The fact that this thing is basically exactly as fast as a Harley 48 but with half the displacement cracks me up.

Kawasaki did not kill Harley. Harley killed Harley.

Gonna say, I've had mine for a few months now. I am very happy with it. Such a nice bike. I thought I'd end up changing the headlight because I've always thought it ugly, but actually on my matte black model, it looks good. It's an odd combination, she can be tame enough to accommodate newer riders and can inspire confidence, yet, can shoot up to speed very quickly when wanted and almost goads you to do it. Like it can function as a starter bike, not feel like a starter bike and grow with you, whilst being gorgeous, feeling great to ride and all this whilst keeping reasonable cost. Kawasaki hit the nail on the head with it.

Ergo-fit: Controls adjust to three locations, handlebars adjust and can be changed for reduced or extended reach, the seat does not move, it is changed to fit rider. Mid-reach is standard. Reduced reach and extended reach available. *Passenger seats are specific to the size of rider's seat. I love this motorcycle. I have had it for almost a year and ride it almost everyday. Fun to ride and easy to control. If you are thinking about getting one, just do it. You will not regret it.

What’s quite impressive is how the sticky note made it all the way back 😂

Based on your review my Son bought a Kawasaki Vulcan S for his first bike. He absolutely LOVES it. Had it two weeks and has put 1200 miles on it so far. It is a fantastic starter bike. Keeps up nicely with my 2008 FJR1300. Thank you for the great review.

Harley sells more apparel than bikes, so technically they’re a clothing store that sells bikes?

I have seen all of your videos featuring the Kawasaki Vulcan S, was so intriguing, I bought a new 2019.

Not a Christian, not religious, but I enjoy the words of wisdom. Puts a little positivity in an otherwise negative world.

I fell in love with this bike after passing my test 7 years ago, it looks fabulous and has great reviews; but then decided instead to “go big” to justify all the work & expense I’d put into the trading & tests. Now I ride a Suzuki M109R (M1800R.) I love the bike but at around 800lbs it’s a big beast to lug around, especially in & out of the garage. Also it doesn’t have ABS. I also have the Kawasaki 1000SX. I’ve noticed a few people I know who ride big high displacement bikes, are starting to look again at mid range bikes around 800cc, and although this bike is a 650 it seems to punch above its weight, also looks like it could be easier to live with day to day (apart from being chain driven!) Not sure I can still justify 2 bikes, & this could be versatile enough as a replacement for both.

I never thought I'd want a cruiser, but this bike is giving me second thoughts.

Japanese make excellent bikes

I've been riding a Sportster since 1995. If it ever dies, I shall have a Vulcan. As king of the universe, I decree it thusly!

The pant covering for just your legs exists: Chaps. They are practical and leather chaps fit perfectly with cruiser clothing fashion.

That’s a sweet 650! I like big bore bikes, but I find the smaller cc bikes very fun.

Just bought a 2019 after extensive research and planning . Really nice bike.

I bought my first motorcycle about 6 weeks ago. I chose the 2020 Vulcan S with ABS because of videos like this one. It is easy to ride and I feel like I will not outgrow it for a long time. I am still having problems with the throttle. It is twitchy and the bike feels fast!

It would be awesome if they made a vulcan S 1000cc

Nice vid; thanks for making it. I'm a huge fan of the Kawa 650 engine. The Ninja, the Versys, and now the Vulcan 650S all share derivations of it. It's a mighty engine in any configuration. Thanks again.

I am a 5ft female and love my 2017 Vulcan s..had to buy closer seat and set pegs at shortest setting..but it's fast, fun and I feel confident on it.oh and another mod that's great are slip on foam handgrip covers..I didn't like the hard rubber grips..it was a cheap fix..and is amazing on long rides

why dont they put z900's engine and make a Vulcan S 900? it will be awesome and we will buy it like crazy.

People get so salty when someone talks about God.. he didn't even tell anyone to go read the Bible or go to church. Just sharing some positive words.. but man, they just have to be negative about it.

The bike has three different seats, three different handlebars and three different shifter rods to suit the bike to your stature. Short, Mid and Tall. U need to purchase the appropriate parts to suit u if u buy used but if u buy new the dealer will install what fits you onto the bike. Used Vulcan s 650s usually come with the mid reach controls.

my grandpa has 1500cc Kawasaki Vulcan classic, but my grandma calls it a killing machine, I bet they would both love this thing.

My Shadow is faster. I'm currently on the internet so it doesn't have to be true.

