Ian Snell, and his '97 Vulcan 800B2

Ian writes : - "I bought my VN800 B2 second-hand on 8th August 2000.

Up to this point I had been riding sports bikes. With age and sense of mortality creeping up (pushing 40 don't you know!) I looked at what I liked doing best on a bike - basically leisurely rides with my wife in the sun - hardly sports bike territory. So late July I sold my GSXR1100 and after scouring the magazines and many phonecalls I opted for a long trek down to London for a 1997 model with 1700 miles on the clock.

After a short test ride and HPI check (well worth the £25) I parted with £3k and the bike was mine. The 220 mile return trip was fine, the bike cruised easily at 80mph and returned an amazing 51 mpg (I used to get 30 mpg from the GSXR1100!!). The only problem was numb bum and legs after about 3 hours in the saddle - but I would never have managed 3 hours on a sports bike. When I got home my wife was well impressed. The comfort was much improved and she could sit back and relax. So far we have done about 1000 miles together.

I have not done any mods - the picture is exactly how I got her. The only mod planned are some V&H pipes to sort out the sewing machine comments - but they are a bit pricey at £360 in the UK so I am looking in Belgium. With the winter weather in the UK fast approaching I guess I will be doing more polishing than riding until the spring.

Next June we are planning a trip down to the South of France with some friends - will let you know how it goes!"

And here are those superb pics, plus Ian's write-up.........

"Just got back from a mega holiday to the south of France. Travelled down to Dover and caught the ferry to Calais. Then caught the overnight motorail sleeper to Nice. 

Amazing - Grimsby to Nice with the bike in 18 hours. The feeling when we rode off the train was amazing - brilliant sunshine and 26 degrees!. Got to the campsite at St Raphael in about an hour and on the beach by 14:00.

The coast road 'Bord de Mer' is unbelievable - it is made for a cruiser - 30-40 mph twisty with the see on one side and the hills on t'other. We spent a brilliant week riding, sunning and drinking - what a difference having the bike made.

The journey back up to the Loire took 2 days - a reasonable 200 miles up to Aubanes in the Massif Central followed by a mega 370 miles up to Tours. Spent 3 days in Saumur on the Loire then back to Calais and home.

The outward trip on the ferry was OK but the return trip on the Chunnel was so easy - ride on - stay with yer bike and 30 minutes later ride off in "Blighty".

As we did not rig for heavy weather the last leg in France up to Calais was pretty miserable - rain - cloud - sun - rain. Bike was fine but boots full to brim, still VN800 pipes dry out socks a treat!

Hotels in France amazing value - £16 for a room at a Formule 1 or £28 at an Etap - both are better than our Travelodges.

The bike performed well fully loaded - about 28 stone of us and gear. Engine brilliant but suspension and brakes a bit stressed. Why didn't Kawasaki make provision for a double front disc!. We went with another couple on a 1200 bandit - not problem keeping with them up to 80 mph, although had to be careful on cornering not to ground out too much <weg>.

Can't wait to get back next year.
                                                   

This superb 800 is ridden by Ian from the UK.