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Kawasaki Vulcan S 650CC 2017 - 2 Month Owner Review - Learner bike?
Рет қаралды 5,043
Жыл бұрын---2 Month review of my Kawasaki Vulcan S 650cc, 2017 model.
Is it a beginner / learner bike?
Having ridden through rain, ice, frost and the odd dry but gritty conditions. I would like to share my views, and things I'd change.
Thanks for watching, even in bad weather. I hope you'll like, comment and subscribe.
Ride safe & Enjoy
Lady J Rider
Raven - Kawasaki Vulcan S 650cc, 2017
instagram: ladyjrider
email: ladyjrider666@gmail.com
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649cc
Liquid cooled, 4 stroke, Parallel Twin
44.7kW (61 PS - BHP)
7,500 rpm
DOHC, 8 Valves,
Fuel injection
Ergo fit - for Short, Regular and extended reach (pegs, seat and handlebars)
Eco indicator for economical riding
ABS
Single 300mm disc front
Single 250mm disc rear
Offset laydown single shock, 7 way adjustable linkage (tools included with bike - C Spanner).
Steel framed
120mm trail
Wheel travel front 130mm
Wheel travel rear 80mm
Tyre front - 120/70 R18 59H
Tyre Rear - 160/60 R17 69H
Wheelbase - 1575mm
Groundclearance - 130mm
Fuel tank - 14 litres
Seat height - 705mm
Weight - 229kg
Chain Drive
6 Gear
Clutch - wet multi disc, manual
Personal MPG approx 57
officially 4.5l/100km
Source: Kawasaki Website 25.01.2023
@SOLOMOTOUK Жыл бұрын
It’s a good all round bike you have there plus riding all seasons 👍
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Thank you. I got to let her fly today...and was super happy the day dried up. Though filthy roads = filthy raven. Again. I started out the right way with bikes being my only form of transport. And still is now and then. They're kept on the road too. 😳 so best run.🫣 Ride safe, Lady J
@richieenglish8861 Жыл бұрын
Perfectly formed not afraid of any weather or to get dirty and can roar when she needs to 😍 Raven is pretty good as well 😘
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Don't you know it! lol Raven scrubs up better. But not for long.. 🥰 xx
@OutbackOutlaw Жыл бұрын
Bloody Bewdiful Bike.
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Cheers! I love her. 😁 ride safe, Lady J Rider
@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr Жыл бұрын
Raven is certainly a very capable all rounder! Perfect size for almost any type of riding. My first trip across the USA 🇺🇸 was on a Suzuki GS750L, 44 years ago! Lol…. Your bike will take you anywhere! Just ride! Take care Lady J.
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Thank you! It sure will. Sadly I can't hope to ride America, but what amazing memories and stories you must have! I am hoping to shock nursing home staff one-day. 🤣 Ride safe, Lady J
@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr Жыл бұрын
@@ladyjrider666 …… LOL…. Someday, you will tell your stories and the young nurses surrounding you will certainly laugh with glee!
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
@Willy's Performance Cycle Center I truly hope so! I love listening to fellow bikers share stories too. 😀
@GoofyBastard Жыл бұрын
The Vulcan S is a great bike!! I’ve seen some put down some crazy miles on those!! Great review
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Fantastic! The reviews really sold it to me. I have never done one of my own but will be nice to reflect on. Thank you for the support. Really great to hear you're enjoying yours! 😁 ride safe, Lady J
@craigyllyn Жыл бұрын
Couldn’t agree more with you about bike power. While I rode big bikes they never really were fulfilling because you couldn’t really use them without risking losing licenses. I’m enjoying being able to push lower powered bikes. More fulfilling and hopefully less easy to rack up points.
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely agree especially moving one around. And dare I say picking it up. My last 2 bikes I have picked up. So know I can. I couldn't do that with bigger engines. Ride safe, Lady J
@weylins 9 ай бұрын
With you on power. Folks spends thousands more dollars for the big 1000cc bikes when 99% of us won't even use the full capabilities of a 750cc. I'm a "buy myself nice things, but only buy things I can appreciate properly" guy. $200 bottle of wine? Wasted on me. A $20 bottle tastes the same to me.