Just got into riding . Purchasing my first bike . Started watching this channel & sparked my interest . I’m sad he doesn’t sell bikes anymore . Would make the trip to his store

Sharing the Word is great way to start your ride. That is a sweet ride. Be blessed!

I hope they keep this displacement, because it means new young riders like me can afford it and insure it, insurance is something never talked about when talking about bike prices

I got me a Vulcan s 650 2018 and it a great ride

Shaun& Caleb I always enjoy your reviews. I think I have a worthy opponent for the Vulcan. The suzuki 800 intruder. The vulcan S runs a 13.18 in the 1/4 miles. The intruder runs a 13.31. So I'd say it's a riders race. Old school vs new school. Come on guys make it happen. I own a 2002 intruder. I'd love to know

I am a religious man. My religion is motorcycling. I worship daily. I confess my traffic violations, and I hope others forgive these, as I forgive those.

I had this bike 2 years ago, and went through like 8 bikes. Regret for selling it, and I just actually bought one back lol. This bike is fast low and mid range, I know sport bike is fast but more for higher range. Def can run around with this I've gone up to 110 lol.

Here on the IL/WI Border this evening after work in 43 degree weather Spring fever hit me along with the extra hour of daylight after work. I took my 2019 Vulcan S ABS In Beautiful Stormcloud Blue out for a 35 mile cruise on country roads. It is incredible just how fast I get up to 60 mph with the smoothest of shifting. I would say I am not too happy with the sound of the exhaust and looking at changing that by Summer. I put 4,200 miles on it last season purchased June 1st. I’m 6’ 4” tall and their “Ergo Fit” system was great for me with one of three available seats I have the one that puts my butt much further back. Then purchased a longer shifter rod and moved forward controls way forward. Added a passenger seat and foot peg kit even though I have never hauled a passenger just seemed like a good thing to do though getting small luggage rack that installs in the same spot as the rear passenger seat to add to carry space for luggage. Bought the heavy duty saddle bag rack system made for their premium saddlebags but I plan on simply using them as universal mounts getting Pelican type boxes to use as side saddle bags for more of an industrial look instead of traditional leather saddle bags. The bike is incredible. My two cousins that ride Harley’s were a little bit upset for me when I wrote them that I had bout the bike but now both agree it’s a damn good bike. Though they both think I should own the Vulcan AND get a Harley. Who knows. I’d probably get an adventure bike before I’d ever get a HD. Stop in and test drive a Vulcan. You’ll be amazed.

I just noticed that there is a key guard to protect the tank from scratches. Brilliant. I love the matte/fleck paint black model, the maroon red, and the signature Kawasaki lime green.

This is my dream bike. Actually any bike that has this kind of sitting style I'll love it. I love sport bikes but I'm more interested in these kind of bikes

I have a 900 Vulcan and after a year of my wife riding on the back she asked for her own . Ok I bought her that bike 650 Vulcan and she can easily beat me to the next set of lights every time . It is a fun fast bike!

Love your videos. Love your words of wisdom before every ride- it's Something I'm applying in my life. I have a 2018 650S. Love the bike. Hate the seat. Can't sit on it after an hour. Hurts too bad and I just lost 40 lbs. Only option is a $600 Corbin seat. Just hit 500 miles. Not sure if it's normal or not but I found the chain slack over 40mm. I corrected it to 15mm. No other complaints than the seat.

Very nice to hear the prayer before the bike ride

I bought one of these for my first bike. It was really fun. But, I found out that I really enjoy the longer rides in the mountains as well as commuting. Ended up trading it in for a heritage classic 114. Enjoy the Harley so much more.

Shawn is a Kool Kat he keeps it real even riding in the rain awesome luv this guy

Good bike to use as a commute it’s not larger, heavy, but can do highway speeds perfectly. I think it’s the one of the better bikes out there for the money.

I ride a ninja 650, I would love to see the two head to head. Same engine, different weight and tuning.

Kawasaki has always put good power in their bikes.. had a 71 H1 500 MachIII and a 72 H2 750 MachIV

TBH when cruiser riders laughs about that 660cc engine, it actually makes more power and torque than Harley's 1.2L V2. Amazing.

Love your channels bro! Thanks for always keeping it real!! I am originally from the Philly area so fist pump to PA!! God Bless Bro!

This is September 2023 and a couple days ago I went to a Harley dealership to check out the new HD liquid cooled 975 Nightster. When I sat on it the seat felt like a 8X10 plank of hard wood. The rear susoension was also hard and stiff as a board. The reach to the bars was very uncomfortable, an what looks like a fuel tank but is really a air box cover was so small the bike felt like a 250cc bike. Then I went to a Kawaski dealer just down the road and sat on a Vulcan S. The seat was very comforable, the reach to the bars was just right for me, the suspension had some give so it should ride nice, and the tank was just the right size. Then I asked myself who in the world would buy a new Nightster when they can but a much better motorcycyle like a Vilcan S for half the money?

