I have a 2017 with 1k miles on it. You will not expect the bike to be as fast as it is. I've actually scared myself twice redlining in 3rd gear. Highway is effortless. Great pull in 6th at 60-70-90. Bike is SUPER comfortable. This bike is pretty much a z650 with a cruiser chasis.
thats very smart of kawasaki to bring out a small cruiser that can keep up with the fancy pants harleys. if i had seen this bike in recent months it wud've been a serious consideration. but i got an m109r instead......was worth it to see the harleys get blown off the road
i get that the Harley has a bigger engine but the Vulcan is designed to have the quickness and the Harley is so much bigger. I didn't hear what model you were racing but the Harley had the saddle bags and tons of extra metal. Though, even if you decked out the Vulcan the same way, it'd still weigh less than the harley - correct me if I'm mistaken. After saying all of that, I really like the Vulcan S. Wicked cool bike.
SRKcycles - Okay. Those weren't made to go fast. I'd love to see a street bob head to head - though I think the vulcan would still win. That is such a cool bike
He's not comparing the same motorcycles. If he put the vulcan against something like the sportster 883 iron, Harley street rod, or Street 750 it'd be closer.
883 iron is even slower than the glide and the 750 is slower still. lol. Harley are all the slowest bikes in their class. Buy one if you want, but they are a culture not a high performance bike.
I'm curious if that new Harley Street Rod that's based on the 750 will be able to keep up... remember that the street engines are water cooled not air cooled and they make a bit more power per cc the street 750 is a lot closer in performance to the 883 than their displacements would suggest...
@Polarisman Axys well that's your first mistake thinking NORMAL CRUISERS AND TOURING BIKES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE FAST THEY AREN'T. They are meant to be incredibly comfortable on long rides. By the way they excel at their job very well in fact look at the gas mileage alone. The sportster has a fuel range of 215 miles which is the equilavent to a liter bike and a 600cc sport bike. If you want speed you have to look at the muscle cruisers which don't have the gas mileage a normal cruiser does.
Polarisman Axys - From what I have read and all the specs I have seen, the Street 750 beats the 883 easily. The Kawasaki Vulcan S and the Street 750 are very close. The 750 0-60= 4.6 sec the Vulcan= 4.3 sec.
I have been riding Harleys for years..most recent was the Nightster.I thought nothing would ever interest me more than the HD Nightster TILL i test drove the Kawasaki 650 vulcan s.WELL I am now a proud owner of a 2016 Kawasaki 650 cafe and I LOVE IT!!!
It's all in the transmission and the torque and performance curve, I guess. The Vulcan S has an (albeit modified) engine taken from the ER-6N, which was a classic midrange naked bike. It's been modified for slightly more torque in the lower ranges, but it won't ever cease to be able to rev way higher than any V-twin, who'd be vibrating like crazy in the upper ranges. Combined with the light weight of the bike, the engine really gets to play its advantages... Plus it is very acceptably priced, handles like a dream and will seat anyone from short to tall without looking completely ridiculous. Kawasaki really did a nice job with that one.
I love mine. Bought mine new July 2016 for 7,500. My first bike. I didn't want something too small that I'd get bored with or that I'd be upgrading in a year, also really loved cruiser feeling and looks but they are all so heavy for someone who never rode before. 4590 miles so far and very happy still. Easy to control.
I got the vulcan s last year as my first bike (actually in white just like this one). And it is definitely fast--a quick twist of the wrist and you're gone. For my car I drive a mustang GT and when I get back into it after riding all day it feels so slow
The orange is such a sexy color for that bike. Orange, blue, matte black, red, lime green...all gorgeous colors. I like the white shown in this video, but not as much as the matte black and orange.
I have had it for over two months. I can pass anything with ease on the freeway. Its a great bike! Only knock on it is the seat which hurts like heck after about an hour riding.
Old review but useful for me as I am interested in this bike due to a friend having one and raving about it. Looking at Sean on it, I know I could fit on it, too as we are the same height and build. One to consider maybe as there's a Kawasaki dealer where I live.
@@mishimposble Yeah, it's tough when your bike craps out. I was lucky, early on when my Yam 650 started its death rattle, and pointed me at Harley Evos. I just want to ride. Sorry about your stator! Dead batteries are tough on many electrical systems... even in cars. Enjoy your ride.
@@automachinehead So, are you trying to say your experience with an older Yamaha 650 applies to a different Kawasaki engine and you know it's not going to last 90k miles but, your Harley with 1942 technology is somehow better?
Hey Shaun, living here in Australia mate, enjoy all your vids including bike and beards. Your Vulcan S test rides enticed me to buy one, exhaust mod and goes great!! Thanks.
really hard to compare this bike to other cruisers or sport bikes. and that's the genius of what Kawi did. it's a highbred. sport motor in a cruiser style, I think they nailed it.
The comparision to Harley is that ANYTHING is a better value. Harley nowdays is just a name. Harley's are far outdated, Way too over priced, lack power, Handle like shit. I'd buy the Kawasaki before any crap harley!!!
