
I put risers to bringing the handle bar a bit up and closer, and I love how it rides. A also modified a bit my foot boards to reduce the buzz, and I'd say I don't feel it any more.
Ride safe!
Max
@@KMaxVideo Ah hmm, what kind of floor boards?
I've been riding the Vulcan 900 for a year...and noticed at about 68-70 mph..the vibration worried me. Went back to Kawasaki dealership and they said the same thing you did...the engine is designed to run at the higher rpm.
So let the bike have fun with higher RPM. 😁
Ride safe!
Max
Vulcan owner here from Toronto. Always riding around Lake Simcoe . Great Video. Thanks Max
Thank you!
Ride safe!
Max
It'll be in the 70's early next week in middle Georgia...I'll have to try this shifting technique. I've owned the Vulcan 900 for a year...love during it..just not used to the high rpm at highway speed. Oh well...this video really helps.
No worries. It feels gooood.
Ride safe!
Max
great tips, thanks for the video. I would welcome 6th gear as I tend to ride on highways as well. We have speed limit of 130km/h and anything beyond 100 km/h just asks for a higher gear. I usually shift to 5th around 80kmh.
Hi Marek,
At 110 km/h I am pretty comfortable. The highest speed limit we have is 100 km/h. People do go a bit more usually, but not much. I guess if I could ride over 120, I would be looking for the 6th gear as well.
Ride safe!
Max
A 1200 version with cruise control. I had the 1600 back when they made it and it was nice but big enouvh really a hair smaller would be nice for around the town without sacrificing too much on the interstate if it was a 6 speed with cruise control
I agree, I love my Kawasaki Vulcan 900 but it needs a 6th gear!
Добрый день. Вулкан 900 - мой первый мотоцикл. От Вас я узнал просто мегатонны полезной информации по обслуживанию и эксплуатации. Огромное Вам спасибо!
Вам спасибо!
Я рад что мои видео кому-то полезны.
Будут ещё новые видео.
Безопасной вам дороги.
Макс
You got it right, I don't shift into 5th till I get over 50 MPH, got to have that power on hand. Hello from
Florida.
I recently was switching to the 5th at 100 km/h (about 60-62 MPH) and it felt perfectly fine. Especially when accelerating fast, so it was not revving for a long time, but I could really feel the power.
Ride safe!
Max
@K Max Video A very delicious video, thank you for the charts and observations. I had a 2012 and now the 2023. It's my sweet spot bike I guess. I tried the lower rpm just so see the manual way, but the way you showed rides better. I don't find I need a 6th gear as 75-80mph on a freeway is the safe way. Cheers
Thank you!
Ride safe Jeff!
Max
I bought a 900 LT which the owner removed the baffles.I had to get stock pipe.I'm not not a noise guy.Pullies were changed RPM is alittle lower.Great motor cycle.
Fellow 900 owner here. I apparently shift very similar to you, have done some very long rides on the Custom and it handles if like a champ at the highest max speed in the majority of Aus. 110 - cruises effortlessly
Yep, same here in Canada.
Ride safe!
Max
Love my SE except no 6th, no cruise control, to low of a windshield on my batwing, more comfortable seat and more front & back lighting/reflective as night riding the bike disappears sans the reflective gear I am wearing. Will led in my headlight and taillight make a huge difference?
I hear alot of people talking about buzzing and such at higher speed. I rode a Suzuki Burgman 400 before I got my Vulcan 900 this past year, and I can tell you at highway speed, it's smooth as glass compared to the 400. That little single cylinder screaming along at 7-8k rpm for 10 hours was exhausting lol. I don't know what possessed me to put the aftermarket exhaust on it, but compared to the Vulcan, in the times I had my earbuds out, it was a deafening drone. Don't be me.
Great bike! This guy is correct. If you never go over 62 MPH for more than 10 minutes it does not need a 6th gear.
Hey Max, great Video! Some good informations and I loved the torque/power diagram I didn't find before. Going to buy a 2014 VN 900 Custom with 16 " Ape Hangers the next weeks/months. Its already reserved. When I have the bike I will report about the 6th gear thing. Greetings from Germany! Andy
Hi Andy,
Congrats on buying a new to you bike. Don't hesitate to check out my other videos. 🙂
Ride safe!
