I am from your future. Finally Kawasaki has a gear selection display right on the screen. I am 6’4” and after completion of the Ergo-fit program adjustments I am very happy with the room on my 2019 Vulcan S. I’m long legged but more normal body height. After 1100 miles I’ve realized I need to adjust handbags in closer to me maybe 2-1/2”. All of my riding buds say that I do not look small on it. Until my extended reach seat arrived I had the mid-range seat on. It killed my butt! The extended seat feels larger, because I sit back further in it AND it’s the only seat of the three that has Gel in it. Huge difference in the rear end traveling well.
I watch bike reviews a lot and i have to say, your descriptions while riding are very informative compared to other reviews i have seen. You literally answer every question i think about when seeing someone ride Eg: How does it shift, linkage etc. KEEP IT UP! Subscribed
I've been dead-set on this motorcycle since I first decided to get my license in early may this year. Since then I've done so much research, and I've watched every Vulcan S video under the sun. Even the indian ones, just to consume all the content. So it's a little shocking that throughout my probably hundreds of TH-cam searches for the Vulcan S, that this video only appeared once I sorted by view-count and scrolled down. This is perhaps the best review I've seen of this bike. It covers all the bases, and really gives me a good indication as to what this bike has to offer, both good and bad! I've already pre-ordered my 2022 kvs for next season, and I can't wait. Thank you for the amazing review, and I'm sorry that the TH-cam algorithm failed you
Also at about 20:00 minutes in, you say it's not gonna win any drag race, but from what I've seen on TH-cam, it's won nearly every drag race it's been in (against other cruisers)
I appreciate your complain about the shifter. That's probably why I saw one video in which the rider installed a gear indicator. Best, most comprehensive review on this bike I have seen so far.
Hi guys I''m the proud (lady) owner of one of these girls. at 1.61m tall I can assure you that it is a comfortable fit for the Vertically challenged. I have added a screen to it . Have taken her up to 159k/h, and she still had more to give. I'm really happy and would recommend it. Good ride at a more than reasonable price.
isabella johanna Oelofse that's about 5' 3.5". I'm 5' 0.5" female and am able to easily stand this bike up in the showroom. at 50lbs lighter than my Honda Shadow Spirit 750, which I love dearly, I'm dying to take this bike for a ride. I believe I'll have more fun on this one. please fill us in on your experience with this bike so I can live vicariously through you :)
I have this bike and love it. I had the same problem with the shifting at first too. It is caused by not tipping your toe down far enough after you shift and the pawl doesn't reset. It isn't that its not going into gear it just never left the stroke from the last gear change. The geometry of the lever relative to peg doesn't allow much room for your foot. You can adjust the linkage a little bit but then the the shifter is too high when its up. There may be a need for some after market levers/linkage but you do get used to it.
It is worth mentioning that Vulcan S has a parallel-twin engine instead of a V-twin design, and therefore, it has very different control riding characteristics. When I go to very light throttle, it gets a slight vibration/shudder. Not really lugging motor and it will accelerate fine. The Vulcan S simply doesn’t like “light throttle “. It likes to be wound out and shifted around 5000 rpm. I wanted to shift at 2000 rpm and ride at 2500 to 3000 rpm and Vulcan S engine doesn’t like that (shudder and vibrate). I now shift at 4500 to 5000 rpm and cruise around 5000 rpm. It just takes some getting used to (for those who used to ride a V-twin bike).
quick question, in terms of insurance, it would be classified as a cruiser yes? even though its a bit of a sporty bike in disguise? Also where do you live? Its gorgeous out there!
Last Kawasaki I ever rode was the chips version. Highway patrol. A collector had it. It had a lot of power. I was impressed for a bike that was from 1980
Very informative for people curious about bikes, so far Vulcan is my favorite style looking bike but I'm thinking I want something smaller to learn on and something that maybe is easier to tell when you shift.