RockTheSix 73 the roadster rides pretty good and has hp/torque either equal too or better then others in it class (74 hp, and 81 torque I wanna say). Plus your a hammer kit away from 1275 CC and 125-130 whp lol. That’s getting into sportbike territory lol. So they are capable. But they are a bit over priced IMO
I can attest to those being accurate numbers. I ride with a small pack of guys that all have mid size "sport cruisers" and we went to the drag strip a couple weeks ago. My buddies 2014 Bolt stock ran a best of 13.71, the 2016 Vulcan S ABS with pipes went a best of 13.21, Shadow Aero 750 with drag pipes, K&N, Timing mod and custom jetting went 13.58 best and the "bad ass" Harley of our group, an 883 Sportster with V&H pipes and fuel tuning went 14.13. The track was hooking well that night, I brought my GSXR 750 down as well just to go a little faster then our slow toys and clicked off a new personal best with that bike of 9.76. (These times are all 1/4 mile ETs @ Cecil County Dragway-300ft DA/65 degrees F)
You on any forums? My slips are all over Gixxer.com. My 750 goes into the high 9's just about every weekend lol. Last night it was insanely humid and hot, best I could muster was 9.83@138. 1.62 60'. On the 9.76 pass I trapped 140, and that was a nice cool spring morning pass. Still my PB to this day but I'm not adding anymore power to the bike so it probably won't change. I don't know why your surprised, though. I was clicking off 10.20's regularly 100% stock with my 750 and it's much healthier now. I've jumped on quite a few bone stock 1k bikes and gone 9's as well, and a full bolt on 750 is essentially offering up the same power and weight of a stock 1k so im not anything special, guys do it all the time lol. We do have good altitude here though, roughly 130-150ft with our highest point being still under 300ft. That helps ALOT with getting good ETs, stock cars run good times here also.
By the way my 750 setup is a K9 with full Yoshi header + exhaust, ported airbox w/ Jenvey Vstacks, 2015 intake cam (most aggressive OEM GSXR cam produced) moved my stock intake cam to exhaust side, PCV w/ quickshift, -1/+2, lowered -1.5", extended +9" and a sticky 190mm tire.
That 650 twin is a beast. I've ridden other bikes with it, my old 600 bandit would take a ninja 650 on the top end (80hp vs 65ish hp), but that twin smokes it off the line and through the mid-range.
Murtagh653 to me it looks like a cruiser, I don't see sport bike anywhere in that. And there's smaller CC bikes that are faster than this one, the CBR600RR would dominate that bike in every aspect
I think he means because of the more modern styling the headlight looks like it came off a naked bike and the leg position is not as relaxed as it is on a Harley or other larger cruiser.
Savage Salvage, guess what, there are smaller displacement bikes that would "dominate" a cbr600rr "in every aspect" - what a fooking pointless comparison!
OK guys, you sold me! As a beginner this may be my first bike when the time comes, hopefully soon. Thanks very much for your video gentlemen. It was very helpful.
Best motorcycle vids on youtube! I've had 3 HDs, a ton of metrics, recently a V-Star 950 Tourer, and currently a 2002 Concours. I hate the Concours, it is a top heavy pig. I'm very short for an adult male @ 5'3" and recently sat on a Vulcan S at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Mpls and loved it! After so many larger displacement bikes I have been worried about riding a 650. This video made my day! (Where was the Bible verse? I love 'em.)
Sean, thanks for this video. I hope to be a newbie first-time rider next year after some orthopedic surgeries have healed up. You certainly make the case for this as being the perfect newbie bike that an owner can really be proud of. Both new and used in my area of Minnesota are about $8,000 or less. I keep watching your videos and changing my mind all the time! LOL But seriously this bike and others similar to it that you have showed us are really great. Thanks again for these videos and those on Bikes and Beards. Much appreciated.
PLEASE DO A HIGHEAY REWIEW OF THIS BIKE! I ride a v star 650 and hate how much vibration there is, and how much need for a 6th gear is there. would it be worth it to go from this from a v star 650?
YES ! I owned a 99 v star 650 and it was excellent on the street, but on the highway it was shakey as heck. I just traded my V star 1100 for one exactly like SKR's and man, no lie....it's a totally new world. It will sneak up to 60 so fast you wouldn't know it due to the smoothness and less vibration. I took it on the x-way and the only thing that sucked I made it to work too fast, lol. but seriously, the vibration on this bike it far, far less than the V star.
Yeah I can second that... i have this exact bike. I'm 250+ right now and I have absolutely no problem getting up to speed. Can get over 100 easy and the bike still feels smooth
I have a 17 Vulcan S, bought new, and have put over 11k miles on it. My buddy has a 14 Fatboy. We've ridden thousands and thousands of miles together. I can confidently say that something is wrong with the Harley used in this video.
I almost bought this bike, but i had the 650R ninja, and a 650 versys, and they all 3 have the same motor, but they are different tunes. I loved both my kawis, but i think i will get a totally different bike now. I do love the look of the vulcan S though.
