I traded the VulcanS in for this years 900 Custom and as you say .. is correct. Being an oldie now over 70, the latter is so comfortable and capable. The former (650) has a ton of power but different category. Likes being thrown through the gear for the raw energy but now I’ve found the one I needed at my stage of life. Good luck to all you bikers reading this. Stay alert and happy. Merv Australia

I think the Kawasaki Vukcan 900 is one of the best all around motorcycles in the world today. I say that and I own a Harley. I had to go to a trike due to my wife's many health issues. The Vulcan 900 Custom looks good and has mag wheels which means tubeless tires and that's a plus in my book. The 900 Classic is just good at everthing. And the Classic LT comes equipped for long travel with the windshield, saddle bags and a passenger back rest. One of the most comfrotable motorycyles I ever owned was a 2002 Suzuki Intruder 1500 LC. But the Vulcan Classic LT is just as good. The main difference would be a little higher RPM at highway speeds. My freind just bought a 2023 Vulcan Classic LT and I can't hardly wait to take it for a spin. With all the new motocycles for sale in toady's world, I believe I would buy a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT if I could. But my wife is crippled due to the radiation she had in 2010 and a hip replacement two years ago and brain surgery two years ago to remove some cancer which was causing seizures, So, you see why we are riding a trike. Thanks for sharing this video and enjoy every journey, but most important be safe so you can ride another day.

So many thanks for your honest reviews, they are instrumentally helpful. Music to a fellow fifty plus bikers’ ears. With great respects from the hills of Wales.

Enjoyed your video. I just bought a 2009 Vulcan Classic LT a couple of days ago. Very happy with it so far.

Great honest review on both bikes. Having thoughts of getting my first bike, either the vulcan s or the 900 classic. Thank you.

A great and entertaining review. I have also had the same bikes. I liked them both. The Vulcan S was more comfy in city cruising but its bigger brother was a better choice for longer trips. I am 6'2 tall with long legs. I had the tall ergo fits and a seat in the Vulcan S but found it still too small. The same applied to the Indian Scout. Both the Vulcan S and Vulcan Classic were great bikes. I can highly recommend them!

Great job on this video i have a yamaha v star 650 and I'm looking to up grade to a kawasaki vulcan 900 so this video help me out a lot my v star was my first One and I put 25.000 miles on it i got it New 2005 and still have it now i love it it's time for a bigger one

Awesome video and I LOVE the sound of the Vulcan 900, of I could have two bikes one would definitely be the Vulcan 900 and the ninja zx6r. Again awesome video , it really helped me out with my decision making

Watching your video I am loving my bike all over again. I've had a Vulcan 900 for 15 years now and I did some of the same things you did, with the saddlebags, and the front bag, etc. I had thought of getting rid of it this year for something a little lighter like the Vulcan S or Rebel 1100 (since I'm now in my 70's) but think I will keep it another year at least since the weight isn't too bad in most situations. Thanks for the video.

Man thank you for this video always had a hard time finding good review on the 900 Classic cause one day I will buy one, I really love it and for me I think it’ll be enough.

Last year I was torn between the Vulcan S and the Vulcan 900/Boulevard C50. I ultimately decided on a Vulcan 900 classic (2020). It was way more comfortable and felt so much better to sit on. The C50 was a close 2nd, but the Vulcan had a tad more leg room. Those Viking Saddle bags look good. I actually just ordered the same sissy bar and am planning to do the same thing.

I’m 35, never had a cruiser.. I’ve always had sports bikes. I’ll definitely be the getting the Vulcan S, get a comfortable seat, get brown saddle bags, change the mirrors, exhaust and RIDE RIDE RIDE. I ride hours on my sports bike so I have no doubt what I’ll be capable off on a cruiser.

Love your 900….I want one now. I actually saw one on Facebook with ape hangers and white walls and it’s beautiful

Good video. Appreciate the info and the perspective! If you are every in the Farmington or Festus, MO area give me a yell Missouri brother.

I have an 07 Vulcan 900 Custom with Cobra dragster exhaust. I put quiet baffles in and several people commented "thats a quiet bike". They are quiet at idle and cruising speed, but they do have a bark accelerating which is to be expected. They do sound better with quiet baffles, more a thrum then a blatt sound. I really enjoy my Vulcan 900 Custom. Thanks for your video.

