Is the Kawasaki Vulcan S really a cruiser? - Complete In Depth Review!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 26 січ 2023
- The Kawasaki Vulcan S is listed as a Sport Cruiser on the Kawasaki website, but I've heard from some of you that you don't think it's a cruiser. In this video I talk about this unique entry in the segment, and help you decide if it's right for you! Want to see this bike in person? Connect with the amazing team at Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals here: powersports.wheelsanddeals.ca...
- Авто та транспорт
Peter, thanks for the great review. I'm 76yrs old and have not had a bike for several years, but I want to purchase this bike from our local dealer. I'll do an honest critique of my abilities before I finalize the purchase. I'm still in good physical shape and my cognition is still very good. I have passed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's advanced rider course and still have my state motorcycle endorsement on my drivers license. I've owned two 1300cc Yamaha Venture Royals, a 750cc Yamaha Seca, and a 650cc Suzuki Burgman scooter. I Still have all my riding gear.
Thanks for the honest review Peter! Based on your previous review of this bike I ordered one and took delivery in November. Some 500 kms later, it's starting to loosen up and I'm loving it. I added the LED bar lights, medium windshield, power outlet and holder for my phone which I am really pleased with; I have also added an aftermarket guard to the protect the core after seeing damage to a bike in the showroom I attended when making my order. Being 173 cms or 5' 7" in the old language, this is the perfect bike for me to have flat feet on the ground and I haven't had to play with ergo fit as yet. As I said at the beginning, thanks for your honest review!!!
Thanks so much for watching and for sharing your experience with the bike! It's great to hear from owners! Feel free to subscribe!
I love my 650 Vulcan. It's relatively light 220 kg it has 60 hp, it is very quick. What I really like you can leave it in 5th gear and you still have lots of power to pass. The real reason I bought it is that I am 64 years old, I wanted something which is not ridiculously heavy and it is low so that in 10 years from now I can still climb on to it. I am in the Philippines where traffic in the cities can be heavy and top speed doesn't really matter. I think this is a great bike for the older riders.
Excellent review. I am 61 and have owned a Harley and a Triumph Thunderbird 1600cc. I have now got this and would not have anything to say to its detriment. Its a great fun ride, very very responsive and very manoeuvrable. Enjoy it very much
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Good to know! I was debating in getting this one or the eliminator
I just got this bike last October. It is my first bike and I love it. The bike becomes a rocket once you get past 5,000 RPM and it starts to feel like a sports bike more than a cruiser. My only gripe about it is the vibration of the parallel twin at high RPMs. It gets jarring and wears me down after 2 hours of continuous riding. And the stock seat is too hard, but aftermarket seats and mods can easily fix that. Overall I think it is the perfect bike for beginners along with the Honda Rebel 500.
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing! I appreciate it! As far as your Honda suggestion, I hear that a lot, and in my mind the Rebel is a clear step below this bike in performance. The Honda 500 makes similar horsepower to the Ninja 400. It's a solid step down in power compared to the Kawasaki 650. What I like about the Vulcan S is that the engine is perfectly controllable for beginners, but much quicker.
A quick sproket change may help on the vibes.
It only bothers you after 2 hours of riding? You couldn't expect anything better out of any bike in this class. Sounds like you were under the impression this was a goldwing... you don't have much experience with motorcycles do you?
@@jayryan7473dude he literally said it‘s his first bike
Saving up for this bike and hopefully gonna get it next year. I just absolutely love how it looks and feels like a cruiser but can run and handle like a sport bike.
I think you'll love it! It's definitely a unique bike! Thanks for watching!
I first bought a Z400 but I actually wanted the Vulcan, though I hadnt enough money. So I had always looked back at the Vulcan and 2 years later in 2021 I traded my Z400 + money for a new Vulcan S at the distributer. Best decision ever, so comfortable, nice look, just right for me - I definitely recommend
@@el.grantelbart That's great! Thanks for sharing!
What makes a cruiser a cruiser is how you sit on the bike. If you have the seat below the tank and the foot pegs in a forward position it's a cruiser.
Haha! I took some criticism online for calling this a cruiser! The internet is a wonderful place! Kawasaki built the bike, they classify it as a cruiser. That's good enough for me! Thanks for watching!
Love, my first year with my 2022 Vulcan S. I did replace lighting to all LED. Added a ton of cargo and passenger accessories. It has quick performance and leans great with its sporty tires! … Chill bike, for chill riders.
