Thanks for the comparison. I own a 2007 Vulcan 900 Classic, and have been thinking about replacing it with a Royal Enfield. I seriously doubt that my wife will be willing to give up her comfortable perch on the 900, though. The seat, the padded sissy bar, and especially the generous leg room have made it the best bike we’ve ever u in need in her estimation! It is not a very exciting bike, but it is a competent one, a good pragmatic choice for casual touring at a moderate pace. I would never pay $10,000 for a new one, but here in the states you can find any number of low mileage examples for half of that or less. Still No ABS. Never really needed it. Not a lot of bite from that single front disc, and I’ve never come even close to locking it up.
I locked up because I assumed ABS. What a shocker that was. The next time would be different. Loved the ride comfort and handling. It’s not always about the speed. Safe riding. 🙏
Hello Mr. T Very nice review of the Vulcan 900. But I love my SM650 and have even done a lot to it, like you have - put in a Sahara seat. Even have new exhaust on it too. I think that the ride is very nice, don’t feel any pain when riding it for a long ride. Went for a ride this summer 1450km in 3 days around in Denmark and together with one on a MT-07. My seat was much more comfortable then on the Yamaha😊 I like that you can make it your own bike by putting on different things like seat and exhaust. I have even put on a custom made fly screen for my SM650 and got it coloured like the bike. But thank you for all the shares you have done over the year and please keep them coming, really like to see what you do to your bike. Happy holidays to you and Mrs. T🎄
Yes I'm very impressed with the Sahara seats also. Makes a world of difference. I'm so much happier with my Meteor now, but do feel a Sahara low rider seat coming on 😂🙏
I nearly fell out of my seat with that near accident. Phew! I’ve never ridden the Vulcan but I do love my SM 650. You live in a beautiful part of the world so cruising is exactly what you need to do. Ride safe! 🎄
Very nice review. I'm glad you ran it up into the upper rpms and it seems your experience was the same as mine. I demoed a used 2015 model summer of 2023 (classic LT model with lower and wider front tire but exact same motor) that a golf cart dealer in Union City, OH took for a trade. It had less than 4 thousand miles and once I got to about an indicated 65 MPH, it got very buzzy vibration wise. Also the acceleration did not impress me, but it is adequate for a cruiser. Also the front end wanted to flop into slow turns (perhaps it had low tire pressure - not sure). Amazing that Kawasaki has made this same model, very much unchanged except for colors since either 2006 or 7, and never upgraded to ABS or cruise control. Oh well. There are hoards of low milage used ones to be found in the states at really good prices.
I forgot the bike didn’t have ABS. Something you get so used to. And yes the 2025 model is unchanged and still no ABS. I wonder if it can me retro fitted? Nice cruiser. Second hand prices are low. A worthy cruiser for a good price. 🙏
Morning Teacher T - close call that was! You should see our food delivery riders in the UK. Riding on pavements! Coming down a bus lane the wrong way. Riding out into oncoming traffic along the high road beeping their horn and with their hazard lights on, then going right on a keep left sign on our Zeba Crossing!! They definitely aren't two wheel ambassadors that's for sure! And our PC 49 brigade just let this happen? I'm off the road until the New Year. Flat front tyre due to what looks like a builders bucket full old nails and screws chucked all over the road. I saw that too late sadly! Anyway here's wishing you Mrs T and your family a very Happy Christmas time, or whatever other celebrations are planned and all the best for the New Year 👃. PS. Should you get the opportunity try riding the 1500 cc Kawasaki. She is definitely eye candy too 👍😊...
Yes Les it certainly was. Sounds like those delivery drivers are the same as the ones we have here in Thailand. The quickest shortest route wins, legal or not. Happy Christmas to you and your Grandsons too. All the best 🙏
The Japanese manufacturers haven’t really undated their cruisers for the US. Aside from a couple of new models aimed at beginners, the larger capacity bikes haven’t changed in years. I tested a Vulcan 900 over 10 years ago and it was the same bike they sell today. It was fine for “cruising “, but not really suited to higher speeds. I was not impressed with its capabilities when riding above 70 mph. It felt strained and vibey, just as you described. Unfortunately, thanks to the belt drive, changing gearing to reduce rpm’s isn’t very simple. It is what it is. If you’re ok with that, it’s a reliable, affordable choice. To me, the Enfield is more of a throwback to a standard bike from the 50’s, not really a cruiser. Good luck on those roads. Scooters riding on the edge of the roads seems pretty sketchy to me. I guess you get used to it.
My Meteor 650 is strained over70 mph also, but that is fast enough on unpredictable roads here as you can see. But in the US I can understand that with bigger faster roads you would want a bit more. No chickens, digs or scooters in the way 😂🙏
It is such a shame the Japanese have pretty much left the cruiser market here in the US, and I have owned quite a few over the years. Yes Kawasaki has the 900 and 1700 series, and Susuki has the 800 boulevard series all unchanged for 15 and more years. And Honda still has the 750 shadow series. But there are still a lot of low milage used Japanese cruiser bikes are great used prices with the great Japanese reliablility. I too am glad we do not have those 50 to 150 cc scooters one the edge on roads just putting around, except for Indiana somewhat as drunks that had their car licenses taken away do not need a license for a 50 cc scooter in Indiana.
