I am a Vulcan S owner. I grew up around Harley Davidson riders. But I'm going to tell you. This is THE best mid range cruiser I've ever been on. If this bike ever takes a crap. I will buy another one without thinking twice! Worth every penny. Easy maintaining. Vulcan s loyalty.
I was a little unsure as well. I'd always been told start on something under 600cc. But I'm a "big" guy, and 650 cruiser is a completely different beast from a 600cc sport bike. I'm glad I didn't go with a little Ninja 250 or 300, or a Rebel. That other peice of advice about a beginner bike rings very true: Don't get something so small that you're going to want to replace with a bigger bike in under a year. I'm thinking of getting a bigger bike already, but not for lack of power on the VS. I'm just so sold on Kawasaki quality, I'm thinking of a Concours before too long.
@@ccristian1715 i love my bike. I ride it everyday i can! It still rides smooth the only thing i changed was i took the mirrors off and added bar end mirrors to it. I will eventually get new pipes to make it louder.
I also have a Vulcan S for the past two years and I love it. Regarding the seat I purchased and installed the AirHawk. Best money ever spent on it. Now I can take hours long rides without any problems and thanks to the Vulcan S fuel economy.
I'm REALLY glad to see your comment. I've seen LOTS of reviews of this bike; and I was going to get one. But I heard about the seat, and I was forked; I want a bike that will be good on road trips. This seat that you got; will it make the 650S road trip worthy??
I picked up my brand new 2019 Vulcan 650s ABS Model just this morning. In Storm Cloud Blue. Incredible color, looks retro. Ordered the extended reach seat and corresponding rear passenger seat that mates to it. The Vulcan now is customizable based on the rider’s height. I am 6’4”. I also ordered a longer shifter rod because both the shifter side and foot peg and the rear brake side with foot peg all move forward up to several inches more. Once my add on’s arrive it will improve by about 5” for this rider’s height. The bike can be set up the other direction too for short people. Involves a different seat that puts the rider’s crotch pretty much up to the fuel tank. Foot pegs move way back too for them. The handle bars adjust for tall and short people as well. This “program” is called “Kawasaki Ergo Fit”
I loved hearing about this bike from the perspective of a sport bike rider. I knew the engine was tuned differently for the Vulcan, but I didn't know it was merely tuned to have a little more torque at the bottom, but still be able to pull in the upper range.
The seat broke in after about 2k miles for me. I was patient with it since I have no desire to drop more money on a new seat. After 2k miles the seat no longer is uncomfortable for me. Also, you can stand up on the passenger pegs. I use the passenger pegs to rest my legs in a different position and stand up if I need to stretch out a bit.
I'm only 14 and want this bike. I ride with my dad a lot on his Honda goldwing and I love riding. This bike looks super fun. Great vid please keep making them.
Great and accurate review. Got my VS a year ago as a second bike, and as a beginner with one year/18 km experience. After 30k km on this bike (touring , commuting & gymkhana) allow me to add some pros & cons: If you throw on some bags (tail & tank) and a high screen it becomes a great sport tourer, once you reach a destination remove the bags & windshield and your ready to chew your pegs off in the curves. I’m light, but still got the initial tailbone ache after a 200 mile ride, but once I stiffened the rear shock and added some mini floorboards, it’s not an issue anymore, even a planned Corbin seat or Air Hawk was postponed indefinitely. It’s a knife in traffic where you can lane split. And it’s really easy to maintain and modify in your garage. The Unresolved Con?: Despite having a soft spot for more powerful & naked sport Bikes, I simply can’t justify replacing it !
The seat sucks but after last year I bit the bullet and bought a Corbin seat with some extra padding and it's awesome. Just realize if you get this bike you need to spring for an after market seat. Besides that your right on with the the way it performs.
Just got a 2022 Vulcan S after riding Harleys. What a great effin bike! Perfect world for me with a custom look but a sport bikes engine! damn, it just keeps on pulling! People complain about the stock sound but when you hit it it actually sounds good, not a fan of loud pipes after ridin Harleys for a while. So lightweight and easy to handle as well.
Chief, I enjoyed the review from your perspective. You pulled no punches and told it like it is, no "fluff", no "pomp", just the facts as a rider. Refreshing to hear it that way. Doug🏍️🤓🧸
Don't let the Vulcan distract you from the fact that the 5 greatest rappers of all time are Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, and Dylan. Because he spits hot fire.