I Really Like This Bike... :) I Drove A Honda Wave 125CC Before So Somehow I Know How A Motor Cycle Works... I'm 5'3 Ft. And I Think This Will Do Just Fine, Maybe... This Will Be My First Bike Ever... All I Need Is The Money... Need To Work Hard And Start Saving.
Hey, which is the better bike for someone 6'2 and 230lbs + for commuting to work and some highway and freeway riding, Kawasaki Vulcan S or the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec?
I've asked the same thing. I have a chance to straight trade my 07 R6 for a 16 Vulcan s. I think it will be easier to sell the Vulcan next season if I trade him. Aiming for a Yamaha bolt. I think it looks way better then the Vulcan and it has a nice rumble especially with a aftermarket exhaust. Not a street bike trapped in a cruiser. Maybe that's just me.
could you point in the right direction for a bike, I have a 30 inch inseam and I'm looking for a nice looking bike to ride mainly from state to state with a full cargo load, what do you suggest?
Tony 289 i own a 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 classic lt and love it. It has front floorboards, heel/toe shifting, a huge adjustable height windshield, and decent sized faux leather saddlebags. Tree seat height is pretty low, my buddy has a 29" inseam and can still flat foot at a light. I've got a 31" inseam and am perfectly comfortable on long state to state rides.
Fantastic review thank you! Would love to see a review of the new 2016 Vulcan S, to see if they "tweeked" any of the slight niggles you mention. Looking at buying a 2016 Vulcan S in the next few months here in Slovakia.
Many people complain about the feet forward sitting position. It takes a short time to adjust to. It's very difficult to stand to adsorb shocks. Engine breaking is pronounced and abrupt.
All the controls and gear lever and brake are adjustable i have the Vulcan s and my shifter is a lot lower than i see in these youtube videos its comfortable .
That was a really good, objective review. I’m toying with the idea of buying one of these against a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650cc, I really hope you get the chance to review one, I’d really like to know what you think.
I know that your question was posted a year ago, but I see that nobody replied. If you're still interested, St. Pete Powersports and Barneys of Brandon are the 2 local dealerships that I know of, that are on the Kawasaki Demo Days tour. I looked it up and they have demo days coming up in May. www.kawasaki.com/experience/events
The real question is it a worthy successor to the 454 LTD and vulcan 500, a tiny little cruiser that with the right tires and a decent rider can play with sportbikes. Ninja cams, full exhaust and some other goodies should make full throttle pulls a bit more interesting... Even the 454 would pick up the front end in 1st gear but it was probably geared shorter too. subbing
I am 6'4 and like 270. I am thinking as a beginner rider that this will fit the bill. Does anyone ride this that is the same size as me with the extended fit seat, bars and pegs?
I'm 6'2, 300 pounds and I ride with extended seat and bars but with mid pegs... since you're a bit taller i would say go with extended on everything. my comment is a bit late but i hope it helped :)
Very good review. I'm getting a dark purple with abs. Did 2 test rides before buying. Great bike, specially the foot controls adjustments. I think i'll change only handlebar, feeling like too forward, but that's only on the test ride. Gotta see on the road.
Great review. I am assuming you were not on a full face helmet? Man, when you went full throttle, you were like riding on a rocket. That 650 have some grunt in it doesn't it?
I went trough some videos and mainly they recommend to get Yamaha R3 or Honda CBR300 for very first time rider. Would you recommend this or Vulcan 2016 for first time rider? tnx
Yes and no ..if you don't know how to control your wrist ( not to twist the throttle like a fool..then no... otherwise if you realize you shouldn't twist the throttle hard and start off slow then yes. don't be nervous about the power .. most reviews are speaking to a person that has never rode a wrist based throttle and don't know how to control wrist. I started on a liter bike and long as you are smart enough not to rip the throttle you will be fine. like your foot in a car .less pressure less speed more pressure faster speed.