It certainly was, and I didn't anticipate no ABS. Have grown so used to it over the years, forgot older bikes don't have it. But surprised the current models sold in the US still don't have it. The steering on the SM650 always catches me out. 😂🙏
It seems the added Gel is giving me the comfort. It's harder to sit on but no pain on long journeys. It a strange one to try and explain. But the Vulcan for an out of the box standard bike is very comfortable and impressive 🙏
Fancy coming upon Verstappen in Thailand on a scooter 🤣 Seriously, you should be banned for another reason, going out to play after school, in the sun, on a bike whilst in 'Dear' old UK it is only 8 degrees, 45 mph wind, tipping with rain and dark at 16:00! 😩 Keep up the good work and please keep in mind my request for a belt drive for the Vulcan 650 S?
Interesting comparison, but there is something that doesn't add up for me about the acceleration from a standstill with the SM: you even recorded 10 seconds from 0 to 100 Kph, which is really excessive... all the tests carried out by specialized magazines, as well as the official RE data, give a time of 6.5 seconds. Not to mention the time of 12.5 seconds for the Kawasaki, which evidently had a cylinder out of use 🤔
No. But after upgrading from the Meteor 350 which I loved very much, I was very disappointed in the comfort and hard ride. But the engine has won me over. It's also been a journey to modify the bike, which has aided the channel. So no regrets. But I was very impressed with a 10 year old Vulcan, which for a stock unmodified bike, needed to be highlighted 🙏
I won't bother listing the bikes I've owned, but I still love riding my 650 Super Meteor cruiser and although I'm 71 next year... I can't wait to be riding from Hertfordshire UK to Cornwall again next year 🤘. Stay safe and stay happy 👍.
Thanks for the comparison. I own a 2007 Vulcan 900 Classic, and have been thinking about replacing it with a Royal Enfield. I seriously doubt that my wife will be willing to give up her comfortable perch on the 900, though. The seat, the padded sissy bar, and especially the generous leg room have made it the best bike we’ve ever u in need in her estimation!
It is not a very exciting bike, but it is a competent one, a good pragmatic choice for casual touring at a moderate pace.
I would never pay $10,000 for a new one, but here in the states you can find any number of low mileage examples for half of that or less.
Still No ABS. Never really needed it. Not a lot of bite from that single front disc, and I’ve never come even close to locking it up.
I locked up because I assumed ABS. What a shocker that was. The next time would be different. Loved the ride comfort and handling. It’s not always about the speed. Safe riding. 🙏
Nice video. Very interesting. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Have a beautiful day! Cheers!! Illinois. USA
Hello Mr. T
Very nice review of the Vulcan 900. But I love my SM650 and have even done a lot to it, like you have - put in a Sahara seat. Even have new exhaust on it too. I think that the ride is very nice, don’t feel any pain when riding it for a long ride. Went for a ride this summer 1450km in 3 days around in Denmark and together with one on a MT-07. My seat was much more comfortable then on the Yamaha😊
I like that you can make it your own bike by putting on different things like seat and exhaust. I have even put on a custom made fly screen for my SM650 and got it coloured like the bike.
But thank you for all the shares you have done over the year and please keep them coming, really like to see what you do to your bike.
Happy holidays to you and Mrs. T🎄
Yes I'm very impressed with the Sahara seats also. Makes a world of difference. I'm so much happier with my Meteor now, but do feel a Sahara low rider seat coming on 😂🙏
I nearly fell out of my seat with that near accident. Phew! I’ve never ridden the Vulcan but I do love my SM 650. You live in a beautiful part of the world so cruising is exactly what you need to do. Ride safe! 🎄
Very nice review. I'm glad you ran it up into the upper rpms and it seems your experience was the same as mine. I demoed a used 2015 model summer of 2023 (classic LT model with lower and wider front tire but exact same motor) that a golf cart dealer in Union City, OH took for a trade. It had less than 4 thousand miles and once I got to about an indicated 65 MPH, it got very buzzy vibration wise. Also the acceleration did not impress me, but it is adequate for a cruiser. Also the front end wanted to flop into slow turns (perhaps it had low tire pressure - not sure). Amazing that Kawasaki has made this same model, very much unchanged except for colors since either 2006 or 7, and never upgraded to ABS or cruise control. Oh well. There are hoards of low milage used ones to be found in the states at really good prices.
