Two Years on the Kawasaki Vulcan S
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- čas přidán 30. 05. 2020
- *PLEASE NOTE* Drilling holes in your Exhaust can affect your M.O.T. This is not a paid or sponsored video.
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A Year With the Kawasaki Vulcan S: • A Year With The Kawasa...
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![2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S First Ride Review [Japanese Harley?]](/img/n.gif)
I ordered my Lava Orange Vulcan S 2 years ago on the 16th June 2018. Ordered over the phone, credit card deposit, while the wife was packing for a 10 day holiday to Mallorca, we were leaving that day! She wasn't impressed lol. Big risk, £6300 on the road no test ride. Got the call from the dealers informing it would be ready early July, just as we'd landed in Palma airport.
Once I finally got on the bike for the first time, I fell in love instantly. Yes the foot pegs were unusual but I soon adjusted to those after a few miles. I soon discovered why a "cruiser" needed Dunlop sportmax tyres too, this bike aint no cruiser! It's steady when you want it to be, but boy does it shift, and the cornering is brilliant even in the rain. The acceleration is fantastic too for a 650, but improved even more after the first sevice.
Fast forward to now. I have done several subtle mods. Fitted a top box for those longer journeys (I did 500 miles in a weekend to norfolk) Some little LED running lights for added safety. Heated grips. Kawasaki power socket and relay and front and rear GoPro cameras. I did install a screen, but it just wasn't me and I thought it didn't do the bikes looks any justice either.
I haven't done as many miles as I'd like to have done, I had plans for this year but this damn virus and the subsequent lockdown called time on that. But, I have a weekend of rides planned for next weekend. The bike is ready, polished, checked over a thousand times while I've been grounded!
My one and only complaint....that damn seat! My nephew just had his into an upholsterers nearby to be sorted and he's made a fantasic job of it too. Guess where my seat is going tomorrow!
Overall a fantastic bike at a great price. Good handling, even better fuel economy and i reckon a future classic. I'll be keeping mine and have no plans to swap it.
Stay safe all and enjoy!
A wonderful summary and I can relate to many points you've mentioned. Glad to read you're loving the bike!
Here's to many, many more miles on your KVS and hopefully we'll get out on the road real soon.
Stay safe!
Regards from spanish owner. True its a great motorcycle
"I'll give you an idea of how this sounds"... Starts playing music over it all.
Yeah, that got me.
Lol
“This a Kawasaki Vulcan S, there are many like it, but this one is mine!”
Haha, couldn’t resist. Wonderful video mate.
Cheers bud!
Was looking for something a bit more original. I failed. ;)
Got my '21 (new) a few weeks ago. After dozens of YT videos, it seemed like a good idea, but it wasn't. It was a spectacular idea. What a fun bike! My "test ride" was about 1,000 feet on the dealer's icy parking lot, but even that little sample confirmed what I'd expected. Now in my 80's, I've been riding since 1957, and I can't remember a more nimble machine, always ready and willing to give you a great ride. Now, if someone can PLEASE explain to Kawasaki how to make a seat that isn't a pain in the arse, I'd be most appreciative.
UPDATE . . . Several months and 1K miles later, a few notes- Switched out the "default" seat for the "extended reach" one, (upgraded cover, FAR more comfortable), and the "short reach" bars, (not a lot of difference, but every inch counts). The "twitchy" throttle was improved by adjusting out all the play. Made a big improvement, but it does require a conscious effort to control smoothly, at least at first. My only remaining gripe is that the tool kit is stored under the seat, which requires a tool to remove. Duh. Got an LED headlight bulb which really helped, for under
$20. (www.superbrightleds.com) With gas prices going through the roof, I've got an extra reason to ride!
A seat that isn't uncomfortable and lights that can illuminate more than the equivalent of a dozen candles. 😉
Glad you're enjoying the ride, Dave! Hope there's plenty of sunshine coming your way soon. 👍🙂
The lights I’ll agree with, but I honestly love the seat. I can go for almost a full tank on a road trip before I even start to feel the need for a stretch break.
Edit: mine is the 2016 so maybe different seat dimensions and materials? I have no experience on the last few years models. Anyone with more experience want to chime in?