Yes and no. The bike is very stable at highway speeds. The seat, like most stock seats, is not comfortable after 2 hours. If you're going to ride that long, I would invest in a Corbin seat.
+RaulMusic3 this will be my fourth. I got her because I am tired of spending good money on a bike just to spend more money to make it riding ready. (I am 5'4") if you are used to a cruiser then ride this it can be difficult until you get used to it. my sport bike friends say it is typical of a ninja...which is what it is.
It's a good first bike. It's my 6th bike... it's a great 6th bike too! It all depends on the type of riding you want to do. If you all you want to do is multi-hour, interstate riding, then this is not the bike you want. It is for shorter rides and commutes into urban areas as well.
Michael Moretti Hahahahaha. I bought an Indian Scout for my first bike, and even that's a bit small for me. After about 2 hours riding it, I realized I should have bought a full dresser bike.
started on a gsxr1000 in 2008. it depends from person to person. it's old to think you have to start on a 125/250 bike, like medieval old ... use common sense
Great review. After riding these a few time I'll add a couple inputs. BTW I think the shifter issues you were experiencing were from the extended reach conversion on the shifter position. This engine is well proven coming from the Ninja 650. Comparison to Bolt the 650 feels lighter because of a much lower center of gravity. The Bolt has a really high center of gravity which is something I hate about the Bolt. The reference to Scout is spot on. This is certainly no sport bike but I'd call it a sporty cruiser which if I have to ride a cruiser I like something like this. That parallel twin with the right exhaust sounds really sweet. I do not like the forward controls but I don't like forward controls on any bike. You mentioned from Tampa Bay, was this demo ride there or from the Aim show in Orlando? Too bad we lost the AIM show. :(
World record, you knew it had great low speed stability and torque with 5 feet of testing a bike , wow , another 1/4 mile and you know almost everything else.
Some are far easier than others, it depends on the design and construction of the shifter and transmission. In a car, neutral is a separate selection. Motorcycles have sequential gearboxes and neutral is simply a spot in between 1 and 2 usually held by basically a notch. There is nothing to keep it specifically in the neutral position like the other gears.
Fortunately, there are lots of bikes that are made for the taller person. This is one of the few bikes that is made for a shorter person. That being said, it's too bad it is still too short for you as it is a great bike.
So how tall are you, see its extended reach maybe try different setting of peg position being shorter reach, extended might also have something to do with ya sore butt lol, ya legs look too straight, I own the bike.
How unfortunate, this bike is made for the taller person. Which typically means more weight. Yet this is only a 650cc, can't expect to do much with that as a 6-2 230 dude. If this had the 900 Vulcan engine it would be solid.
it's not a v-twin, it's the same engine as the ninja 650, so you have to ride it like a sport bike. Higher revs. The bike itself isn't made for taller people, the only difference is the seat, handlebars, and pegs. The frame doesn't change, there is no added weight when altering it for your fit.
Bestoftherest222 I have this bike.. perfect starter bike for me.. I'm 5'11 and 260+ and it pulls me along just fine. Easily gets me 100mph when I want. And cruises easily around 80, awesome bike
I'm 5'6 and 130# and I love this bike. I have the short seat and the standard bar and foot pegs and it fits perfectly. It's nice to have both feet flat on the ground when stopped. The bike is not really a cruiser..it's not a sport bike either..it's something in between. It is VERY easy to handle in busy city commuting traffic, yet also VERY stable at high speeds. It has a long range, over 150 miles at 50mpg. The only down side is the stock seat. As with most bikes, if you're planning on riding for more than 90 minutes you'd better buy a better seat. This one will set your butt on fire after 90 min. I will eventually get a Corbin seat. You get used to the shifter so after a few hours riding it is not an issue. The exhaust IS very quiet, embarrassingly so. It sounds like a moped at idle. When you are on the road and open it up, it sounds much better. I didn't get it for the sound, I got it for everything else. Instead of opting for louder pipes, I added the Kawasaki LED driving lights. They are very bright and are more effective than an obnoxious exhaust. I've been riding for 30 years and this is the first bike that makes me smile every time I ride it.
