2019 Kawasaki Vulcan S | Our First Ride & Review 

This review came across as so genuine. The rider quite obviously had not seen or read other reviews of the bike, and seemed surprised at how much he liked it. The enthusiasm was contagious and entertaining. Now I really want to try this Kawi.

Own it almost 2 years. Mileage 32,000km. Just a cruiser, do it all bike. Quality and reliable. If you like a cruiser style, VS is your choice.

What a terrific qualitative discussion. I like how you only talk about the experience and not specifications. We can look up specs however our dealers don’t let us test drive in US. Thank you for this video!

I've been riding this bike every day for about a year now in all weather conditions due to it being my only transport and I love it, I tested so many seating positions for bikes and I'd have to say this one wins

I'm late to the game with this comment and I don't often leave them - but in this case I really felt I wanted to let you know I thought this review was excellent. No messing about, no nonsense, just straight to the point. Plenty of excitement, enthusiasm, and it felt genuine - makes me want go and ride one now! Brilliant work.

Returning to biking after a gap of 34 years! Just completed my direct access and looking around for my first bike, doing lots of research and the Vulcan keeps coming out as an awesome "beginner bike" and your review certainly ticks lots of my old man's boxes! So thank you for the video - nice to see a british review (I know, there are a few) and it's well filmed and natural, great to see you enjoying a smaller bike. I think I am sold...

Great review, thought you were sincerely honest about it as you acted very pleasantly surprised. That seems to be the reaction of most seasoned riders who get on this bike. That in itself says volumes about how well thought out the designers were in getting this right. Thanks.

just bought mine 71 plate, expecting it to be delivered tomorrow . wasn’t sure what to expect riding wise bcuz i have 1250Gs too. but this video boosted my confidence. cheers

I bought a new Vulcan 650s 14 days after you posted this review (6/1/19). But in America just outside of Chicago. This was one of the videos I found at the time to confirm all of the good I was hearing. I installed “BOOSTERPLUG” from Denmark that really improved everything about an already good bike. I can now cruise around at the slowest speeds Possible such as in a parking lot without having to ride the clutch in and out killing my hand. The other major improvement is at faster speeds when I would let of the gas it would engine brake so hard it was like I hit the brake. The bad thing along with that is it was like braking but with no brake light going on to warn vehicles behind me. That trait is now gone. There are videos on RU-vid describing the major improvements that can be had for this $120 plug & play electronic add on. Has to be plugged in under the fuel tank which was about a 45 min job and I’m no mechanic.

Your enthusiasm is very pleasant to hear. It comes across as very genuine. Honestly one of the best bike reviews I've ever seen. Makes me want this bike... Fantastic job..

Toby and Mark are second to none in Rider reviews and Bike Journalism...I would spend Thousands of Pounds just on their say so alone....They are RU-vids FINEST......Thankyou so much Guys, i have had a couple of Bikes due to their Honest reviews......Love you Guys.....

My friend recently bought one of these bikes and really loves it. I am looking around for a motorcycle and wanted to find out as much as I can about this make and model. This review I found to be really excellent. Very informative and totally honest and unbiased. Most of the reviews I found previously were from the USA so it was really good to get this UK review. What was a big plus for me also, was the fact that the reviewer rides motorcycles as an occupation and rides a completely different style of motorbike. This review really has I believe convinced me that this is the motorcycle I will buy. Thank you so much for the awesome review.

This is how reviews should be. Thanks a lot for the insight into this amazing machine!

saw one yesterday. fell in love. Pick it up two days time. seems i picked a winner.watched about 20 reviews now, all good. nice to see a British review. Thanks guys.. Now i'm really itching.......

Thanks for a great review. Most reviewers seem to be impressed by it, despite early misgivings before they ride it. Good stuff, please keep them coming.

Loved your enthusiasm and openness. It's nice to hear from someone who just likes what they like

I have one and it an amazing bike to ride, nimble as hell, great handling, and looks very cool.

The Vulcan S 650 is actually a wonderful bike. Great for beginners, and with a couple of mods, a bike worthy of keeping for years.

I just bought a 2017 S with abs for something lighter than my 2003 Vulcan Nomad 1500 to use as a daily ride, I can’t wait!!!

