All good info. Thank you for sharing!

Here in New Zealand, the Vulcan is offered in a LAMS (Learner Licence Permitted) spec, which basically has an adapter plug on the engine computer and a screw limiting how far the throttle opens. I think this pretty much makes it feel like the Rebel in terms of power. Once you graduate from the learner permit to full licence, the leash can be removed. The Rebel here new is NZ$11K, the Vulcan is $15K, so is a LOT more expensive - but with that "Free" upgrade once on a full licence. Hmmm, I'm torn because I personally REALLY like how the Vulcan looks over the Rebel, long, low, slammed, and the adjustable riding positions, just so tempting.

Rebel looks huge (both do) at the beginning of this video. I know it's not.

thank you for the information, it is a big decision for me also now. I am love with the Kawasaki and I am a bit nervous because you mentioned the Rebel is easier to drive for beginners, I am in the school now and I will finish next year (January). So I have time still to decide but I think I will try the Vulcan. :)

Thanks a lot ❤

Thank you! We try.

Why are you surprised?

@@angebee6198 good question. Well i have been looking at a lot of Vulcan vs rebel videos (unfortunately i wasn't sold on Vulcan after driving) and here i found an in depth comparison off the bike. Size/position/weight/impressions. For me it was a good, informative video 😁

Thank you!

Also, there is ‘The Ride’ video that came next. That is where Ninja and I ride both bikes (trade halfway) and compare how they feel on the road.

@@mcSal Thank you! I'm pretty sure I'll find it. I'm gonna binge your videos.

It definitely has a lot of gusto. I’m already doing mods to it. What bike are you riding now? Ride safe.

Great comment! I totally agree on the Rebel vs Vulcan S!! You've had a lot of bikes!

mrq1701 Great upgrade! It could definitely use a new exhaust. How much did it improve with a booster plug?

@@mcSal I installed the booster plug before the exhaust. I noticed little change to acceleration. It did not seem to change the amount of engine braking. The idle was stronger and the bike moves while in the friction zone of the clutch without adding further throttle. When I installed the Delkovic exhaust it really picked up. The bike seems more responsive. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/g7yXa9x4qtS2g5c.html

Good info! Thank you!

Vulcan S is powered by Ninja 650 that's why it cruised like a sport bike.

@@mcSal I didn't have much riding experience with it prior to installing the booster plug. I did notice an immediate change in throttle jerkiness... it was smoother and easier to properly regulate the throttle.

Glad you liked it! Dr. Spock used to be the only Vulcan... before the Vulcan S!

Ahem! Dr. Spock was a pediatrician. The Vulcan Spock wasn’t a Dr.

Thank you! The Vulcan IS quick! It definitely has turbo boost at all speeds. I'm editing The Ride video now. I also have a variety of ride videos with the Rebel 500 and KTM 390 Duke that just need editing before I post them.

Thank you! 😁

Which Yamaha? The Bolt? I looked at the Bolt before getting the Vulcan S. The Bolt is air cooled 942 cc v-twin; the Vulcan S is liquid cooled 649 cc parallel twin; the Rebel 500 is liquid cooled 471 cc parallel twin. My thought was to stay with liquid cooled, so I by-passed the Bolt. Between the Vulcan S and the Rebel, here are my thoughts... You can't go wrong with the Rebel 500 or the Vulcan S. The Vulcan S is a muscle type bike, stiffer rear suspension (which you will notice more on long rides), great power at higher rpm, jerky at very low rpm all gears. The Rebel 500 is a sleeker bike, softer rear suspension, better stock exhaust sound, easy and smooth to shift and operate at all gears, smooth acceleration, better power at lower rpm's than the Vulcan S, not as much at high rpm as the Vulcan S. The Vulcan S jumps forward with throttle (and can lose you if you're not really holding on), the Rebel 500 has smooth acceleration and won't lose you. And of course, you need to choose the look that will make you happy every day for years. Hope this helps you make a decision.

Thanks for your inputs, so Honda Rebel would be the better choice for beginners that are not used to sudden throttles. Yeah I agree that the rebel is really sleek, the design is modern, tho I also love the macho design of the vulcan

@@adammousa2455 Not a bad quandary to have.

Go with the Rebel if you already an experienced rider. You'll want to keep it forever. The Rebel isn't as good on the freeway & for long distance cruising.