I am from your future. Finally Kawasaki has a gear selection display right on the screen.
I am 6’4” and after completion of the Ergo-fit program adjustments I am very happy with the room on my 2019 Vulcan S. I’m long legged but more normal body height. After 1100 miles I’ve realized I need to adjust handbags in closer to me maybe 2-1/2”. All of my riding buds say that I do not look small on it. Until my extended reach seat arrived I had the mid-range seat on. It killed my butt! The extended seat feels larger, because I sit back further in it AND it’s the only seat of the three that has Gel in it. Huge difference in the rear end traveling well.
I watch bike reviews a lot and i have to say, your descriptions while riding are very informative compared to other reviews i have seen. You literally answer every question i think about when seeing someone ride Eg: How does it shift, linkage etc. KEEP IT UP! Subscribed
Some riders are reviewers, some bike owners are just narsisists. 😉
I've been dead-set on this motorcycle since I first decided to get my license in early may this year. Since then I've done so much research, and I've watched every Vulcan S video under the sun. Even the indian ones, just to consume all the content. So it's a little shocking that throughout my probably hundreds of TH-cam searches for the Vulcan S, that this video only appeared once I sorted by view-count and scrolled down. This is perhaps the best review I've seen of this bike. It covers all the bases, and really gives me a good indication as to what this bike has to offer, both good and bad! I've already pre-ordered my 2022 kvs for next season, and I can't wait. Thank you for the amazing review, and I'm sorry that the TH-cam algorithm failed you
Also at about 20:00 minutes in, you say it's not gonna win any drag race, but from what I've seen on TH-cam, it's won nearly every drag race it's been in (against other cruisers)
This is the first riding review that I've actually tolerated and didn't hate. Good job. Thanks.
Damn I love your reviews .Please don't change the way you do them.
I appreciate your complain about the shifter. That's probably why I saw one video in which the rider installed a gear indicator. Best, most comprehensive review on this bike I have seen so far.
The most comprehensive and entertaining motorcycle reviews on TH-cam. Subscribed! Wish for more Freeway runs to see how the bikes perform at speed.
Hi guys I''m the proud (lady) owner of one of these girls. at 1.61m tall I can assure you that it is a comfortable fit for the Vertically challenged. I have added a screen to it . Have taken her up to 159k/h, and she still had more to give. I'm really happy and would recommend
it. Good ride at a more than reasonable price.
Great choice! Good to hear that ladies like cruisers too. Very special bike, enjoy it :)
isabella johanna Oelofse that's about 5' 3.5". I'm 5' 0.5" female and am able to easily stand this bike up in the showroom. at 50lbs lighter than my Honda Shadow Spirit 750, which I love dearly, I'm dying to take this bike for a ride. I believe I'll have more fun on this one. please fill us in on your experience with this bike so I can live vicariously through you :)
I had a 750 Shadow. I sold it for this one.
You will like this 650 MUCH better than the Shadow.
I have this bike and love it. I had the same problem with the shifting at first too. It is caused by not tipping your toe down far enough after you shift and the pawl doesn't reset. It isn't that its not going into gear it just never left the stroke from the last gear change. The geometry of the lever relative to peg doesn't allow much room for your foot. You can adjust the linkage a little bit but then the the shifter is too high when its up. There may be a need for some after market levers/linkage but you do get used to it.
had one for a year now done just over 3000 miles for pleasure , great bike loads of power easy handling cheap insurance
is shifting really as he says? that you cant feel that click when you upshift?
If you had to live with this bike or the Yamaha Bolt; which would you personally chose?
Been thinking about buying a bike specifically this Vulcan as my first bike.
I suppose you went for it. How is it?