This is a great one thnx my friend

I'm planning to buy a vn 900, then I started looking at the 650s, which looks great, but the vn900 is definitely the first choice... that sound is something I want to listen to for a very long time😎

Very nice review bud!

I enjoyed your thoughts, on what I think is one of the most important, but often ignored question: what kind of rider are you? The answer to that question is really the most important factor when choosing a bike. I like my Vulcan 900. Like you, I mainly use it for longer, all day, rides. Its great for week long camping trips with my wife. But as much as I like it, it wouldnt cut it as my only bike. Its too heavy to bother with for a quick trip to the grocery store. My 50cc scooter is much more suited for that. I can ride that up to the store, buy my stuff, and be home before I can even get suited up and back the Vulcan out of the garage. And the Vulcan is too long, and has too little ground clearance, to carve the curves on the local back roads, and forget taking it off road! But my Suzuki TUx250 is great for those tasks. I used to have a Ninja, but I got too old to ride that comfortably! If I could just have one bike, it would be the TUx. I can do everything, and my wife used to take it on 1000 mile trips. But the leg room wasnt enough or our aging knees. Is there a perfect bike for me? Probably not. But its always fun to search for it!

I'm 34 and new to riding (just over a year). Just traded in my R3 for a VS and I love it. The small engine in R3 was not fun for me and made highway riding very uncomfortable. The VS is so much better all-around on everything. But now I'm already planning on getting something bigger haha. That stock VS seat is a low back killer man. after 20 minutes I'm already feeling the discomfort. I definitely need something more comfortable when i get closer to 40 haha. Thanks for the comparison video!

I actually have a 2011 kawasaki vulcan 900 classic with a stage 2 debaffling and my son in law has the 2017 kawasaki vulcan s with two brothers exhaust (loud). I rode both and I just love my classic. As a matter of fact, my son in law loves my bike so much that he wants to get rid of the vulcan s and also get a classic. Cool video 👍

I had a 900 vulcan classic lt with Road Burnner exhaust and k&n air intake and mustang seat.. LOVED it just got a 103 to upgrade but we did hwy at 75/80 mph I wished for a 6th gear but it would do it no problems

I bought my '17 Vulcan S new, and I still love it, but you make some really good points. It really depends on the type of riding you are going to do as you said. I live in a city area and ride in about a 50 mile radius of my home. The Vulcan S is perfect for that. For sound, I think bikes should rip, I love revving this up to the 9,500+ redline. You can tell your exhaust is modified, I was trying to see what aftermarket you had at first. The stock Vulcan S sounds great on power to me, not so much at idle. I'm 6-1 190# and my S is set up in full extended reach. I find it comfortable for the way I ride. Not looking to go cross country or anything like that. Your S looks great with that seat and those bags, I'll be looking into that.

Im 22 and I'd choose the classic over the S every time I just really love that style.

The Vulcan S was created for a younger demographic I believe. When you step up to a 900 you gain more comfort and if you're past 40 like me; that's appealing.

I have a 2022 Classic 900 and it's a little heavy for me as I'm a new rider and I'm 5'10" 195. I dumped it coming out of a tight parking lot and broke my foot all to hell. You're right, it's not the nimblest of bikes. I've been looking at the S but I love how comfortable the classic is; I just wish it had a 6th gear. Once I get it out of the tight spots and it stops buzzing and vibrating my off the seat and on the open road it's like riding a couch; super comfy. But I think I'm going to need a more maneuverable bike for riding in Cali. Great video!

I've been looking at both models for awhile. I'm sure the S would be more fun with the Ninja 650 engine, and it's lighter. At 64yrs, the 900 with floorboards would make more sense, and I'd prefer a belt drive to a chain. I currently ride a 2013 Yamaha Super Tenere with 20k original miles. I plan to keep it too bc it's a great bike that makes 123hp, and has hassle free shaft drive. I enjoyed ur video, rambling and all!👍😺

i um'ed and r'ed over which one to get, but in the end went for the 900 classic, In the end it boils down for me anyway as to the look and feel of the bike, and personally think i made the right choice. Enjoyed your thoughts and ramberlings sir.

Liked your video. Considering same bikes I have Vulcan s fun bike. How many hole did you drill ? I also drilled two holes put plugged them up noticed more vibration in floor boards I installed and handle bars . Love the boards

I already have a touring bike. Really thinking of getting the V S as a fun commuter. I can take back roads to work.