@@PeterReid1993 Yeah, I know a few guys that can sit in the seat for hours. Buns of steel. 🤭
You are inspiring good Sir.
I've had my Vulcan S for almost two years and I am so happy with it. I've done a bunch of modifications, but the bike is great even in its stock form.
Glad you're enjoying it! Can agree, even in stock form, it's a great bit of kit. :)
I'm thinking I want saddle bags. Or something.... did u do anything for storage.
I'd like to replace headlight with LED, saddlebags, maybe the bars up front incase it's dropped, but I'm loving it as it came.
I'm in the VRA association .
The S is a popular bike in our club.
Reliable, and a relaxed easy ride.
Most important thing even though im in the Vulcan owners club and ride a VN900 custom
I dont care what bike people own or whether its got L plates on or not.
Bikers are bikers if you are happy with what you have enjoy it and just ride it no need to compare cam shafts.
Happy the bike is still holding up and you are still enjoying it!
Can not wait for another video to pop up.
Stay safe and have a good one!
Cheers bud!
Got a nice bundle of content to be uploaded for now. Every Sunday, as usual! :)
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thank you very much. I am also very impressed by how professional your videos have become over the past 2 years
Cheers Dave!
I wouldn't say these are professional. ;)
This is the first video I've watched from you (buying my Vulcan S soon, so I'm binging related youtube videos) and I'm really impressed by your camera setup, really good angles, but also great job editing (the cuts, the picture in picture) - joy to watch. almost twenty minutes video and it was over like this [snaps fingers]
Thank you, thank you!
Hope you'll be able to snatch one of these machines for yourself soon, before summer comes and goes. ;)
Stay safe! Ride safe.
Nice camera work. Enjoyable commentary. I have a new KVS 2020 riding again after a 15 year break. I'm older at 66 and I find this bike has a lot to offer. Very respectable machine I'm still easing into. Ride safe. I enjoyed this ride and happy you are still loving your ride. Be safe!
Welcome back to riding! Glad the VS is working out for you. Ride safe!
I have really like Kawis for decades. I have never heard anyone say anything bad about the Vulcan S, that actually owned one, great bikes. Video was nicely done, always a thumbs up from me. Keep them coming. Y'all be safe.
I just bought my first street bike in Jan 2023. A 2022 vulcan s cafe with 3k miles. I absolutely love it so far and I think it was a very wise choice for a first bike. I can see it also being my last bike, I like it that much so far. Happy to find your channel, great video. 👍
Like the video editing. You are kicking it up a notch!
Very nice video Red. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Gorgeous ride mate, was out today glorious times. Be well and ride safe mate
The weather here over the last week has been stunning. Let's hope we can all get out real soon!
Omg this color is so beautiful .
You are right. I bought this bike 3 weeks ago. Had to hold me back driving it and get an appointment for the first inspection after 1000 km. 🤣 one of the most comforting bikes I ever own or drove. A clear go comparing to the Rebel 500, Indian Scout and Harley Sportster S.
picking one up on monday, had my eye on for years but only in a position to do so now, your video has increased my excitment!
Ooo, congrats!
Researching for options on my next bike led me here. New to your channel and I immediately noticed: the inside of your helmet sounds like a recording studio. Best audio quality for voice among all the motovloggers I've watched so far. Relaxingly entertaining too. Cheers!
Very high praise. Many thanks!
Hope this helped you on your search. :)
@@UncleRed Forgot to mention, perhaps you can talk about your vlogging setup and gear in a future vid? Really interested how you got the sound right. No wind noise, and Jellybean's sound coming in quite cleanly too. :)
@@GeraldGarcia did a video a few months back on the helmet set up.
As for my gear, it gets used if it meets a condition Rain/hot/cold ect. 👍🙃
great video and well explained. Bought one yesterday. will be delivered when the darn snow disappears. keep up the good work.
Congrats! Hope you're able to get out on her soon. :)
Been to have a look at a 2019 vulcan s today very tempting indeed. Enjoying your vids and making me want it!
Excellent vid ! Love the edit. Love the bike!! Ride on.