Max
@@KMaxVideo Will do. 👍🏻
Excellent explanation!
Thank you Alex!
Ride safe!
Max
I swapped the pulleys. With a proper install and fitting there's no issues ( I also upgraded to a carbon fiber clutch due to the extra strain on the clutch)
32 Tooth in front
and 62 in the Back
It gave me power to pass at highway speeds, and I really liked how it changed the feel to a lazier ride. The torque is now at the right place when I need to give it the beans!
Cool stuff.
I was wondering why Kawasaki would not do 32/62 from the factory. 🙂
Ride safe!
Max
Mine loves 75 mph. I have a taller back tire than stock. I don’t need a 6th really for the backroads I ride. If I were on the highway a lot….maybe a 6th. I ride at the higher rpm range before changing gears.
I wear custom made ear plugs because of tinnitus so I do not hear the engine , so I am not sure if I am shifting at the right time or not so I just use this method If I am at 40 kms an hour I am in 2nd gear, at 60kms hour I'm in 3rd gear , at 80kms an hour im in 4th and 100kms at 5th gear. Great video with great details.
Hi Max...
Thanks for all the important and helpful information... Keep on bro... 🙂🙂
Thank you Khalid!
I'm working on some new stuff. :)
Ride safe!
Max
I have an 02 1500 Classic. I’m also a new rider. I don’t have an RPM gauge, so I just listen to my engine, I couldn’t tell you what MPH I shift at. I have no idea if I’m shifting at the right time or not, but get from point a to point b safely, hopefully doing no engine/clutch damage.
I own a 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 900b Classic.
I changed out the original sprockets with Barons modified sprockets which jacked the gear ratio by 10%. I no longer need a 6th gear as now I can go 65 miles an hour in 4th gear before I shift into 5th gear. Now no high reving and no vibration until I hit around 80 mph. Getting over 50 mpg at 60 mph.
Ironically, now my speedometer is accurate. T'was off by 10%.
When you should shift depends on conditions your riding in. The factory recommendations are for very conservative riding. Vibration is a killer over time. I have 2 of these bikes and both start vibration at an indicated 68mph which is actually about 64-65mph The 170/80 tire helps about 2 mph and the Baroons 34 t pulley helps about 4 mph, but you cannot run both due to rear wheel location with just the larger front pulley. IMO, The vn 900 would benefit from having a 6th gear, especially for people who ride interstates and other fast roads- ex.Navadas hwy 50. I wish Kawasaki would do his.
Thank you Mike for the comments!
I'm planning to go with the different rear tire when time comes to change it. As it relates to vibration, I upgraded my handle grips and the floorboards to the floating (amortized) ones, the same as on VN1700. It helps to reduce vibration and how it feels.
Ride safe!
Max
You can mount a 62 or 61 tooth rear pulley, so the rear wheel is located more backwards again. I have a 34/61 pulley setup and a slightly higher tire (195/65-15) Rpm's drop aprox 15%, so all gears are 15% "longer" My sollution on a stock 900: shift 1-3-5
awesome man. I ride a 900 classic as well and have always wondered why they didn't put a 6-speed in them. I ride a lot of back roads around 60mph but I also have to get on the freeway to get to those roads. At that time I usually do about 75-80mph. anything over 85-90mph and it does begin to vibrate so I keep it under 80-85mph. a 6th gear would be nice but needed,,, not really.
Cool.
Ride safe!
Max
Yeah I feel the same way but I have gotten used to it now, the bike still does ok on the highway, but I think no matter what bike you have you will always look for another gear. I just got the bike and did not like it at the very beginning but I love it now, it worked out to be the perfect bike for me. It's a nice ride and I find it very nimble, it is not clucky or cumbersome .
You said it, you don't go on freeways
The sweet spot for this bike is between 90 kms/hour to 110 kms/hour
If you want to go beyond 110 for cruising or passing purpose then you need a 6th gear or torture your bike.
Just purchase a 900 custom, so I'm looking for as many informative vids as possible
Awesome. Congrats!
Check out my other videos. More to come.
Ride safe!
Max
Great information! Thank you!
