CrockPot

looking at these two as beginner bike. i understand that even though the vulcan has a smaller cc engine, 500 as opposed to ~600 for the VLX, it actually has better performance. i like the liquid-cooled engine, it's geared for speed as it shares the same engine as the Ninja EX500. additional advantages for the vulcan...6 speeds vs 4 for the VLX. i would prefer if the vulcan was shaft as opposed to chain, but it's not too much of a big deal maintenance wise.

so far it's been a bit one-sided favoring the vulcan. however, i really like the looks and lines of the VLX. comfort wise, i'm 5'10" with an average inseam for that height, so the riding position isn't really a factor on either bike.

what i'm looking for is hopefully someone who has had experience with both, or either bikes, to share their perspective.