@NortonUnofficial Жыл бұрын
Good review. Not a nice day for riding, fair play for getting out there. I like the look of Raven, she's not too dissimilar to my HD Sportster 883 Iron. Her stock pipes sound good too!
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Thanks, gotta love loud pipes. She's the quietest I've had for a long time. I think there are some similarities to the 883 too. I think the vulcan s is a little faster not sure on torque comparison. But shes 61 bhp Which I got to use in the dry today. 😊 I am an all weather so yesterday wasn't too bad really. Ride safe, Lady J
@OutbackOutlaw Жыл бұрын
I had a 650 for a few years, it was just to small for my 6'4 frame, but I also own a 500cc Street HD trike, and that is really bloody small. The kwaka looks like a nice lil runabout.
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Now that trike sounds interesting! Is it in a video? @richieenglish8861 rides a vs1400 trike, mine was vs800, but sadly no longer. I've got a zzr600 hardtail chop I'll share in spring. I'm over a foot shorter. So the 650. And low riders suit me. Can't imagine 6'4". 😁 Ride safe, lady J
@OutbackOutlaw Жыл бұрын
@@ladyjrider666 yes the trike features in one my vids Outback Outlaw, friends on you tube and social media, @iSpike kzfaq.info/get/bejne/itJlrdWHlc2qm6M.html
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Brilliant! We'll check it out, am off out now. As school run time. Guess it's night time for you. Great to natter. Lady J
@bikegeist Жыл бұрын
I just fitted a USB C port, battery charging port, and connection for heated gear to my bike, but I haven't actually been on the bike much to test it out. I'm happy with my small cc bike as a beginner. I'm also "blessed" with built in padding, so I don't find it uncomfortable. 😆 Safe riding.
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
It's a good upgrade to make in terms of charging capacity. I definitely need it if travelling further as I use my phone as satnav. Ride safe and enjoy your new bike! Adventures await. Lady J Rider
@Viper6-MotoVlogger Жыл бұрын
That’s a very sexy bike 😁👍
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Thanks, even when she's dirty I agree! I did wash her when we got home (but she's back out tomorrow). 🤣 Hope your week is going well. Ride safe, Lady J and Raven
@iainelder4976 Жыл бұрын
Enjoyed the video. I agree with what you say about engine size/power. At the moment I have a cb500f, and when you read the reviews apparently it’s a good first ‘big’ bike, a good commuter and a good weekend tourer . If I had the time and money this Honda would take me to the other side of the world and back so I’ve no need for something with more power than I can legally use
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Well said! I absolutely agree, many of the 'overlanders' that travel the world reduce the engine capacity and weight of their vehicles. I am very much of the mind any bike (and I mean any) is capable of touring. With or without posh kit. I've got a sailing bag I've used for 6 years. Really glad your CB500f is right for you, and lets hope we both manage to tour abroad sometime. Who knows eh! Where would be the first places you'd go? Iceland is a No.1 trip I'd love to do - with some Skidoo riding thrown in. lol Thanks for taking the time to reply and share your views. Ride Safe, Lady J
@iainelder4976 Жыл бұрын
@@ladyjrider666 my twin girls (19 yrs) are due to take their mod1 in the next month or so and have decided that I should get them each a 600-650cc and we can do the WW1 and WW2 sites together. If I could go by myself I’d like to go all over Europe, but as I’ll be 63 next week I’d best extract the finger soon!..I have watched a few people doing Iceland and it looks seriously amazing. Stay safe and please keep the videos coming
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
