Kawasaki
vulcan 2000 Classic
MSRP: $13,899
Caretaker: cherney
Measurements: 5'7"/155 lbs/30" Inseam
Odometer: 1789
Miles Since Last Issue: 290
| MODIFICATIONS: |
| MUSTANG TWO-PIECE VINTAGE WIDE TOURING SEAT | $489 |
| KAWASAKI FLAME STITCHED GEL SEAT | $199.95 |
It's not easy wrestling an 800-lb freighter around mud puddles--the weather in Portland has gone from snow to 70 + degrees in the last few weeks--so I haven't racked up as many miles as on ye olde Vulcan as I'd like.
As previously mentioned, riding it 1000 miles in 16 hours did nothing for my back/ass/posture, so I had requisitioned a flame-stitched gel seat from Kawasaki's aftermarket catalog last month, and in a stroke of good timing, a new Mustang Vintage saddle showed up at my door just yesterday (meaning I blew some deadlines just to get `er in).
Seemed like a great opportunity to stage a mini-comparison betwixt the two and offer up some quick impressions, so here goes. At $199, the shapely Kawasaki number easily mounted up using the stock hardware, and instantly freshened up the Classic with its sleek design. It felt much firmer than the stocker though, meaning it was plenty supportive, but it felt a touch too hard for longer hauls. Great looking though.
The $489 Mustang seat required a bit more coaxing to fit it onto the frame, and it plumped up the Classic's already chubby waistline. But this thing is big on comfort--on my short shakedown cruise (30 miles) the Vintage's wider, deeper dish and higher-grade padding positively coddled my tush throughout. The comfort level from stock was far superior, and I imagine it will be just as impressive on a road trip.
Next up is a set of Speedster pipes Cobra's talked me into; in either case, stay tuned, I'll let you know how it goes.