Wish I could concur with the title of "Fastest 650 Ever", but i'm a lil disappointed. Maybe I would be impressed if it was my 1st bike. But my 1st bike was a Yamaha FZ6R and this does NOT compare. Sold the Yammie then Bought a 2018 Vulcan S 650 Cafe after 3 years of not riding based on reviews. I can honestly say that it doesn't compare to the 2012 FZ6R. I didn't think that 10HP would make that much of a difference (Vulcan S has less). I find my self downshifting a LOT on slight inclines on the highway. very annoying. I weigh only 160 lbs so it's not like I'm a heavy rider... Getting use to it. For now I'll give it a 6 outta 10.. Maybe I need a tune up? lol.. I bought it with only 1060miles on it..
Stock Harley baggers are SLOWWWWW, even my 2012 S40(652cc single thumper, with very few mods)) leaves them behind between lights...don't worry, my 650 has NOTHING to offer after 60 or 70.
Well....i dont know.... i owned about 17 bikez till now....you know...after a yearand a half i sold it and i bouht another one...mainly they were used and street naked or supersports..except one on off ...i like the vulcan...i just wonder about the 31caster it has...will it be safe and logically fast at sharp bends? Been used to 23.5 up to 25 rake usually...of course it is a cruiser......anyway....i always enjoy your videos.....best wishes to everyone...
Vulcan S is a GREAT bike. People see the 650 on a cruiser and think 650 cruiser. It's not a 650 cruiser engine. It's a retuned 650 sport bike engine. Like comparing apples to oranges.
It's the same thing with the old Vulcan 500 that the S is replacing, if you ride it like a cruiser expecting all the power to happen under 3500 rpm it's pretty gutless, but once you realize it's somewhat of a ninja in disguise you realize you've gotta wind it out. I've got an 06 500LTD and all the power is at the higher revs.
I would love this bike. I'll take mine in black. Regular seat and bars but pegs to the rear most setting. A medium windshield. The black light bar. Passenger pegs and seat with back rest and rear rack. Their premium saddle bags. Add the Arrow Rebel exhaust and I've got a bike I'd be proud to ride to Sturgis or Daytona.
Actually the Vulcan S is not the same engine as the Ninja or Er6 650 engines by Kawasaki. They are over 70 hp and about 54 kW The Vulcan is about 45 kW and 60 plus hp. Doesn't meet A license test standard in Ireland. I'd have much preferred to buy it but bought an er6 for rest purpose.
The HD looks ridiculous. it's got so much crap on it, I'm surprised it has any acceleration. And that funny little white 650 thingy, would be perfect for my little sister. Neither of these bikes has any street cred, just ugly underpowered slowmobiles.
The Vulcan S is a surprising little cruiser for sure. If you ride a Star 650, then a Shadow 750, then a Vulcan 700/800 and compare those to the Vulcan S it's like comparing a liter bike to a Harley 883. What surprised me the most is the Vulcan S 650 is faster then the Yamaha Bolt and can hang with a 1200 Sportster untill about 70 MPH. That's a pretty good feat for a 649cc little cruiser. They also seem to have very good gearing for acceleration as well because the power and weight aren't really impressive but the performance of the bike for its class truly is. (Most mid/entry cruisers run mid 14 second 1/4 mile ETs stock, the Vulcan S goes low 13's stock. The S makes around 50 HP and 43 TQ at the rear tire-Shadow 750s make around 38HP and 45 TQ at the tire. They both weight right around 500 or a little over when wet-options/model depending. Looking at the numbers you would think they would be pretty close contenders, but the Kawa is more then a second faster through the 1/4 mile stock for stock, which anyone who races knows is HUGE.
the seat and handlebars don't move. they have different seats and handlebars they can put on it to fit the rider. If you buy it new, they will help determine which seat, handlebars, and foot peg setup fits you best. If you buy it used, you're stuck with whatever the previous owner got unless you buy different parts from Kawasaki.
Let's try and figure out one important technical spec: is this an inline or parallel twin?? No you can't google this... you'll come up with a different answer every time!
If I understand correctly, the engine of the Vulcan S is the same engine as the Ninja 650, but down-tuned for more low and mid range torque. The Ergo fit system are swapped parts (seat and handlebars) at the dealer or sold desperately (if you didn't buy it at a dealership).
I'm still running it in so taking it easy yet, however, yes, obviously a bit more power/torque. the downside is because it's a V twin there's a bit more vibration. The Vulcan being a parallel twin was super smooth. It's still very early days yet. It gets a lot of attention :D
awhile back I asked if there was a cruiser out there with a little balls and you suggested the Vulcan s. well I took your advice and now am the owner of a 17' Vulcan s. this the perfect bike for me all around. I don't anticipate getting bored soon. lots of power and quicker than pretty much any cruiser out there and maybe you don't want to go cross country but an hour on the highway is pretty enjoyable. anyway thanks bud and safe riding. keep up the good work.
Too bad the engine sounds like shit......the bike is ugly, made of cheap materials and will NEVER be a Harley as much as it may try. Simply cannot top the legacy of Harley
I rode a Vulcan S and my friend owned an Aquila GV650 in 2018. We occasionally tour together in our Vulcan Riders Indonesia (we accepted any bike that were willing to go touring with us). They were NOT comparable. Vulcan beat it way off! And also his bike always has problems. Especially with the cooling system. I don't know why. Our Vulcans also beat some 1250cc Harley that toured with us. We got 180kph+ at that time.
your channel is grate . I normally watch your vids on my work computer so didn't subscribe lol. I have now on my home PC. grate content mate .keep up the good work watching from uk
Glad to see this. Pretty much sold me on this as my first bigger bike up from a 125 Shadow. I thought it was maybe a bit small for me at 5' 11" but you don't look cramped or tiny on it at all. Great review - cheers!
