2023 Kawasaki Vulcan Custom vs. Vulcan Classic - In-Depth Comparison Review!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- Looking for a cruiser motorcycle? The 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan Custom, and Vulcan Classic are two models that might be exactly what you need. They fit the style of a classic cruiser, even in the custom trim line, but they also fit into a lot more people's budgets than some of those other cruisers! Check one out for yourself at Canada's largest volume Kawasaki dealer, Jim Gilbert's PowerSports in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Connect with their amazing team here: powersports.wh...
I started riding in 2015. My first bike is a Vulcan 900 Classic. Extremely confidence inspiring with the long wheelbase and low center of gravity. After picking up a used HD Street Glide in 2017 for the ABS, cruise control, and tunes, I've set up the Vulcan as my < 100-mile solo ride. Purchasing it with estate money from my mom's passing, I doubt I'll ever get rid of it. Definitely a great starter, and longtime riding, bike!
Sorry to hear about your mother's lost. I hope she passed peacefully.
By far the biggest gripe or complaint I have heard or read is it needs a 6th gear. Actually this has been the case for most 5 gear Japanese cruisers of which I have owned a few since 1981. Honda finally did 6 gears their new Rebel 1100, about time. However what they all really need is just a higher 5th gear like what Indian did with their Scout 60, using same ratios as their 6 gear Scout. Anyway, these Kawasaki 900s are really good bikes and would certainly be most capable on the 60 mph top speed state highways and back roads that I 95 percent ride on here in SW, Ohio. And I like the weight of them ( 150 pounds less than my Victory Cross Country ) and the ergo fit for my 6 foot almost 70 year old frame. I am seriously considering getting a Classic LT, but have to sell my Victory Kingpin or Honda CTX 700 dct, the Cross Country is staying. I have heard good reports about getting the Ivan's flash on these and adding a higher airflow kit with gains of maybe over 10 hp and added torque. Great Tutorial Mr. Lowe.
I've owned a 2010 VN900C for a year now, and clocked 20.000km since I bought it. Amazing bike, it takes me into the city every time I want to go there, and has cruised me around Spain on the road trips of my liking. It is cheap to run, has an acceptable fuel efficiency if you drive it properly, is manoeuvrable, and I get to do most of the services it needs on my own (brakes, fluids, filters, oil, etc...).
IDEAS:
- Windshield is a must, will make you forget anything over 70km/h. Definitely you must get one.
- Engine defences or engine guard bars, or whatever they are called in English. It is a heavy bike and you don't want to drop it on a leg, and maybe barbecue yourself with the exhausts.
- Maybe get a couple of saddlebags and a top case to cruise along.
MORE STUFF:
I get the retro cruiser style, BUT:
- Yeah, it's made to cruise B-roads, but it still should get a 6th. It just revs too high when over 100km/h. Let alone 120 which is legal speed limit in Spain. I'm even thinking of installing a bigger engine sproket to lower rpm...
- ABS... Well, front wheel is skinny and I've still never blocked it. Still, it's just a safety feature that should be implemented. I'm pretty sure it's mandatory in Europe since 2014, which might be why I've never seen a new one in my local dealership. I thought
it was because they didn't comply with new emission laws. Must ask about this...!
- The high beam trigger for flashing is something I miss. I think this should be implemented. I don't like to abuse horn and it's quite uncomfortable to manually flash the beams using the huge button. Along this line, an emergency button to turn on all 4 indicators could also be thrown in.
All this being said, I paid basically no money for it and it runs like a clock with it's 90.000km and 13 years of life. It has been my first real bike and it is a joy to ride. Not too loud, not to quiet, no too fast, not to slow. Flashy with it's chrome, but not over the board. People come up and ask about it often and it turns heads. I love it and don't intend to change it any time soon. You guess, here I am reviewing my own bike on a video of the 2023 model which is EXACTLY the same 13 years after hahaha. I can't but recommend it. Nice video, I specially liked the sitting comparison. I always had doubts of whether I should've gone for the Classic... Cheers!
I agree. I wish: It had a 6th gear. A tachometer. A gear indicator. LED lights all around (you can still look classic with LEDS). Adjustable clutch and brake levers. Cruise control (It's 2023 and it's a "cruiser", right?). That flasher you mentioned would be nice too. Come on, Kawasaki!
@@jsprite123 mine at least has an adjustable brake lever :)
I’m thinking about getting my 1st cruiser. I’m a sport bike guy for 10 years. The first bike that I noticed was a bobber. I did my research and found out it was a Vulcan. Anyways being my first cruiser, I think I’ll go with the Vulcan S. I like that sports style..I’ll Lower the handle bars, change the mirrors like the Indian scout, add brown leather saddle bag, & put exhaust on. Also get a Corbin seat..
