You are right about the 500 Vulcan - best buy on the cruiser market. It´s got it all - power, looks, efficiency - and all at a throwaway price. I´ve had many bikes and this is the best. I decided I didn´t want a 700 lb. hog that gets worse mileage than my car. If I want a CD, I have my car. I went with the 500. Actually, it´s all I need and will bury my 883 Sportster in a drag race, plus it gets great gas mileage. It´s not really a small bike. Keep in mind that in the 60´s a 500 was big. This bike weighs more than my 650 Triumph did and is smoother, faster, and will last longer. I mean wow - liquid cooling, 6 speed, counterbalanced, full flow oil filter. What more can you ask. I know one that has over 100,000 on it and never had the head off. Buy one today.