Thanks for the honest assessment over time. I can really appreciate that. I've been riding since I was small, about 50 years now. I have owned a few bikes (all cruisers), but I just purchased a 2022 Vulcan S ABS Cafe. I was honestly surprised by the amount of pick-up this bike has. It is a very quick bike if you don't know what you're doing. So far I really enjoy it! I'm just working on getting a few other items for it, saddle bags, cruise control, etc. and I cannot wait until the snow goes away so I can get back on it. I would love to come ride with you, probably a bit tough, I'm in the States. But I've found the love of bikes and riding has no boundaries.
That's wonderful!
Congrats on your purchase. 👍🙂
I hope the bike brings you many happy miles.
Remember to take pictures! Always good to look back on memories 😁
I am 74 and will be 75 in May 2023 and my Kawasaki 750 Vulcan piston rode BROKE! I do not think it's worth fixing although it only has 40,000 miles. I do not know if I should buy a 650 Vulcan and ride it for maybe two or three years OR if I should have my head examined. I have been riding for 57 years. Reply with your age.
Thinking of picking one up. Thanks for the insights!
Very welcome!
Hope you enjoy it if you're lucky to grab a test ride. :)
Very well edited piece! Great Visuals and sound.
Ah, thanks so much!
Hello~I am a South Korean.
I'm also Kawasaki Vulkan's owner 2020. It's a nice color~ Awesome. Your review is stable. It's helped me a lot. Always ride safely~
Thank you very much!
I love this guy's personality. The charming accent helps.
Oh, thank you kindly! 😊
Thanks for a great review. Very thorough and enjoyed the English countryside. 👍
I enjoyed your video! I live in northeastern United States, and own a 2003 Vulcan Nomad 1500, I’ve had it since 2004 and love it except now after back and knee surgeries, it is getting to be to high and heavy. I’m going to keep it, however looking for a lower bike to get my leg over and lighter bike for tooling around on. The Vulcan 650 S sounds like a great fit!
Aye, it might just be a perfect fit for you! Do sit on one and test ride it if you can, though. ;)
Big Nomad looks pretty comfortable! How does it ride?
That's brilliant Red.
For me it's around 1.5 years with mine. Still Buzzin although I woke up yesterday to find I had a very slow rear tyre puncture. Marvellous eh!
Ha! I feel your pain. It's a great time to pick up a new pair of tires, though, Fresh rubber for the sunshine ahead. :)
...After that 100 mile break-in of course!
Great colour!
Thank you! Cheers!
"And as soon as this light goes green...you're gone......that's it" I love it!
It's true, though. :)
Im about a month and a half into my ownership of my 2020 kawasaki vulcan. I adore my bike. I made a common noob rider mistake and lowsided it a week ago but once shes out of the shop we'll be right back to it.
Ouch, hope you and the bike are okay! Glad you're enjoying the ride, stay safe! :)
Just bought a 2016 vulcan s. Should be here in a couple of days. Very excited to get out on it
Ooo congrats! Do you have it? How're you finding it?
@@UncleRed should be here by Wednesday, can't wait
I bought mine 1 year 3 months ago. I've done slightly less than 4k km being a weekend rider mostly. Mods include saddlebags, windshield, white LED lights (for visibility) attached to the engine guard. Had aftermarket pipes but decided to go back to stock. I'm very happy with Vulcan S. Maybe in 3 years I might consider Triumph Speed or Street Twin. We'll see.
It would be great to have a little more power. But the Vulcan S kicks plenty. Thanks, Marcus!
@@UncleRed 80 to 90 horsepower perhaps?
I just bought a Double exit staght through exhaust and absolutely love it. If you want a loud bike the Vulcan S 650 and this exhaust is the one get.I am loving it and gets second glance from Harley and Dino riders
Heh, The Arrow exhaust system gets a warning for volume on UK MOT's. Any louder and my hearing would probably be blown. ;)
@@UncleRed yeah, I'm in OZ and I haven't been pulled up yet; plus it comes with o2 sensor installed. The only sensor is what codes it out
Our bikes are somewhat similar and I 100% get you, I just love to chill when riding but still have the power on the motorways when needed. When I was looking for my first BIG BIKE I saw the Vulcan and I was tempted to get one as my first bike was a little Suzuki GZ125 cruiser style but I ended up getting a Suzuki Gladius SFV 650. When I was in the shop I just looked to my side and the gray/red Suzuki just looked amazing and still does :)
Ha, love at first sight?