Well said. Sprocket matching is a bonus if you don't like the overheating engine/transmission or unnecessary noise pollution when you just want to hear nature's children chirping and giggling 😊😂.
I bought a 2022 Classic LT and removed the screen, bags, and back rest. Lots more chrome and 2 tone teal and pearl paint look great.
Nice about town bike. Easy to ride but really could use 6th gear to be a highway cruiser. Very smooth high quality feel.
Thanks for sharing!
Frank, that is funny since I bought the regular Classic and had to add saddlebags. 🙂Need them to have my rain gear and any misc things in there. Yes it is a great, fun bike. You can have a good time going slow around town and don't have to ride fast for that enjoyment.
Since Harley has phased out the Iron 883 which is a sporster I love, The Vulcan 900 classic would be a great Japanese Sportster.
Yeah, for sure! This is a great bike!
It's a softail copy.
To be able to plug a flat on the road is of great peace of mind for long distance cruising.All you would normally need is a plug kit and a mini compressor to get back on the road. Spoked wheels look nice but must be tubed. Great video by the way.
Now I'm going to check... I don't think every spoked wheel in the Kawasaki line-up requires a tubed tire.
I believe the name Vulcan Classic began in 1997 with the 1500 cc water cooled V twin. I bought that bike brand new in 97, fully customized it myself, and still own and ride it today in the year 2024. And the bike still looks brand new just like the day I bought it. Equipped it with a hypercharger, it's a bad ass top end cruiser. I will never part with it until the day I die.
I have a 2007 Vulcan Classic LT, the bagger version. I am definitely not a cruiser guy. I like small light bikes. My current favorite bike is a Suzuki TU250x! So why do I have a Vulcan? Because my wife and I like touring together, and the LT has a nice big rear seat and plenty of legroom!
Some observations:
- the stock seat feels good in the show room, but it is too soft. It is miserable after an hour or two. A Mustang seat or an Airhawk cushion mapmakers a real difference. I use both on long rides.
- it is heavy for a bike, but light for a touring bike. It took me a while to get used to the bulk. It isn’t an easy bike to push around, so be careful where you park!
- it revs fast for a cruiser, slow for any other type of bike, so riders from both schools find it odd.
- it is not a quick bike. At almost 700 pounds for the LT and only 50 hp, you aren’t going to win many stoplight drag races. But it is fast enough, and will run at 90 mph all day long loaded up with 2 people and camping gear.
- it gets 45-50 mpg. I am used to bikes getting 60-80 mpg. But I guess 45 is pretty good for a cruiser.
- There isn’t much ground clearance, so I ride conservatively, which my wife prefers anyway.
- People keep telling me that the design is old and needs to be updated. And it is true that I can’t identify anything significantly different from my 2007 models and the current production models. But that is a good thing if you are in the market for a bike like this. It is a very traditional Japanese cruiser. The look, feel, sound, and simplicity of function are more important than any modern electrical gizmos. Japanese cruisers are a dying breed. If you want one, the Vulcan is one of your few remaining options! To be honest, this bike has always been a “boomers” bike, one your dad would buy. It has that look and vibe which were popular in 2000. It is now out of date by intent and design.
So should someone buy it? If you are a squid who wants a bike that is fast, can carve corners, or handles responsively than absolutely not! This bike doesn’t do any of that! But if you want to ride two up across the country at a reasonable speed in reasonable comfort, but don’t want to pay $40k to ride a bike that weighs half a ton than this may well be the bike for you!
I just bought the Classic three days ago and, in the first 180 miles, have grown to really like it. Here in Wyoming, we have higher speed limits and a higher geared fifth would be nice. As I run the bike in, I'm sure that it will loosen up a bit and I can stretch it out more. Moved the bars up an inch and installed the Wind Vest that I took off my Triumph America. Now, it feels perfect. Eventually, I'll be too old and weak to keep riding my Road King. That's why I bought this slightly smaller bike.
Got a second hand custom from 2014 3 years ago (not even 3000km on the clock) and still love it.
For long distance i will advice to get a windshield.
But the look is great, even Indian and Harley riders ask about the bike and compliment on the look(think i have done a lot my self)
If i tell them its stock they are amazed. And telling them its a Kawasaki they did not even know Kawasaki made cruisers haha
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Perfect ! I've been wondering the difference and plan to buy one this weekend after 20 years of not riding. I'd be lying if I wasn't nervous because I have arthritis in my left knee and I worry about stop lights.