Sweet video! I am thinking about getting a Kawi vulcan 900 classic. I have never had a cruiser so it would be my first in that style.

I ride a Vulcan S. It’s a good bike, best overall that I’ve owned. But it isn’t perfect. I feel like the 6th gear is for marketing. You have to shift frequently in city driving as the 650 parallel twin does not have a lot of torque at low rpm. The stock seat sucks. But I chose it over the 900 because it has ABS, rear disc brakes, nice raised up digital display, tach, mag wheels and the exhaust is tucked more underneath so I don’t burn my calf and pants. So I guess what I would like for my Vulcan S is the power and torque of the 900 and belt drive, that’s all. Wow! Absolutely right about the Jetson’s sound of the exhaust. Kinda chirpy. I might change that at some point.

It is an excellent bike. I went with the Mustang seat with driver backrest, a Slipstream Falcon wind shield and Viking saddlebags.

Your Vulcan 900 sounds wicked

My opinion is the 650 have a better design/colors and more to choose from. But the 900 is belt driven, which is quieter, and hassle free. I hate lifting my bike, checking the sprockets, chain links etc for wear and tare. Time consuming, and cost money. Be sure to clean and lube your chain every 300 miles, or after a light or heavy rain, even if you hit a small puddle in a bright and sunny day, that was left over.

I had a 2014 Dyna Fatbob but got sick and couldn't ride for 2 years. I got well enough to ride and bought a 2015 Honda 750 Shadow. The bike was ponderous and slow. I saw a 2021 Vulcan S for sale with 116 miles on it. I love this bike. It is quick enough to be fun. I owned many V twin bikes, 250 to 1900CC but these midsize Japanese V twins lope along. They are ok around town but struggle at highway speeds. I guess I'm not old enough yet for senior citizen motorcycles.

Both are nice bikes. You can't go wrong with a Kawaski. I've been riding mainly V-Twins since 1995 and to tell you the truth, I'm a bit tired of them. I think I would choose the Vulcan S for a couple of reasons. One the quick revving engine. and two, it doesn't chug chug chug. The Vukcan S has a chain drive, but the plus to that is it is very easy to change the gear ratio. There are several sizes of rear spockets for the Vukcan S. Another thing I like about the Vulcan S over the Classic are the mag wheels which means TUBELESS tires.

I have a 2009 Vulcan Classic that I only get to ride 4 months out of the year, due to the short riding season here in Alaska. I love the little stinker for commuting, and when I retire, I plan to upgrade to a Vulcan Voyager. More luxury and if it holds up like the Classic, I plan to move somewhere to ride 7 months out of the year. Pipe sounds aren't a major influencer for me..Best value is.

I have the 2019 vulcan 900 classic Red and Grey and I love it.

Sounds lovely what pipes I'm looking to change mine.

I’ve had my 900 classic for 4 years and I am looking to buy a scout bobber. Like you said, love my bike just cave crave for something different.

Love those handlebars, floorboards, and old school look. What are your thoughts on the W 800?

It's funny, I was thinking as your were driving, "Man those roads look awfully familiar..." then I see the sign for "Fantastic Caverns" Good ole MO.

Great review. I'm really liking your Vulcan S. Too bad it sold already. So my search will continue. What style Viking bags did you have? My future mini bagger!

Yep, bought a Z400 last year, enjoyed it, made some mods, but then realized it's just not the bike, or specifically the engine, for me. Went right back to where I bought the Classic 900 15 years ago and traded the Z400 in on a new Classic LT. It's like coming home!

About the only differing of opinion would be which 900 to get. I like custom’s smaller fenders, more blackout bits and generally the look overall. In recent years the paint choices for the custom has been to my liking. (Though the teal for 2023 is making think twice.) I do like the wider foot rests, but not sure I’d change that up. Manufacturers will spend millions in hopes of a few extra hp but font spring for better seats, which 100% of bikers would want. Odd to me, but Kawasaki isn’t the only one doing things that cause me to scratch my head….The Vulcan family are all great bikes. I’d be happy with any but I’m looking at a custom 900 (‘18 vintage). Thanks for this comparison.

I agree the vulcan S is like the cafe racer kawasaki.

I mainly bought the 900 classic because I’m very tall otherwise I’d probably go with the S however I do prefer a vtwin on a cruiser it sounds and looks better.

hello, i from Chile. you change the exhaus pipes ? it has a good sound. regards

How did drill holes in the muffler? How many? Where? What size?