I do like the way the frame adds detail on the Gladius. Hope to ride one at some point. :)
I have 19,300 kilometers (12,000 miles) on my 2019 650S after 2 yrs-1 month. That’s not bad considering I can never take vacation time in my career other than occasional 3 day weekends. I’m still very happy with it. The best add on’s oversized quick to mount/remove side utility hard boxes and a great windshield also quick release. I’m very allergic to bee stings and got stung twice before the windshield I’d rather not have it. Mine is Stormcloud Blue which in my opinion looks quite retro for a color. I installed The Booster Plug to correct the engine breaking at low speeds etc. I’ll never sell it though I’m sure I’ll get a bigger touring bike in the future.
You've stacked up some decent milage. 👌
Glad you're enjoying the bike! I feel similar to selling my Jellybean, might have to in the future, but for now she's lovely. 🙂
Check out windscreens that have holes drilled on left & right side like on some sports bikes .. .. they work 👍
A touring version of this would be nice. The old BMW twins were known for being lightweight touring bikes that could carry a lot of weight for their size and that worked out quite well, but in process of time, with bigger motors comes more weight, and with more weight, comes even bigger motors until you have a land yacht. Suddenly no more lightweight touring.
Yeah, I had pannier bags and another thrown over the rear seat. Kept things relatively lightweight and had a great time throwing it around 😃
I did tons of research on first bikes.
It was Vulcan S or KTM390.
I saw the green on mine and bought it off line without a test ride.
Under 4K rpm its smooth and forgiving .
Over 5K it pushes me back into the seat.
Love the bike.
Glad you like it! Was it only the green that made you get the Vulcan S? ;)
@@UncleRed ~ that particular bike, yeah. But I researched loads and looked at loads, pulled the trigger on that one.
It sounds goofy but I’ve always trusted my gut ~ right again.
I've had my bike since December 2021 and I absolutely love it. I just to have a Honda Shadow 750 and while it doesn't feel like it has has much torque, it's certainly faster, and the nimbleness of the bike is just amazing.
I've already had to replace its first rear tire because I've been riding it so much. I think I already put 6,000 miles on it. I've been taking it out to the twisties more and more and the bike is so much fun, I'll ride everywhere.
Any reason, any excuse to get out on the bike, eh?
6k miles! How long until the next 6? :)
@@UncleRed I'd say for sure before the end of the year. Im doing about 700 miles a month just from my commute. Plus, I've also been taking longer 100+ mile rides on the weekends. So I say around 6 months or less. I think the bike barely broke 6k miles, but the bike had ~1k when I got it. The previous guy barely went through the break in period.
@@joemann7971 yeah, it's a shame that some people barely hit 1k. But it's great to pick one up second hand with low mileage 😁
Great vid..
Bought my first vulcan today 🙂
Was a VN750 rider for almost 10 years. Started looking around for what amounted to an updated version of my bike. The Vulcan S has similar ergonomics, similar HP and torque and really handles well. Having that extra gear is nice too. All too often I'd be in fifth on the interstate and instinctively kick up for a nonexistent gear. The S is the perfect predecessor to the legacy the VN750 had.
The Vulcan S doesn't hold a candle to the Vulcan 750. It's twice the bike and looks 10 times better. It's a traditional cruiser, and out of around 50 bikes I've owned, it is the most comfortable. I have over 200,000 miles on Vulcan 750s, 2 of them bought brand new. I have ridden all over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico on them. They are super reliable, and nearly maintenance free. Hydraulic valves, shaft drive, Liquid cooled v twin engine, and best of all, they are carbureted. No nightmarish EFI issues to deal with. I put 119,000 miles on one of them, and never had the carburetors off, so I don't want to hear about how much trouble carburetors are. They are simple, and work perfectly.