Great VDO about a fantastic bike, thanks for sharing your highly appreciated efforts, Peter 👍
This bike punches well about its weight.
I drove one while waiting for final cleaning after the 6k clicks check-up of my Z900 RS.
it's a blast, and the low seat is really good for those height challenged folks.
I would definitely get it for my Ol'Lady, if it was of a bit lesser weight.
When I decided to get my bike licence (3 years ago) my sons said I should get one of these, but I thought they cost too much and would be too hard to handle, being a cruiser style. Ended up buying a cheap 2007 versys 650. Could hardly touch the ground but loved the power and the way it handled (except for the wind buffeting!) Revisited the vulcan 650 when my son got his learners permit, but ended up getting him a CB500 (great leaner bike) and selling the versys to get a 2011 honda 400 super four. Loved being able to touch the ground! Crazy power for a small bike, high revs, great handling, but not for the freeway and longer trips I'm wanting to do. Sold it and finaly had the cash to take a serious look at a vulcan. Found one a couple of months ago and LOVE it! Same engine as the versys and sometimes in the twisties feels like it handles the same too. No wind buffeting. Solid on the road and so comfortable on longer trips so far. Played with all the seating/pedal possibilities, put some extra lights on it, and I really, really enjoy every minute on it. Your review is spot on, and if anyone is looking for a bike that can be cruiser or sports bike, I highly recommend giving one of these a test drive (or two). In Australia they are restricted for learners, so even though mine has PLENTY of useable power, it gains another 14 hp when I have my full licence and take the restrictor screw/plug out. Cheers, and thanks again.
Everyone in my family (except me as I already rode) has learned to rise on our VulcanS. It is now my wife's bike and she loves riding it around. Great bike - especially for shorter riders (my wife is just on 5') and it doesn't feel too undersized for the bigger ride (my son is 6' tall).
Bought a Vulcan S back in May '22 and already have 7k miles on it 6mos later. It's such an odd duck but in a very good way. Your review is pretty spot on, it's such a good best-of-all-worlds bike for new riders and riders who don't want the most extreme end of the spectrum. It's cruiser-comfortable but not a couch on wheels level big plush overweight overwrought beast. It's sporty and fun but not so razor sharp or massive powered that a new rider is gonna get killed. It's powerful enough to out accelerate 90-95% of cars on the road but it's not gonna do 150-200mph. Etc etc etc.... It's not GREAT at any one thing, but it's really good at a lot of things. Oh and it's CHEAP at just over $7,000US.
I bought this being sold on the idea that it would be a starter bike I'd outgrow after a season, yet now I'm feeling like either the bike's death or mine will be the only thing that gets me out of it.
FWIW here is my mod list: short Puig windscreen, Kawasaki extended reach seat (I'm 6ft), vikingbags hard cases, and a luggage rack, and an airhawk inflatable seat cushion. The stock seat sucks and is the number one thing EVERY UA-camr complains about. The extended seat is better but not great.
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing! Feel free to subscribe! Which Puig windscreen did you get? I'm casually researching for my Z900RS that I just bought. I'm going to go a season without one, but I'd like to get an idea, just in case I decide that I want one.
@@PeterLoweOne I went with the "Puig New Generation Sport" windscreen in dark smoke color. I tried the larger wind screen but it put a ton of air/buffeting right on my head.
@@bca5251 Haha! That's exactly my reason for asking you and others. I'd rather ride a bike without a windscreen and get clean air, then spend money and end up with something that ends up being an aerodynamic mess. Thanks for sharing!
@@PeterLoweOne Is the RS the next most sporty type of bike? I've looked at naked bikes and sport bikes but the peg position is too cramped for me. If I get another bike (not to replace but to add to the stable) I want something sportier but still inexpensive and reliable and Z650RS is one I'm interested in. Something with a more mid position for the pegs and still comfortable not overly aggressive seating position.
@@bca5251 I'm a big fan of the Z650RS... I just bought the Z900RS SE the other day. I think the Z650RS is very versatile. It's definitely going to be a little more sporty and have a little lighter weight handling just due to the geometry. For me the seating position on it is excellent, and the styling is great too. I used to own a Versys 650 and the engine is something that I'm very familiar with, it's a great size to do just about everything. I'm not really a cruiser guy, but the Vulcan S is the cruiser that I'd buy because it's so inexpensive, and gives me a cruiser that's fun to drive, but still has that classic riding position. I guess that's probably the best way to describe it. The Vulcan S is sporty for a cruiser, where the Z650RS is sporty for a motorcycle. Neither is a super sport, and both are fun. I'd choose the Z650RS, but that doesn't mean that's what you should choose.
