I just got mine but it's a 2020. It's my first motorcycle and I love it to death. Tried a few others but honestly the Vulcan just feels... right. Maybe later on I might change it up but for now the Vulcan gives me everything I want in a bike.
I love the bike, and I’m not sure I’ll ever part with it. .. I’m gonna have to get me a rocket at some point though.. gotta fill that empty spot in my soul haha.
This is a high rev engine . It’s a ninja , it loves to run running 5k rpm or more . I’ve taken this on several hour trips in the Miami heat I can run this at 90 mph 7k rpm and no problem . I do have an exhaust but no other performance upgrades .
I have never hauled any motorcycle when on a trip. As a matter of fact my wife and I have rode well over 300,000 miles. When we ride we always take a break about every hour and a half. Stop and buy fuel, stop at an overlook, stop to eat, or just stop and go for a short walk. Even on the $37,000 Harleys that were made for touring, we stopped every hour and a half. As for as the gearing and high rpm at highway speeds, with the Kawasaki Vulcen S is an easy fix thanks to its chain final drive. Just buy a front spocket that is one tooth larger than the stock one and the RPMs will be lower and with that one tooth extra you won't miss sny of the quickness of the bike. My last nine bikes were V-Twins and that is one reason I like the Vulcan S.... IT IS NOT A V-TWIN. I am tired of the chug chug chug of a V-Twin. I owned a 2002 Suzuki Intruder 1500cc which is now called the Boulevard. They are heavy and slow,. I put 87,300 miles on that bike before I traded it in. I've owned four Harleys....NEVER again. The last one cost $37,000 and broke down four times within the first year. I also like the Indian Scout, but feel thay are way over prcied for what they are. And the Indain dealers around where I live are jerks. I feel the Vulcan S gives you the BEST of both worlds. You have the low seat height of a cruiser with the quick revving parallel twin of a sport bike. I'm sold, I hope to buy one this week.
They are nice rides for sure. And well over 300,000 miles? My friend, that’s amazing. I can’t wait to get another bike myself. I agree with you about the Indian scout - they are a bit overpriced. That, and it’s almost the same as a Vulcan S. I wouldn’t buy a Harley either.. I’ve heard too many stories about them being a “name” that you buy, but they break down all the time. I am still unsure of what the next cruiser style bike I get will be. Also, didn’t know you could do that with the sprocket on the Vulcan. I looked up all sorts of forums to see what people have done, and most said “you’re stuck with what you get”. So I was clueless. I hope you enjoy your new bike, be safe as always
@@Kodyssey I looked up spoclets on ay J&P and Dennis KIrk. You can buy three differant size front spockets and a wide range of rear spockets. I think if I remember right there are rear spockets from 38 tooth to 46 tooth. The stock is 46. The front I think you can buy a 14.15.16 tooth. the 15 is the stock spocket, This is one reason I like chain final drive over a belt or shaft. You can play with the gearing until you find out which is best for your type of riding. You have to realize I'm OLD(70). I've been ridng and modifing bikes for a long time. I started with a 1965 Honda S 90 that I bought with money I saved from a newspaper route. When I started dating my wife (1970) I scared her on a Honda Scrambler I had at the time and she HATED motorcycles for twenty years. I started a use car lot in 1992 and took a Kawasaki 440 ltd in on trade. By then I was older and learned to slow down. I took her a ride and she enjoyed it. So I kept on taking it easy until she got use to highay speeds, then we started traveling. That was in 1994. So from 1994 until 2020 or so is when we put in most of the miles. We would load up a 7X7 pup tent, a sleeping bag, clothes and a towell and wash cloth. Off we would go to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the outer shore of VIrginia and come back across the Chasapeak bay bridge, Galtinburg, Tenn, Deep Creek Lake Maryland, Cumberland Falls Kentucky amd many other places. We alawys looked for campgrounds with hot showers. In the morning my wife would shower than I would. When we left the campgrond I'd tuck the towel and wash clothe on top of the sleeping bag and it would "air dry" as we went. We always ate out during our trips ans bought goodies from a grocery strore before turning in at night. I retied when I was 50 so we could enjoy life and we did. But my wife has battled cancer eight times and now lives in a recliner. Both our sons had brain cancer and one died on Father;s Day 2002 at the age of 23. Our other son had a crippling stoke about six years ago and could no longer operate a hand clutch or a foot shifter. So I sold his motocycle and bought him a Can AM Ryker so he is still out riding. The can Am has no hand clutch or foot shifter so he can handle it. Well, I went on and on and probably bored you to death. My point is ENJOY LIFE WHILE YOU CAN. You never know what tomoorow may bring. Ride safely and enjoy every journey.
