I bought my vulcan s never riding a motorcycle before. I taught myself how to ride it before msf due to the delay in classes. This motorcycle is fantastic!

Headlight is clearly an upside-down spade.... ACE OF SPADES

Owned mine for a year now and put around 5000 miles on it. It’s still awesome. A few simple cheap modifications really make a big difference RG tail tidy and some bar end mirrors. It’s a really really fun bike. My wife rides with me all the time and while you notice a difference in power it’s still a lot and the handling is great. Don’t let the 650 fool you this bike is very fast and has a LOT of power. Respect that and you won’t have a problem with it being a first bike.

1% of new riders: "This throttle is twitchy, I will exercise caution and treat the machine with the respect it deserves." 99% of new riders: "GRiP iT aND riP iT BrO"

I own 2015 vulcan s. This is a great bike. It turns very easy. Max speed is around 105 mph with windshield on. 1st gear has too much torque. I start in 2nd gear. Seat is not comfortable.

I've never ridden a motorcycle but I have a TON of experience with my right ✋

Wonderful review! Thank you so much for the information. I'm planning on taking a motorcycle course in a week, and so far this bike and the Kawasaki 650 are strong contenders for my first bike!

I had a similar experience with a twitchy throttle on a H-D Street 500. The issue was resolved by feathering the clutch in the friction zone a little better.

Dear friend, Thank you for the excellent video! Your review was crystal clear. Keep up the great videos coming up. Congrats, dude! A big fan from Brazil. Fabio Nascimento

"if i'm blinding someone at least i know they can see me" only in 'merica........lol

thank you. You're helping me decide if I will buy one or not and now I'm more conviced to buy one. Greetings from Brazil! :)

Thank you for this review! I feel good about my purchase! Bike should be here next week!

Bought a 2020 Vulcan S at the end of 2020 and I came back to say Thank You as this video was helpful for me in the decision making process. Cheers, mate!

The video was great, I'm looking forward getting a Vulcan S abs soon. Also note I just took my MSF class, after taking a 10 year break in riding. Did ride it a demo day. Was sold on the bike, right off the back! Only can say great things about it myself!

You’re absolutely right about that throttle for new riders. Too twitchy, for sure. The danger of rolling into the oncoming lane in a right turn from a stop is definitely there. It happened to me a few times before I tamed it a bit with a booster plug. Someone who isn’t accustomed to the KVS throttle needs to pay close attention until they get used to it. That’s the only really negative thing about this bike.

I've been thinking about getting one of these. Now I'm convinced, I'm getting one. Cheers, mate.

I have a 2018 SE model, and have the KQR Large windshield as well. I'm 6'3", and it's a mixed bag, lots more noise, and some minor helmet buffeting, but compared to highway riding with it off, it helps a lot. Definetely the way to go for highway. Though pricing is absurd. Agree that suspension is poor. I just put givi luggage racks and some floorboards on mine, now it's a great mid range tourer. This bike has some great features for the price. Strangely enough, I have had zero complaints on the seat, but I'm also a pretty light guy, 155lbs. Glad to see you enjoy the bike!

I made up my mind last summer....there will be one of these in my driveway this spring!

Im taking my MSF course here in the next month! I am a really tall guy 6'7 and I was recommended this bike because of the adjust ability. I checked with my local store and it fits way better than any of the other bikes I tried. Watching this review has helped me make my decision, I want this bike!

One week ago today I installed The “Booster Plug” ordered and shipped from Denmark on Tuesday and received on Friday to the U.S. near Chicago. $169.00. No more low speed twitching. Incredible results.

It just so happens I’m looking for a cruiser and I’ve always liked Kawasaki’s. Great review, thanks.

Great stuff again man, thank you :) my girl is looking for a cruiser and if the worst you can say about it is the headlamp being fruit shaped, it is only a good thing ;)

you've been so helpful, thank u so much

I want to thank you for your videos. I live near Puyallup so not to far away from you. I am an older gentleman and have bad knees and not the strength that I once had. So I was looking for a mid size cruiser with ample power and ABS brakes and the Vulcan S ABS seem to be the perfect bike for me. I arranged to buy a 2020 Vulcan S today and will go finish the deal tomorrow. Thanks again for all your videos and hard work. Bill

I’ve just bought one of these being delivered to my house next week I haven’t been on a motorcycle in 6 years. I used to own a Kawasaki eliminator and now I’ve bought this I’m very excited to ride it and just get back on a bike in general!