I'm glad it was informative. 🙂
Ride safe!
Max
It's a great bike I own one. This man is correct. If you never go over 65 MPH for more than 10 minutes it does not need a 6th gear. That being said the bike will do 90 MPH all day long easily, it just won't be easy on you.
"That being said the bike will do 90 MPH all day long ...".
I happily own this bike but have never gone over 75mph (and seldom beyond 60mph) because beyond 70 the buzz becomes intolerable to me and the motor sounds like it is going to explode! I use my 900LT exclusively for 2-up daytrips on the twisties with my wife. It simply isn't a comfortable (or IMO a practical) highway touring bike.
Yes you COULD go 90mph all day long (and I'll have to take your word for this) if you are a glutton for punishment. Your hands and feet will be numb, your whole body will be hosed.
I'm the same as you, I shift as I hear the engine, I don't watch for speed 😅 and I've taken the highway to speed things up and ran 125km but I bought the Vulcan for back roads not to go fast.
100%! Ride safe! Max
Thanks for the video. Where I live the interstate min speed is 70 MPH. You really need to go 75 or 80 to keep from getting runover. I think it needs a 6th gear.
Oh goodness I am going to have to watch this. After all these years I am always searching for a 6th as it just runs/sounds so high. I need an aftermarket cruise control if you have any suggestions.
Personally, I have a tendency to push a little bit on the RPM on all the bikes I had; Harley, Goldwing,FJR Yam, and now Vulcan. Thank for the Infos.
Thank you Daniel!
To me it came kind of naturally, I just feel it runs and handles better this way.
Ride safe!
Max
I agree Daniel. I tend to rev it until I feel it “gassing out.”
Agreed. Just feel it.
I have an 09 Vulcan 900 and I tend to ride about 70ish mph on regular rides and roads i run about 90ish on the highway and the ole girl seems to love it I do however burn a significant amount of fuel 😂
Yeah, I’m constantly refueling the bike, on full tank , you should get about 200 miles, but sometimes it less.
@@firstnamelastname6717 psh i ride alot of interstate and i only get about 130 to the tank
Good analysis and I agree.
Thank you John!
Ride safe!
Max
I own a 07 felt like it needed a 6th gear I had the bike dynod fuel processor aftermarket air cleaner and exhaust that went away best thing I did to it way more power very happy with it
Did you do ECU reflash with Ivan's?
Do you switch gears on your Vulcan 900 as it is recommended in the Owner’s Manual?
Are you looking for the 6th gear?
Check this one out. It gives some food for thought
i swapped the front 32 tooth pulley for a 34 tooth pulley. Its a 6% reduction in RPMs and torque. with 94% of the starting power i used to have, its a worth while trade so that i can still enjoy the backroads and get better performance on the highway. I dont need to accelerate hard. just crusin.
How is it better performance? You’re getting worse performance, save maybe unnoticeable gas mileage. I’d be more concerned about carbon buildup, I love revving mine up on the highway, good carbon clean.
@@travispratt6327 my engine gets plenty of RPMs. It just no longer sounds like its going to blow up at 80mph.
thanks for your video from ITALY
Thank you Francesco. Feel free to check out my other videos and subscribe. More vids to come. 🙂
Ride safe!
Max
as a fellow Vulcan 900 rider, i would love a 6th gear for major highways.
I’ve heard a couple people talking about for the Kawasaki 900 custom to run better on the highway with its 5 speed transmission, you could change the front sprocket to a different one with 1 more tooth and it would make a huge improvement. Does anyone know more about this?
I did. I got the barons 34 tooth front pulley. Its a 6% reduction in RPMs. It makes highway riding much more comfortable and backroads performance is unaffected. At 6% its not a major difference but its just enough to make 70mph a comfortable ride.