My 2nd bike i bought new this year. A 23 900 custom. That 900 has engine character i love. Its very eager to please. I put a ridiculous amount of miles on my bikes thats why i stick to metric. Alot of vibration past 65mph. Add in the wind and it just begs to be ridden slow. Which is FINE by me :) . Its not as "industrious" feeling as my 23 Voyager. Nor as much torque but up to 65mph acceleration is about the same. The huge difference between the 2 bikes is comfort and high speed travel. The voyager wins ten fold as youd expect. Also my 900 im averaging 50 mpg(hand calculated) on my 90 mile daily commute and it uses 87. Big win! My voyager averages 38mpg and uses 93 :(
These would be really great bikes if they had a 6th gear. I loved my custom, however I was always looking for a 6th gear.
These both look awesome. I wish it had a 6th gear but ive heard nothing but good things
I wish I could have the Classics paintjob on the Custom!! Man I love the paint jobs on the Classic version but love the Custom design much better.
I hear ya! Sometimes I run into the same thing wishing that I could get one colour scheme on a different bike.
That Vulcan Custom is one beautiful bike...
It is! Thanks for watching!
I have 2 Vulcan customs one stock an the other it has 17 inch apehangers an aftermarket exhaust great bikes
I'm a a 6'2" guy and a bit over 200 pounds. Strongly consider this as a first bike. Sat on a few and it's just as comfy as a sofa and would be nice for my commute down secondary highways
Yeah, these would be perfect for you! Thanks for watching!!
Excellent explanation about those two nice bikes
Thanks for watching!
Thank you very much, this research has been more than helpful for me.
Thanks for watching!
I bought a new Vulcan 900 Classic in 2006 and still love it. The only thing on my wish list was an extra 6th gear for the highway.
Yeah, these are true throwback models in every way. They're great, but part of the appeal is in the traditional... everything! 5 speed transmissions. The look, the dash etc. Thanks for sharing!!
@@PeterLoweOne Just to clarify these are adequate on the highway, but around 70+mph you wish there was an extra gear. (They say top speed is 115mph but I've never had it that fast.)
@@pcthayer Yeah, people say the same thing about the KLR. The Vulcan doesn't have deep reserves of horsepower (which helps with high speed power) so it's geared to run very well up until 70 mph. Top speeds on motorcycles don't really matter because they're not geared like cars. They're usually geared for acceleration where cars are geared for economy. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
I'll take the classic any day
These are the Vulcans we know and love. The only sort of flaw I see is how high the rear fender sits above the tire on the custom. It should sit a little lower for the best asthetics. Thanks!
Thanks for watching sharing your thoughts!
Anyone else think its odd they blacked out the forks on the classic but not on the custom? Either way the customs are super cheap used, like $5k or under for a gently used one. A guy at work has one and they look way better in person than on video or pictures. Stellar review.
I totally agree that these bikes don't show up nearly as well in pictures or on video as they do in person. Thanks for watching!
If it has fins on the cylinders, it's air cooled even if it has a radiator with water in it, which also makes it water cooled. I imagine the fins on the cylinders helps cooling enough so a smaller radiator can be used.
I got the 2012 custom best bike I've ever owned don't plan to ever sell it will be my sons first one day that blend between the two was really cool
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing. And yeah, that blend is an editing feature that I've used a few times to help people see the real differences between two similar bikes. I think it works better to see it than just to explain it, or to talk about the tiny measurements that each bike is different from the other etc. Again, thanks for watching!
Great video and great effort. Thanks
Hey Mr. Peter Lowe, I Need some advice. Which is a Better Midsize cruiser Motorcycle 🏍️. I Don't want a Big and Heavy Cruiser. But a Midsize cruiser.
Is the Kawasaki Vulcan Classic LT much better than the Suzuki Boulevard C-50T???? I am comparing between the two cruises! It seems to me that The Vulcan has a lot more advanced improvement, such as a 5.3 Gallon Gas tank. The Boulevard's C-50T has a 4.1 Gallon tank. Much nicer looking Paint Scheme and it Comes with a passenger backrest in which Suzuki illuminated on the Suzuki Boulevard C-50T's The Question is, Does the Vulcan Classic LT Rides much more Smoothly than the Boulevards? Could you please be Kind enough to get back to me? Thank You! My name is Joe Scarfo 🏍️💨💨
excellent review
Thanks for watching!
Great review!
Something you forgot to mention is the big advantage of the Custom over the Classic is that it has tubeless tires.
Yeah, I didn't mention that. Do you think it's a big advantage? Why do you say that? I agree it's probably worth mentioning, but I'm not sure that most riders will care either way. Maybe I'm wrong though.