Wow, what a story. No, didn’t bore me to death. Sorry for your losses and I wish the best for you and your wife. I am looking to get 3 bikes when I can afford to do so. 1) A sport bike - likely a Ninja or GSXR. Never had a liter bike, so really leaning towards one of those. But, sometimes you can have more fun on a 600 and they are cheaper (hammer the throttle all day without as much worry of losing control. I’m used to crotch rockets, and love ripping up the corners with them. Been to the dragon several times. 2) I want a cruiser. I have absolutely no clue which one yet, but since I’ll already have a speed demon, I’m considering a Honda Shadow. Just something I can ride with other people my age that feel too old for rockets lol. Basically, a cheap way to have a good time on a reliable bike when it would otherwise sit in the garage. (I say this, but may end up riding it most, who knows). 3) A Hayabusa. No, not for the insane speed. I want the Gen 3 version which is technically a downgrade in performance over prior years, but a huge upgrade (in my opinion) of aesthetics, and for comfort. I want the Busa for LONG road trips, as it’s comfortable, good ride, bigger fuel tank, cruise control (I know this is adaptable to any bike, but I like the built in function), ability to hammer down on huge stretches of road (in the Great Plains or desert areas - or when I wanna be dumb), and ability to throw luggage on it. The Busa I do believe is going to be the first one I save for.. but have a while to go. When I get any of the bikes, I’ll be making videos again and putting them on this channel, unless my subs vote otherwise.
@@Kodyssey Wishing you good luck on your future bike purchases. I love the sound of a 4 cylinder crotch rocket, reminds me of the sound of s grand prix race car. Love the high rpm and the quickness, But I'm way too old for all of that, I once owned a Honda 900. My wife said she's never been in anything or on anything that could accumilate speed so quickly. It was scarey quick. After about four close calls I traded it for a slower bike. Just be careful and don't get hurt. I wrecked one in 1984 and messed my left leg up pretty bad. Walked with a cane for four years and took twenty years before I could go up and down stairs without looking like a goof ball. That wreck is what fianally slowed me down. Now I ride like an OLD man. But that's alright I am an OLD man (70).
You are so right about the gearing. I was confused when I first rode mine. In fact 1 through 3 seem so close together, I thought I was doing something wrong.
I had a 2018 Vulcan S and loved it. Fantastic bike. Scraped peg many times. Fun as hell bike. I did some similar videos on it and I have to say, I sure do miss it.
I noticed you shift at 4-5k rpm, try shifting at 7-8k rpm and you'll feel the actual power of the bike. I used to shift low as well, then started nearly red-lining each gear before shift and its a different experience... naturally you won't see the eco indicator and use more fuel, but the bike makes max torque at 6,600 rpm according to kawasaki website, so if you shifting at 5k, you won't ever feel the power Thanks for the video
Haha maybe in the video I shifted 4-5k. I felt the power, but the power wasn’t the issue. Issue was the limitation of the transmission and gears. Held the bike back. I got the full potential out of it lol. I no longer have that bike. However, I am getting another soon.. completely different and a monster! Can’t wait
I had the Vulcan for a year and the half put 9,600 miles on it and then traded it in for the new Rebel 1100cc Honda. The Vulcan looks like it's not set up right for you because you are short. They got the ergo fit system where they set it up for your size. The only thing I didn't like about it was it has no cruise control and got no LED lights. I rode that bike for 3 hours long many times 80 miles an hour and the engine is great. More than enough power. I'm 5'11" and it was very comfortable for me. I also put a Hapco and Becker back rast luggage rack combo on it. That way you just lean back and cruise. Oh ,and an inflatable air seat cushion witch you can adjust with the pressure. I had great rides on the Jersey shore.
I am comfortable as can be on the bike now. Seat still gets a little sore on the rear after a long ride, but it’s not terrible. I’ve broken it in more lol. I have another video of why people should get one. My next motorcycle is either going to be a crotch rocket which I’m thinking of the R7 or it’s gonna be the Indian scout
@@Kodyssey I test rode the Indian scout and it's heavier and more uncomfortable than the Vulcan. Be careful about that. You may not like it. I didn't, That is why I got The Rebel DCT. It's fantastic in the manual custom programming mode. You can set the torque engine brake, power exactly the way you want it. Good luck.
@@Kodyssey Yes. The Indian is about 130 lbs heavier than the Vulcan. The Indian is a lot harder to handle at slow speed, or slow sharp turns or doing figure eights. And a lot easier to drop. Becarful. I Bought 4 bikes the pat 5 years it's never an easy thing to decide.
Not gonna lie, I am seriously considering a sports bike. I want to try a new R6 or maybe the R7. Thing with R7 is the cluster panel seems very simple and hard to see in daylight
Nice video. Try some gloves. You’ll like wearing them. Good protection and you can still operate your camera. I just dropped my bike at a stop sigh. Glad I had gloves on. ( I know not too bright).
Over 35000km on 2019 Vulcan S. This bike needs an upgrade on the seat for anything over 2 hour trip. Run the RPM's at 6,000+ for best performance and still be in fuel efficient. I only use 6th gear above 115 km/hr. Would be nice to have cruise control for touring. Other then that still loving it!