I enjoy my vulcan S very much. New rider. The adjust ability for seat, bars and pegs is available at purchase for no additional cost from Kawi. Program is called Ergo-Fit

Thanks for the review. I just bought a used 2018 Vulcan S with 500 miles on it.

It's not that the handlebars and seat are adjustable. They have 3 different seats and 3 different handlebars to go along with the adjustable positions for the foot controls to customize the fit of the bike to your reach and comfort zone. The seat if fixed, but they have the standard seat for normal reach, the short reach seat that is designed with a different shape to move the seating position forward a little, and then the long reach seat that is designed with a shape that moves the seating position back a little. They have the standard handlebars, the short reach handlebars that come back further in the curves, and the long reach bars that are a little flatter. And like you pointed out, the foot controls have at least 3 different positions to adjust the reach. You can combine them in any arrangement you want/need to custom fit the bike to you. I remember being amazed by that when they first came out with this bike and showed it down at Daytona Bike Week. Word of note. If you buy this bike used, and you would like to custom fit it to your liking, you can get the other seats and handlebars from Kawasaki and make it more comfortable for yourself.

Would a windshield make highway riding more comfortable?

It's a very nimble little bike. I always had huge ass cruisers which handled like Elephants in a Porcelain shop. This bike is a blast to ride. I wouldn't say it's a FAST bike but it is quick and will surprise you. The two major shortcomings of this bike is Number one the Horrible Seat. No matter which seat you have. Even the Gel inserted Extended Reach seat feels like sitting on a rock after about 45 minutes. I have even had my Mid Reach Seat modified by Mean City Cycles with their Dual Density Memory foam and it was better but after an hour in the saddle you will wish you weren't on it. I just ordered a Corbin seat since they are the only ones making an aftermarket seat for this bike. I wish Mustang would but they are busy making seats for Harleys and other more popular cruisers and won't be bothered with making one for a beginner type bike. We shall see how the Corbin performs. If that doesn't do the trick it's time to sell the mighty Vulcan S and getting a bit more comfortable bike. Oh the second shortcoming of this bike is the suspension. I mean 3.1 inches on the Monoshock is ridiculous. If you are a taller and somewhat heavier rider you need to adjust the preload to the number 4 position which makes for a little harsher ride but at least you won't bounce around as much when going over the smallest bump. I couldn't even imagine riding this bike with a passenger unless both people riding weigh under 120 lbs. So while I like my bike I hate riding it for those two shortcomings which are major if you ride it for a longer period of time.

Dude! I freaking LOVE that you counted scripture at the beginning.

constant inhale-mouth smack noise is killin it.

Fun bikes, like the old Vulcan EN500 I used to own -- I remember chirping all the gears ;) Can cruise all day, and insane acceleration whenever you feel like it. I'm going to install an STS Brake Module on mine because the bike has crazy engine breaking (the module will flash the brake lights when I engine brake, which is ALL the time on this bike).

The best 650cc cruiser i ever rode..Maybe need rear aftermarket led light and some ecu reflash..

I daily one, its my first bike and i dont see a need for another bike. BTW the seat doesnt adjust, they fit the peg length, pick a seat, and change the handlebars at the dealer. I have the 2015 vs se abs model.(Green) keep up the good work!

0:52 amen brother

That tells you a lot about cruiser bikes - the 650 parallel twin in the Kawi sport line is basically entry level with the exception of the 300/400.

Rides a motorcycle in the rain and gets his pants soaked and asks "how did this happen?".

I just bought a Vulcan S in January but thanks to Canadian weather, I have yet to ride it =/ Nice intro! A sinner like me needs salvation

Finally, someone who likes the Vulcan.