I picked up a rebel 500 recently. I'll probably keep it forever

They just go and go and go...

Thank you!!! I do love riding the bikes and making the videos. After Thanksgiving holiday I’ll be back at it. ❤️

Thank you! They're both great bikes.

Glad you liked it!

Thank you! I feel the same about most reviews feeling like bike promos. We try to give you very real thoughts on the bikes we review, good and bad. I'm glad you appreciate it!

Which one do you prefer?

@@mcSal as of now I'm leaning towards Vulcan, because of how they will customize the bike for the buyers preferences. but, the Rebels look and ride comfort is still the best

I can see how she would love it. It's such a strong, fun and awesome bike!

I try to be helpful if I can. Thank you!

It is harder to respond with comments listed as replies to other comments. Sometimes I don’t know they are there. I get email notifications on comments, but not on some of the comments behind other comments.

@@mcSal you're welcome! 👍😍

Riders ride, right? She enjoys riding that bike now.

It gives it a classy look.

We made a video called The Ride after the First Impression video. It talks about the differences in the ride, and also lists the specs. The Vulcan S has much greater acceleration, while the Rebel 500 is smoother. The Rebel 500 is way more fuel efficient and comes with a better stock exhaust. The Vulcan S can fit a greater variety of sizes, from short to tall people due to the forward pegs and ErgoFit adjustability. The Rebel 500 is often not as comfy for taller riders due to a more compressed rider triangle (seat to handlebars to foot pegs). I preferred the Rebel 500, while Ninja preferred the Vulcan S. Hope this helps.

You made me laugh. I agree with you, except my Rebel 500 has done well on longer rides. It just has to work harder, which I didn't realize until I got bigger cc bikes. The Rebel 500 and Vulcan S don't complain about anything you ask of them; they just do it.

You would love the ErgoFit! Have them change out the Vulcan S seat to the more forward seat. It makes a Huge difference! Then of course the foot pegs and handlebars are also adjustable.

@@mcSal thanks! The Ergo fit is super! I hope to be able to testride one soon…

Thank you!

That's great! I'm sure the Rebel 500 would make an awesome bike for your wife. I don't think any other bike in this class is as smooth and easy as the Rebel. But the Vulcan S is a great bike, too. Just in a little different way. If you upgraded from the Vulcan S, what bike(s) are you looking at?

Thank you!

Thanks! We had fun doing the video.

Do they have any aftermarket exhaust for these bikes? They sound weak

@@robertwaters7969 I'm looking at exhausts now. They definitely do NOT sound like a Harley!

awrebyawe Thank you! Is your wife an aggressive car driver/personality that likes the throttle? (Vulcan S) Or a more go with the flow type? (Rebel 500)

Kristy Thanks! The 125's are great learner bikes! From there, you can easily go to a Rebel 500 or Vulcan S 650. If your heart is set on the Vulcan S, remember the Ergo-fit to fit it to your comfort level. The 75 pounds difference between the Vulcan S and the Rebel 500 is a big 75 pounds, meaning you can feel the extra weight of the Vulcan S. But when you're riding it, you won't notice. Ride safe!

@Minimalist MGTOW I enjoyed the Rebel 500’s smoothness best. Ninja enjoyed the Vulcan S’s power best. We did a second video called ‘The Ride’ where we break down the differences in the ride.

Absolutely!! If you click on my channel name, it will take you to all my videos. Apparently, I’m a bit crazy, because I now have 7 motorcycles. What can I say? I just like bikes! I have more bikes that I haven’t put out videos on yet. Not restricted to one brand, either. If it has good ergonomics for my size (5’4”/ 162.6cm) and gives a good ride, I like it.

@Kristy If you are still interested in the Vulcan S, do the ErgoFit and have the pegs moved to Mid. But the Rebel 500 is a much smoother ride, in my opinion. Both will fit you.

Sorry! The dog wouldn't leave.

Thanks for watching!

That’s a good tough decision to make. Lol.

My experience with both bikes. My friend and I are basically new riders. I have the Vulcan, he has the Rebel. We both agree that the Rebel is easier to learn on being that it's smaller, the mid controls, and a smoother throttle (Vulcan throttle is a bit twitchy). The other plus of the rebel is that since it is more narrow, it's easier to lane split. We both agree that the Rebel is probably a better choice if you just plan to commute around town and lane split in traffic, but the Vulcan is the better choice for Highways, longer distance cruising, and twisties. More power and with the ergo fit, more comfortable in my opinion.

