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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.)
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.
@@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?
I think one of the best video review I have seen. Usually people will show the video of the roads and talk about specs which folks already know or can read through the website but I personally was looking for how does it look while riding etc.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
Yes, same exact engine. Just programmed slightly different for the cruiser chassis. I suspect different cams and ECU programming. Top gear in the HD is an overdrive. Shouldn't even use it until you're doing interstate speeds. Coordinate your "friendly races" better. :)
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...
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
Don't forget to remove the restriction plug under the seat. (Use bike key to open latch) and also the throttle restriction bolt (star Allen key) I've got one of these. 1300kms on odometer. And my bike smokes gxsr650s no issues
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ive been kinda on the fence between the shadow 750, the vulcan s, z900, z800 or a saber/fury. Im used to 1000cc sport bikes but i want more comfort. I rode my dads 08 vulcan 900 for a few months, super nice comfortable bike but just not enough power especially on the high way. Im 6'1 about 300lbs You saying the "enough for you not me" thing is got me leaning hard toward the vulcan s now. How does the fury/sabre 1300 compair to the vulcan s? Would you rate the bikes list above by enough power for "YOU" and me... not them lol
For your size and weight, I'd recommend a physically bigger bike. The Vulcan S easily has enough power for you, I'm talking more about what you'd look like on the bike. Add some saddlebags and a windshield would help with appearances (makes the bike look bigger so you don't stand out so much).
I have this bike and it's super awesome. towed a trailer on a 3000 k trip last year and never missed a beat. lots of power bottom and top end. highly recommended end this bike :-)
Little late, bu5 I just saw this video. Did you ever test this bike against an Indian Scout? The Scout is 490-something pounds and produces 100 hp. I've ridden one and it has a ton of low end torque, accelerates incredibly fast for a cruiser and is fast as hell (easily over 100 and still pulling.)
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.
The 88 or 96 HD definitely are not known for hp but they still have decent torque that's the biggest reason I decided on the yamaha Raider when it comes to HP & torque it can't be beat when it comes to a v-twin cruiser
Not sure if you ever got your answer for this question elsewhere, but, it does great 2-up. With my windshield, passenger, luggage rack loaded and saddlebags full we can easily keep up with traffic on the interstate. 75mph+ without breaking a sweat. I even went up one tooth in the front to drop the revs and still had no problems with getting the old gal moving in the fast lane. Me and my gal aren’t small framed by any stretch of the imagination so if you’re of a large or small frame you’ll have no problems. Kawasaki knocked it out of the park with this bike.
That's right Jesse. There are reviews out there on the 2017, but not an overwhelming number of them. I was just curious on srkcycles take on it. I can't wait to take delivery on mine next week.
Yeah, I like it a lot. The Harley is nice, there's so many great bikes available these days. I do like that Harley street rod 750 too. Insurance is high on my 20 year old '97 Cbr 1100xx, $440/yr just for liability, even though I'm 64 and I've been riding since 1978, no accidents. I've dropped my bike a couple times though!
I was so close to buying 1 of them before my er6n 2015. Especially having 29 in unseen. (30 when I'm talking to girls). But they don't seem to come up on the used market here in the UK. At a good price anyway. So they must hold their value too.
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
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 had the ancestor to the Vulcan - the 454 LTD 1985 - its engine was actual a half of a Ninja 908 - I think it was 48 HP right around 400 lbs. The little Vulcans with the parallel twins are cruiser bodies with sport bike engines. The Vulcan 650 will beat a Vulcan 900 just like the 454 LTD would beat the 700 LTD V twin. The 454 LTD was challenged to race the 454 CI Corvette and beat the vette in the 1/4 mile. I used to race the fast cars all the time on the bike. Kicked some ass - till we passed 100 - good times -
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'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
Hey guys, I recently bought a 2015 Vulcan S and I'm new to riding, but I seem to be having an issue downshifting into 1st sometimes. Tends to happen when I'm at a complete stop and I can easily get down from top gear to 2nd, but that last shift to 1st sometimes hangs up on me. Every so often if I put it in neutral, the bike won't downshift to first while at a stop with the clutch in....but will if I roll it with just a touch of throttle. Did you experience any issues downshifting when filming these video's? Thanks for your time.