I put a 170/80B15 tire on the back versus the spec 180/70B15 of my Vulcan 900 classic LT and it made a difference at highway speeds. It helped more than I thought it would. I really don’t shift to 5th gear now till about 60 mph. It helped the speedometer error (now “only” 5 mph off) and lowered 5th gear rpm (and was $50 cheaper for commander iii). I don’t feel vibration or buzzing as much as the head buffeting at highway speeds (75-85 mph), which makes highway speeds pretty miserable for any significant length of time. At 85 mph it’s pretty much tapped out anyways with only 5 gears and the tire change. It’s not a highway cruiser anyway, mainly due to the head buffeting, even with added lowers, which helped some. I would take a 6th gear, but would prefer they fix the buffeting over the extra gear. And I’ve tried higher and lower positions of the windshield and nothing gets rid of it. Very enjoyable bike on back roads and non-interstate highways.
Hi Todd,
I totally agree with the comments about the buffeting. I am doing the lowers now, so we'll see if it is going to help. I guess every bike is built for the purpose, and Vulcan 900 serves the purpose exactly it was designed for. If I was looking for something different, I would probably was saving for a different bike. 😁 I was thinking about different tire for the back when time comes as well.
Ride safe!
Max
@@KMaxVideo Lowers will definitely help. Took away 2/3 of the issue.
I am looking forward to putting the lowers on. I have to do some customizing here as the OEM lowers don't fit my windshield. We'll see how it goes. I'll do the video on that. 🙂
@@KMaxVideo go to vulcan forums and build your own lowers. Really simple and all the directions / materials are are there. You can customize the size to fit what you need. Need 1/4" plexiglass.
Your rpm's will drop 3.2% for the same speed with a 170/80 tire.
If you want serious results, you need a pulley mod... but NOT THE BARONS REAR PULLEY!!! They last only 10 or 20K km.
I have a theory the manual states those shift points for passing some kind of noise or emissions standard, and has nothing to do with where you should actually be shifting.
What do you recommend which speed I should change gears when I shift down?
Now my Vulcan 09 900 does not sound that way switching. I'm in 5th at 60mph and the motor's rpm's sound like there red lining. Why is that?
manufacture recommended is better fuel economy . I will be shifting later like you from now on now no more lagging .. thanks
Hi Michael,
I think you are bang-on with this comment. It helps to compete in ads' war and comply with some environmental regulations. :)
I like it the way that is right for the bike and the rider.
Ride safe!
Max
Quite the class. Thank you very much for the info. While doing some research I've heard (can't vouch if it is true or not) that the owner's manual has a mistranslation or mis-calculation for the RPM's per gear ratio. So your recommended shift points actually match what would be the manual true recommended speed to shift each gear.
I feel like in the manual they are talking about the lowest safest RPMs to switch the gears. :)
Ride safe!
Max
With this bike Kawasaki has designed it around a specific price point. If the truly needed 6th gear was added then price would go up and it would have to compete with a whole new group of bikes.
They could have changed the final drive ratio instead. That has nothing to do with "price point". I personally like a much taller final drive, but japanese bikes tend to place gears closer together and shorter final drive than a Harley.
Yup,jf Kawasaki installed a 34 vs 32 drive pulley at the factory it would have
helped a bit in lowering cruise rpm.(inc cruise at same rpm by approx 4mph).
Add couple teeth smaller rear pulley at the factory & it’s just about a perfect setup for country & or open road riding without having to increase the price at all.
I just bought a clean well kept 2016 900 with 11k miles on it & plan to very soon install the larger 34t drive pulley & maybe even the smaller rear pulley at next rear tire change too.
Here in fl I have to hit rt95 at times & will be run over if I don’t cruise at least 78-80mph and even though the motors designed to handle the pretty high cruise rpm the motors running at that speed I think it’s best to reduce the cruise rpm a bit at higher road speed to inc mpg a bit,reduce engine wear/stress & be a bit more comfy for the riders too
achieved by low cost pulley change.
They could market the 6 gear variant as a premium trim level. I would gladly fork over the difference.
I shift closer to you normally, but for carbon buildup I regularly full throttle accelerate to almost the rev limiter. These engines actually would probably be better off just sitting in higher rpm’s always, the only negative would be reduced gas mileage. The main killer of engines is carbon buildup in my experience, wear is so negligible especially with regular synthetic oil changes that it’s just a non issue. It’s carbon I worry about the most, so for that reason I try to get it hot in the high rpm’s regularly. Lugging is also just nasty for an engine, so much force on your pistons and cylinders, they’re made for high rpms.
Max where are your recent videos, we miss you!