I've chosen UM Renegade Commando, just because I need to pass my A exam and learn how to ride safely :):):) but Vulcan S is at the time the only modern cruiser I like and most probably this will be my first 'real' motorcycle after gaining experience
I've seen a few of those Commando bikes around. Good one to start on, get comfortable. Once you move on to a larger bike, the feeling will be TOTALLY different. Best of luck for your upcoming exam! :)
Awesome video! I'm actively trying to find one on the used market. Not too many for sale in the states
Best of luck! These are really fun bikes. :)
@@UncleRed I bought one! From a grandma that barely ever rode it. Perfect 🤌🏻🤌🏻
@@Vulcan650Vampire congrats! 😀
Hello From Berlin.
Thank your this nice video I am gonna have one and collecting experience from all Vulcan s videos I can find.
Your video was also one of the best. You open talk to your experience is important, I feel me again correct with my choose with Vulcan S. Wish you good ride and make more video but tell me how u can crush your bike like that (: u could just stop ...
Best regards
Great Video. I ride the Honda CTX700 with the DCT and a Kawasaki Versys X300.
Nice. 👍
Right after I passed the test for my full licence, I had a good chat with a CTX700 owner and loved the idea of having somewhere to pop the helmet. I'm a sucker for novelty and if I wasn't such a fan of the cruiser style, I probably would have gone with the CTX. :)
@@UncleRed That bike would be the NC700/NC750 that has the Frunk where the gas tank would be.
Oh, whoops. :o
Well, both bikes look pretty neat. Hoping to test ride a Honda at some point.
SPICY LAST NOTE RIGHT THERE !!!!!!
HAHAHAHA
VULCAN TOO IS FOR ME
Video quality looks really good, which camera are you using ?
GoPro Hero 7 Black on the Helmet and overlooking front wheel, a Hero 6 black for the "face" camera. :)
Cheers!
Excellent video thanks very helpful, is it the stock exhaust you have installed?
Thank you!
This is the Arrow Exhaust, now available on the "performance" version of the KVS. :)
@@UncleRed thanks 😊
Do any of you have experience with a Shadow 750 and if so, how would you compare ease of riding for newer riders ?
Working on my license and besides the z900rs, this is bike I got my eye on.
Oooo, the z900 is quite a lovely bike. Wish you all the best for your licence!
The best advice I was given was simply "You already know how to ride. Just ride the bloody bike."
@@UncleRed haha thanks! That is indeed where I go wrong. Thinking too much about how to do the simpel techniques. "Just do it" sums it all up.
Lookong forward to more jellybean video's!
My Daughter feels this way about her 2017 Vulcan s.. there is absolutely no comparison, she will not even look at another bike, even if it was for free..lol
The two compliment each other very well. Or perhaps it's Lucifer's deep red color that brings out the little devil..? :D
It's always great to see a bike that's so accessible, but for one to be able to welcome more women in to riding is a bonus.
That blown fuse position sounds really weird!
I can’t decide between a Kawasaki Vulcan or a Honda Fury.
As a potential owner I have to know where the engine vibration zones are and how severe they are. I can't get a test ride so experienced comment is very welcome.
I bought a 2024 vulcan s, it doesn't really like going at 3.5k or less. Above 4k the vibration is very tolerable. I came from a honda adv150 scooter. Much less vibration than that. I would say the biggest thing I notice is the very very sensitive throttle. Once I found to shift at 5k or higher, the bike is much more enjoyable.
Hello buddy!
Beautiful colours..
Question.. where did you get foot pegs? Are comfortable?
Thanks
These were custom-made by a member of the KVSR Facebook group. :)
Hi, I currently ride a 650 v strom, going to a dealers on Tuesday to look at the Vulcan s
Wish you a fantastic ride! Let us know how you get on. :)
UncleRed new bike ordered, should pick up on the 13th 😁
@@kevinbarlow4930 congrats! You're going to have a LOT of fun!
what seat are you guys changed to ?
Hoping to get one ☝️ and this colour 😃
Hope you get your own soon! Sure you'll love it. :)
🔥bike
Nice video bro. I am motorcycle beginner, and would you recommend me vulcan s as a first bike. I only have experience driving scooter 😅. People telling me to not go above 300 cc for a first bike. But this thing looks so amazing and controllable.
650cc can be a lot to deal with for newer riders. In the UK, we learn to first ride a 125cc, then most move up to learn on a 650cc bike.