You want to be downshifting as you are slowing down. Starting off in second gear is no problem at all -- just let out the clutch a little slower. It won't stall.
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!!
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
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.
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?
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
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!
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
Can’t agree more, I realize what you meant when I test rode mine and bought it immediately
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!
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.)
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
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.
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?
I think one of the best video review I have seen. Usually people will show the video of the roads and talk about specs which folks already know or can read through the website but I personally was looking for how does it look while riding etc.
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.
😂 😆
This is going to be my first cruiser I just love how sexy it is plus better performance than most Harley and for cheaper.
Which would you go for , Suzuki boulevard c50 or the Kawasaki Vulcan S ? Whats the Ride difference ?
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
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 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?
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.
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!!! 😱🏍😏
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).
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
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.
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 👍
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!
Those wheels look bad ass going down the road!
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.
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!
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
Thank you for this video. I making up my mind about my next cruiser. You helped me a lot.
I have an eye in that bike for about 3 months... I'm going for it
You just confirmed what I was going to purchase.
7:29 careful there!
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
Yes, same exact engine. Just programmed slightly different for the cruiser chassis. I suspect different cams and ECU programming.
Top gear in the HD is an overdrive. Shouldn't even use it until you're doing interstate speeds.
Coordinate your "friendly races" better. :)
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...
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
Don't forget to remove the restriction plug under the seat. (Use bike key to open latch) and also the throttle restriction bolt (star Allen key)
I've got one of these. 1300kms on odometer. And my bike smokes gxsr650s no issues
No restriction in North America so no telling what you removed.
Great camera work and angle, hate the POV reviews, can't see Jack except the light and speedometer in POV videos.
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.
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.
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.
That motor is a gem,
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.
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
Hey Sean, have you ever ridden the Kawi ZZR1200? If so, what are your thoughts?
Ive been kinda on the fence between the shadow 750, the vulcan s, z900, z800 or a saber/fury. Im used to 1000cc sport bikes but i want more comfort. I rode my dads 08 vulcan 900 for a few months, super nice comfortable bike but just not enough power especially on the high way. Im 6'1 about 300lbs
You saying the "enough for you not me" thing is got me leaning hard toward the vulcan s now.
How does the fury/sabre 1300 compair to the vulcan s?
Would you rate the bikes list above by enough power for "YOU" and me... not them lol
For your size and weight, I'd recommend a physically bigger bike. The Vulcan S easily has enough power for you, I'm talking more about what you'd look like on the bike. Add some saddlebags and a windshield would help with appearances (makes the bike look bigger so you don't stand out so much).
These bikes are super cheap now too. They make awesome little bobbers for patio hopping through the city.
Try riding the Suzuki GSX650f they are fast and obviously the RRs are even faster but speed isn't everything, nice video man
Same with the Vulcan 500 LTD using the parallel twin from the ninja 500r
Accelerates faster than other cruisers with more CC
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.
Beautiful town! Looks like a great place to ride!
I installed the power commander with autotunes and a racing airfilter also an aftermarket exhaust. Now about 72 hp and its amazing.
alexs 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan s
Is that what you’re lookin for?
I have this bike and it's super awesome. towed a trailer on a 3000 k trip last year and never missed a beat. lots of power bottom and top end. highly recommended end this bike :-)
I bought a 2021 and I love it. No abs
Little late, bu5 I just saw this video. Did you ever test this bike against an Indian Scout? The Scout is 490-something pounds and produces 100 hp. I've ridden one and it has a ton of low end torque, accelerates incredibly fast for a cruiser and is fast as hell (easily over 100 and still pulling.)
Should compare with the scout sixty instead the HD.
+ktl2001 I didn't have one
Yes. They look somewhat similar too.
Your so right. I think that’s the best bike for the money
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?
I Love Kawasaki Valcan S. ♥️
The 88 or 96 HD definitely are not known for hp but they still have decent torque that's the biggest reason I decided on the yamaha Raider when it comes to HP & torque it can't be beat when it comes to a v-twin cruiser
Man, I hate it when somebody says something has good power, plenty of power, but what they don't tell is, not for them.