@@iainelder4976 This is amazing about your daughters! Congratulations young ladies on joining a very elite section of the community, lady Riders. Well done Iain on bringing them up right too! So good to hear. Sounds like great adventures the WW1 and WW2 sites, you may well come to Pembrey I mentioned - I'll be covering an element of that in the future. Well, fingers out of backsides can happen. Though I've not left the country for 30 years. I'm 51 in a few days, so also need to pull said finger out. I really am chuffed to hear positive feedback, so more videos to follow. Am filming tomorrow with a friend, so watch this space! They may well be silly mind you. ride safe, enjoy your lovely girls. Lady J
@ruahinesrider Жыл бұрын
In NZ 🇳🇿 the Vulcan s 650cc is a LAMS bike similar to A2 in UK but is done by power to weight ratio.So a Triumph Trident is 53hp 189kg & 🐅 Tiger 660 is 54hp 206kg.CF Moto 55.7hp 216kg & the Vulcan 650 is 60hp 230kg & all LAMS approved bikes or Learners bike.In UK A2 is restricted to 48hp & in UK you have a 125cc beginners license which we don't.We do a Basic Handling Skills test then do theory & then can buy anything no bigger than 660cc but only people with riding experience get a Trident,Tiger,CF Moto,MT O7 659cc LAMS version.Less experienced riders might get a 125-150 or MT 03 300cc etc then get a bigger 650-660cc bike 6-12months in on Learners licenser or Restricted License.In NZ 🇳🇿 660 is maximum on Learners which is minimum 6months then you can go for Restricted a practical test License which is basically the same which is 18months unless you do a Ride forever course which will lower it to a year.Then you can go for full license a practical test. In UK A2 License let's you buy a full power bike & is derestricted till full license obtained which is good idea cause that way you buy less bikes as you can turn bike back to full power on full license.I reckon our system is better not having 125cc class as Basic Handling Skills test is done on a 200-225cc bike & our LAMS bikes or Learners license bikes are done by power to weight per bike so a Trident is 53hp where in UK Trident is 48hp but can be derestricted when full license as we have to sell our bikes to get bigger displacement over 660cc when obtained full license. De-restricting a bike in NZ is illegal until full license obtained & has to be re-registered as a full power bike & cost abit to do & a LAMS bike is worth more than a de-restricted bike when time to sell or especially trade up.
@ruahinesrider Жыл бұрын
600-660cc is a great al-rounder bike & capable of Highway speeds & round town.Anything smaller you might outgrow but a 650 is the sweet spot for everything & could ride for years.
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
A great comparison. When I passed my test the rules for restriction had come in. I was restricted to a2 33bhp so a 650cc is a lot faster than I had back then. 1997. 😀
@ruahinesrider Жыл бұрын
@@ladyjrider666 We had a silly 250cc learner license system from 1988-2011 but most people wouldn't bother with a bike license here or they got a 250 2stroke bike like a Honda NSR 250 that rev out to 13000-14000rpm & do 220kmh.The old system wasn't working so they changed it to current system & so many 40+ riders got their Learners license cause you can ride a 650-660.Most Kiwi's over 40 rode dirt bikes or did when younger so are experienced riders or returning riders & most learner riders are over 40. The system is really good now except having to do 2 practical tests to get full.In 250 day's it was one practical test on restricted then just wait 18months & pay $60 to get full no second practical test.Also in 250 day's Learners could only do 70kmh & on 100kmh zone ride in cycle lane. This started causing problems people on motorbikes get in the way & it was more dangerous going 70kmh than a 100kmh.Also at same time cycling became really popular & were sharing the cycle lane with 250 Learner license riders in the way.Some cyclists can pedal at 70kmh too.Realistically no 250 rider did 70kmh & it wasn't policed as police wanted them to do a 100kmh. So whole system was changed for the better.My mate had a Honda 250Nsr in Rothmans Colours in the early 1990's & I rode it many a time & it was a rocket 🚀 ship & then later HE got a 500Nsr in the same Rothmans Colours & basically a Moto GP bike for the road.I rode the 500 too 😲blimey.
@greywolf9292 Жыл бұрын
Raven's looking good even if the weather is doing it's best to smudge her make up. Well done for braving the rotten weather and sharing your passion with us all.