The Kawasaki looks little. The seat does not move you have to buy another seat. There are 3 sizes of seats for the bike. The tacho is where the speedo should go.
I have a 2017 with 1k miles on it. You will not expect the bike to be as fast as it is. I've actually scared myself twice redlining in 3rd gear. Highway is effortless. Great pull in 6th at 60-70-90. Bike is SUPER comfortable. This bike is pretty much a z650 with a cruiser chasis.
man just wait until you figure out that it just is a z650 with cruiser chassis, its literally got the same engine
@@KryptoKn8it’s a ninja 650
thats very smart of kawasaki to bring out a small cruiser that can keep up with the fancy pants harleys. if i had seen this bike in recent months it wud've been a serious consideration. but i got an m109r instead......was worth it to see the harleys get blown off the road
i get that the Harley has a bigger engine but the Vulcan is designed to have the quickness and the Harley is so much bigger. I didn't hear what model you were racing but the Harley had the saddle bags and tons of extra metal. Though, even if you decked out the Vulcan the same way, it'd still weigh less than the harley - correct me if I'm mistaken.
After saying all of that, I really like the Vulcan S. Wicked cool bike.
+Joseph Izzo street glide
SRKcycles - Okay. Those weren't made to go fast. I'd love to see a street bob head to head - though I think the vulcan would still win. That is such a cool bike
anything accelerates faster than a harley
He's not comparing the same motorcycles. If he put the vulcan against something like the sportster 883 iron, Harley street rod, or Street 750 it'd be closer.
883 iron is even slower than the glide and the 750 is slower still. lol. Harley are all the slowest bikes in their class. Buy one if you want, but they are a culture not a high performance bike.
I'm curious if that new Harley Street Rod that's based on the 750 will be able to keep up... remember that the street engines are water cooled not air cooled and they make a bit more power per cc the street 750 is a lot closer in performance to the 883 than their displacements would suggest...
@Polarisman Axys well that's your first mistake thinking NORMAL CRUISERS AND TOURING BIKES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE FAST THEY AREN'T. They are meant to be incredibly comfortable on long rides. By the way they excel at their job very well in fact look at the gas mileage alone. The sportster has a fuel range of 215 miles which is the equilavent to a liter bike and a 600cc sport bike. If you want speed you have to look at the muscle cruisers which don't have the gas mileage a normal cruiser does.
Polarisman Axys - From what I have read and all the specs I have seen, the Street 750 beats the 883 easily. The Kawasaki Vulcan S and the Street 750 are very close. The 750 0-60= 4.6 sec the Vulcan= 4.3 sec.
Wish I got into motorcycles when I was younger. The Vulcan S is beautiful.
What's stopping you now? I started at 34....my grandpa at 62, live a short life then waste a long one.
@@corinnajohnson7391 40s and lots of injuries over past 20 years.
@@barfo281 ah my man that sucks. But you can get a Honda w a dct? Or somethin.. ?
@@corinnajohnson7391 I hopped back on at 63 !
@@barfo281 maybe a can-am ryker or spyder?
7:30 I'm naming the pot hole you keep hitting "Sean's nut crusher"
+Daniel Greene lol
I am completely unaware! Though I do sometimes wish to share but do not act on spurts of violence.
😂 😆
I have been riding Harleys for years..most recent was the Nightster.I thought nothing would ever interest me more than the HD Nightster TILL i test drove the Kawasaki 650 vulcan s.WELL I am now a proud owner of a 2016 Kawasaki 650 cafe and I LOVE IT!!!
how well does that cafe windshield work?
@@MrSokgunslinger Rode one yesterday, that cafe screen directs the air to mid chest level. Airflow hitting the helmet is smooth.
Windshield is for old people and wimps. I’m 70 so I can say this. :)
@@jerryinman3044 19yo, I think they're great on a cruiser. Street bikes where you already lean into the wind is different I guess
Each to their own
I was lucky enough to purchase Clint Ewings vulcan S. Best bike I've ever owned. I absolutely love it!!
Most bikes smoke Harleys, the couch on wheels. Offense meant
TreeCityRider They are heavy and slow like your gf
Wrong! The couch on wheels is the Gold(lead) Wing!
It's all in the transmission and the torque and performance curve, I guess. The Vulcan S has an (albeit modified) engine taken from the ER-6N, which was a classic midrange naked bike. It's been modified for slightly more torque in the lower ranges, but it won't ever cease to be able to rev way higher than any V-twin, who'd be vibrating like crazy in the upper ranges.
Combined with the light weight of the bike, the engine really gets to play its advantages...
Plus it is very acceptably priced, handles like a dream and will seat anyone from short to tall without looking completely ridiculous.
Kawasaki really did a nice job with that one.
I'm sorry but the inhale+mouth smack is driving me insane.