I can recommend the VS as a great starting point if you're looking for more power. Just be careful for the first few weeks/months of riding. Overconfidence can often lead to disaster. :)
@@UncleRed thx for reply. Well I am planing to take it slowly in first year, at least hope so :)
The Hyosung Aquila GV125 are very popular in Europe and are great bikes to learn and get experience on. Would set you up nicely for a Vulcan S.
I got a GS 500F and my next bike (still A2 because i am to lazy to upgrade to A but also because 48HP is still enough to get a ticket LOL)
But im between a Ninja 650 or vulcan 650 and i know it depends on taste and im all in for the Ninja 650 but damn that vulcan is growing on me since im most likely gonna cruise at the beach area and city and enjoy life. then i think the cruiser might be the pick!
Cruising would definitely be a great look, get a couple saddle bags on there for your towels and what-nots, bingo! All down to personal preference, of course. Test ride both when you have the chance.
GL when you go for your full licence!
Love ur video. Im thinking to learn how to ride and love ur vulcan s. I'm 182 cm do u think will look small?
Wish you all the best in learning to ride!
I doubt the bike will look small. Saying that, maybe get a picture of yourself sitting on one at your local dealership to see for yourself. :)
The description of that story about how you came off the bike was so baffling lol.. At any rate, GREAT video, very thorough.. WTF (13:51) you just fell off the bike again ?! I'’m starting to think you're a day dreamer............ Day dreams lead to mistakes. Anyway, I'm buying this bike. Be safe man, smh lol.
Ha, that was the footage from the fall i was talking about. It's the only fall. (so far!)
I'm sure you'll love the VS. Enjoy it but ride safe! Very tempting to send it hard up a nice road!
UncleRed Haha ok cool ! Glad you’re safe. And I will definitely be + ride safe on the VS.
Have you done any two-up riding on the Vulcan S? Any opinions on how it may feel?
Aye! Have done a few two-up rides. Passenger seat isn't the most comfortable but probably good for an hour or two. As for riding, surprisingly easy. A little practice and you'll get used to it. :)
I'm looking at one of these right now. Any negatives on maintenance? No centre stand for work on chain and tyres? Chain wear? Access to oil tank?
Maintenance is fairly straight forward, most things aside from the coolant bottle have been easy to get to. Chain and tire wear are all dependent on how hard you ride the bike but from my experience after 18k miles, You'd probably get away with a new set of tires, chain and sprockets as well as the usual check-ups and an air filter change.
The lack of a center stand is a bit of a pain but can be worked around.
Keep an eye on the fuse boxes, that's about it. :)
@@UncleRed Thank you.
This bike looks terrific, I’m a big fan of the Triumph America however.... do they compare and are they value for money. Oh yeah I’m 6’2” will I fit on the Vulcan without looking silly?
I'd say as long as your shoulders aren't as wide as a school bus, you should be fine.
Always worth sitting on a regular set up Vulcan S. If you feel your legs or arms are a little too close, you at least have the options. Heck, maybe someone in your area with an extended reach seat and/or pegs will be nice enough to let you have a sit. :)
Vulcan S is obviously the value option and in my experience, a Kawasaki dealer/mechanic would likely be cheaper than a Triumph one. Mind you, the Triumph dealer is in a rather posh area. ;)
I am 40 and haven't ridden for 20 years. Now I am looking to get a bike and I am considering this one. However, I also like Honda Rebel 1100 (possibly dct version) or indian scout bobber. I know the price difference is nearly double for them 2 bikes , but if you had money would you still go for vulcan or rather for a bigger engine cruiser?
I am thinking I would probably like to upgrade at some point, but if I buy a bigger bike from the start it could be my last one lol .
Maybe I am wrong, and maybe it's best to start from the smaller one and upgrade later when having more years of experience. What do you think?
Funny you should say that!
I'm now on an Indian Scout Rogue. :)
I'd say start smaller. I found the DCT took all the fun out of riding, plus it's a little frustrating with some of the gear changes. The Indian is a BIG step up. It's a lot of bike, but has the power to comfortably sit at motorway speeds.
Indian Scout repairs parts is hard to get pending where you live. So maintenance would also play a part in my choice. Think the Vulcan is perfect ❤
This is the only cruiser style bike that has abs in my price range.