Yo, I’m watching only vulcan 650 s videos for the past couple of days, and EVERYONE is LOVING this bike. I’ve watched one bloke who tried really hard to “roast” it, but in the end even he said that it’s hard for him to love his other bikes as much as he loves the vulcan. Also it would be rather rude of me not to say GREAT JOB I’ve enjoyed this video and keep up the good work.

cant believe this vid was published today! just randomly searched for this bike and I see a fresh vid! ace

I have one with a sissy bar on the back because the misses feels more safe. It’s a very good bike and you can move the peddles to suit your leg length also short or longreach seats and can adjust your handle bars so it’s a very versatile bike 👍

I got one. Its great. Poor headlamp. Low clearance. Windscreen helps a lot (MRA or Puig). But engineering is great. Riding is really cool. Even the twisties. Quite a unique machine.👌

Great review. I've had my 22 matt black model 6 months and I love it. I removed the pillion seat and changed the stock seat for a Core motorcycle grain leather seat as the stock seat was so uncomfortable after 45 minutes or so. I ordered it new with pretty much all the accessories Kawasaki offered which is, the black cafe racer style screen, the two chrome led spotlights, the engine guard and heated grips. I also installed a set or panniers that curve to the shape or the rear mudguard and look as if they were made for the bike. Overall I couldn't be happier with my Vulcan, its got lots of power, wo much so I have no issues keeping up with others in the group who have far bigger bikes. It corners beautifully even at high speeds though the pegs do scrape fairly easily. The engine breaking is very strong, I didn't like if at first but grew to actually really like it. The only negatives are how much juice she drinks when driven 100mph plus ( on track of course), I have to fill up almost twice as often as others in the group. The other negative is the really large turning circle though its not such a big issue apart from when I was doing my test. I asked the tester to allow me extra room to do the uturn which he did thankfully as even with loads of practice and way more experience I still struggle with tight uturns which isn't an issue on other bikes I've ridden including cruisers. I'll finish by saying, my bike gets all the attention when out in a group. A day doesn't go by without someone commenting on how nice the bike is even other bikers want to sit on it and admire it.

In the past I had a Triumph Speedmaster and a Triumph America. Thinking now about getting on a cruiser again and the Kawasaki looks good at a great price.

I’ve just brought one and so glad someone else felt the same way as I did when I first rode it a week ago, having had a Triumph America (which was such a good looking bike ) for the last 4 years I found the weight distribution on this so much better and on the test ride I kept going around any islands I past because unlike the America it just felt so easy to ride. First class review now I can’t wait until tomorrow they are delivering my Kawasaki Vulcan s 😀😀😀. Regards Danny

I have this bike and absolutely love it

Ive watched SO many reviews of this bike on youtube and ever single one is positive to extremely positive. I'm without a doubt sure that my next bike will be a vulcan s 650 though I might get a tiny little windshield on it for those highway rides.

I appreciate 🇬🇧 reviews as roads are almost always wet!

Great video! ....I'll be buying a Vulcan S in the next few months, very much looking forward to it 😁

It is worth mentioning that Vulcan S has a parallel-twin engine instead of a V-twin design, and therefore, it has very different control riding characteristics. When I go to very light throttle, it gets a slight vibration/shudder. Not really lugging motor and it will accelerate fine. The Vulcan S simply doesn’t like “light throttle “. It likes to be wound out and shifted around 5000 rpm. I wanted to shift at 2000 rpm and ride at 2500 to 3000 rpm and Vulcan S engine doesn’t like that (shudder and vibrate). I now shift at 4500 to 5000 rpm and cruise around 5000 rpm. It just takes some getting used to (for those who used to ride a V-twin bike).

I like your reviewing style; thanks for the video

Nice job. I'm considering getting one of these bikes, and you covered what I needed to know. I was going to ask you what the grip from the tyres was like in the damp conditions, but you covered that too. So yeah, great job 🙂

Ok, ok. You made my mind. I will buy it next week. Lol! You look so passionate about this bike! I am about to get one in Brazil and I got happy to see you this satisfied. Good rides! Great channel! Thank you!

I love my Vulcan S. I cut off the stock muffler and welded on a slip on adapter. I use a 4m slip on and added a Boosterplug for fuel management. It made a huge difference in sound and performance. I often let other riders take my bike for a test ride and they always come back shocked at how fast this bike really is.