I have a Vulcan S and I love it! Cheers for the vid, but please set a better example to new riders and wear biker gear (Gloves, jackets, jeans and boots)! It only takes one mistake on the road or an idiot in a car and it could mean the difference between life or death!
I wear jeans but that’s about it.....I’m not a newbie tho....but I hate gloves, I hate boots, because of my scar tissue, I hate helmets, so for me it’s just jeans and if it’s cold a fleece
I sat on every bike at the dealership and nothing was even close to how comfortable this bike felt. I don’t have the ability to own one yet, but I watch videos or read something about it probably once a month. Ugh what a beauty
Because its actually a ninja. The only reason why people don’t like it is because it does not make loud popping noise like a cruiser. I am sure it will outhandle and out accelerate similar cc cruisers..but people are more concerned about image.
Hi there, great review, specially on the engine description. I have a Vulcan S and I utterly agree with you, it is a fantastic bike for the money. The only thing I miss in your video is the “negative of the bike”, the seat is one easily solve by getting a customer one really puffed up 🤣🤣🤣🤣 like mine, the mirrors, mine start vibrating around 5000 reps and my rear view vision is distorted. The rear break, does break enough for the speed the bike can go, needs reengineering. The headlight is not power enough, I changed mine with a led bulb to see properly at night. Finally the blinkers need another look, they are quite ugly and and feble, I will change them soon. Besides these “bad” things the bike is awesome, really fun to drive, a bargain for the things you get and it is beautiful looking. I just love it. Thanks for the video
I bought mine in July 2nd 2019 got me a white one, no abs and I love it, its my first bike, havent done any mods at all, its fast, but I don't have anything to compare it to lol but I love watching your video
I completely agree that it is overpowered for a true beginner! A friend of mine got one for his first bike and it is scaring him. It's not as easy for him to go slow on and therefore he's having a difficult time getting used to operating a motorcycle for the first time. He wishes he had something less powerful to learn on now. Now he believes me, that a beginner needs something around 10 to maybe 45 hp to learn how to really ride. Even 35 hp will take you well beyond 80mph if your speeds limits are high. The Vulcan S is an insanely fun sport-cruiser. It's a solid lifetime bike not a training bike.
I own this bike and it is amazing. I love it. I bought it brand new and it is the very first motorcycle I ever bought. I had never ridden a motorcycle before in my life, but i knew I really wanted one. So I did what I strongly believe every rider (veteran and noobie alike) should do. Take a motorcycle riding safety course. It costs about $200 and I got two days classroom training and two days riding. Pass the riding test at the end of the course and you get a certificate to get your license without the DMV test. The day after I got my license, I went and bought this sweet ride. Hope your buddy gets more comfortable with it because it is an amazing machine. Take the course. It's worth it. Ride Safe.
I can happily say that he signed up for the course! He is also getting a cheap, used 250 to help him feel more comfortable while learning. Congrats on the bike man. It is an undeniably sweet one! Enjoy the ride and keep the rubber side down. =D
i have a 2015 and it wasn't until recently I started to really get on it over 5k rpms, unbelievable power. thing just rips the hell out of the road. I ride with a few other people with larger cruisers and i blow them off the road all day in top end as well as corners, I have to pull over and wait for them to catch up. seat does suck but everything else is awesome
Welcome to the VS world! If you do the Book of Face, there's an active community of us in the Kawasaki Vulcan S Riders group. Had my 2015 for going on 8 months now. First bike. Loving every minute of it.
I took an extensive motorcycle driving course last fall and I am going to get my first bike at 62 this spring. It's going to be a NC750X. I chose it because of the neutral riding position, low center of gravity, really good mileage, manageable power for me (torque in low rev) and predictable maintenance. The NC750X is in a class by itself and some people hate it mainly because of the low red line at ... 6300. But, I always been curious about the Vulcan S. Eventually I might be interested in that bike (with a better seat for long rides). Apparently, it can be "fitted" to a tall guy. I like the "tidy and modern" instrument cluster and the lower riding position that seems to lend itself to a more relax approach. I was impressed by your enthusiasm and fair description of the bike. 😎
when i bought mine i had to drive it home which was a 1hr 20 minute trip through heavy rain and winds, it was very comfortable, no aches, no issues. so with that personal experience ill say that your complaint about the seat is really very personal
I've heard pretty much most people have bad things to say about the stock seat which is why most will replace the seat with a Corbin or something. But there is a cheaper alternative of getting like an Airhawk or Wild Ass air cushion. So its hardly a downside if it is a problem for the person.