Went with cb500x abs. Sweet ride. Saved a few grand
Just bought a new one this week. Do yo have a video of mods etc, I’ve got some lead time before it arrives and what to get some parts. Cheers
Ooo very exciting!
I have:
Hoglight headlight unit
Bags from CustomSpain .com
Floorboards custom made by a chap in the Vulcan S Facebook group KVSR
Q: Does the Vulcan S have a gear indicator?
Yup! Individual left and right lights on the console.
Congrats ! How many miles in 2 years ?
Mine is 1.5 years.. 10000 Kms ( I haven’t done any rides during the last few months due to lockdown in India)..
I use Air seats whenever I’m on long rides..
I just bought Ogio saddle bags and Tail Bag ( received today) !
Looking close to 14k miles at the moment. Hopefully the times will be kind to us so we can ride even more, very soon!
How are those new bags?
UncleRed : I just opened the package and visually inspected the bags to make sure that there’re no defects.. I’ll ‘quarantine’ them for a few days before installing them ( they’re made in China !) and let you know..
Nice video. But consider leaving out the music, especially when riding and talking since it disturbs hearing your voice and engine sound.
Fair, fair.
I hate my own voice, so maybe it was an attempt to drown myself out. 😀
I have a bad back so I won't be riding a long ways but I want to cruise the Vulcan was referred to me by a dealer who has every major brand of bikes besides Harley Davidson. I have done a lot of research and found the only people that does not like the Vulcan S are crotch rockets riders. I would love a crotch rocket to I just love motorcycles but never owned one for myself so this is my first bike I can barley get my leg over the crotch rocket I am only 5'9" but the problem is my back and my right hip. I have severe arthritis in my hip from a 12 foot fall I took 25+ years ago so I like the Vulcan S and I would love some feed back from you're viewers if this would be a good fit for me with my hip and back issues I am wanting the bike for mental therapy just to get out and enjoy the open Road. I am from South Carolina, USA 🇺🇸 we have lots of beautiful mountain Roads. But I would just love to hear recommendations, thoughts, ideas to maybe upgrade the bike to be more comfortable and if you guys think it would be a great fit for me and my medical issues. Thanks in advanced.
I can share this to the Vulcan S groups on Facebook and post their feedback for you, if you'd like? I'll hide your name and picture but will post the responses here. 👍🙂
I can't talk much for comfort in regards to heath issues but I know a couple of people who have been unfortunate but still ride Vulcans.
Hey man could you please provide a source of the music you used in this video I think I just found the best music for me
Music is by TheCockneyBiker. There's a link to his channel in the description, and you can find his soundcloud on there. :)
@@UncleRed I went on that CZcams channel and can only find motorcycle videos
@@Kwasabi try searching for him on Soundcloud. His stuff should still be on there. 👍
I don't ride (yet). I've been looking to get into motorcycles and seeing what my first bike would possibly be. Searching for the Vulcan S you get so many different opinions of people, mostly people into either sport bikes or harleys just trashing all over this bike. Then a couple recommending it as a decent beginner bike. It's so difficult to sort out because if you check with 10 different youtubers you get 10 different answers and all of them based on their individual bias.
It's what makes that important choice more difficult! 😬
Hope this video helped, even if only slightly. I always recommend a test ride. Best of luck with your search! 👍🙂
Take a test ride, recently did a one hour ride up and along the Mekong(thanks to Luc who lives near Nong Khai a friend of a friend in the Issan Riders group) bits of highway high speed, and little river side villages with tight narrow lanes, loved it now looking for a good well cared for second hand bike.
Question:
If you buy an aftermarket seat (eg comfort seat), is that also adjustable forwards and backwards like the stock seat?
Cheers in advance d=(^_^)z
The stock seat itself is not adjustable. The bike comes with one of the three fits, depending on whoever purchased the bike originally.
Hope that helps? 🙂
@@UncleRed Aha, I see. So there are three different seats, then.
I thought it was a case of one seat, move it about (like the footpegs)
@@_Meriwether Ah, I wish. I wouldn't be surprised if safety standards make the engineering of an actual adjustable seat very tricky. Happy bike shopping!