I forgot the bike didn’t have ABS. Something you get so used to. And yes the 2025 model is unchanged and still no ABS. I wonder if it can me retro fitted? Nice cruiser. Second hand prices are low. A worthy cruiser for a good price. 🙏
Morning Teacher T - close call that was! You should see our food delivery riders in the UK. Riding on pavements! Coming down a bus lane the wrong way. Riding out into oncoming traffic along the high road beeping their horn and with their hazard lights on, then going right on a keep left sign on our Zeba Crossing!! They definitely aren't two wheel ambassadors that's for sure! And our PC 49 brigade just let this happen? I'm off the road until the New Year. Flat front tyre due to what looks like a builders bucket full old nails and screws chucked all over the road. I saw that too late sadly! Anyway here's wishing you Mrs T and your family a very Happy Christmas time, or whatever other celebrations are planned and all the best for the New Year 👃. PS. Should you get the opportunity try riding the 1500 cc Kawasaki. She is definitely eye candy too 👍😊...
Yes Les it certainly was. Sounds like those delivery drivers are the same as the ones we have here in Thailand. The quickest shortest route wins, legal or not. Happy Christmas to you and your Grandsons too. All the best 🙏
The Japanese manufacturers haven’t really undated their cruisers for the US. Aside from a couple of new models aimed at beginners, the larger capacity bikes haven’t changed in years. I tested a Vulcan 900 over 10 years ago and it was the same bike they sell today. It was fine for “cruising “, but not really suited to higher speeds. I was not impressed with its capabilities when riding above 70 mph. It felt strained and vibey, just as you described. Unfortunately, thanks to the belt drive, changing gearing to reduce rpm’s isn’t very simple. It is what it is. If you’re ok with that, it’s a reliable, affordable choice. To me, the Enfield is more of a throwback to a standard bike from the 50’s, not really a cruiser. Good luck on those roads. Scooters riding on the edge of the roads seems pretty sketchy to me. I guess you get used to it.
My Meteor 650 is strained over70 mph also, but that is fast enough on unpredictable roads here as you can see. But in the US I can understand that with bigger faster roads you would want a bit more. No chickens, digs or scooters in the way 😂🙏
It is such a shame the Japanese have pretty much left the cruiser market here in the US, and I have owned quite a few over the years. Yes Kawasaki has the 900 and 1700 series, and Susuki has the 800 boulevard series all unchanged for 15 and more years. And Honda still has the 750 shadow series. But there are still a lot of low milage used Japanese cruiser bikes are great used prices with the great Japanese reliablility. I too am glad we do not have those 50 to 150 cc scooters one the edge on roads just putting around, except for Indiana somewhat as drunks that had their car licenses taken away do not need a license for a 50 cc scooter in Indiana.
Wow, that was a close call there Trev.
I do reckon the sm would just do a u-turn there if ya lean it a touch?
It certainly was, and I didn't anticipate no ABS. Have grown so used to it over the years, forgot older bikes don't have it. But surprised the current models sold in the US still don't have it. The steering on the SM650 always catches me out. 😂🙏
I really like the Vulcan 900, but RE wins this for me.
That seat is awesome. I wish I could find a similar seat for the Super Meteor.
I looked at Sahara seats, but their single seats are ugly.
It seems the added Gel is giving me the comfort. It's harder to sit on but no pain on long journeys. It a strange one to try and explain. But the Vulcan for an out of the box standard bike is very comfortable and impressive 🙏
I would miss ABS, it has saved my bacon a few times.
Fancy coming upon Verstappen in Thailand on a scooter 🤣 Seriously, you should be banned for another reason, going out to play after school, in the sun, on a bike whilst in 'Dear' old UK it is only 8 degrees, 45 mph wind, tipping with rain and dark at 16:00! 😩 Keep up the good work and please keep in mind my request for a belt drive for the Vulcan 650 S?
I will be returning to UK March next year. Hope it's better by then. Agreed the Vulcan S 650 needs a belt. Leaning on the developer 😂🙏
Interesting comparison, but there is something that doesn't add up for me about the acceleration from a standstill with the SM: you even recorded 10 seconds from 0 to 100 Kph, which is really excessive... all the tests carried out by specialized magazines, as well as the official RE data, give a time of 6.5 seconds. Not to mention the time of 12.5 seconds for the Kawasaki, which evidently had a cylinder out of use 🤔
Teacher t a beautiful vlogg..... Kawasaki anyday..... Enfield is a cheaper version..... Please advise review for w230 please if possible
Thank you, as always 🙏
Do you regret buying the Super Meteor?
No. But after upgrading from the Meteor 350 which I loved very much, I was very disappointed in the comfort and hard ride. But the engine has won me over. It's also been a journey to modify the bike, which has aided the channel. So no regrets. But I was very impressed with a 10 year old Vulcan, which for a stock unmodified bike, needed to be highlighted 🙏
I chose the Meteor over the Vulcan because of price, ABS and a sixth gear.
Understood. I just loved the comfort, soft ride and handling. And not that much of a price difference compared to Harley or Indian 🙏
My recommendation teacher please sell of the meteor......u will be a happy camper
Ha ha. I can never do that But I have other bikes I can move on 😂🙏
@ for rides please use something else you will love it
I won't bother listing the bikes I've owned, but I still love riding my 650 Super Meteor cruiser and although I'm 71 next year... I can't wait to be riding from Hertfordshire UK to Cornwall again next year 🤘. Stay safe and stay happy 👍.
harley fatboy style seat on the 900 ;