Spot on review I've had this bike for 2 years great bike love it. Try throwing an air hawk seat on their you'll feel like you're riding on a couch although it will lift you up a little bit.

I actually just bought a Vulcan S Cafe ABS (2022 model), it's got the works. I completely agree with your assessment. I've been biking most of my life, 50+ years, and I would not call it a "beginner's bike", for the same reasons you mention. I appreciate your candid opinion. I might add one more thing. I'm 6'1" and have broad shoulders. The mirrors are just not positioned wide enough for me. I am always looking right into my shoulders, I actually have to move left or right to see behind me properly. So I switched them out for some bar-end mirrors. Still getting used to them but I think it was a good choice. But so far, I love this bike. I love the power, speed, etc. It's an absolute pleasure to ride and drive.

I just my MSF class done and found a nice used vulcan s this was very helpful! Thanks

only watched two of your uploaded videos so far and i must admit that i am learning a lot. . . watching from quezon city, philippines, 8:32PM september 5, 2021

Re the seat..I added an Airhawk seat cushion as I do longer day trips. It works very well. I can go 5 to 6 hours per day in reasonable comfort.

Just bought one. So true about the twitchy accelerator tho. pleased you mentioned it.

i dropped mine after 3 days on the drive engine running, got off to open the gate it slipped off the stand and over she went. slight scuff on handle bar knob. and a scratch under the foot peg. had to get a new mirror. I agree with you with regards to not really a bike for inexperienced rider. I rode for 15 years. had 18 years off. Watching me leave the garage the day I picked her up must have been Hysterically funny. Never had a cruiser before so my feet didn't naturally go to this forward peg position, And that throttle... HaHaHa. But I absolutely love my Vulcan.An absolute joy to ride, responsive, quick and comfortable. I can do an hour and a half before I get but sore. Great video mate.....

Great review! Honestly I'm stuck between this and the Honda Shadow 125 even the Rebel. I'll see how I feel on each before deciding and I'll take on your advice about the throttle too

Honest review based on experience. Thank you very much

Been researching a second bike. Once I have the conversion done on my current bike (Yamaha FZ6R -> XJ6 which I wish America was lucky enough to receive) I want a cruiser. Your video is the best I've seen yet on a review of the Vulcan. It also gives me some good thoughts where to start with mods. Seat would be upgraded as most people say it's uncomfortable in reviews but I'll only know by spending time on it. I could see a custom headlight, rear fender eliminator and different mirrors.

Great review really nice looking ride

Awesome vid Gas Works 🙌🏼 I have the same exact bike as you now. Previously though I had a Shadow Phantom for Two weeks but felt it underperformed on the highway 😔 So sad cause doing city riding that bike was a dream. Took a little while to get use to the engine breaking on the Vulcan but after that I couldn’t ask for a better bike especially for the price. Awesome vid again and Safe Travels sir 🏍😄✌🏼

Beautiful streets bro! Cheers from Mexico

1st thing I've done with all my motorcycle seats is to remove the leather cover, cut out an inch of foam, and replace it with an inch of memory foam. Makes all the difference in the world for longer trips.

love this bike, especially from the bang for buck point of view. Quite a fun bike for such little money brand new.

Great video. Totally agree!

Dude your intro tune rocks. Sub

Hope to buy that bike someday

Now I have had my Vulcan S for a year now and I just Love it 👌 It has Arrow System, café ws, Tiddy Tail 👌😎

I wasn't overly keen on the headlight either but after seeing what it looks like with the light bar i think it sorted it out nicely! Just beefs it up a bit. So thats what I am going to get :)

Cool machine! Saw a green matte one a few days ago...just awesome! Enjoy the bike life mate 🤙

Good review. Well done.

If the windscreen is adjustable play with the height. When you get it right there shouldn't be a lot of buffeting. If it is not adjustable some times you can get the extensions that go on the top and they can help with the buffeting. Your rear suspension should have compression dampening as well as rebound. When you change the spring pre-load you usually need to change the dampening as well, you seem to be pretty handy with the tools and can find a lot of this information in the manual or in some forums on the specific bikes. Hope you get it sorted out, Great review, very in depth.