Steve Cramer same
Steve Cramer I didn't even notice until you told me lol
Steve Cramer ...
never noticed til you mentioned...thanks a lot.
bruh first thing I noticed when he started talking! drove me crazy
Agree!!! 😱🏍😏
I love mine. Bought mine new July 2016 for 7,500. My first bike. I didn't want something too small that I'd get bored with or that I'd be upgrading in a year, also really loved cruiser feeling and looks but they are all so heavy for someone who never rode before. 4590 miles so far and very happy still. Easy to control.
N3PRO Dave cc
I got the vulcan s last year as my first bike (actually in white just like this one). And it is definitely fast--a quick twist of the wrist and you're gone. For my car I drive a mustang GT and when I get back into it after riding all day it feels so slow
The easiest way to explain the Kawasaki Vulcan 650 s is that it's got the heart of a crotch rocket with a cruiser body
I bought this bike 3 days ago, it is awesome...2016 model in candy matte orange. Badass lil cruiser, freakin love it!
ericmac1976 I just got the same thing, orange 2016. LOVIN IT!!! cheers bro.
The orange is such a sexy color for that bike. Orange, blue, matte black, red, lime green...all gorgeous colors. I like the white shown in this video, but not as much as the matte black and orange.
My first bike! Had this for almost a month so far and I'm loving it!!
OrlandoClark how does it handle freeway speeds? Can you pass semis with no worries?
Update
I have had it for over two months. I can pass anything with ease on the freeway. Its a great bike! Only knock on it is the seat which hurts like heck after about an hour riding.
I bought a Bolt over this....I’m ok with that
I have an eye in that bike for about 3 months... I'm going for it
Old review but useful for me as I am interested in this bike due to a friend having one and raving about it. Looking at Sean on it, I know I could fit on it, too as we are the same height and build. One to consider maybe as there's a Kawasaki dealer where I live.
Great 650 engine thats in the Vulcan, Versys, and Ninja. It makes around 68 hp. Most bang for the buck.
Come on back when you've got 90,000 miles w/o pulling the heads or the clutch
@@Redpawdave I've got over 45k miles now. Only replaced a stator and have done regular maintenance. What's your point?
@@mishimposble Yeah, it's tough when your bike craps out. I was lucky, early on when my Yam 650 started its death rattle, and pointed me at Harley Evos. I just want to ride. Sorry about your stator! Dead batteries are tough on many electrical systems... even in cars. Enjoy your ride.
@@mishimposble the point is you haven't reached 90k. try going over that number without half the motor being replaced.
@@automachinehead So, are you trying to say your experience with an older Yamaha 650 applies to a different Kawasaki engine and you know it's not going to last 90k miles but, your Harley with 1942 technology is somehow better?
Hey Shaun, living here in Australia mate, enjoy all your vids including bike and beards. Your Vulcan S test rides enticed me to buy one, exhaust mod and goes great!! Thanks.
Can’t agree more, I realize what you meant when I test rode mine and bought it immediately
really hard to compare this bike to other cruisers or sport bikes. and that's the genius of what Kawi did. it's a highbred. sport motor in a cruiser style, I think they nailed it.
I Love Kawasaki Valcan S. ♥️
The comparision to Harley is that ANYTHING is a better value. Harley nowdays is just a name. Harley's are far outdated, Way too over priced, lack power, Handle like shit. I'd buy the Kawasaki before any crap harley!!!
RockTheSix 73 the roadster rides pretty good and has hp/torque either equal too or better then others in it class (74 hp, and 81 torque I wanna say). Plus your a hammer kit away from 1275 CC and 125-130 whp lol. That’s getting into sportbike territory lol. So they are capable. But they are a bit over priced IMO
Watching some of your old vids in 2020 and noticed you covered this bike extensively! Seems like a decent little bike with a lot to offer!
This is going to be my first cruiser I just love how sexy it is plus better performance than most Harley and for cheaper.
1/4 MILE|13.16 sec. @ 95.67 mph-Cycle World-(650)
1/4-mile: 13.87 sec. @ 93.1 mph The Motorcyclist(Street Glide)
I can attest to those being accurate numbers. I ride with a small pack of guys that all have mid size "sport cruisers" and we went to the drag strip a couple weeks ago. My buddies 2014 Bolt stock ran a best of 13.71, the 2016 Vulcan S ABS with pipes went a best of 13.21, Shadow Aero 750 with drag pipes, K&N, Timing mod and custom jetting went 13.58 best and the "bad ass" Harley of our group, an 883 Sportster with V&H pipes and fuel tuning went 14.13. The track was hooking well that night, I brought my GSXR 750 down as well just to go a little faster then our slow toys and clicked off a new personal best with that bike of 9.76. (These times are all 1/4 mile ETs @ Cecil County Dragway-300ft DA/65 degrees F)
You did 9.76 on a GSXR750?? Hard to believe. Would need to see the slip on that one.