It is worth mentioning that Vulcan S has a parallel-twin engine instead of a V-twin design, and therefore, it has very different control riding characteristics. When I go to very light throttle, it gets a slight vibration/shudder. Not really lugging motor and it will accelerate fine. The Vulcan S simply doesn’t like “light throttle “. It likes to be wound out and shifted around 5000 rpm. I wanted to shift at 2000 rpm and ride at 2500 to 3000 rpm and Vulcan S engine doesn’t like that (shudder and vibrate). I now shift at 4500 to 5000 rpm and cruise around 5000 rpm. It just takes some getting used to (for those who used to ride a V-twin bike).
"this is a little brother of an Indian Scout" i love that sentences, thank you very much for this review, now i`m going for a Vulcan S. Greetings.
quick question, in terms of insurance, it would be classified as a cruiser yes? even though its a bit of a sporty bike in disguise? Also where do you live? Its gorgeous out there!
picture of you on this bike? 6'2 myself...thanks
Last Kawasaki I ever rode was the chips version. Highway patrol. A collector had it. It had a lot of power. I was impressed for a bike that was from 1980
Very informative for people curious about bikes, so far Vulcan is my favorite style looking bike but I'm thinking I want something smaller to learn on and something that maybe is easier to tell when you shift.
Great review as always. Going to buy me one of those. Easy to ride, nimble and peppy.
Love to see you try the 2017/18 model, see how think it compares and whether you think they've made improvements ✊
Nice review sir.. How about the throttle response in all rev range? Is it accurate and smooth?
I Really Like This Bike... :) I Drove A Honda Wave 125CC Before So Somehow I Know How A Motor Cycle Works... I'm 5'3 Ft. And I Think This Will Do Just Fine, Maybe...
This Will Be My First Bike Ever... All I Need Is The Money... Need To Work Hard And Start Saving.
Mabuhay
im stuck between the vulcan s or the bolt r-spec... youve done a review on a regular bolt and this vulcan, which would you prefer?
Hey, which is the better bike for someone 6'2 and 230lbs + for commuting to work and some highway and freeway riding, Kawasaki Vulcan S or the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec?
I've asked the same thing. I have a chance to straight trade my 07 R6 for a 16 Vulcan s. I think it will be easier to sell the Vulcan next season if I trade him. Aiming for a Yamaha bolt. I think it looks way better then the Vulcan and it has a nice rumble especially with a aftermarket exhaust. Not a street bike trapped in a cruiser. Maybe that's just me.
could you point in the right direction for a bike, I have a 30 inch inseam and I'm looking for a nice looking bike to ride mainly from state to state with a full cargo load, what do you suggest?
Tony 289 i own a 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 classic lt and love it. It has front floorboards, heel/toe shifting, a huge adjustable height windshield, and decent sized faux leather saddlebags. Tree seat height is pretty low, my buddy has a 29" inseam and can still flat foot at a light. I've got a 31" inseam and am perfectly comfortable on long state to state rides.
What is the bike parked directly in front of this one?
is mono suspension good enough for bad roads on this bike? For heavier guys? any Back pain?
Here from Tampa too. Looking to buy a 2001 bobber version of the Vulcan.
+Jibbin Cat You can buy the TWO Bobber :)
Fantastic review thank you! Would love to see a review of the new 2016 Vulcan S, to see if they "tweeked" any of the slight niggles you mention. Looking at buying a 2016 Vulcan S in the next few months here in Slovakia.
+Lucy Lockheart Yeah, me too. I wonder if anything has changed. From looking online it doesn't seem like it though.
+Lucy Lockheart No changes for this year
It has a great motor. That parallel twin 650 motor is a hoot. I have the same motor in my Versys 650 and adore it
Many people complain about the feet forward sitting position. It takes a short time to adjust to. It's very difficult to stand to adsorb shocks. Engine breaking is pronounced and abrupt.