Thank you peter!! I think you answered all my questions. I believe I found my first bike!!! I sat on this bike and loved the way it felt and it is a sick looking bike in my opinion, very sporty cruiser bike. I'm only 5'8 so this is I believe a great starter bike for me and one I will be happy with for a long time!!
That's awesome! Thanks for letting me know! I think you'll love this bike! I love hearing that I've helped people, feel free to subscribe, I'll try to continue making helpful content.
You're gonna love it!
Great descriptive video telling me what I needed to know in about 15 minutes! Very helpful when you're looking at 5 or 6 other bikes (time-wise). Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
thanks for the review i just bought a 2023 and i m loving it ,i think its a great bike
Nice! I think you'll love this bike!
I got the 2020 Cafe Racer from Jim Gilbert's last fall as my first bike, and all I can say is it's the best bike for a beginner like me and perfect fit for comfort, it cruises real nice and has plenty of power. It puts a smile on my face every time and lots of people like the look of the bike.
Nice!! I've got a number of new 2023 bikes to review in the coming days. The showroom is PACKED full of bikes right now. They've expanded the power sports showroom this winter to include the entire building. It's massive! Feel free to stop by sometime, and if we cross paths, be sure to say hello!
Great insight Peter. I just bought this a few weeks ago as my beginner and you have me thinking I made the right move. So far I love it. Throttle seems a bit twitchy in lower gears (That’s probably also me learning lol) but other than that it’s great.
Thanks for watching! I think you're going to LOVE this bike! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share with me. I appreciate it!
Get the booster plug. It says the booster plug don't work on the newer Vulcan s but it does. Really helped the twitchiness at low speeds
I'm 6'2 285 and it fits me well. I had to tighten the suspension up one click. It keeps up with my dad's rebel 1100 pretty well. I got the booster plug which helps with the twitchiness. Solid bike.
@@kempo685 Turns out my bike already had it installed as I bought it used. I think a lot of it had to do with throttle control as I was a new rider. I'm definitely getting used to it now that I'm about 4 months in.
Great review! I love the adjustability of this bike! I have long legs so this might be a bike for me.
Yeah, it's unique in the way that it can fit people of all different sizes. Thanks so much for watching! Feel free to subscribe!
This is the best review on yourtube on this bike!!!
Thanks so much for your kind words! Feel free to subscribe!
Back in 2021 I got a Vulcan for commuting - little did I know that commuting would become a long distance affair switching from Coventry to Leicester to a journey from Coventry to Ryde on the IoW on a weekly basis. The bike took it in stride for several months. ( including an ill advised trip down to Portsmouth during the storms in late February!). I have seen most road conditions and the bike has come out ahead of all of them - keep it maintained and the machine is ready to reward you with great performance. Keeps you entertained but will forgive a lot of mistakes. I love this bike and migbt just have found my long term machine. It now takes me on a 100 mile round trip each day to Milton Keynes. Happily taking on A- road or Motorway traffic dependent on how I feel on the day.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!!
thank you for reviewing this! - I am actually torn between Z650RS and this the Vulcan, on what to get for my dad (61 he still ride up to this day, currently on W175), he likes both style, but he's never ridden anything higher than 200cc.
Thanks for watching. It's always tough for me to recommend for other people. I'm biased as I just bought the Z900RS for myself. Coming from a W175, the Z650RS is going to feel relatively familiar to him, and personally, I think it gives a little bit more of an "in command" riding position where the Vulcan S is a little bit more of a relaxed riding position.The Z650RS also has a slipper and assist clutch which the Vulcan S doesn't have. Not that the Vulcan S has a heavy clutch, but the Z650RS is lighter to pull, and that might be more familiar to him if he's coming from the W175. It's hard to argue with the value of the Vulcan S though. It may not have a few of the features of the Z650RS, but it's also about $1000 less expensive. Choices!! 🙂
Very good. Job showing and telling all about the 650s
I traded a boat, which I acquired in exchange for removing hail damage from a guy's truck, for a 2018 Vulcan S in orange and black. I really have no use for a boat, but I am an avid motorcycle collector. The Vulcan S I now own had 8400 miles on it and is in showroom condition. The biggest complaint I had about the bike is it's ugly exhaust and it's Prius sound when idling. I looked over many exhaust systems and bought the CS Racing exhaust system for my Vulcan. It sounds bad ass now. I added an aftermarket cafe style cowl which looks and fits amazingly well. I am 6' 1" and this cowl deflects the air just above my helmet. I added a few other things such as the 12 volt accessory outlet, Kawasaki OEM luggage rack, and the engine case guards. The bike is really impressive in performance considering it's only 650 cc's. It also closely matches my 2020 Harley Davidson Ultra Limited paint scheme, which is Scorched Orange and Flux Metal Gray in color with the Blacked Out option. They like to call this bike a beginner's bike, but I think it's a little more than that. All in all, Kawasaki did a great job designing this bike.