You covered almost everything like a pro reviewer! It would be great to know your ergo settings for the Vulcan. IMO, if the footpegs are neutral set, it should ease your tailbone.
I have to agree with you! It is freakin Awesome! I changed the exhaust to delkevic short can and headers. Changed the bars to short sportbike bars and new break and clutch levers and a cafe windshield. The new bars put that weight forward like you said it was missing and makes it feel so different and aggressive looking... Ive watched alot of your reviews and really like what you did on this one! Great job!
Yeah, I got a 2015 Vulcan and I tell people it’s forgiving below 4K and gets up and goes above 5K. Iv’e been able to cruise at 75 at around 6K rpm and still be able to pass or just roll off the throttle to slow down. When accelerating it pushed be back in my seat. I’ve dropped it into turns and not tried to drag knee but wound up dragging my boot heel. Really love the bike. Started riding two months ago and haven’t misses a day. Oh yeah, and it was 5K out the door. 42K miles and rides like a dream. No leaking at all. I agree with the seat but you get used to it. I’ve been in the seat for 1.5 hours and no problem.
@@izzojoseph2 good Bikes and will Last 100k but it’s crazy what people ask for used bikes especially when u can buy new the vulcan s runs I think 7800 brand new 2022
@@gtiguy1992able ~ where I was, San Francisco Bay Area, it was a little more expensive. The closest one I could find for that price was out of state Also, I should point out Mine was $5K out the door ~ taxes delivery, blah blah I don’t think I got completely skunked
I currently own Harley Davidson‘s from 1968 all the way up to 2006 but the one bike I ride more than any other is in fact a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 classic! Vulcan 650 S is an absolutely wonderful bike. PS I have not road any one of my Harleys in five years since I got the Vulcan 900 classic, I’ll admit the 900 isn’t as powerful as say 1000 but it dose in fact keep up with the Milwaukee eight no problem
I've been looking for a bike and I've been hearing a lot of good things about it...you've just sold me on this...I'm looking to get one soon. Thank you.
I'm a Vulcan s owner I went with drag bars which changes the seating position and attitude of the bike completely. I also removed the extremely heavy exhaust like you did.
I owned a Kawasaki EN500, which is the baby brother to this 650. The EN500 could out run my 883 and 1200 Sportsters. I think the official model number for this bike is the EN650, which is just 150 cc larger than the EN500. I liked the heck out of that EN500 so I am sure I would like the 650S.
Dylan with Dylan absolutely. For some reason, most Americans are "bigger is better", when in fact, a lot of littler bikes are fantastic riders. AS I get older, I am more inclined to buy a smaller bike. I think that 650 you test rode is a pretty perfect fit, not too slow, not too fast, just like Goldie Locks likes em, perfet.
I have a Versys 650 which I love, but I rode one of these and it was more exciting and fun. The Versys wins on outright handing and all day comfort, but I still want a Vulcan S anyway.
Got a sweet deal on my new 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S in November of 2017 and overly enjoy every moment on it. Hell, I like the bike so much, I'm watching other people's reviews of the bike I've had for almost a year.
When I clicked on this, I was thinking about getting the Vulcan S. Now I REALLY want a Vulcan S. Preferably used. Getting back to bikes after a long hiatus. Can't wait.....
Awesome review, thanks for posting this video. Well done, stuck with facts and the opinions you shared had reasons behind them ! I'm almost sold on this bike but I'm so glad you mentioned the seating position. Havent had a cruiser before and I hadn't considered not being able to readjust like you mentioned. Ive been debating between this and a naked bike, may lean more towards Z650.
You knock guys for the knee jerk reaction that it’s a slow girl’s bike, but then you call it entry level. Sounds like a good bike for experienced riders. It is impossible to reach the performance limits of a liter bike, yet people die every year trying. A 650 has plenty of power for at least 90% of riders out there today.
I’ve read that the pegs are adjustable, which is supposed to help. Also the seat and the handle bars are adjustable. Maybe switching them to your preference will help with the discomfort?
I have a 2018 650S. Love the bike. Hate the seat. Can't sit on it after an hour. Hurts too bad and I just lost 40 lbs. Just hit 500 miles. Not sure if it's normal or not but I found the chain slack over 40mm. I corrected it. No other complaints than the seat.
Right off the bat I got a Corbin seat and had the pegs brought back under me a little. I can take weight off my back Abit and when just cruising the seat makes a world of difference.