Hey great review! Considering horrendous traffic condition like LA, would u choose this or rebel 500? Or something else? For a first bike. Thx
All the controls and gear lever and brake are adjustable i have the Vulcan s and my shifter is a lot lower than i see in these youtube videos its comfortable .
ordering mine wednesday... cant wait!!!
Really nice review, Bryan! Thanks from Texas.
What is the two bikes in front
That was a really good, objective review. I’m toying with the idea of buying one of these against a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650cc, I really hope you get the chance to review one, I’d really like to know what you think.
I'm in Clearwater, where do they hold Kawasaki demo rides at?
I know that your question was posted a year ago, but I see that nobody replied. If you're still interested, St. Pete Powersports and Barneys of Brandon are the 2 local dealerships that I know of, that are on the Kawasaki Demo Days tour. I looked it up and they have demo days coming up in May. www.kawasaki.com/experience/events
Great review esp on clutch feel. I think it's a very powerful responsive 650 cruiser
What gloves are you wearing?
The real question is it a worthy successor to the 454 LTD and vulcan 500, a tiny little cruiser that with the right tires and a decent rider can play with sportbikes.
Ninja cams, full exhaust and some other goodies should make full throttle pulls a bit more interesting... Even the 454 would pick up the front end in 1st gear but it was probably geared shorter too.
subbing
I am 6'4 and like 270. I am thinking as a beginner rider that this will fit the bill. Does anyone ride this that is the same size as me with the extended fit seat, bars and pegs?
In the same position.... It would be nice to know... Looking at the and the Indian scout
I'm 6'2, 300 pounds and I ride with extended seat and bars but with mid pegs... since you're a bit taller i would say go with extended on everything. my comment is a bit late but i hope it helped :)
dude any state I have been in u stop for peds at xwalks...I love mine.
doing research on a 17 kvs wit abs , thanks for the info
Very good review. I'm getting a dark purple with abs. Did 2 test rides before buying. Great bike, specially the foot controls adjustments. I think i'll change only handlebar, feeling like too forward, but that's only on the test ride. Gotta see on the road.
im looking for a first time bike how much do these run
Great review. I am assuming you were not on a full face helmet? Man, when you went full throttle, you were like riding on a rocket. That 650 have some grunt in it doesn't it?
What about Interstate riding? and how are higher speeds like 65 70
They're fine after 70 it still can pull up to 90 and you better grab to those handle bars I'm 6 ft 190lbs
+ciriusblackinfernal oh nice i have decided not to get the vulcan i am going to get the 2015 versys 650 or 1000
why did they stop making the 1600 mean strike ?
Harry Hall because it was too good of a bike
Harry Hall emissions regulations killed it and alot of other bikes too, especially in Europe
Harry Hall ...it was being too mean to the other motorcycles
I went trough some videos and mainly they recommend to get Yamaha R3 or Honda CBR300 for very first time rider. Would you recommend this or Vulcan 2016 for first time rider? tnx
Yes and no ..if you don't know how to control your wrist ( not to twist the throttle like a fool..then no... otherwise if you realize you shouldn't twist the throttle hard and start off slow then yes. don't be nervous about the power .. most reviews are speaking to a person that has never rode a wrist based throttle and don't know how to control wrist. I started on a liter bike and long as you are smart enough not to rip the throttle you will be fine. like your foot in a car .less pressure less speed more pressure faster speed.
You're doing great reviews! Very professional and informative. And cool bikes. Would be great if you could do a video on a Triumph street triple.
That bike looks sweet.
hi, i am 5 foot 8'" ands 170 pounds. do you think i will suffer with that rear suspension issue with this bike?
Elie Nehme It’s adjustable
*What is the MPG on this bike, how far can you ride on a tank?*
50 mpg easy.
You can easily get 120 miles and push it to over 150 if you wanted to.
Hello people of the internet, I'm 6'5 and looking for my first bike. wondering if i would fit on this with the Extended Reach
Yep!
