Like just about all true cruisers, Vulcans are not high performance bikes. If performance was your principal concern, I'm afraid you have the wrong machine. That said, in my experience they are excellent motorcycles for the kind of relaxed, mellow riding they are designed for. I rode my Nomad up to Americade from SW Connecticut a couple of weeks ago, and it was a complete pleasure. I arrived relaxed and comfortable (and even pretty dry behind the big windshield, considering the intermittent rain I hit). I enjoyed leisurely cruising around the area all weekend, and had a great ride back on Monday in perfect conditions. On the big bike I could sit back and enjoy the countryside rolling by at a pace conducive to contemplation of the beauties of the trip.
I have a couple of other bikes more suited to a different type of riding, but sometimes, the big Vulcan is just the tool of choice.