LOL all great stuff Max, however there is no RPM gauge on these bikes . So use the senses and shift away. Anyway great bikes
Exactly, I shift as I feel it. And it happens to be on the higher RPM than recommended, and it is actually better for the bike and riding dynamics.
Ride safe!
Max
6 spd, my last 2 were 5spds and my current one is aswell
I was a little surprised to learn it's turning about 4,000 rpm at 68 mph, if I heard correctly at 8:15. I'm sure it has the torque to pull taller gearing. My Honda NC700x is 670cc & also makes about 50 hp but less torque. At an indicated 70 mph it's turning 3,500 rpm. To be fair that indicated 70 mph may be about 66-67 mpg on a GPS. It feels a little buzzy around 85 & up & roll on power tapers off. Rev limiter is 6,500 rpm. Anyway, I love the Honda but it's too tall since I put on a comfortable seat so I'm researching this Vulcan 900 which is a great looking bike that I probably fit on & it looks comfortable too.
They have a very flat torque curve, so 20 or 25% taller final drive would be fine. 1st gear would be more usable and acceleration wouldn't be affected much. Gears are too close together on Japanese bikes.
Yep, that is true.
Ride safe!
Max
Man i wish it had 6!! I would give both my baby toes 6th gear on both my kawasaki
😂
Bought my Vulcan last year with Cobra pipes already on it which are quite loud. I imagine I wouldn't feel the need to shift as frequently if it wasn't so loud. I don't have the stock pipes though and don't have any intention to find and pay for other options at this time.
I think the gearing would have been adequate where I was living previously but I'm in Florida now and 75-85 mph is the norm on the highways. The Vulcan has enough power but the engine is screaming at those speeds and can be fatiguing on longer rides.
Hmm, I ride an 08 classic and there is no issue at that speed whats so ever. I get vibration at 95-100 miles an hour but not at 75-80. Maybe the pipes? but nice bikes though must say
I don't feel much vibration either. Though, some folks complain. 🙂
Thanks great information
Thank you Luis!
Don't hesitate to subscribe and check my other videos.
Ride safe!
Max
I have a 2007 Vulcan classic and have NO 6th gear...how come ???
my 2011 vn900 classic was way to low geared stock ! I put front and rear pulleys and a 200 rear tire ! the speedo reads 5 mph under the road speed ,also put larger air cleaner fuel management and 2 into 1 headers ! wish I knew what rpm but much lower highway rpms and when you want to go ,drop a gear to the high rpm and go she pulls harder at a point in the band like a bump in the graph ! it is a good set up I have been up to the Canadian border down top san luis obispo CA over yosemite through the back gate up the CA coast HWY 1 and 101 a few times Brookings OR a few times ! 50,000 niles and nothing has broke except what me and 2 deer broke !
I wanted to buy a Harley ( the only one I could get was geared like the stock vn900 and cost 3x as much ) but they would not give me $10,000.00 credit card and $200.00/month payments ( she has been paid off for years now ) I think I put $200.00 down payment and let me ride away with no insurance !
there must be some kind of underhanded criminal deal to make imports dog down the proformance so that Harley can compete !
Interesting.
I think it has something to do with the fuel consumption and environmental ratings. Thus, manufacturers can claim that they are so good at this and that. 😁
Ride safe!
Max
I do not ride fast but love to accelerate fast. I do similar to you but shift sooner that 4th and 5th. But i agree with you. 110kmph feel pretty good to me. Maybe not s 6th gear but the front pulley mod
I think I would start with a bit larger rear tire first when time to replace it comes. I'll see how it going to feel.
Ride safe!
Max
@@KMaxVideo that is a good idea.
the Vulcan definitely need a 6th gear for highway riding. especially if your exhaust is loud.
you are best
Thank you!
Don't hesitate to check my other videos and subscribe. 🙂
Ride safe!
Max
I ride a 97 Vulcan 800 Classic it red lines at 8200 rpm, the 900 sounds similar, harleys and larger twins red line at 5500 rpm, so no they don't need a sixth gear, fifth gear is its overdrive. Running 80 to 90 mph I do lose some mpg my best mpg is at 60 to 70. mph.