+Cameron Dykstra I'm 6'5" as well and I ride a 2008 yamaha V-Star 1100 classic and I fit fine.
But is it worth selling my 07' FJR over?
You should try to get on a new 2016 KTM 690 Duke.
Is the Vulcan S suitable for road trips, say 2 -3 days?
Yes and no. The bike is very stable at highway speeds. The seat, like most stock seats, is not comfortable after 2 hours. If you're going to ride that long, I would invest in a Corbin seat.
so do you recommend this bike, as a first timmer bike?
absolutely recommend this bike for a first timer. rides great. handles like a dream. I absolutely loved mine!
+RaulMusic3 this will be my fourth. I got her because I am tired of spending good money on a bike just to spend more money to make it riding ready. (I am 5'4") if you are used to a cruiser then ride this it can be difficult until you get used to it. my sport bike friends say it is typical of a ninja...which is what it is.
It's a good first bike. It's my 6th bike... it's a great 6th bike too!
It all depends on the type of riding you want to do.
If you all you want to do is multi-hour, interstate riding, then this is not the bike you want. It is for shorter rides and commutes into urban areas as well.
Please try to do a review of a Kawasaki Vaquero
Thinking about getting one of these as my first bike. Good idea?
Just bought one today (the day after the 2 day course), couldn't be happier taking it home!
Sweet! I just did my first day of the course today. I think I'm going to shoot for an Indian Scout. This bike is so nice though.
Michael Moretti Hahahahaha. I bought an Indian Scout for my first bike, and even that's a bit small for me. After about 2 hours riding it, I realized I should have bought a full dresser bike.
started on a gsxr1000 in 2008. it depends from person to person. it's old to think you have to start on a 125/250 bike, like medieval old ... use common sense
joelebatteurist Yep. That's why I didn't get a small bike. My Scout has tons of power. I shake my head when people say they are going to start small.
Gear indicator is an option ;-)
EvilJ069 yeah ur right.
Great review. After riding these a few time I'll add a couple inputs. BTW I think the shifter issues you were experiencing were from the extended reach conversion on the shifter position. This engine is well proven coming from the Ninja 650. Comparison to Bolt the 650 feels lighter because of a much lower center of gravity. The Bolt has a really high center of gravity which is something I hate about the Bolt. The reference to Scout is spot on. This is certainly no sport bike but I'd call it a sporty cruiser which if I have to ride a cruiser I like something like this. That parallel twin with the right exhaust sounds really sweet. I do not like the forward controls but I don't like forward controls on any bike. You mentioned from Tampa Bay, was this demo ride there or from the Aim show in Orlando? Too bad we lost the AIM show. :(
300cc engine difference. Shouldn't even be compared to the Bolt
What's your favorite motorcycle? We are about the same height and weight.
0:10 music pleace!!!!!
john smith I recommend going to the motorscycle website
World record, you knew it had great low speed stability and torque with 5 feet of testing a bike , wow , another 1/4 mile and you know almost everything else.
Great bike for the money and has plenty of power, I have the 2020 with ABS
I wanted to get this bike as my first motorcycle but you worried me about shifting that you can't feel anything no click, nothing while you shifting 😫
My dream motorcycle...
Love the reviews
Funny about the pedestrian gaff, CA driver/riders should know that law since I'm positive that CA law requires yielding to pedestrians.
Great review!!
Good review, thanks!
Twowheeledobsession,
Your spoiled with that Yamaha FJR1300...
I wish they would make a 800cc model.
that fps cure my cancer.
Nice review. l like this bike.
Not trying to be a troll but isn't the Vulcan actually truly the entry level cruiser? It's the cheapest one they sell....$7000 for a 2017 non-abs....