Picking mine up today😀😀

Hi gents, great review, I own a Vulcan S and love, though wind on my chest was too much for highway so I opted for the original Kawasaki Cafe small screen, no more wind and bike has increased top speed and accelaration, I also swapped out for more aero mirrors and Delcavic full exhaust, very quick bike, fun and performs better than whats written on paper, great review guys

Typical, i was searching for 2019 vulcan s bike reviews for ages and two days after i buy one this pops up on my feed lol. Great review and i agree with pretty much all you said. Suspension can be a bit hard over railroads and the like if you are a tad to quick over them but the comfort of the seat helps mitigate that nicely.

Hello~I'm a South Korean. Wow~ It's really amazing. Your review helped me a lot.~ Always ride safely~

Great review! It's nice to see genuine joy given all of the other negative garbage you come across on the internet generally speaking. I'm a new rider and I'm considering this for my first bike which is how I came upon your review. One question, can you provide a link and/or description to the riding gear you have on in the video? That looks like really good protective stuff, the kind of stuff a newbie rider should probably have!

Hi there, Thank you for your honest opinion. I have always wanted to buy this bike, and your opinion on the Vulcan S has made up my mind. I'm gonna buy one. I believe the seating height can be adjusted, as I am a small person, only 5ft 6 inches. Again, Thank you very, very much for your wonderful review.

Yes. The Vulcan S. Its dialed in quite nicely. 😁😁😁

A few years a go, I got excited about the Bonneville 120...but this bike really got me interested for the performance! I can't ride a sportbike cuz they are too tall, but I want performance in a more relaxed riding around town..and not expensive!

Was 99% sure this was my next bike. Now 100%. Great video thanks 👍

Bought one , put a Delkevic exhaust on it and some white vinyl racing stripes to its matte black and it’s a blast ...it’s my new hooligan motorcycle and it’s very quick...nimble and quick steering

I have been trying to decide for this bike and your video just made the decision so much easier. Thank you!

What an amazing review. Love your enthusiasm about the bike. I own a 2017 that's identical and agree with everything you said :)

I'm on my second Vulcan s now, they are a great bike, shame you did not get the chance to really open her up these are one of the fastest cruisers available

Your enthusiasm is stellar!

5:43 I felt how comfortable you were. I have a klr650 and looking to get this as a first cruiser. And the way you said that really struck me lol. Nice video!

I loved this review. Your friendly and enthusiastic dialogue was a real pleasure. Thank you from Qld Australia

That’s a decent review. I’ve got one of these, had loads of bikes over the years and currently also have RnineT and Guzzi 750 Cafe. The Vulcan S is a great alternative to have in the garage. Knocking the suspension up to the 6th position makes a massive difference, had the rear seat reshaped for my wife and we’ve done Spain/Portugal on it and it’s a remarkably capable bike. Mirrors are great but in my opinion ugly, and stock exhaust note isn’t great. Fuel range is around 160/170 per tank - all in all decent bike and exceptional value.

Mate that grey Benz vito van was a bit close at 6:42!

Given your obvious enthusiasm, I take it that the feet-forward seating position doesn't put stress on your lower back. I have never ridden a Kawasaki. I want to.

I bet this bike makes you feel like a badass

most likely this will be my first bike :D Last time I rode 20y ago

Hard to find a bad review about any kawa vulcan, looks cool too😎

Enjoyed your video. I'm a new rider and a tall one at that, well over 6ft. Bought my new 2019 matte black Vulcan S extended reach and absolutely love it, and agree with everything you said. Being a new rider it's so easy to control and such a great bike!!!

Toby as we age we tend to forget more . Another great rider cam video . Thanks for the fun ride & review.

Great video... And loved your excitement and enthusiasm for this bike... Made me want to go check them out... I've heard great things about this bike

Great video, review was very helpful as I am looking at getting one. realy good rider info on how the bike feels and rides. Thanks

Got a 2015 Kawasaki vulcan s abs and it is absolutely gorgeous. Super comfy and has the Kawasaki reliability. So many people told me it is a beauty. It got punch too! The only thing I wished was a higher top speed, as I could only get it to 170 km/h, but it is a tradeoff for having more stability and torque at lower rpm.

I have a friend who rides a KTM 790 Superduke for commuting and then slips onto his Harley at the weekend. He is just selling a Softail Breakout as he has purchased a Vrod. He would agree with you that it is good to have different styles of bike for different occasions.

Wow, this video was the one that sold the bike to me. Awesome. I love it. I’ve had it a couple of months now (in the Matt green) and it has become the love of my life. I’ll nell never bet give my car up but this is my weekend ride

Great information thanks Brother

Good review. Mounting your go pro in the middle of your helmet would make this much much better though. Use the go pro curved stick on mount or the chest strap.