You on any forums? My slips are all over Gixxer.com. My 750 goes into the high 9's just about every weekend lol. Last night it was insanely humid and hot, best I could muster was 9.83@138. 1.62 60'. On the 9.76 pass I trapped 140, and that was a nice cool spring morning pass. Still my PB to this day but I'm not adding anymore power to the bike so it probably won't change. I don't know why your surprised, though. I was clicking off 10.20's regularly 100% stock with my 750 and it's much healthier now. I've jumped on quite a few bone stock 1k bikes and gone 9's as well, and a full bolt on 750 is essentially offering up the same power and weight of a stock 1k so im not anything special, guys do it all the time lol. We do have good altitude here though, roughly 130-150ft with our highest point being still under 300ft. That helps ALOT with getting good ETs, stock cars run good times here also.
By the way my 750 setup is a K9 with full Yoshi header + exhaust, ported airbox w/ Jenvey Vstacks, 2015 intake cam (most aggressive OEM GSXR cam produced) moved my stock intake cam to exhaust side, PCV w/ quickshift, -1/+2, lowered -1.5", extended +9" and a sticky 190mm tire.
That 650 twin is a beast. I've ridden other bikes with it, my old 600 bandit would take a ninja 650 on the top end (80hp vs 65ish hp), but that twin smokes it off the line and through the mid-range.
what is with all the smacking sounds made with mouth? i like the reviews otherwise, just drives me nuts!
+nick schultz I'm working on it, thanks for the compliment
I had to turn the video off after 10 seconds because of that - sort it out please SRK
Matt W he said he is working on it, plus he is does have knoweledge.... so he does have content to offer. No one is perfect, I certainly know that!
misophonia. I have the same problem and I had ear buds in. Thanks for the info and for trying to reduce the smacking.
Srkcycles didn’t even notice till they pointed it out. It’s not even that annoying lol
I just visited a dealer and they have a 2019 Vulcan S for $6399, is that a decent price?
I'm about to look at one listed for $5888, brand new.
So far, I have a OTD price of $6588, not bad.
looks like a hybrid of a sport bike and a mid range cruiser
Murtagh653 to me it looks like a cruiser, I don't see sport bike anywhere in that. And there's smaller CC bikes that are faster than this one, the CBR600RR would dominate that bike in every aspect
Murtagh653 because it isnt a V twin ?
I think he means because of the more modern styling the headlight looks like it came off a naked bike and the leg position is not as relaxed as it is on a Harley or other larger cruiser.
Savage Salvage of course the 600 would kill it. It's a sport bike. It's faster but you won't be nearly as comfortable as on this bike.
Savage Salvage, guess what, there are smaller displacement bikes that would "dominate"
a cbr600rr "in every aspect" - what a fooking pointless comparison!
OK guys, you sold me! As a beginner this may be my first bike when the time comes, hopefully soon. Thanks very much for your video gentlemen. It was very helpful.
Maybe too.powerful for a.beginner, starting with smaller and graduate to faster would be more sensible
Best motorcycle vids on youtube! I've had 3 HDs, a ton of metrics, recently a V-Star 950 Tourer, and currently a 2002 Concours.
I hate the Concours, it is a top heavy pig. I'm very short for an adult male @ 5'3" and recently sat on a Vulcan S at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Mpls and loved it! After so many larger displacement bikes I have been worried about riding a 650. This video made my day! (Where was the Bible verse? I love 'em.)
Sean, thanks for this video. I hope to be a newbie first-time rider next year after some orthopedic surgeries have healed up. You certainly make the case for this as being the perfect newbie bike that an owner can really be proud of. Both new and used in my area of Minnesota are about $8,000 or less. I keep watching your videos and changing my mind all the time! LOL But seriously this bike and others similar to it that you have showed us are really great. Thanks again for these videos and those on Bikes and Beards. Much appreciated.
Ok...I've watched a lot of your videos! I've made up my mind....I'm getting a Vulcan 650 S. Thank you for the great videos!
Did you get it yet Ed? Also looking into one or a Honda Shadow Phantom 👍
My head wants to pan left the whole damn time its driving me nuts. But I get that your trying to get footage of the bike your talking about
PLEASE DO A HIGHEAY REWIEW OF THIS BIKE! I ride a v star 650 and hate how much vibration there is, and how much need for a 6th gear is there. would it be worth it to go from this from a v star 650?
I don't know about the v star 650, but I own the Vulcan s 650 2017 and there is no vibration problem whatsoever.
YES ! I owned a 99 v star 650 and it was excellent on the street, but on the highway it was shakey as heck. I just traded my V star 1100 for one exactly like SKR's and man, no lie....it's a totally new world. It will sneak up to 60 so fast you wouldn't know it due to the smoothness and less vibration. I took it on the x-way and the only thing that sucked I made it to work too fast, lol. but seriously, the vibration on this bike it far, far less than the V star.
kingemerald1 Sweet what bike? the Vulcan in the video or something else?
the Vulcan S 650. I have a little vlog about it.
Yeah I can second that... i have this exact bike. I'm 250+ right now and I have absolutely no problem getting up to speed. Can get over 100 easy and the bike still feels smooth
7:29 careful there!
I have a 17 Vulcan S, bought new, and have put over 11k miles on it. My buddy has a 14 Fatboy. We've ridden thousands and thousands of miles together.
I can confidently say that something is wrong with the Harley used in this video.
Hey, have you done road trips on your Vulcan; and if so, is that with a stock seat?
Great video! I enjoyed you filmed out of a POV angle.