Yes it needs 6th gear. It's true that it depends on how you shift, but still it's different when there is a 6th gear. All of the reasons here are just justification of the limited 5th gear. Let's face it! Who wouldn't have here a 6th gear for his motorcycle. Conclusion: we all want a 6th gear. 6th gear is better than 5th gear. All reasons are just justification of the limited 5th gear.
I shift when I need to, go by the feel nothing else hinestly
Its a low speed cruiser. Up to 110km hr its designed perfect. If you ride Faster than that on a regular basis you should get a different bike , although I had mine up to 160km hr no problem but i could feel the vibrations
Do we really ride our Vulcans that fast, over 110? I guess, not really. 🙂
Yes , you need 6th gear !!
I guess it depends. If you rarely ride on the highways, interstates, then you won't really need it.
Ride safe!
Max
@@KMaxVideo I can agree with that. I ride 100+ miles a day to/from work on the highway and wish I had a 6th. In the city not so much.
@@ReddMcMillon is a 6th gear optional though? Trying to see if it’s even an option!?
@@JohnathanCowan unfortunately no.
nope
Yes, a VN900 needs lower rpm's in highest gear. Sollution: different pulley ratio or build a total new gearbox, what is not worth the work. If you can ride 60km/h in 5th gear and you don't have to shift back to accelerate fluent te 160km/h, the gearbox ratio's sucks.
Yep, and probably not just a gearbox. At the end of the day it is about how efficiently the mix is burning in the cylinder, how the valves are working, etc. Thus, we need more sofisticated ignition, larger cylinders, new gearbox, ah... Wait we need a different bike. 😁
Yes
If you say yes, because you have no choise. But 6th gear is needed. If your vulcan has a 6th gear, wouldn't you like it and happy? I had a chance of buying a vulcan several times but it's the 5th gear that prevents me from owning it. I want my cruiser to have a 6th gear.
I was wondering why so many folks ride Vulcans 900 then. 🙂 Probably not because they hate it for not having 6th gear. 🙂
I milk every gear, and engine break a lot, bike runs a bit hot, and burns a lot of fuel. I get bored with the Vulcan's speed to be honest, and in Texas these highways go on seemingly forever. I want a 6th gear for highway riding.
You got to get another bike I guess.
Ride safe!
Max
@@KMaxVideo I'm looking into the Ninja 650 for a bit more thrills, but I've got a special love for the Vulcan I can't express! First bike love I suppose?
Yeah, as much as I love these 900cc Vulcan bikes, they do burn fuel ⛽️ more than I would not hope for and yes the engine gets extremely hot 🥵 quickly and after about one hour of riding or 100 miles , I start to feel a bit uncomfortable at the seat, between my tail bone and ass, and a bit on my lower back. But still, for the price, value , looks, style and this being a Japanese bike , I can’t really complain, I just have to deal and live with the little negative perks of this bike, ( it would be cool if Kawasaki fixed these issues, then it would be a perfect bike ) > of course the bike would go up in price. But it will be well worth it.👍
I get 41.5-52mpg riding 2up cruising 60-62mph in 5th gear on my 2012 Vulcan 900 classic lt with side bags & added rear bag all full riding 2up.(riders = 320lbs).
I keep it tuned:running well with 3k miles max oil & filter changes,use cleanable k&n air filter element ,iridium plugs too.
You have to ride very aggressive & have poor maint to get low mpg with a Vulcan 900.
thanks
I'm glad it was helpful.
All the best!
Max
@@KMaxVideo thanks for all❤
You may need a 6th gear, this is only good if you really feel or think that you need one. It’s mind over matter, I don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.
My custom foot pegs vibrate a lot at 75+mph. At 80mph it feels like it’s about to blow.
nuts maybe...alignment, bad tires, bad skill, bad loading just saying I been riding my Vulcan 900 2012 since new & this is what I learned....Mister!!
👍
Thank you!
Ride safe!
Max
0:00
lower rpm on highway saves fuel
Algorithms
Yea I ride way more aggressive than you lol
Why is there so many foreign men on these reviews
I agree on all points.
Thank you!
Ride safe.
Max
Needs a sixth gear!....OMG it really needs a sixth gear!