Thank you for your words of wisdom from our God Shawn. Ride safely friend. Btw, I’m not a fan of the Kawasaki but it’s cool that you speak honesty about your rides. My dream bike is my old bike that I sold many many years ago. 1956 Sportster K model. It was a mechanical pain in my side but it never let me down. First kick every time. My other bike was a 1948 panhead old State police bike that I was always fixing this or that. But not my Sportster nope. But I’m an old man now, At 60 yrs old I would love to have a bobber like a V Star conversion or if I won the lottery I think I would try a Triumph 1200 bobber on for kicks. I’m such a dreamer but some day God will line up my stars and I will be blessed with a motorcycle again. It has been way too long. Anyway , thanks again God bless the roads you travel today, tomorrow and all days in your future EPK

The Vulcan s look awesome with bags 💯

Picking up a 2020 as soon as the business shutdown ends. It’ll be my first brand new bike, at less than $8k it’s a great price and it doesn’t cost too much to insure. Was looking at a Ninja 400 and that was more than double to insure

Love the words of wisdom. Keep it up!

dammit i want one. i love that it's adjustable - and definitely an upgrade from my 2001 Shadow

Strong faith to d lord bruh...a big kudos to youuu...may God keep u and our fellow riders safe 😍

Would this bike be a good choice for an older guy ready to get back into riding? Just looking to cruise and commute when weather is nice😁

I'm vaguely reminded of the Kawa ZL900 - ZL1000 of the mid 80s. Still in my 'favorite motorcycles of all time' category.

This bike is getting good reviews. It's supposedly faster than the Rebel 1100.

Would you recommend this bike for a beginner as a first bike? I'm looking for my first bike and I'm torn between the Rebel 500 and the Vulcan S

I like how you prayed for that shield.

Have you compared or ran against a m109r? I would love to see that

Looking into a first bike for myself. I think this will be it. Looks amazing and its enough power, but not 2 much

You guys are a trip! Lol'd a couple of times and wife was like what's so funny as am sitting here with ear buds on while she's watching her stories. Love riding a long with you Guy's as I can't ride do to medical but should be back in the saddle in a month or two.

Things that cover your legs are called gaiters . Used in snow for hiking

I'd love to know the next time you guys get one of these Vulcan S's in...it's the bike I want to be my first. I'm looking to buy my first motorcycle for commuting to work.... definitely keeping my eye open on ur site and KZfaq page for any.

Nice looking bike…..and I’m a Harley guy

you ever use turn signals​?

My favorite bike at the moment

Question 1: In the middle ergonomic position, do the footpegs scrape if rider leans into a turn? Question 2: What is the range of this bike? My guess is 180 to 200 miles.

Sean 9:58,They are called gaiters. I used them all the time to protect my work pants and going to church.

You could use gaiters as a rain socks ;) We use them in winter, when we need to walk thru the thick snow and don't wear ski suit.

I got a 2017 Café ABS for my wife last summer. She loves it!! She came off of a 01 Buell Blast. Ive got vids of both.

The Indian scout , shadow phantom & the vulcan S would be the only modern cruisers I would ever concider. As much as Harley has there new street 500_750s there not cruisers anymore 🤔 and that's just weird for Harley to drop the ball .

But it has no main stand, after a few years when you need to deal with leaking forks or replacing the rear suspension or just dealing with a puncture it's going to be a real pain in the ass unless you got an engine hoist or something to lift the whole bike off the ground. With a main stand it's much easier to deal with these issues. I noticed a lot of bikes nowadays don't come with main stands even though they are quite heavy bikes, meaning you can't just stash them on a milk crate, you need something more substantial, and with some bikes you can't actually use a standard lift to get them off the ground. So a main stand would solve all these problems, some manufacturers offer a main stand as an optional extra, but to date I have not seen anyone put a main stand on a vulcan s, lots of paddock stands no main stand. I'm given to understand it's a Versys 650 basically.

Gators, dude. They are just like sleeves from a rain jacket but elastic on both ends to hold them up.

Would you say it's faster then an intruder 1400?

Impressive motorcycle, but even more impressive sticky note!!!

They make those "rain socks." They're called "gators". Look for them at good ski shops.

That post-it glue is TIGHT. Buy brand name, yo.

I think this will definitely be my first bike

650 can roast a fat boy, the super low red line keeps the big bikes shifting while you just pull away!

4:38 to 4:45. you don't have to UNrev when shifting to that extent...In fact, like I do with my rebel 300, I bet anything you can mentally LOCK your throttle holding the rev amount in place for about a single second while shifting and it will FEEL as smooth a shifting as a brand new automatic car. It takes some practice and focus, but it's doable.

Great vid, great channel. I'm trying to choose between this bike and a Honda CTX for my first and appreciate the info. That exhaust sounds suweeeet.

Subscribed just cause of the psalm! 👌

Did you have to add that seat? Everyone I saw only had a seat for 1 person..

How about versus another Vulcan like the 900 or maybe a Yamaha Bolt or Suzuki Boulevard?

I own a 95 FXDWG and I'm considering trading in for a Honda or an Indian. It runs good but it's leaky and slow.

Already know it’s more reliable than a Harley too