Love doing rolling pulls on other bigger bikes on my S.
super cute bike i love it. would probably just change the exhaust.
So Vulcan S or Bolt? If you had to pick 1.
Very nice bike. How would it be for two up riding? Thank you.
Not sure if you ever got your answer for this question elsewhere, but, it does great 2-up. With my windshield, passenger, luggage rack loaded and saddlebags full we can easily keep up with traffic on the interstate. 75mph+ without breaking a sweat. I even went up one tooth in the front to drop the revs and still had no problems with getting the old gal moving in the fast lane. Me and my gal aren’t small framed by any stretch of the imagination so if you’re of a large or small frame you’ll have no problems. Kawasaki knocked it out of the park with this bike.
biker boots, italian helmet, red gloves, racing jacket looking ish.... A true meme right there
All my friends have Shadow 750s, Boulevard C50s, or 1100s, so I'm leary of getting the Vulcan S and joining their group rides with something so small.
ya its the same exact engine thats in the ninja but they tuned it to be a cruiser engine in the case of the vulcan
The seat can't be moved.
They have 3 different seats that you can choose from, depending on your size and preference.
You have convinced me. This will be my next bike.
Couldn't find on your channel, but would be interested in your take on the new 2017 ninja 650. Same motor I believe.
+Fox1486 I have done s 2014 650 ninja
they completely redesigned the 650 ninja for 2017 I think that's what fox is talking about
That's right Jesse. There are reviews out there on the 2017, but not an overwhelming number of them. I was just curious on srkcycles take on it. I can't wait to take delivery on mine next week.
Yeah, I like it a lot. The Harley is nice, there's so many great bikes available these days. I do like that Harley street rod 750 too. Insurance is high on my 20 year old '97 Cbr 1100xx, $440/yr just for liability, even though I'm 64 and I've been riding since 1978, no accidents. I've dropped my bike a couple times though!
The amount of these bikes you've sold, you'd think you'd understand how the ergo-fit works.
I was so close to buying 1 of them before my er6n 2015. Especially having 29 in unseen. (30 when I'm talking to girls). But they don't seem to come up on the used market here in the UK. At a good price anyway. So they must hold their value too.
Can i buy this as my first bike , i never ridden before . Except for a Honda SH 125 cc i rode it like once or twice don't remember
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
How would this do against the Vulcan 800? That one was said to punch above its weight as well, iirc..
First we’re not racing then we’re on a closed course 😂😂
But if you want a parallel twin cruiser why not just go for a rebel 1100?
Harley vs Kawasaki no competition lol :)))
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.
best video about vulcan ever watched on yt. gj bros
I had the ancestor to the Vulcan - the 454 LTD 1985 - its engine was actual a half of a Ninja 908 - I think it was 48 HP right around 400 lbs. The little Vulcans with the parallel twins are cruiser bodies with sport bike engines. The Vulcan 650 will beat a Vulcan 900 just like the 454 LTD would beat the 700 LTD V twin. The 454 LTD was challenged to race the 454 CI Corvette and beat the vette in the 1/4 mile. I used to race the fast cars all the time on the bike. Kicked some ass - till we passed 100 - good times -
Can you put somewhere in PRINTED form exactly what this bike is?
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.
What is your asking price for this bike?
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?
Hey guys, I recently bought a 2015 Vulcan S and I'm new to riding, but I seem to be having an issue downshifting into 1st sometimes. Tends to happen when I'm at a complete stop and I can easily get down from top gear to 2nd, but that last shift to 1st sometimes hangs up on me. Every so often if I put it in neutral, the bike won't downshift to first while at a stop with the clutch in....but will if I roll it with just a touch of throttle. Did you experience any issues downshifting when filming these video's? Thanks for your time.
You want to be downshifting as you are slowing down. Starting off in second gear is no problem at all -- just let out the clutch a little slower. It won't stall.
Definitely a future option for me cause i ride the vmax 1200 and at some point im not going to want something as fast but that bike seems perfect
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
How are these bikes at running higher speeds at longer times like where does the rpms run