Thank you! Welcome aboard. I have many bike videos in the works. It just takes a lot of time to edit them before posting. Working on 'The Ride' video now. Ride safe!

I still prefer the Rebel 500 because of how easy and smooth everything is about it. But if I was about sheer power, I would go for the Vulcan. Both are great bikes. Which way are you leaning?

I have both of these bike. I would definitely recommend the rebel as a first bike. Mid controls make riding way more friendly to beginners. But that’s just my opinion. I love both but always catch myself grabbing the keys to the rebel.

Drew Byrd is right on everything. But if you're 6' tall or taller, the Rebel will probably leave you feeling a bit cramped.

Im 5'4" tall i think the rebel just fits me right which is shorter rather than the vulcan which is bigger. What would you recommend is best for me. Although our group usually have long distance rides with lots of zigzag roads.

Thank you! Yes, the Honda Rebel 500 is still my favorite bike. It is so easy to ride, very forgiving, comfortable, and has plenty of power. I purchased the Vulcan S because all my guests wanted to ride the Rebel, and the Rebel was my only cruiser. Now I have two cruisers (Rebel 500 & Vulcan S) so my guests can pick their favorite. And I always have a cruiser to ride, which makes me happy.

Good luck on getting your motorcycle license, and ride safe! You will love the new Rebel.

Sal at Decco Ranch Thank you very much for your quick response! I really apreciate it. Greetings from Barcelona!

@@nadireitor2870 Thanks. It's fun to know where everyone is from. Hello from California.

Glad you liked it!

Absolutely! I love riding the Delta. It will be fun.

Congratulations!! Can't go wrong with either bike. Is the Vulcan's performance everything you wanted?

@@mcSal I only did a test ride until now. Still winter time over here. Next Wednesday I will pick it up at the dealership. It has the reduced reach saddle and handle bars and adjusted footpegs. I am only 5 ft tall (or short 😃).

@@mie1jos We switched our Vulcan S out to reduced reach, and I wish it had been done sooner. So much more comfortable. Otherwise, those forward pegs are a long stretch. You’ll love it!

Lol. What to do.

@@mcSal Aah I'm not a native, does it has another meaning that I don't know or something else?

@@ayhanalaca It just means you have a hard decision to make between the two bikes.

@@mcSal:) OK got it. So I want take short road trips near my city. So Vulcan can help me more what do you think?

@@ayhanalaca Go sit on them both and see what makes you happiest. They will both work very well for you.

The Vulcan is very beautiful and stylish.

Thank you! The Vulcan S is a great bike, that's for sure!

The Vulcan S does look great! It's a beautiful bike.

I think they started making the Vulcan in 2015 if I’m not mistaken

@@Eric-qe2hx looked it up cuz I was curious and you’re right

Wow!!! That’s rough! Our lockdowns didn’t include vehicles. A lot of places were closed, but we rode wherever we wanted. At least you can ride locally now. Hope things get back to normal soon.

Hendrik Derudder You may feel cramped on the Rebel 500 due to your height, so the Vulcan S is probably your better choice. I would suggest sitting on both of them with a foot up on a peg and hands on the handlebar to see what ‘fits’ you best. Remember the Vulcan has Ergo-fit. Thank you!

@@mcSal Excellent. Thank you for the feedback.

I’m stuck on the rebel. The Kawasaki looks buff...in a good way but the rebel does it for me 💯

Hey hendrik how it went?

@@_d-- Hey. I switched to a adventure bike. I did the ride test, but apparantly, my back and hips don't agree with the foot middle or forward position. It put too much strain on my lower back and hip area. My feet need to be directly under me. I traded it in for a Honda cb500x , rode it for a year and am now riding a Motoguzzi v85tt.

Thank you! I try to do my research.

Good choice!

Todd Wg6100 Thank you!

The Vulcan S has a better seat than the Rebel 500, but is stiffer in suspension and has a very (Very!) weak sounding exhaust. The Rebel 500 is like the ‘Mary Poppins’ of bikes… practically perfect in every way, except one would wish it had more power. If I were you, I would look at the Rebel 1100. It has better suspension than the Vulcan S and way more power, plus many ride modes. The 1100’s seat is a bit thicker than the 500’s, but if you like long rides you will probably want to replace the seat. Those are my thoughts. Hope it helps.