What do you think about the vibration of this bike? From 1 to 10, how strong is it?
Those wheels look bad ass going down the road!
I almost bought this bike, but i had the 650R ninja, and a 650 versys, and they all 3 have the same motor, but they are different tunes. I loved both my kawis, but i think i will get a totally different bike now. I do love the look of the vulcan S though.
The Vulcan S looks awesome, but the sound of the parallel twin kills it for me. Needs a V-twin.
You just confirmed what I was going to purchase.
Should compare with the scout sixty instead the HD.
+ktl2001 I didn't have one
Yes. They look somewhat similar too.
Wish I could concur with the title of "Fastest 650 Ever", but i'm a lil disappointed. Maybe I would be impressed if it was my 1st bike. But my 1st bike was a Yamaha FZ6R and this does NOT compare. Sold the Yammie then Bought a 2018 Vulcan S 650 Cafe after 3 years of not riding based on reviews. I can honestly say that it doesn't compare to the 2012 FZ6R. I didn't think that 10HP would make that much of a difference (Vulcan S has less). I find my self downshifting a LOT on slight inclines on the highway. very annoying. I weigh only 160 lbs so it's not like I'm a heavy rider... Getting use to it. For now I'll give it a 6 outta 10.. Maybe I need a tune up? lol.. I bought it with only 1060miles on it..
Stock Harley baggers are SLOWWWWW, even my 2012 S40(652cc single thumper, with very few mods)) leaves them behind between lights...don't worry, my 650 has NOTHING to offer after 60 or 70.
Harley vs Kawasaki no competition lol :)))
Well....i dont know.... i owned about 17 bikez till now....you know...after a yearand a half i sold it and i bouht another one...mainly they were used and street naked or supersports..except one on off ...i like the vulcan...i just wonder about the 31caster it has...will it be safe and logically fast at sharp bends? Been used to 23.5 up to 25 rake usually...of course it is a cruiser......anyway....i always enjoy your videos.....best wishes to everyone...
Vulcan S is a GREAT bike. People see the 650 on a cruiser and think 650 cruiser. It's not a 650 cruiser engine. It's a retuned 650 sport bike engine. Like comparing apples to oranges.
It's the same thing with the old Vulcan 500 that the S is replacing, if you ride it like a cruiser expecting all the power to happen under 3500 rpm it's pretty gutless, but once you realize it's somewhat of a ninja in disguise you realize you've gotta wind it out. I've got an 06 500LTD and all the power is at the higher revs.
I love the concept, but I hate the bike. It's just so god awful ugly. Hopefully they restyle this model around the same engine.
mrquicky to much plastic, ugly exhaust, it is a nice concept, but no cruser, even no Vulcan.
You ever seen a Ducati???
Not retuned at all, only a different gear ratio
I would love this bike. I'll take mine in black. Regular seat and bars but pegs to the rear most setting. A medium windshield. The black light bar. Passenger pegs and seat with back rest and rear rack. Their premium saddle bags. Add the Arrow Rebel exhaust and I've got a bike I'd be proud to ride to Sturgis or Daytona.
Actually the Vulcan S is not the same engine as the Ninja or Er6 650 engines by Kawasaki. They are over 70 hp and about 54 kW The Vulcan is about 45 kW and 60 plus hp. Doesn't meet A license test standard in Ireland. I'd have much preferred to buy it but bought an er6 for rest purpose.
I think this video is not professional. I think this video is booring. I think...
I see myself not watching any more of your videos...
Lot of rice.. Why not listen the engine? - That is so speakful. And a ride motion.. it's so peaceful. Anyway, just it shtup! - Enjoy!!
The HD looks ridiculous. it's got so much crap on it, I'm surprised it has any acceleration.
And that funny little white 650 thingy, would be perfect for my little sister.
Neither of these bikes has any street cred, just ugly underpowered slowmobiles.
I really liked your channel before, but now that ive thought about a 650S vs the M50 I'm totally sold man and thank you, 650S next spring here I come!
Bet my S40 could put a whole wheel out on both your bikes. EDIT: from light to light ^^ everything's got me after 70 :D
The Vulcan S is a surprising little cruiser for sure. If you ride a Star 650, then a Shadow 750, then a Vulcan 700/800 and compare those to the Vulcan S it's like comparing a liter bike to a Harley 883. What surprised me the most is the Vulcan S 650 is faster then the Yamaha Bolt and can hang with a 1200 Sportster untill about 70 MPH. That's a pretty good feat for a 649cc little cruiser. They also seem to have very good gearing for acceleration as well because the power and weight aren't really impressive but the performance of the bike for its class truly is. (Most mid/entry cruisers run mid 14 second 1/4 mile ETs stock, the Vulcan S goes low 13's stock. The S makes around 50 HP and 43 TQ at the rear tire-Shadow 750s make around 38HP and 45 TQ at the tire. They both weight right around 500 or a little over when wet-options/model depending. Looking at the numbers you would think they would be pretty close contenders, but the Kawa is more then a second faster through the 1/4 mile stock for stock, which anyone who races knows is HUGE.
the seat and handlebars don't move. they have different seats and handlebars they can put on it to fit the rider. If you buy it new, they will help determine which seat, handlebars, and foot peg setup fits you best. If you buy it used, you're stuck with whatever the previous owner got unless you buy different parts from Kawasaki.