I agree with having full beam on during the day particularly in bright sunshine. It's not blinding as I've seen with other riders. And it does make a difference in safety as you approach junctions where cars are exiting. Love your Vulcan. I'm now seriously considering getting. I'm going to look now to see if I can any vlogs with your Shadow Mr GW. Have you ?

I have a 2015 Vulcan S & i originally replaced the OEM headlight with an LED but the light still felt spread out and not focused ended up getting a plug & play replacement from Matt Gecko LEDS yah it was a pretty little penny but man is that thing bright all around and on the sides of the road for animals i love it

Just found your channel, love it. Want to make a channel like this but I need a microphone with my gopro hero 4. Also that plum pop in made me laugh my ass of lmao. Keep it up, man. I want the Vulcan S badly, seems like a step up from my Shadow 750.

Yup, instant MPG and Avg (since you last reset it). Love my 2015. They didn't come with the gear indicator until I think 2017, so I have the external, which frankly I think is easier to see.

I'd like to see Honda make a rebel 650 competitor to this bike. Liking the looks of the 2020 Rebel 500.

Funniest review I've seen. Thanks for the honesty.

Most Vulcan S reviews are generally very positive but more than a few people have griped about seat discomfort and jarring rear shock stiffness. Maybe I'm delusional (it won't be the first time) but wouldn't a progressive rear shock would be a no-brainer cure for stiffness? Strangely, nothing like that seems to be available - crickets, zero. A replacement Corbin seat might be helpful but expect to drop somewhere in the neighborhood of $500 to increase riding comfort slightly. They're good looking though. I purchased one for my Bonneville many years ago. Windshields and saddlebags will cause almost any bike to buffet above certain speeds. Keeping pace with today's turbocharged cars and trucks on the freeway is an uncomfortable and risky business even without those accessories. I avoid interstates whenever possible and rely instead on state and county roads. The have their drawbacks but the speeds are saner and they're often better maintained.

Thanks for making this! I just bought a '19 Vulcan S Cafe and I've been loving it. Everything you said seems to resonate perfectly with my first impressions of the bike. I got the dark tint fairing as stock, so all the wind (no buffeting) lines up perfectly with my helmet's chin vent which is great....sorry to hurt your wallet's feelings but the fairing is only $200 and I get no wind on my chest at all (I am only 5' 7" though) so it might be something to look at. I definitely agree about the headlight, the shape is just a little...melted. Also upgraded to an LED as my first step; sadly I've tried two so far and not been too happy with how the beam looks at night. I'll have to keep trying different ones...

I really want one!

What a surprise to see a vlog about my bike.. in my home town. Which I do give a crap about 👍. I watch as I'm cruising around to see if I spot you, but haven't yet. Ride safe.

What limits my choices is my relative short inseam and and my age. Sold the Triumph Thunderbird (764#) and been shopping, but nothing turned me on until one fine day as I was perusing such things as 900 Custom, 950 Star and Honda CTX700 and sees (sic) this darn Vulcan S... love the look and the reviews. So,now Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and Cycletrader and yes, KZfaq has occupied me for the last couple of weeks when opportunity arises. I see a 2017 Cafe ABS in white and black, but I also like the dark olive and black, too. There is one close to where I live in Blue 2016 ABS with exhaust and windshield ($4400 asking)... So, I am hesitant to pull the trigger. Reviews like this is what I need and want to say thank you for the hard work filming and editing. WW

Great review for an awesome bike! New sub

Great video and assessment. I'm a new rider...took the course in June and bought this bike in July. I would agree with basically all of your findings and when it came to deciding which bike to purchase the fact that I thought that I could grow into this bike was a major factor. Ergonomics was another (ergo fit system made this so much more comfortable than say the Honda Rebel) and aesthetics was the final...it looks great for the most part. I'm in the process of replacing the headlight (ugly imo) and all turn lights. Intend to get the mirrors under the bars...they look like big antennas up there. The seat is awful unfortunately. One weekend I rode about 500km and my butt and back were not happy. I've sent the stock seat (which I received from dealer at delivery) down to Laam Custom Sears in California and found a local upholster looking to get into motorcycle work who's willing to work closely with me to improve comfort of the extended reach seat currently on the bike. Bought the Madstad 22" windscreen but I'm not a fan of the aesthetic and may end up selling it. The throttle is twitchy for sure and I still work on my throttle hand to tame that. Max speed I've reached is 135kmh and there's still clearly room to go. Max rpm around 7000 so far. After 1500km I'm loving the bike, minor quivels aside, and confident it was the right decision as a first motorcycle. All this to say your assessment is bang on with my experience as a new rider and owner of this motorcycle. Valuable viewing for anyone considering this model.