Lovely bike but love the Vulcan 900. Both are great bikes.

Enjoyed your initial impressions - I went from Harley Davidson (for three/four years) to BMW (a DYNA Fat Bob to GS Adventure) and it was the other way around for me...I found the upright position of the GS so much more comfortable! Another great video!

Thanks for a great review. I am going to have own one of these, hopefully asap just need to get the pennies

I've never ridden a feet forward bike, feel the need to now! Thanks guys.

Great review, I love your energy at riding a different style motorcycle. I had a huge learning curve when I transitioned from cruisers to sport-touring in 2007. I have a ZZR1200, H-D Ultra Classic, but I just bought a KLR 650 and the KLR is refreshing to ride after the larger stature and larger displacement bikes.

I thought it was just me that got hip pain! Lost count how many times I have had to stop within 100 yards after getting on a new bike 😂

Enjoyed your enthusiasm for the vulcan s ... great bike!

at 88kilos, i'd call you svelt! ;-) 5'7" which puts me on the "plump" side of the equation. (to quote a larger friend...i'm built for comfort, not for speed) GREAT REVIEW! Thank you....

good review, i ordered an new vulcan and i can't wait to get them

As an American watching the Other side of the road driving and the narrow streets, all I was doing was going EEK! Ooo! AHH!

Guys thanks for this review... im just getting back onto a bike. Might be a midlife crisis lol. My last bike was a while ago (kawasaki 750 turbo) so iv been looking about to see what would suit me....im not the tallest guy 5'6"...so a lot of the sports bikes are out (unless I get them lowered) saw a vulcan and thought "yeah that seems cool..ill check out reviews on RU-vid "....I came across your review, and it swung it for me ! I have seen some negative reviews ...but that smile on your face when you got off...that was the seller. Again thanks for the review. Awrabest from Sunny Glasgow 🌞

I'm looking into getting this bike so was looking at many different reviews and I have to say I really enjoyed your page. I am for sure subscribed now

mine only makes 15k per liter a deposit only makes 170km, I think it drinks a lot, it has the original Kawasaki Arrow exhaust and driving slowly

Great Review !!

Enjoyed that review, doing good job.Thanks

I too, am 5'9

Omg...get a room . Love it too

Nice honest review.

nice review, felt like i already own the big bike before i even went to buy it... :D really enticing me... im torned actually between vulcan s or rebel 500...

Hi there great review,I got mk2 versys 650 love it,this might be my next bike. Also what is your jacket with the leather shoulder/arms pads? Cheers mate

a review with style...thanks mate.

Kawasaki can use 17 inch for both rims

I went in kawasaki store to see for Ninja 400 2019 and i saw this one...now i dont know what to buy..? 400Ninja or Vulcan S? Help guys..

I think you should stick to doing the bike reviews, mark is funny though , very good review👍

Loved it keep up the good work😃😃

I really want one, need to build a credit score though which takes ages

If they only added traction control and a little more power, I’d buy it in a heart beat.

Wow guys, nice review, I've been weighing up old school (xvs 650 Yam) against this bike and I think you've just made up my mind! Kwaka it is :)

i am in western Canada & its freaky as hell watching you ride on the wrong side of the road, cars coming at u in the wrong lane , it's the right side in your country, but it looks freaky as hell to watch , for a Canadian

Very good emotional review. Thanks. That bike is super nice :)

Cornwall is a great place but I could never live there because I know I would hate the "grockles" with a vehemence. My late mother's friends used to own the biggish hotel at Tintagel (I believe it is called the "Camelot Castle" - yuck, now). Best, Pete.

I'm considering one of these or a Royal Enfield interceptor as a fun summer bike. Considering you have test ridden both, out of these two bikes what would you buy? Not fussed about speed as I have another bike for that. I'm looking for smiles per miles at a gentle pace :)

I got my eye on a Triumph speedmaster. It seems really comfy just sitting on it ,just worried what a couple of hours is like ,id have to keep the GSA just in case, be good but obviously not possible to have 2-3 hr test rides. Its an expensive stab in the dark

I loved your review. You really captured the joy of riding a motorcycle! This looks like a great bike and I am looking really hard at getting one. One question though. I saw that you had on a vest, riding jacket, and pants that had a lot of pockets. Does this motorcycle have any little storage places, perhaps under the seat or in a little side compartment? I didn't notice any. Thanks!