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Thank you! She's absolutely brilliant. And living out has to he hardy and used. And winter has certainly taught me how capable she is. 🥰 It's really lovely to have kind comments such as your own for support. My travels and adventures are small, but learning to make videos is fun too. Ride safe, and enjoy! Lady J
@generalengineeringuk7969 Жыл бұрын
an heated grips 🥳
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
And crash bars. 🤣 novice reviewer. 🤪
@HippoDrones Жыл бұрын
What a grim day, roll on the spring hey! 🙂 The Vulcan is a good looking bike, it seems to suit you well. I've several bikes, but hardly ever ride my sportsbike with 150bhp, more often am on smaller powered bikes doing real world speeds, so really get what you are saying about not needing anything bigger/faster. I've never owned a bike with forward controls of any sort, I imagine at speed it can be a bit weird? I'd go USB rather than a cigarette lighter style power supply, neater and possibly more useful.
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Hi, I've always refrained from sports as know a side of me is not a cruiser. I would have loved a track day. Being short is a pain. Lol Forwards are growing on me. Not quite sold. She's nippy at higher speeds. I got to open her up last couple of days. And got pulled by the cops. 🤣 so the year is young. The kawasaki charger is smaller and cigarette which is handy for camping. But usb is ideal day to day.
@HippoDrones Жыл бұрын
@@ladyjrider666 Oops-a-daisy, hope it was just a slap on the wrist rather than a ticket? Ahh, yeah I guess camping could be more useful that way... I actually have a tyre inflator I keep on my Aprilia Tuareg which has a cigarette style plug, so I had to buy a converter to allow me to plug it into a USB as the bike came with USB from new. I think it is great that more bikes are coming with aux power sockets these days. Ahh, you should def get on a trackday if you get a chance! 🙂 so much fun! 😀
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
@Hippo-Drones i had a dual charger on my trike but its chunky for 2. Maybe a usb and pump. If camping solo for a night I don't bother with airbed. I think I'd need to have a pit crew catch me when I stop on a track day. 🤣 I had plans a couple of decade's ago. 😆 wisdom has kept me alive *or is that luck? Coppers was a scoop up situation. Popped a video on for tomorrow. Thankfully raven is completely stock and legit, I was a bit twitchy about my speed /overtaking up to about 1/4 mile before. 🤣 not sure dry roads are considered a good reason. 🤣🤣
@HippoDrones Жыл бұрын
@@ladyjrider666 I only got it for the bikes tyres, hadn't thought about pumping up my airbed when camping... cunning! 😀 I can sympathise about the short legs thing 😀 Dry roads are def something to celebrate!
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
@Hippo-Drones 🤣😁 air beds are a double edge sword, they trap me when I'm drunk and need a pee. 🤣🤣🤣
@MerciaMoto Жыл бұрын
Great review and a lovely bike, There’s very little opportunity for riding in excess of the nationals anymore which makes midrange bikes a sensible choice now with increasing numbers of big, and / or powerful bike owners downsizing. 👍🏻
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Thank you! 😊I really appreciate the support as I'm learning as I go. I do feel a mid range offers best of both worlds. But I am admittedly limited. 😀 Ride safe, Lady J
@douglasradowick508 Жыл бұрын
Nice ride presentation on your Vulcan S 650. You can be pleased with the information format you did for the viewers to the video. Doug🏍️❤️👍
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Thank you 😊 I think stats are out there. Personally I like a user/rider review as longer term.
@BlakesPipes Жыл бұрын
Well this is my first video since Rev Bombs live cast tonight. Good to meet you and your bike. My Concours is named Raven. They are amazing birds. I have been looking at Vulcan S the last week. Nice looking bike.
