I agree with you Jerry about the Vulcan being as close to perfection as a bike could be even with its notable flaws. For its size and weight, the amount of power and linear torque is impressive by any measure, including when compared to modern bikes which, despite improvements in technology, simply lack the engineering prowess of those designed in the 80s.
I've never owned a new VN750 but I got to drive one in 1986 when they really hit the market. At the time, I owned a 440 LTD which was a fun little cruiser in its own right. A guy at the Parts Unlimited store where I shopped had just purchased a Vulcan at the local dealership in Baltimore and had it gleaming outside the front door.
To my great surprise, given that I was a broke college kid with less than a ton of riding experience, the guy encouraged me to take it for a spin. I was shocked and dazzled and giddy all at the same time - and that's before I even got on it. Then, when I did get on it, I was impressed at how well it wrapped itself around me, almost more like I was in a cockpit than simply sitting on a seat. But the real rush happened when I twisted that throttle. I'd never felt such raw power before, except perhaps when taking off in a plane. And so smooth - also like a jet!
It took 30 years for destiny to come back around, but when it did, I was able to buy a Vulcan identical to the one that blew my mind that day (for all I know, it actually might BE the identical bike I rode that day - same color, same year, and however many owners in between). Despite almost giving up on it a few times since owning it for the problems it's had, I simply can't imagine being any happier with the feel and performance of any bike than I've been with the VN750.