As far as the windshield goes simply get a generic wind shield and it should be contoured to be aerodynamic so at high speeds the wind will not wiggle the windshield but blow around it so that way there is no vibration transferred to the bike frame. As far as the seat goes simply replace it with a wide seat from a Yamaha Vstar 650 classic known as the most comfortable seat of any motorcycle and put that on your Kawasaki S. Perfect !! As far as the rear suspension spring goes you can get a weaker spring if you want and install it. Simple. Are YOU and instructor? Your description of this bike was amazingly specific and accurate as if you were either a teacher or instructor. If you are not one YOU SHOULD BECOME ONE !! !! You speak in ways everyone can hear you and know what you mean exactly. I think I'm going to get a Kawasaki S. I've received nothing but good reviews on this bike with the LARGEST GRIPES being the seat and the rear spring just like you pointed out. Someone should really contact Kawasaki and TELL THEM THE TRUTH about their shortcomings on those two issues as well as the headlight. Maybe they don't know about it. $600 for THAT windshield?!?!?! REALLY!?!?! Woah. THAT will hurt their reputation ALOT. Someone contact them and tell them to wind that down or get a bad rep because of it. Thanks for the nice vid … .. ..

Just put a deposit down for a 2021! They're back ordered so I'm waiting in anticipation. Thanks for the opinion

Idk about a peach/plum but I see more of a pomegranate, IMO. I sat on a 2020 a couple of days ago and really liked it. It had black paint with the gold accents. Definitely considering picking it up for myself. Nice review

7:30 there's 2 average mpg's because you can keep track on long term mpg, and short term mpg.

Thanks for your video. Very Informative. 👍🏍 🌎

I agree. It's so weird how far this thing revs. I think I need to shift and still have 2k rpm to go! Just kind of throws you off. It's awesome but offsetting at same time I guess for a cruiser? Handles like a dream though.

Y’all may say I’m crazy however my first bike was a 2018 Kawasaki Contour 14. What a bike lol. However I’ve road dirt bikes growing up. Not often but enough to get the idea and jump a few jumps and trail riding. So 14 years later after riding anything two wheeIs, I buy a Contour. I’ve been riding for a while now and I’ll say that I want a Vulcan S to sit right beside that beautiful Connie of mine. I’ll name this Vulcan S. I’m thinking name like Sally. Lol

Nice video, I am considering getting this bike, so doing some research online. I particularly like the time you spent looking closely at the bike from the side, as a lot of reviewers do their review whilst riding and all you see is the top of the tank and handlebars. I am 5’11” or 1.8m tall, what height are you ?

Got mine after passing my test. I'm from UK and we can only ride a 125cc till you pass your test. ABS comes as standard and I got the small screen no head vibration but it more just be me in only 5 ft 4". Love my bike Only down side is the turning circle it like a bus

Nice bike! I love the flat black. I was wondering how your GPS is mounted. Seems like the support is on the gas tank rather than the handlebars. I love the way it's set up

I just bought the 2019 of this bike. Do you have more info on the headlight upgrade?

Cheers mate!

I've got a "mod" suggestion for your suspension issue....it's my grandmother's cooking. You will no longer suffer from being "just under 200 pounds." Instead, 240 pounds, plus or minus, and you won't be bouncing out of the seat any more! :-) I agree about the headlight. it's a minor point, but, it's a bit wonky looking. I think a diamond shaped headlight would be pretty cool. Do you think deflectors on the forks would help a bit in the windscreen buffeting, or is it all "over the top" for you?

i bought a 2018 bmw gs310 and it was cool but not happy with it anymore after 6 months im now looking at this bike

The Bad: headlight bulb, headlight shape, windshield, suspension kinda, the seat kinda.. COOL !!! I'm buying it. First street bike purchase ever.

I wonder if you could put a lower viscosity oil in the rear shock to speed up the compression stroke a bit?

I appreciate your review. I’m a new rider who took my MSF and highly considered this bike. I found the review very helpful. When you’re talking about the throttle- is it more jumping when letting off or also rolling on? Just curious

Righteous!