4k? You got a STEAL! I have a ctx700 and a 2017 ninja 650. I love the comfort of the ctx and the motor of the 650 is amazing, if the Vulcan had a fairing I would trade in the ctx700
Coming from a sport bike world, you probably don't do windscreens, but put one on there and wind is no issue. I cruise at 75, 80 MPH on the highway on mine and don't feel the wind at all with my windscreen.
Vulcan 650S are $12-13K USD here in good 'ole Canada after taxes and exchange rate. That is the reason I am looking at low km used. I see them from between $5500-7K for bikes under 5000 km. Just looking for one in the Kawi green like in the video!
I just bought a green 2015. I''m digging it so far, with the exception of the seat. I have the mid-reach, and it slides me forward, placing way to much pressure just under my jewels. 30 minutes on this seat is about the longest ride I want to take right now. I just ordered the extended-reach seat. Hopefully that'll help. I read mostly great things about the Corbin seats, but I'm not yet willing to shell out nearly $600 for a seat, especially since I'm mostly just buzzing around town.
First of... I also own, ride and love the vulcan S. I did some tours and I can say i'm not the first who complains about a numb ass. I couldn't find anything to complain within the first 14k kilomiters (exept the noise but ine eureope you have to match the euro 4 for bikes from 2017 and up) so far considering the intention of this ride. If you are up to destroying some hd drivers don't forget about the origin of this bike... don' t hesitate to rev it up! None the less i had a laugh when you said it is not heavy with 238 kilograms on stock. I agee it doesnt feel this heavy but a 1996 suzuzki intruder with a 1.6 litre v twin is about 30 kilograms short
Had my Vulcan S Cafe' now for about a year and I love the bike. Handling is it's strong point. Power could be better but sufficient for the kind of bike it is. I agree, the Seat is the Worst Seat of any bike I have ever owned. Ended up with with a Corbin which is the only aftermarket seat for the Vulcan S on the market. The second complain I have is the suspension is lacking. I am around 250 lbs and I tried adjusting the monoshock up and down the scale and it just isn't very good with it's 3 inch travel. Other than that it is a decent bike for the money. It won't smoke the newer Harley's with the Milwaukee Eight engine. I test rode those things and they are amazingly fast. I don't even like Harley's but those new 2018 Softtails are not like any Harley I have been on before. They are much much stronger than previous models. The Sport Glide even handles fairly well. But it is about 4 times the price of a Vulcan S ;-) Great REview! I think I get myself an FZ-09 as a second bike if I feel the need for speed :-)
My wife has a Vulcan S, I've put a two brothers complete exhaust system and a power commander V on it. You think it's a great bike stock? Do these upgrades and OMG!! It's a total monster now! To forwarn the two brothers exhaust is very loud. Great video.
I was thinking of getting this or the z650, after seeing so many positive reviews I think I have decided! The only problem is finding one in AZ that's black and has ABS lol
I lover everything I hear about this bike except the seat discomfort, everyone says the same, that longer rides are torture. Seems like a major floor in a cruiser. Such a shame.
I'll be honest man, when I switched to the extended reach seat from the standard seat, I haven't had any comfort issues even rides greater than an hour (I am 6'2"). For smaller people, Corbin seats are highly reviewed as very comfy for long periods of time. It is a shame they didn't work harder with the smaller seat sizes though.
Hi mate, good video, everything you've said is true, my Vulcan s with Cafe Windcsreen aero mirrors help top speed heaps, I ride through the twisties wirh my mates and they ride street triple, z1000 and 2019 fat bob stage 2 and my Vulcan S with some tasteful cost effective performance mods keeps them busy on their throttles enjoying riding with me! Very underestmated...others search SRK Motorcycles Vulcan S and see what they drag race against it.
Awesome review. I think u can adjust the pegs and seat on this as well, that might help. Have you tried that? Otherwise replacing it is the only option.
I'm going to have to say go look up the Kawasaki 454 LTD. That's really where this all started. the 454 was a Ninja 900 with the engine split in half. Thus the name 908/2=454. Myself and a friend of mine have one. And I have to say their fun as hell. Now the Vulcan S will be way more reliable being fuel injected and packing 200 more cc's. But if your even more on a tight budget than 4-5,000 dollars you can find a 454 for around $1,500-$2,000 my friends has 2,800 miles and mine has 32,000 miles and it doesn't matter. If the bike has been taken care of it still pulls like a sport bike. And I have a 1050 Triumph also and I just love the 454 Cruiser almost as much if not more than the 1050. I'm really looking forward to test riding the Vulcan S and see how much better it is. But I restored a $500 project bike into something that almost rivals this bike. It's amazing that Kawasaki went back and redesigned it and these bikes are in a class of its own. I never wanted to ride a cruiser, but the 454 changed my mind very quickly and I'm sure the Vulcan S will also. Great Video. Just thought I share some info.