Let's try and figure out one important technical spec: is this an inline or parallel twin?? No you can't google this... you'll come up with a different answer every time!
bought a 22 vulcan s 650 recently. My 1st bike. It is awesome, but I wouldn't say its fast.
I'm sorry but I was excited to watch this video, but that mouth smack is driving me crazy. I'm going to watch someone else video on this bike.
Man, I hate it when somebody says something has good power, plenty of power, but what they don't tell is, not for them.
Hey Sean, have you ever ridden the Kawi ZZR1200? If so, what are your thoughts?
My 2021 indian scout bobber 6 speed would walk all over this bike.
Great camera work and angle, hate the POV reviews, can't see Jack except the light and speedometer in POV videos.
But if you want a parallel twin cruiser why not just go for a rebel 1100?
If I understand correctly, the engine of the Vulcan S is the same engine as the Ninja 650, but down-tuned for more low and mid range torque.
The Ergo fit system are swapped parts (seat and handlebars) at the dealer or sold desperately (if you didn't buy it at a dealership).
How would it compare to the Indian Scout, though?
I've had Vulcan S for 2 years and trading it in a couple of weeks for a Scout so I'll let you know ;)
Well come on man....
I'm still running it in so taking it easy yet, however, yes, obviously a bit more power/torque. the downside is because it's a V twin there's a bit more vibration. The Vulcan being a parallel twin was super smooth. It's still very early days yet. It gets a lot of attention :D
Matt W I have a scout too. What's the latest on Scout vs Vulcan?
My Hyosung GV 650 would smoke that bike ⁉️😬
i wish i could watch this video. but the breathing in and lip smacking...
Wtf is that sound that you make in between sentences? It’s so damn irritating
2 white bikes , 2 white bikes , see how they run, see how they run. Da da da dada 😂
awhile back I asked if there was a cruiser out there with a little balls and you suggested the Vulcan s. well I took your advice and now am the owner of a 17' Vulcan s. this the perfect bike for me all around. I don't anticipate getting bored soon. lots of power and quicker than pretty much any cruiser out there and maybe you don't want to go cross country but an hour on the highway is pretty enjoyable. anyway thanks bud and safe riding. keep up the good work.
Just get a kawaski nina 650 0 to 60 in 3.6 and a 12 sex quarter mile time
Vulcan S compares well with the Indian Scout 60
Try riding the Suzuki GSX650f they are fast and obviously the RRs are even faster but speed isn't everything, nice video man
The amount of these bikes you've sold, you'd think you'd understand how the ergo-fit works.
Doesn’t Kawasaki make helicopters also??????
Too bad the engine sounds like shit......the bike is ugly, made of cheap materials and will NEVER be a Harley as much as it may try. Simply cannot top the legacy of Harley
The Japanese bikes passed the legacy of Harley decades ago.
Would like to see the Vulcan S vs Hyosung Aquila Gv650 as a comparison. Both pretty quick and great bikes to start off with.
I rode a Vulcan S and my friend owned an Aquila GV650 in 2018. We occasionally tour together in our Vulcan Riders Indonesia (we accepted any bike that were willing to go touring with us). They were NOT comparable. Vulcan beat it way off! And also his bike always has problems. Especially with the cooling system. I don't know why. Our Vulcans also beat some 1250cc Harley that toured with us. We got 180kph+ at that time.
Nothing worse than a lip smacker doing vblogs
Team green makes good street bikes😁
Is this bike will accommodate 6.6 tall driver?
First we’re not racing then we’re on a closed course 😂😂
your channel is grate . I normally watch your vids on my work computer so didn't subscribe lol. I have now on my home PC. grate content mate .keep up the good work watching from uk
Fastest 650 ever traps 95mph in the 1/4 mile? 🤔
Next video huffy accelerates faster then Harley!
Glad to see this. Pretty much sold me on this as my first bigger bike up from a 125 Shadow. I thought it was maybe a bit small for me at 5' 11" but you don't look cramped or tiny on it at all. Great review - cheers!
Your so right. I think that’s the best bike for the money
Well it may be fast but it’s not faster than my Vegas lol
Of course that Vulcan will blow away that heavy bike. Why is this even a video?
I'm pretty sure it's a parallel twin, not an inline twin.
The Kawasaki looks little. The seat does not move you have to buy another seat. There are 3 sizes of seats for the bike. The tacho is where the speedo should go.
Same with the Vulcan 500 LTD using the parallel twin from the ninja 500r
Accelerates faster than other cruisers with more CC
super cute bike i love it. would probably just change the exhaust.
Seeing this makes me wish I could ride mine but since I had eye surgery I can't and actually I've never ridden mine
i want this bike
No issues entering the highway and overtaking other vehicles in my Vulcan S. It's not a sports bike, but it does have a nice acceleration.
Yah man blasting around a moderate slow vehicle is quick and easy
Kawasaki s 650 🤠👍
You sound quite a bit like Chael Sonnen.
Your boy should've been on a quieter bike so that way we could hear the Vulcan S.
Put a super Trapp on it and it will b nasty 🤩