A friend rides an older model and he refuses to sell or upgrade it. It really is a mussel bike. Ride safe brother!

Me: I got to get one of those windscreens for my Vulcan, it’s a must have! Dealer: sure thing, that’ll be $600! Me: you know, now that I think about it, who needs a windscreen anyway? 🤷🏻‍♂️

Will be taking course soon. Have been looking at many videos & am looking at the Vulcan. Just curious I’m 6ft 1 ..230ish lbs. if this would be a good 1st bike for my size. Thanks for any reply.

Great vid as always, can I please have the part number for the very bright globe

The GPS is interesting. Does the light cover the screen? I used to have my phone there but half of the time I couldn't see because of the sun and it was over heating. Also where is it fixed ? Is it the official Kawasaki montage that you can see on their website? Thanks!

It should also be considered that a Vulcan S is pretty much the last option for small riders to ride a motorcycle comfortably without relying on Harley. And Kawasaki is the only brand to offer the Ergo Fit System for the Vulcan. I find this extremely helpful for the perfect sitting position. It could just be a little more power and less weight. A 650 Machine with 235 kilos, almost the weight of a BMW GS, is already massive.

Hey! Great video. My mate and I have 2017 and 2019 versions of the Vulcan S and we both have had isolated experiences where the bike just switches off while riding (i.e. in gear). You are left with no option but to switch it back on which it does without any trouble. Have you experienced anything like it and if yes what do you think it could be? Cheers!

*The Pluses (pros) & Minuses (cons)* Not a bad budget bike, the Vulcan. The disadvantages I see: *The Cons* 1. The chain - on cruisers you really want/need a low maintenance main drive like Honda cruisers have *shaft* drive/Harley's has *belt* drive. A chain on a no center-stand cruiser like the Vulcan is %(&$#! 2. It is looooonnnngg. A long bike you have to be very careful going over things like curbs, debris, obstacles, etc. Drain plug shearing is a thing and other damage so this longness is a disadvantage. 3. Luggage - cruisers unless they have special built-in blisters are terrible for grocery shopping or finding a place to put your traveling gear/clothes - are not cruisers for cruising? Bonus: Get a windshield! Naked bikes NEED them & your life will change using a shield. *The Pros* 1. The price of $7,600 USD after taxes/setup/dealer fees, etc. is good for a 650cc - just don't finance. Pay for it in full to save. 2. It is Japanese and that means *_reliability._* So unlike BMWs & HARLEY DAVIDSON's this Kawasaki will work & work. God bless

Nice video man, one thing about motorcycles I've yet to understand is, the engine light is a car engine instead of a V twin engine light..... Hmmmm somthing to make you go hmmmm 🤔

Beautiful bike!

Nice review sir.. How about the throttle response in all rev range? Is it accurate and smooth?

First, we have a 2018 Vulcan sitting in our garage and yes, we love to ride it ! but its not that fast and the throttle is not that touchy compared to other bikes. If you think the throttle is touchy, then your one of those people driving 90 in a 100 zone. its just a well built cruiser for those who don't want to break the bank. You want to ride a touchy throttle with lots of low end torque, My Ducati Monster 821 is a beast.

Nice intro👍🏻🏍️

What about the ground clearance, is 130 mm enough,if we take it off road??

So what LED bulb did you end up using to replace the stock bulb? I picked up the bike a week ago and I’m loving it but you’re right the headlight is extremely dim

Great vid, thank you! That's a beautifully spotless bike too. On that point, can you recommend any good cleaning products that get in all those nooks and crannys :)

I'm about to upgrade from my gz 250 to a 2019 vulcan s

I don't own one but I already like the bike, if I get one this, what I'll do, Change, Head light for LED, that awfully sound muffler has to go, for something more robust, windshield is too crazy pricey, so a second hand in mint condition is a go, Light bar in front to increase visibility, gear indicator, 12v charger, cellphone mount, and take down saddle bags for long trips.

What height windshield do you have? I’ve got the tall OEM KQR windshield. I’m 5-11 and have no problem with buffeting or vibration at all. It does increase helmet noise though. Also, it appears you have a mid-reach seat on your bike. Try switching out with an extended reach - you should notice a big positive difference at your height.

Looks exactly like a Diavel. It has 2 wheels. I get it.

How’s about a comparison between the Vulcan & the Shadow..?? Considering both bikes.