After you riding and a very well done job reviewing the bikes I'd have to stick with the 900 classic cruiser. if I were to trade in my Harley 1200 for the 900cc classic's is all one really needs riding cross country but my sportster as well as the S series kawi would be the better machines for a hundred or two before getting off for a stretch. Like you said, it's all about what your looking for and your needs. Thats it in a nut shell !

im sorry if you need an app and a phone to tune your bike. old skool RULES! My vulcan and my Marauder are all original internal carb parts. just keep clean filters and run fuel out and NO ISSUES. I did do my own tuning and mods. no aftermarket. My 97 Marauder 800 is 24 years old and i bought it new from Suzuki. My 95 Vulcan 800 A, is 26 years old . no leaks , both very dependable and worth keeping till dead . me or them. i may go first at this rate. im 50 now .bikes aging better than I ! LOL!

Like you I’ve had my Vn900 classic for 15 years and after a while you find that it may not be the best bike in the world but overall they take some beating but people tend to forget that there not sports bikes there cruisers so is the Vulcan S a sports bike or cruiser

The Vulcan S, IMO, is a naked bike transformed into a cruiser. Its kind of like the baby of a Vulcan 900 and a Z650

Just brought 2018 900 classic, I want to change to cobra muffer do you have to mod any thing on your bike? Thank for your information

Where do I get that seat for my Vulcan s?

I have a 900 and I am a young buck. WWII soldier style coming back home

Waited on the whole video to see if you mentioned anything about the buzzines or lack thereof the Vulcan s. Is it buzzy like the vulcan classic at 70-75mph??

Hey man appreciate the video. I'm coming to this about a year after you posted this so not sure if you'll see this comment. If you do, though, what is your height and inseam? I currently ride a Vulcan S and I love the bike. I've dumped a ton of money into it on mods as well. But I'm still considering selling it and getting the Vulcan 900 because I feel like, even with the Corbin seat, I'm still hunched over a bit on the Vulcan S. I'm 5'6" with a 29" inseam. At one point, I purchased the limited reach seat, but, although I wasn't as hunched over, it brought my feet further forward and my legs were uncomfortable.

I bought my Kawasaki Vulcan 650 a fortnight ago at the end Dec 2023. I'm happy with my KAWA. 2,000 km from Bangkok to the northern mountains of sunny tropical THAILAND. The only thing that I have to change is HORN! which is an embarrassment. Thank you for formative.video. QUESTION? What is the brand of sidebags. How much? Greetings Johnny BikeSanooK?

I’ve had a lot of fun on my Vulcan S, it handles great, but the choppiness of the p-twin at lower rpms and the exhaust note gripe me every time I ride it

Please use your left hand unless you are a conductor or choir director. Other wise an excellent video

Just discovered this video. You mention the vibes on the Classic 900 at 80 mph, what's the bike like for vibrations at 60 mph? That's our speed limit around here.

Does it have a cruise control? Thats deal breaker for me for long distance

vulca S sounds like a lawn mower. no matter what exhaust you try. 900 and 800s are famous for the "potato potatocorn and peas potato potatocorn and pease corn and peas potato potato" sound. I only have jardine open drags with mild baffle and I drilled the CV carb slide and shimmed needle .still stock main jet .set pilot to 2 1/2 turns out. sounds great and powerful with little modification.

that vulcan clasic needs a "Baron " front pulley. larger than stock. the hp and torque are morw available at low and mid range rpm .the stock gear puts you beyond that nice window at cruise speeds. my vn 800 has the maximum front and rear pulleys to utilize the power better. no loss, just better accel and hyway cruise rpm.

Is the Vulcan 900 a fast bike? I was interested in getting one but I'm among the people in the younger category (I'm an 18yr old Tomboy) Though I would prefer to customize it to a Bobber bike since I prefer this type of design when it comes to cruisers. Is this something I'd get bored of after a few years or I can stay with it 4 life? 🤔

Would this bike be suitable for new rider does it abs ?thank for any info hard to find a first bike I'm in my 40s about 240lbs if that helps

You should try the c50 . Its nimble and would be a good go between of the s and the 900.

What model saddle bags are on the Vulcan S please.