@@mcSal It helps. Thank you. Your comments are 'truly scrumptious'. I am aware of the Rebel 1100 but they are still quite new and therefore expensive second hand.

I don't know how many miles Ninja has on it, but the Ducati was her primary transportation on a 50 minute commute (one way) for several years. Some people just get attached to their bike. But, she's really having fun trying out different bikes now.

The Rebel is a great bike!

Agreed! The big size cruisers are too weighty for me. That's why I love the mid-size cruisers.

Thor Fornes Thanks! Lol. I'm pretty sure most gals can't handle the weight of the big bikes, so the mid-size bikes get the business.

I'm afraid I don't find females are any good at doing these motorcycle reviews, these two are quite boring to listen to.

Sal at Decco Ranch p

It depends on whether you want a cruiser or a sport bike. The Ninja will have rear pegs with a forward sitting position, and the Vulcan S will have either forward or mid pegs with a very upright sitting position. What makes you happiest?

You can find them at VikingBags.com

The Vulcan S has a lot of nice qualities, but the exhaust sounds weak when moving. It’s a pretty quiet bike when compared to others. It could be a stealth bike. 😬

Thank you!

Those that have seen both bikes together here at the ranch feel the Vulcan S is a slightly bigger and much huskier bike overall. The camera may have been positioned where it looked otherwise, and I apologize for that. Both bikes have their pros and cons, and both are big competitors in the mid-size cruiser market. Both the Rebel 500 and the Vulcan S are great bikes.

I looked at the Yamaha Bolt, but passed on it. It is air cooled (probably not great for hot climates), and heavier (542 lbs./246 kg, 5.1"/155 cm ground clearance) than the other two. The Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 (498 lbs./226 kg, 5.1"/155 cm ground clearance) gives a great ride and offers Ergo-fit to fit the bike to the rider size, but has a stiffer suspension in the rear which makes it a rougher ride over bumps that will wear on you after a while. The Honda Rebel 500 (408/414 lbs./188 kg, 5.3"/160 cm ground clearance) gives a great ride, but taller riders often feel cramped on it. At 5'4"/162.5 cm, I love the Rebel 500 and have easily ridden it for hours at a time over smooth and bumpy roads. But heavy riders may find the suspension a bit soft. I would consider your height and weight in the decision.

@@mcSalthanks for the info...informative video

Thank you!

The Vulcan has something like 2" of suspension travel in the rear, its adjustable, but, still, if you have super bumpy roads Im pretty sure both these bikes will bounce you out of the saddle.

@@mcSal this answers my question, now i know what to buy that's more advantageous to me coz im also 5'4"/162.5cm tall 😊. And the winner is... The Rebel! Thanks so much Sal at Decco Ranch, you are genius.

Both the Rebel 500 and Vulcan S 650 are considered strong beginner-type bikes and good for shorter riders. They are both in contention by riders looking for this type of bike. And, they're both great bikes!

Absolutely!

Kirsten Fruehling Excellent choice! It will be worth the wait.

Ninja rides a Ducati Monster that's been lowered to fit her 5 feet 1 1/2 inches. She's been recently looking at the Ducati Diavel. If you watch my Honda Rebel 500 First Group Ride video, you will see Ninja at the start (and further into the video) on her Ducati Monster. She took most of the video that day from her Ducati.

@@mcSal Thanks much Sal.

@@andytew You are very welcome!

@@mcSal I might get myself a Honda Rebel soon after all your good review and videos, looking around for best offer. I am located in Malaysia.

Andy Tew You will love it! The Rebel 500 gives a great ride and is fuel efficient. Can’t go wrong.

Either one. How tall are you? If under 5’10”, I would say the Rebel 500. Otherwise, the Vulcan S. Also, which bike do you like best? Which one can you get the best price on?

@@mcSal I am aorund 5'5" . I like the looks of the rebel more but the Vulcan does not look too bad. The price difference is only about 1500 which I do not mind. It's just that i am looking for something that is not too difficult to handle in traffic situations but also fun to ride

@@tonythecroc I believe the Rebel 500 would be a perfect first bike for you, and you would enjoy it. It’s ‘practically perfect’.