It is a HUGE advantage! After owning a bike with spoked rims for 20 years, I would never own another one. When choosing between the 3 models, I went with the custom without hesitation. I love not having to deal with tubes and rim-strips. A quick wipe-down with a cloth keeps the custom’s rims clean vs. polishing spokes one by one… ugh!
Maybe it's changed now. My 2010 VN900C (C stands for CUSTOM) has a tubed front tyre...
Found out my custom was tubeless before almost going to a 21' spoke wheel 🛞 will never go to spokes again
@@PeterLoweOne a tubed tire goes flat all at once. a tubeless tire usually doesn't. i'll never own spoke rims ever again.
Awesome videos thanks,ur thoughts are shown
The heel toe shifter on my 2022 classic is a neutral finder only. I’m going to cut it off because it’s left me in neutral in the middle of intersections. That plus it’s only a 5 speed is the reason why I’m selling it.
Great Review ✌️
Thank You.
Thanks for watching!!
Love my 23 Vulcan 900 Classic
Great bike! Thanks for sharing!
I must be the only guy that likes black matte and tucked away engines over shiny chrome. Not only does it get dirty and lose the point of the shiny but it doesn't tie in with the other colours well.
I bought a 2019 Custom new, with saddlebags. I have since added after market floorboards, changed the incandescent headlight bulb to LED, changed the handle grip to better cushioned after market Kuryakyn grip, with throttle boss control. Some things to note would be, oil check is done with bike in upright position but with only a side stand, it is difficult to have the bike in an upright position. I built one of these center stands, to solve this problem. th-cam.com/video/CWeI_B0fjI8/w-d-xo.html
My only issue with the bike, is the same as everyone else. I am cruising at 100 Km an hour and the highway changes into a 4 lane and everyone speeds up. Now I have to wake up the bike. It wants me to just change gears and let it go back to its siesta. The engine can handle another gear, so why not have the 6th gear? I usually only drive secondary highways, so normally this does not happen and I love the way the bike handles.
I think that's a fair assessment. I think Kawasaki made this highway capable, but they seem to be assuming that most riders will be on secondary highways for the majority of their riding. This is a classic cruiser through and through, and that's part of why it only has 6 gears, but I've heard from a few riders who agree that there's room for a 6 speed, so I think that's a popular request from owners for the next refresh of this model. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the bike!
Kawasaki has some great platforms with this and the v-twin 1700 line but will never update them. Sad when you think about what they could be.
Owned a 2012 Vulcan 900 Classic for six years. Foolishly sold it in 2019 and got a Vulcan S Cafe. Love the Vulcan S, but hanker for my old 900. You observe in the video that the feel of the 900 Custom is different. One reason I sold the Classic is because of the sheer weight and handling, significant only because I'm old and skinny and less willing to manhandle it around slow traffic. Is the Custom less maneuverable due to the 21-inch front wheel? I've heard both.
Why are they not sold in The Netherlands
I bought a 2014 Classic LT, loved the bike but regrettably sold it in 2017. I think this is the year to buy another one, might be at Gilberts this spring to see what Classic LT's are in stock.
Sweet! I'm here most mornings! Feel free to see if I'm around when you stop by, but make sure you let them know that you've seen my videos!
@@PeterLoweOne Yes I will for sure! One question can Gilberts install cruise on the classic?
Also any changes on the bike from 2014 to 2023?
I have a 2008 Vulcan Custom. Do they produce accessories for my bike? Bags, backrests, or different seat options?
That classic looks just like my 09 classic lt without all the add on
That's the point of this bike though, they don't want it to look like a modern bike. This allows people to buy a brand new bike that looks and feels like bikes that have been around forever.
They're never going to put ABS on these motorcycles are they?
That's an interesting one. ABS is becoming mandated across the world, so you would think it's coming eventually... But I would have liked to see it by now. I get it that the buyer of this bike likes a classic bike feel, but let's be honest, it doesn't have classic brakes, it has good brakes, just not ABS. As I said, I'd like to see it on these by now.
They have discontinued selling them in Australia because they don't have abs
@@troybramich785I noticed that. looked up the eu site no longer available
Is there a difference in the rear fender on the classics say a 2022 or a 2023 compared to a 2024 just wondering before i buy the back rest and rack
I believe it's the same, but I'd check with your local Kawasaki parts department just to be sure.
Does it have a positive neutral finder, like most modern Kawasaki's?
Oooh... great question... I'm not sure... I'll have to check that out.
I would like to know the horsepower to compare?
Hi. As for me I would prefer the rims n tires from the Vulcan Classic motorcycle switched to the Vulcan Custom motorcycle.
