Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic
MSRP: $13,899
Caretaker: cherney
Measurements: 5'7"/155 lbs/30" Inseam
Odometer: 2515
Miles Since Last Issue: 422
| MODIFICATIONS: |
| COBRA SPEEDSTER SLASHDOWN PIPES | $609.95 |
| COBRA FI2000R | $234.95 |
| COBRA FORMED SISSY BAR LUGGAGE RACK | $129.95 |
| COBRA MINI SISSY BAR | $249.95 |
| COBRA MINI SISSYBAR PAD | $59.95 |
In last issue's installment, I opted to swap out the big Kawasaki's stock pipes for a set of Cobra's Speedster Slashdowns, with (optional) Quiet Core baffles.
Cobra had assured me the Quiet Cores would keep things manageable in the decibel department and I have to admit they've been sounding fairly throaty but not obnoxious in that regard, though popping and backfiring on deceleration was the norm initially. I figured a Fi2000 fuel module would solve the issue, so I hauled the ol' girl down to the local shop, Cycletune PDX, for a professional going-over. I chose Cycletune mainly because former Honda factory mechanic Chris Vandervoort had agree to fiddle around with the Kawasaki's pipes and Fi2000 module settings and I respected his judgement. Within two hours, Vandervoort had dialed in the module and plugged up any leaks.
Now the popping is almost completely gone, and I could be wrong here, but with the Quiet Cores, the Speedsters sound almost quieter than the stock pipes-at least at idle. Once you crack the throttle, the secret gets out quickly, though the pulses are much less invasive than on pure straight pipes.
I'm convinced bike feels lighter (even if just a touch), though judging by seat-of-the-pants impressions, power gains- if any-seem fairly unimpressive. Hopefully I can locate a dyno soon to quantify the plusses or minuses.
Other, more practical considerations on the Vulcan 2000 had to be addressed as well; my wife practically demanded that I install some form of support out back if I expected her to accompany me on any future outings. Marital bliss being the lesser of two evils, I quickly slapped on several more items from the Cobra catalog - a sissybar with backrest pad and a sissybar luggage rack. The whole ordeal took all of 45 minutes, and the new accessories actually make the beefy Vulcan look pretty good. I've been told they're a lot cheaper than marriage counseling as well...- AC
Honda Shadow Aero 750
MSRP: $7299
Caretaker: Masker
Measurements: 5'5"/175 lbs/28" Inseam
Odometer: 2646
Miles Since Last Issue: 195
Modifications: Road rash removal
Well, we finally got the Aero back from Honda after its spill and have had little time to do anything other than revel in its shine. We did take it out for some riding but nothing big to speak of, just pressed back into duty as a commuter machine. To further our goal of making this the sweetest-riding little bagger this side of the V-Star 950, we ordered up a set of tires-make that Tyres -from Avon and we'll be mounting them up soon. We've also got to make it down to get this thing dyno tuned as it seems like it lost some bottom-end grunt with the new pipes. - MM