I really like the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 and I get your point. But I like cruising AND I like cornering - I would say sportcruising. So I HAVE TO prefer the Vulcan S. I'm used to ride through corners a lil bit faster. That's why the Vulcan S fits better to me for now. Yeah the exhaust sound is boring, but with another exhaust it sounds way better. Not like a V-Twin, but better! If possible, I would take a bike, looking like the Vulcan 900, with the sound of the Vulcan 900 and the agility of the Vulcan S.

My Vulcan Classic 900 Lt is arriving in less than a week!!!

It looks like you are not counter steering at all am I wrong?

My Vulcan S is the only vehicle that I have owned that I have been pulled over. It loves to rev but I had to watch my speed. I could do things on the S that I didn't think were possible a the speed I was going.

Hello from Australia, I'm the happy owner of a vulcan s & enjoyed your video. I am intrigued by your drilling the exhaust for improved sound technique. Any chance you could give me some tips/advice before I potentially butcher my prized possession with a power drill?! I'm actually a fan of how the stock exhaust looks, but your Jetsons comment has ruined it for me , only hear that now everytime I ride, can't have that!

I've got a '04 Vulcan 750 that I'm looking to replace in the next year.... my wife has a Vulcan S... if only the 900 had a 6th gear.....

Great review, but one handed riding isn't right. ;) . I' ve got 2008 Vulcan Classic too and I love it except original seat.

Can anyone recommend a good throttle lock for a Vulcan 900 Classic LT? Ive been looking but am not sure what would be a reliable choice.

Between the two which do you think is a better first bike or starter bike for a new rider?

How long did you ride the S before you decided to get the classic?

is that a stock exhaust on that classic? if yes does a custom 900 also have the same sound? ( I'm trying to decide between CLASSIC or 900 CUSTOM or VULCAN S ) for my first motorcycle. Nevermind I watched video to the end and now I know. Where you from? you still have this kawa for sale?

Nice vid, where is this you’re riding at?

I’m 50. So I’m looking for something like the 900 Classic.

I agree with you, I like the Classic better than the "S".

As long as Kawasaki insists on using that 180º crank parallel twin, the Vulcan 900 will always be the better choice. People gravitate towards cruisers mainly because of the V-twin engine, it's the soul and defining characteristic of that style of motorcycle. Putting a long stroke, cross plane crank engine in the Vulcan S would at least help it retain the typical sound of a V-twin, while being cheaper to build than said V-twin. Yamaha did very well with the CP2 engine, so Kawasaki surely can do the same.

Replace rear suspension if you want comfort. Same issue for Honda Rebel 500. No seat will make the difference without suspension replacement. Of course, the message is a bit late but useful for others.

I loved my Vulcan S but it's not really a cruiser. It wasn't uncomfortable for me with the forward control. The 900 is less comfortable for me. My legs cramp so that's important. It cruised at 6000rpm which feels a bit weird. I am looking at a 900.

This 900 with a mustang seat hands down the best for your money its small enough to cruise two lane back roads and big enough to go for longer trips I got a set of viking hard leather saddle bags to your going be hard pressed to get more motorcycle for the money is there way bigger and fancy bikes out there sure there is but I payed cash out the door for mine I promise myself when I retired I wouldn't worry about losing my bike because I couldn't make a payment for any reason there low maintenance and fairly reasonable price to service it I changed over to amsoil fully synthetic oil metric type man it's worth the little extra to change over to it it's a different machine shift so smooth with that oil it's a big cream puff to drive

I want to get the bags on the vulcan s, any help

I feel you when u say that unalways want to buy that new car or bike but buy a harley and you wont want yo try another bike take it from me after 20 Or so bikes.

on getting something bigger haha. That stock VS seat iit's worth it for fundamental of s a low back killer man. after 20 minutes

like the bars

Did you sold the bike yet ? If not where are you located

I am 68 Vulcan s more fun to ride than my shadow

How about not having abs? That's a big thing vulcan s has. I also prefer the 900 tho but can't see myself buying a bike without abs.

Is that stock exhaust on vulcan s 650? thats sounds great

how much did you pay for the classic

What's the fuel tank size? The mpg you're getting with it/ what it's rated to get? A bit disappointing in your review, yet, you'll get better in time.

Is that a stock exhaust?

If you want a reliable power plant the tried and test Vulcan V Twin takes some beating. My 11year old custom special is bullet proof. As a 68 year old biker its way more suited to my lets just relax and ride style. Done the head down ass up thing in the late 60s