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for coming on over. Really appreciate the support and a kind shoutout by @revbomb Ravens sure are incredible. We have jackdaws (I Think) in our street as have woodlands. So beautiful. I am really enjoying my girl, the vulcan s was a slow burner for me, right up till I rode her. 😂 She's in for a fault at the moment but otherwise been amazing. Ride safe, thanks again. LJ
@BlakesPipes Жыл бұрын
@@ladyjrider666 well at this time, I too am not riding. I injured myself during a transfer of a morbidly obese lady 4 months back. I am a PT and never saw this coming in life. I was pretty fit and never had issues with a patient before. But the worst happened, she had a stroke and had limited left leg strength and her good leg buckled. My back took her weight to keep her safe. I have been out of work and now my left quadriceps are weak due to nerve impingement. Can't keep a bike up with out quads. Just had surgery and waiting to see if my quads will come back. So I am in hopes that I will continue to ride after 22 years.
@richardparkhouse9571 Жыл бұрын
brilliant review cariad fair play close to home as well thats typical welsh riding x
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
Thanks and for the sub. Much appreciated. Where abouts are you? I'm often around m&p and unit 7 for bike nights. Ride safe, LJ
@richardparkhouse9571 Жыл бұрын
@@ladyjrider666 just across the lougher bridge i live over by the swansea airport ive recentley sold my triumph bonneville and i was in m&p yesterday looking at the vulcan s
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
@richardparkhouse9571 definitely a great bike. I had an issue in the end. So traded her against a suzuki vz800 intruder (m800). She over revved to 6k on the m6 at standstill. M&p changed Throttle bodies but no joy. They were scratching their head in the end. I doubt this is a common fault, but last time I saw raven she was wires everywhere even a few weeks later. 🫣
@richardparkhouse9571 Жыл бұрын
@@ladyjrider666 i was talking to roger yesterday at m&p about the vulcan s and he told me a friend of his had that problem i didn,t know it was you
@richardparkhouse9571 Жыл бұрын
what a coincidence
@CeeDeeLight Жыл бұрын
Enjoyed the video. Where did you get your windshield? Does it buff a lot of the wind for you?
@ladyjrider666 Жыл бұрын
It came on my bike (after market ). Is a puig screen. It Stops all chest buffeting. I am not keen on the look of screens other than tiny ones. So am still not 100% sure. I am hoping to pick up a few bits on Monday so will do a review and comparison video next month. I'm planning a 1300 mile road trip so will wait till after that. 🤣 Thanks for checking out my videos. Great to chat to another vulcan s lady! Ride safe, Lady J
@burn1down249 10 ай бұрын
what’s the windshied like? I buying a vukcan s soon
@ladyjrider666 10 ай бұрын
This is the only bike I used a screen on (ever). I was surprised I liked it. There's the touring screen she came with, which is after market puig, worked really well. I'm only 5'2" so can't really tell where the wind hit me, but definitely cleared it round my torso including to my shoulders. I also bought a second hand smaller blacked out screen (see my video on custom/modifications). Which aesthetically appealed to me more. I did put the touring screen back on when heading on a longer road trip. Hope this helps. Hope you enjoy your Vulcan S. I really did like mine. I wouldn't have parted with her but for a fault the garage couldn't sort. Thanks for dropping by. Ride safe, LJ
@ladyjrider666 10 ай бұрын
kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oK2YmKqbkqqlYnk.html Here's the shorter screen. :)
@3nterprisevideos 10 ай бұрын
What are the miles per gallon?
@ladyjrider666 10 ай бұрын
Hi the stats are 15.5L tank, 45-48 mpg. I'd say its on par with that. I get 150 miles to a tank. The fuel level indicator is pretty accurate, and to read as blocks and flashes on last one once nearer the limit. Hope this helps.
@3nterprisevideos 9 ай бұрын
@@ladyjrider666 thank you I thought it was like 25-30mpg def good to hear it’s much higher
@ladyjrider666 9 ай бұрын
@@3nterprisevideos it's really easy to achieve high mpg. Even on the motorway. Or faster riding. It had a small icon meaning eco that shows to encourage smooth riding and correct gear as indicated.
Lady J Rider
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