@@mcSal thank you so much for your advice

I got the Vulcan as my first bike. No regrets after testing both. I'm 5'7". I do longer commutes though. I love the positioning of the Vulcan. The only thing I don't like are the mirrors. Going to change them out because the stock ones tend to rattle a lot, imo.

Yes, all LED lights.

That would be a good 3rd option! Unfortunately, they're not prevalent in California.

I've already noticed the Vulcan uses way more fuel than the Honda.

Bullshit. My friend has a 2018 Rebel. I have a 2016 Vulcan. Both almost have the same miles. He Has has already spent almost as much on maintenance. IF the Honda outlast the Vulcan it won't be by much and the difference in cost of maintenance isn't enough to matter. A more accurate comparison would be Toyota vs Honda.

Both Hondas and Kawasakis are statistically among the most reliable bikes you can buy. You are welcome to research that yourself. The only make slightly more reliable is Yamaha, but the difference is marginal.

I own a Vulcan S and Honda CB 500X now and have owned over 20 Hondas, Yamahas, and Kawasakis over the past 50 years. Have never had a major problem with any of them, but have always been partial to Hondas.

Wow!! Given a choice between Vulcan S and Rebel 1100, I would totally take the 1100, even at a higher price for 1100 in USA. The 1100 has so much more power and so many more features, like cruise control and different rider modes, etc. I still have my Rebel 500, though. It is a ‘nearly perfect’ bike. That’s amazing that the Vulcan S and Rebel 1100 are the same price in Asia!!

Both are great bikes and will work well for you. It depends on which one makes you happiest. I prefer the Rebel 500 for being so smooth, easy and responsive. Ninja prefers the Vulcan S because it's more of a muscle bike. You should test ride both.

@@mcSal thanks for your reply. Judging from the shape, I prefer rebel. but with a 180cm posture I doubt it will fit.

@@hjkanto2896 You won’t know until you sit on it and put a leg on a peg to see how well it fits you.

They are made by Viking Bags. Go to VikingBags.com for a selection.

@@mcSal thank you very much^^

Which bike did you ultimately get?

@@mcSal Neither actually both the Honda and Kawasaki dealers suggested I get a 150cc instead. So the only one hot too high was Honda Shadow 150. I'll get a bigger one on my full licence may be:)

@@tonythecroc Congratulations on your new bike! If it makes you happy, it's a great bike!

I’m pretty sure it has too small of a rider triangle for you.

Me: I'm grateful to finally be in a position to buy these bikes, after so many years of 'getting there'. You: I just have to be patient. My time is coming. Every day puts me closer. I'll get there. And when I do, I will be happy and grateful, too.

As you would agree, the Rebel 500 is not suitable for everyone. The seat could definitely be better on the Rebel 500, and the rider triangle (seat vs bars vs pegs) strongly favors shorter riders and riders under 5'10" (177.8 cm). Stepping up... The Rebel 1100's seat is somewhat thicker, but still not great for those long rides, and with the same rider triangle as the 500.

@@mcSal Well hopefully I don't scare too many of with my comment 😋 I only rode my daughters 500 a couple of times. I came across your video looking at some smaller cruiser bikes, and the Vulcan S just seemed to fit the bill much better to me- although I've never rode one. Thanks for posting 👍

Wow. Good to know. I’m glad you actually weighed yours.

You better check your scale, had my 2016 weighed and it was 508 lbs with only option being rear luggage rack.

5’1 1/2” or 156 cm.

Thank you. I tried to make the dog go away, but she wouldn't leave my side. Loyal dog.

I’ll keep that in mind for next time. Thanks.

Lol. Thanks! But… I just bought a 2022 Ninja 650 for my grandson. Wait until I get Ninja here to talk about that one! It will be fun.

@@mcSal Oh, my gosh, Thank you sal, you've given me the guts to try out a rebel 500. I'm weak from Fibro and probably should just forget it but, I miss it too much. A rebel will serve me for what I can do I think and maybe help me build up to a bigger long distance machine ;) thanks again, Keep2dwn peace :*

Muito obrigado! Thank you!

No, Ninja does not use social media.

You're right. I haven't seen Ninja afraid of any bike. She rode only her Ducati Monster for the past 10 years, and was nervous to ride someone else's bike, but not afraid. You can see her on her Ducati in my First Group Ride video. She had a blast on the Vulcan and loved riding it.