Great review best I've seen I just bought the 2023 and the reason I bought it was because i used to own a 2000 Honda Magna 750 I loved that bike wish I still had it but this was a great replacement although if was up to me I would put a 1,000cc race engine but I love this bike
Wow! Excellent review!
Thanks for watching!
Great review! Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
The Vulcan S 650 is it on my lost of " bikes to consider", I'll check our the z650rs model. I'm 58, 275lbs, 5'9" tall. This would be my first bike for riding. Thank-you Pete for your extensive presentation on the S650. Doug 🏍️👍😁🤓
Thanks for sharing! At 275, I can see the the Vulcan S potentially being more comfortable for you, but I can't be sure. I'm about 175 lbs or so. It's hard for me to guess which bike is best for people who aren't the same as me. Both great bikes though!
Good job . I own one and you are spot on
Thanks so much for taking the time to watch. It's a great bike. I'd love it if you'd consider subscribing. I'm hoping to build a little community of people who know these bikes, and grow my channel a little more.
Great video dude. I'm considering buying a 2019 as my daily commuter in the city. What do you think? Is it up for the task or the suspension is not that comfortable for that?
I think it's a great bike, especially for the money. Could you get more advanced adjustable suspension? Yup,. But you'd have to spend a bunch more money, and probably look for a different class of bike. This one sounds great for what you're describing.
In Europe it is called Urban Cruiser. European cities differ significantly from North American ones. Less geometrical Straight more traffic lights a lot of traffic. like moving Times Square to the Hollywood Hills. Country roads, mountain passes much more winding. Here the Kawasaki can play out its advantages over the "big cruisers" and maintain the fun of motorcycling.
for a first time rider who is 511 and 330lbs who wants a sport bike but realizes he's probably too big for one, this seems like a great option. am i crazy for considering this for my first bike?
Getting that exact bike and color tomorrow!
Nice! You're going to love it! Thanks for sharing!
I've owned my 2017 for a few months and really enjoy it. I'm hoping to set off for my first tour (to Scotland from Wales) in a few weeks. So will be testing the 1300 mile comfort and practicality.
Ride safe all, Lady J Rider
Awesome! Thanks for sharing! I'd love to hear your thoughts when you return!
This is an amazing bike. I've had one for the past 5 years and it handles incredibly well and it easily outpaces larger machines. Where I disagree is the comfort issue. It is unbelievably uncomfortable for a journey longer than 30-45 minutes. This may be the same with all other cruisers because they all have forward controls that do not allow the rider to split the shocks of road imperfections between his back, calves and thighs. But don't let this put you off; adjust the suspension to reduce the discomfort (only slightly) and have frequent breaks on long journeys. You won't be disappointed.
Thanks for sharing!!
Great video
Good professional content.
Just got one. Still haven't hit the highway yet, lol. But it's a great bike, i love it and hate when i can't ride it around.
Air pressure display on the tft?
Ready to drink the Kool-Aid. Great review, will be first bike I have purchase. Thank you
Beautiful bike!
Yeah, I like the looks of it! It's both modern and classic all in one package.
It's definitely NOT an old type cruiser, it's a new sport cruiser.
I know this is good for a beginner, but is there enough there for someone that has some experience and wants a 'sporty' cruiser type motorcycle, or will it get boring in about 6 months? Is it quickly outgrown.
It's quicker than a lot of cruisers out there, so if you get bored of this, you'll get bored of a lot of other cruisers that are slower and don't handle as well. If you want the BIG V-Twin feel, this won't give you that, but it will give you a fun ride.
@@PeterLoweOne Thanks so much for responding. For me I am buying one last bike that will keep me engaged for at least 5 years. Its down to this bike, Honda Rebel 1100 (extra $1k) or Kawa Z900. I really like the cruiser look but the 'sporty' cruiser. I like the looks of the Vulcan and the Rebel but just worry are they big enough for me (6'2" 240lb), get up to highway speed easily, somewhat comfortable and remain engaging. I traded my Sportster XL1200 in and will be picking between one of these this week. Any advice is appreciated. BTW, love your videos.