Haha! Yeah, there's a reason why everyone customizes their bikes! You've got to make it your own. I like the look of the Custom bike, but I feel like I'd prefer the ride of the Classic.
Id like to hear your opinion on the bike i own, the Yamaha Stryker. It's a 1304cc cruiser.
I love the look of it, but I might not be able to review it as they don't sell it in Canada which is where I film.
Unfortunately they are not bringing the 900 Vulcans into Australia 🇦🇺 this year 😢
What is the FI light for?
Are you able to exchange seats
Does Vulcan 900 custom have ABS?
Peter, are the seats interchangeable between the Custom and Classic?
Yes same frame
Are the gas Tank the same?
Yup! 👍
Im looking at getting one of these as my first bike. I know the front tire size is different between them, how does that size difference effect the handling?
It won't be significant. The father tire will be "more stable" at high speeds but both will be completely fine. I ride a older Vulcan with skinny tire.
Is there an "ergo fit" customization with these bikes like the Vulcan S has?
Not officially, but I think you may find that these bikes still fit a wide variety of riders. The best thing to do is to head to your local dealer and see how they fit you. From there, you can figure out if things need to be tweaked.
Welcher Vorderreifen ist besser in den Kurven? Custom oder Classic?
Custom? I think? That's my guess.
Other than aftermarket exhaust how do we squeeze a little extra power out of the 900 power plant
Yeah, I'm not the expert on modifications. I'm sure there are ways, but it's not something that I usually research myself.
Not worth the trouble or expense. The Vulcan 900 is mild by design. If you want more power it is far easier and cheaper to just get a 1700. Most people just get louder pipes so that it at least SOUNDS more powerful!
Does Vulcan 900 comes with an ABS option?
Not right now.
Why the heck did they not add ABS?!?
Yeah, I'm of the opinion that all bikes should have it now, but maybe their market research tells them that it's not as big of a deal to their buyers as it is to me? I'm not sure.
Do you know if the Vulcan 900 has ABS
It does not.
I have a new 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan, 900 custom and what I don’t like about it is it vibrates excessively over 65 mph and on the interstate that I travel 81 south and north the speed limit is 70 mph so when I’m going 65 I’m holding people up And it’s upsetting them. They expect me to go faster because it’s a motorcycle. I wish it had a six gear and I wish it was smoother riding over 65 all the Harleys do 90 mph on the interstates.
I have an LT and really like it EXCEPT it needs a 6th gear and the seat is not comfortable.
I didn't mind the seat, but I've heard that some people would like a sixth gear on this. I think it depends on your riding routes etc. Fair criticism though! Thanks for watching!
@@PeterLoweOne I agree on the 6th gear too. I spoke to a Kawasaki rep about it. He replied he was surprised it wasn't done that way from the start. I would try the front sprocket change is Kawasaki offered the kit. Otherwise, I'll ride as it is, except I'm now making another auxillary pad for the seat to update the one I had last year. I think it will help a lot.
Here in Ecuador each costs 20k 😕
Another great reason to move to Canada?
speed o goes to 200! woo hoo!
Haha! American's aren't used to km/h! 🤣
Sov cheap😮😮.. I want a Raider or a Stratoliner 😅❤
Hi, I’m late! 😪
Never too late for me!!
Just had my Honda shadow destroyed by a imbecile driver and I’m very interested in a custom I like the looks better on the custom
Oh wow! I'm sorry! I hope you're ok. These bikes are pretty great! Definitely worth checking out. Good value, and that traditional cruiser in every way!
This bike needs some upgrades for 2023
If they added a 6th gear It would be perfect
This bike needs some upgrades for 2023
Like what though? I think the appeal of this bike is that it's a new bike that... "isn't new" if you know what I'm saying. It's got that old bike feel with new bike reliability, fit and finish etc. I'm not saying I'm right, so let me know what you're thinking.
@@PeterLoweOne hmm..add 6th gear, increase to 1000 or 1200cc and….well ABS if they haven’t already done so… that’s about the only things I’d add if I were a Honda Exec. Just to make a better perception to the target market…also more comfortable on the long highways it’s supposedly for.
@@msd85TvT so what you're really saying is that this bike isn't for you. That's fine. It's not my first choice either. We all have different tastes, it doesn't mean that every bike should target you, or me.
And the factory seats are horrible.
50hp and 600 pounds is a total dud. No 6th gear puts it off my list.
That's cool This bike isn't for everyone. Lots of people do like it though. Keep in mind horsepower numbers may seem low, but torque numbers are relatively high depending on what you're comparing them to.
1st