Great video dude. I'm considering buying a 2019 as my daily commuter in the city. What do you think? Is it up for the task or the suspension is not that comfortable for that?
idk if you bought one or not but the suspension is very easily tightened and dampened to fit you. The low end under 4-5k rpm is very forgiving and not insanely powerful and i would consider it good for city riding
That's a great video mate. Loved how you decribed it. Just wanted to know, will this be okay for long rides for a person 5'9"ish guy with weight around 160-170 lbs?
KazE Saurav It will become uncomfortable on long rides, the lower controls are far forward on the bike. So pressure is on the tail bone mostly. A better seat could be the solution to the problem.
BTW, Dylan, I realy think you ought to Build out your Channel. I thourly enjoyed the video. I love Roman 5:8, MC Rider and Hammereye85. Hammer is a great guy who lives in Alabama. Oh, and of course, Two Wheel Obession. But I am all about the Tulsa Man, Dylan with Dylan, yeah man, Dealing with Dylan :) :) :)
I found the seat on the Vulcan S to be very confortable. If you want to sit on an uncomfortable seat go sit on a new Harley Nightster. It's like sitting on a 2X8 piece hardwood. I been riding since the early 1960's and nothing but cruisers since the mid 1990's, so I guess I'm use to the sitting position of a cruiser. We have rode from Virginia Beach back to SE Ohio in one afternoon only stopping for gas. I have a different opinion about motorcycle brands than you do. I've owned four Yamahas over the years and had trouble with all four, so I will NEVER own another Yamaha. I've also owned four Harleys and had trouble with two of those. The last one cost me $37,000 and broke down four times within the first year. I sold it four $28,000 and glad to be rid of it. I will never own another Harley. The most comfortable bikes for us was a Suzuki 1500cc Intruder which I put 87,300 miles on and believe it or not a Kawaski 440 ltd. I am now looking hard at the Vulcan S and the new Kawasaki Eliminator. But I think I'm goung to stick with Kawasaki for two reasons, their comfort and their reliablity. Thank you for the video. Ride safe and enjoy every journey. '
Dylan, Son, you ROCK, like a big dog. My name is Steve Marvel and I live in Broken Arrow and just bought a new 2016 Vulcan 900 Classic LT from Shaggy's for an incredible price of 6500.00 OTD and bought a Suzuki C90T today for my son. Brought it home from Silom Springs Ark and yeah, for a 2005 with 15K miles and garage kept for 3K it is great. But, Dylan, BUT, Dylan, because of you I am going to Shaggy's tomorrow, in BA, to get with Shannon and demo the Vulcan S they have. Hey man, I would love to buy you lunch someday and go riding. Also, so funny, I'm a fat American dude with a big butt but I want to buy ya lunch and look at your bike and act like a wild man in a safe way. Oh, and by the way, Dylan, I'm 65 years young, Love Pink Floyd and like to rock like a big dog and enjoy life. My wife of 39 years says I'm just not happy unless I'm using the bug slide bug removal juice to clean up my false teeth from riding ALL THE TIME. Rock on T Town dude. Pop me a text man, my cell is 918-829-9978. Feel free to say hey. By the way, Man., Dylan, what a great video. Geez, I'm pulling out the Visa tomorrow. Be blessed buddy. You rock Tulsa Man. Steve "Captain Marvel" Marvel. Over n out. :)
Thanks Steve, I really am glad you found the video. Be careful putting phone numbers on RU-vid Man, some people will take advantage of personal info.You can direct message with things like that so you can stay safe.
Thanks Dylan. I'm an older guy with a zest for life so thanks for the guidance. Man, I'm demoing the Vulcan S tomorrow. Might have to add the boy to my stable. Current, Vulcan 900 Classic LT, Suzuki C90T and my little, Boot Scoot, 150 cc Grocery Getter. "She was born to be mild" yuk, yuk yuk. Ok, Dylan, maybe we can get a ride in some time. Tear em up buddy.