No led headlights?
You didn’t address it but looks like a great for an old guy like me that is tired of wrestling with a heavy cruiser
Yeah, that's the big appeal of these cruisers, I focused on the sporty appeal, but they're also lighter and much easier to deal with. Great point! Thanks for watching!
@@PeterLoweOne It still weighs right under 500 pounds. I will be 75 next month and I am thinking of buying a Vulcan S because my Kawasaki 750 has a broken piston rod and too expensive to repair. I am still undecided as to whether I should buy one OR have my head examined.
@@Ojeramup12 Look at my post at the top of the page. I'm 76 yrs old.
@@darrelllawrence7035 This makes me decide about buying a bike.
I like this bike but I'm worried that adding a second seat on the back with my girlfriend (150lbs). Might slow it down too much for me. I wish I had a dealership around me that allowed test driving.
U can’t lower the seat…just adjust the seat forward….beside that great review
What is your height?
It is the right bike for me; but it might bite my pockets little bit. I understand this is cheaper than many other bikes out there.. still.
I think it’s badass. Harleys are way overrated & overpriced. I own a 2022 ninja 650 & I love it but I’m now really wanting the Vulcan in this color. Good video bro👍
Thanks for watching! Yeah, this is a cruiser that suits a LOT of people! More people need to give this thing a try!
"more horsepower than torque" is a really interesting statement considering that horsepower = torque * rpm
I think the average person understands what I mean.
@@PeterLoweOne
Well, I am well aware that most people are completely ignorant of what these technical terms mean and how they are related. But it bothers me a little that it is used incorrectly on a regular basis. But otherwise a very well expressed and descriptive review, thanks.🙏👍
Many hardcore American cruiser drivers did not thought that it is a cruiser because it is a Japanese made bike??? The more they say it is not, many more are intrigued by their statements and consumers are about to buy it,
Haha! I'm staying away from that argument!!
Good review but no ride review?
Yeah, so two things. 1) many of the bikes I review aren't demo bikes. So if the two options are no review, or a review without riding, I always choose to do a review. 2) there are thousands of riding reviews of all these bikes that are only a click away. I think it's great that there are other people doing great riding reviews that cover some of the information, and I try to cover what they can't. Having said all of that, I do plan to do more riding reviews in the future. So you'll see more of that on this channel.
Like the bike. Wish I was 20 years younger….
Haha! That's the reasoning that I gave my wife of why I need another bike now!
The bike is perfect for me, and I want one with nice gloss paint. The paint is horrible.
My insurance certainly had it classified as a cruiser 😅
Haha! That's a good thing, right?
@@PeterLoweOne absolutely! Super cheap for a sportier bike
Not to disrespect your video and effort. I appreciate it.
But does it really matter what it is called? It is, what it is.
Honda Rebel 500 is nice
A lot of people recommended this bike to me when I got into riding, but I just couldn't get over how damn ugly the thing is. I ended up with a Rebel 500 and then last year traded up to a Scout Rogue.
Some people choose a Kawasaki as their first bike, other people take a little longer to realize they should have bought the Kawasaki. Maybe next time you'll end up with the Kawasakiyou can keep. 🙂👍 (Kidding!) I'm glad you found something you enjoy.
Hi, late again…
Family night…..
It's a pocket sport cruiser.
Haha. Kind of!
I'm currently negotiating buying a 2020 model soon, I'm 68 and this will be my last bike. (toy).
Like the bike. Wish I was $20k richer. 😅
You only have to be about half of that amount richer. 😃👍
$7,300 USD or get one used for $5000 or less!
First!!!
🏆🤷♂️🫤
This one doesn t have ABS lol
never started the engine? no engine sound, why don't you write a transcript of this video and hand out.
My reviews aren't going to be for everyone. The nice thing about UA-cam is that if you didn't get what you want from this review, you're only a click away from finding that. There are dozens of reviews that will give you the engine note on UA-cam. I offered some information that many of those reviews don't mention. I'm not in competition with other reviews, I'm just trying to add information to people's search. Sorry that you didn't find what you wanted here, but thanks for giving me a chance.
@@PeterLoweOne so, you publish it for people but you are saying not for people. keep the video for family and friends then.
It’s definitely a cruiser!! I love this bike..
Very good. Job showing and telling all about the 650s