@@UncleRed Thanks for your replies.
I'm looking at either a Vulcan S, or a CMX500 Rebel. Leaning towards the Vulcan!
Hi guys, I’m keen to get this bike as a first time rider, my only concern is that I’m 6’2 would I be too tall for it?
You could go for the extended seat, foot controls, and handlebars to push the controls away from you, so you'll have more space. 😉
You should be fine. 🫡
Its between this and a CB500X. Not sure which route to go
Ah, the adventure-type bike? Suppose it's all about posture. If you can have a sit or even test ride both, see what you think. :)
Newbie here! I bought a 2020 Vulcan S a week ago and I am still waiting for the the reduced reach handlebars to be installed before I take delivery. I have a silly question. How many people named their motorcycles? If you are a man and named your motorcycle, did you give your motorcycle a woman's name?
Mine's called Jellybean. Long story. Got a video on the subject! ;)
🤣 I named mine white Lightning!!! It’s white of course!!!
I have a blue bike named Jay, as in Blue jay. If I get a bike that purrs like a sports bike, then Ill probably decide it to be a girl. But mine is definitely a boy right now.
Love the looks of this bike but the only reason I didn't buy one was of the touring ability to do long hours without the dreaded back pain
Did you realise there are SIX gears on the vulcan S 650.
Really? I thought that 5.5 gears was a little odd.
🫢👍
IM a Big guy 330lbs and 5'10 would the Vulcan S look small?
I wouldn't think so.
See if you can sit on one and have a picture taken. ;)
Is there a 4 years on the Vulcan vid
working on the 5 year :)
@@UncleRed heck yea really debating getting one I'm stuck between kawasaki 650 line up being the ninja 650, KLR 650,and Vulcan s I'm leaning toward klr as the middle ground
How much in total did you pay for yours?
£6.5k from brand new. Sad to see the prices have been bumped up a couple of hundred pounds but I'd say it's still worth the money.
UncleRed I paid 10k brand new with all dealership costs. Nice bike tho man I got the mysterious grey version.
Does he actually talk about something or just about the groups
Depends if you watch the video. 👌🙂
Go over 80mph and that fuel distance disappears 😆
Not so sure to say great for new riders/beginners as it will bolt and it will wheelie if you know the rpm Rev. My 07 Honda 750 couldn't do that and not as punchy.
If it can, doesn't mean a rider should. Saying that, pulling a wheelie on one of these isn't easy. One would have to know about the feel and weight of the bike.
@@UncleRed very true and I'm not one to do a wheelie on any motorcycle. I have been told and then saw a video so nope 🙅🏻.
Thanks, “Jellybean” moniker! good review. I’m a 72 year old, new rider. Started l2021 after four years of TKR operations in Stockholm and here in Bangkok, THAILAND. Now I’m riding a =RE= Meteor 350. But, for long distance riding I need more “cc”. Now, I’m considering this ‘Kawa’ Vulcan. Or Honda Rebel. Another option, the new Royal Enfield Super Meteor should arrive on these shores this year. But, if I had enough THB (Thai Baht) straight I’d purchase a Bonneville Speedmaster 1200. I’ll buy a lottery ticket today ;) Now, if you don’t mind here’s my first long distance ride from Bangkok to the north of THAILAND. This when I did I learn to walk again after the orthopedic ‘carpentry’. Cheers, Johnny BikeSanooK! czcams.com/video/29C-3yY43OU/video.html
You can get 71 hp out of the vulcan s 650 then you want want a 1000cc
Saw your note (**PLEASE NOTE** Drilling holes in your Exhaust can affect your M.O.T. ) - Can you explain "M.O.T." for those of us who don't understand the acronym?
It's an annual test in the UK to ensure our vehicles are roadworthy and not dangerous. :)
This is the best color scheme that I have ever seen for this otherwise ugly motorcycle. All blacked out kinda look ok too. All other color schemes of this great handling easy to ride motorcycle are absolutely hideous. It’s a good bike. Just not a pretty one. If you want a cruiser get a Vulcan 900 which is a completely different bike.
A friend has the 900 and VS. Says the 900 is lovely for longer rides, but the VS handles city traffic much better. 👍
Your taste is in your but.