The 903cc liquid-cooled v-twin engine powering this beautiful mid-size cruiser provides enough “oomph” to get the Vulcan 900 moving, which the sleek and sexy styling is quick to impress. For someone looking to get into a cruiser, but is somewhat apprehensive of a “big bike”, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is our ideal choice.

It’s beautiful, it’s powerful, and it’s damn fun to ride. What more do you want in a bike?

The second installment in our summary of the 2010 Calgary Motorcycle Show. Three more bikes are showcased for your enjoyment.

Watch for some more reviews later this year when Calgary finally gets some decent weather!

The Calgary motorcycle show was a few weeks ago, but I’ve been so crazy busy that I never had a chance to post some of the pics that I took. There were a ton of really excellent motorcycles on display this year, including some new BMW’s that really got the crowd excited (197 horsepower will do that to people). However, being the guy that I am, I tried to get a line on some of the new entry level and/or tamer motorcycles that would be better suited for beginners.

With all that being said, here are some of my personal highlights from the 2010 motorcycle show…

It might take a while for the dust to settle, but once it does you’ll realize that the Honda CRF230M9 may very well be the first attractive dual-sport… kind of. Clean lines, combined with sleek and stylish bodywork make the CRF230M one of the best looking dual-sports (kind of) around. A comfortable ride and peppy acceleration certainly add to the fun, but when you look this good, does it really matter?

What do we mean by kind of? Keep reading.

Yamaha FZ6R Video Walkaround
Scroll down for our comprehensive review of the Yahama FZ6R.
Fast Tube by Casper
Summary:

A detuned R6 motor from the last generation R6 provides plenty of power and torque throughout the rev range, and a solid suspension setup keeps this bike stable when it counts. New riders may find the FZ6R a little intimidating, but those who take the time to master it will find it to be a rewarding and enjoyable ride.
Engine Size: 600cc
Price (new): $8,799 CDN/$6,990 USD
Comparable bikes: Suzuki SV650S, Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Kawasaki Ninja 500R, …

Like the Kawasaki Ninja 500R, the GS500F offers a sporty ride for a minimal investment. It looks sporty, rides sporty, but falls just short of the benchmark set by the Ninja 500R.

A strong v-twin engine and a sporty chassis combined to make the SV650S one of the best all-around bikes you can buy. With both naked and faired versions, including versions with ABS, the SV650 is a bike that anyone can build to suit.

Over 40 updates make the Ninja 650R a real competitor for 2009. Its smooth 649cc engine, dynamic and aggressive styling, and modern chassis make it a real treat to ride. For a new rider looking for a first bike with longevity, the Ninja 650R could be a great match!