This is a great bike review, thank you!
interesting, i have been reading that bolt is the top of its class, first review that puts the vulcan above it
+Tony Tng But the Volt / Bolt is a 1200 over here (Japan) I think. Different class, no?
staninjapan07 the bolt only has one engine, XV950, the 1200 you refer to is probably the older version from yamaha or star
+Tony Tng Oh yeah, thanks, just checked it out.
Nice review.... thanks....
good review !!!! not sure if I want one our not !!!! good my heart set on a triumph speed master !!!!!
by the way 5 foot 5 very easy to handle
Thanks!
whats corniring like..might ''might be tempted.
Cornering is good.. not sports bike good, but better than most "cruisers".
Wait this isn't Tampa. You're in Orlando xD.
I love my Vulcan s
Vulcan S vs Rebel 500 i can't decide
KyprosEllinwn Vulcan S, definitely, no doubt.
why isnt it as easy for a motorcycle to find neutral as its in acar
Some are far easier than others, it depends on the design and construction of the shifter and transmission. In a car, neutral is a separate selection. Motorcycles have sequential gearboxes and neutral is simply a spot in between 1 and 2 usually held by basically a notch. There is nothing to keep it specifically in the neutral position like the other gears.
engine is from ninja 650
based on it, not the same one.
The vulcan S has a neutral finder so if your stopped up shifting sends you into neutral and not into gear.
I can tell you that for someone that is 6'3" or taller even the extended reach is still to small for us.
Fortunately, there are lots of bikes that are made for the taller person.
This is one of the few bikes that is made for a shorter person. That being said, it's too bad it is still too short for you as it is a great bike.
two pound front end ?? try lifting that 2 pounds from the ground after you drop it
That nintendo theme remix intro music lol
Lol this is not a beginner bike at all. Its fast.
Cafe that machine, should help cut the glare on the instruments
morgando2 the new models are (2017) they have a small windshield special paint cafe styling but it is still a cruiser
So how tall are you, see its extended reach maybe try different setting of peg position being shorter reach, extended might also have something to do with ya sore butt lol, ya legs look too straight, I own the bike.
You weren't using your blinkers...
+doitwithdan this is the bike I bought (in mid reach) and I loved with all my soul. Crashed it 2 months in :'(
+Steve Hibbard How did you wreck it?
+clubtc05 paid too much attention to one idiot in an intersection and not the other.
Please subtitles ;)
How unfortunate, this bike is made for the taller person. Which typically means more weight. Yet this is only a 650cc, can't expect to do much with that as a 6-2 230 dude. If this had the 900 Vulcan engine it would be solid.
it's not a v-twin, it's the same engine as the ninja 650, so you have to ride it like a sport bike. Higher revs. The bike itself isn't made for taller people, the only difference is the seat, handlebars, and pegs. The frame doesn't change, there is no added weight when altering it for your fit.
Bestoftherest222 I have this bike.. perfect starter bike for me.. I'm 5'11 and 260+ and it pulls me along just fine. Easily gets me 100mph when I want. And cruises easily around 80, awesome bike
I'm 5'6 and 130# and I love this bike. I have the short seat and the standard bar and foot pegs and it fits perfectly. It's nice to have both feet flat on the ground when stopped.
The bike is not really a cruiser..it's not a sport bike either..it's something in between. It is VERY easy to handle in busy city commuting traffic, yet also VERY stable at high speeds. It has a long range, over 150 miles at 50mpg.
The only down side is the stock seat. As with most bikes, if you're planning on riding for more than 90 minutes you'd better buy a better seat. This one will set your butt on fire after 90 min. I will eventually get a Corbin seat.
You get used to the shifter so after a few hours riding it is not an issue.
The exhaust IS very quiet, embarrassingly so. It sounds like a moped at idle.
When you are on the road and open it up, it sounds much better.
I didn't get it for the sound, I got it for everything else. Instead of opting for louder pipes, I added the Kawasaki LED driving lights. They are very bright and are more effective than an obnoxious exhaust.
I've been riding for 30 years and this is the first bike that makes me smile every time I ride it.