Get a taller one if you want a lot of air blockage. This one helps keep off chest, but not the face. I think the cafe style keeps more off face because of bubble style.
you just seem a very hard to please cutomer because i own this bike and its great in every aspect...youre wining about things that aren't an issue just to make content...actually annoying.
This may be my first video you're watching. While I do try to come up with something every weekend to make content, I try to stay true and keep honest with my viewers. My attachment towards this bike has grown significantly since this video, and I was going through sport bike withdraws when I made this one. The seat is now more comfortable, it's plenty fast enough and whatever else my complaints were.. meh, lol. My comparison with the sports bike withdraw was primarily because the sporty design of the bike, and the fact they put a ninja engine as the heart. But I've learned to understand it's a cruiser
Really the only complain I have is a personal issue. I weigh so little, I bounce out of my seat on bumps at lowest settings. I'm going to mess with the adjustments more, but grrr.
I have a video up “13 must have accessories”. All is explained there. Personally I don’t remember the cup holder brand, and no the bike doesn’t have a USB port - it’s an add on
It’s literally half a crotch rocket engine. Its not any more powerful in the ninja. Had the ninja as my first then now have a Vulcan. Very comparable aside from riding position
Yeah, I get it. After riding for months with it, and getting more used to it.. if there was 1 thing I could change - it would be the position of the pegs. I can bust ass on this bike.. it’s very nimble. I just wish I could lay it down lower without scraping
I just got mine but it's a 2020. It's my first motorcycle and I love it to death. Tried a few others but honestly the Vulcan just feels... right. Maybe later on I might change it up but for now the Vulcan gives me everything I want in a bike.
I love the bike, and I’m not sure I’ll ever part with it. .. I’m gonna have to get me a rocket at some point though.. gotta fill that empty spot in my soul haha.
This is a high rev engine . It’s a ninja , it loves to run running 5k rpm or more . I’ve taken this on several hour trips in the Miami heat I can run this at 90 mph 7k rpm and no problem . I do have an exhaust but no other performance upgrades .
Yeah you can run it like that. Just best to have a better seat
I have never hauled any motorcycle when on a trip. As a matter of fact my wife and I have rode well over 300,000 miles. When we ride we always take a break about every hour and a half. Stop and buy fuel, stop at an overlook, stop to eat, or just stop and go for a short walk. Even on the $37,000 Harleys that were made for touring, we stopped every hour and a half.
As for as the gearing and high rpm at highway speeds, with the Kawasaki Vulcen S is an easy fix thanks to its chain final drive. Just buy a front spocket that is one tooth larger than the stock one and the RPMs will be lower and with that one tooth extra you won't miss sny of the quickness of the bike.
My last nine bikes were V-Twins and that is one reason I like the Vulcan S.... IT IS NOT A V-TWIN. I am tired of the chug chug chug of a V-Twin. I owned a 2002 Suzuki Intruder 1500cc which is now called the Boulevard. They are heavy and slow,. I put 87,300 miles on that bike before I traded it in. I've owned four Harleys....NEVER again. The last one cost $37,000 and broke down four times within the first year. I also like the Indian Scout, but feel thay are way over prcied for what they are. And the Indain dealers around where I live are jerks. I feel the Vulcan S gives you the BEST of both worlds. You have the low seat height of a cruiser with the quick revving parallel twin of a sport bike. I'm sold, I hope to buy one this week.
They are nice rides for sure. And well over 300,000 miles? My friend, that’s amazing. I can’t wait to get another bike myself. I agree with you about the Indian scout - they are a bit overpriced. That, and it’s almost the same as a Vulcan S. I wouldn’t buy a Harley either.. I’ve heard too many stories about them being a “name” that you buy, but they break down all the time. I am still unsure of what the next cruiser style bike I get will be.
Also, didn’t know you could do that with the sprocket on the Vulcan. I looked up all sorts of forums to see what people have done, and most said “you’re stuck with what you get”. So I was clueless.
I hope you enjoy your new bike, be safe as always
@@Kodyssey I looked up spoclets on ay J&P and Dennis KIrk. You can buy three differant size front spockets and a wide range of rear spockets. I think if I remember right there are rear spockets from 38 tooth to 46 tooth. The stock is 46. The front I think you can buy a 14.15.16 tooth. the 15 is the stock spocket, This is one reason I like chain final drive over a belt or shaft. You can play with the gearing until you find out which is best for your type of riding. You have to realize I'm OLD(70). I've been ridng and modifing bikes for a long time.
I started with a 1965 Honda S 90 that I bought with money I saved from a newspaper route. When I started dating my wife (1970) I scared her on a Honda Scrambler I had at the time and she HATED motorcycles for twenty years.
I started a use car lot in 1992 and took a Kawasaki 440 ltd in on trade. By then I was older and learned to slow down. I took her a ride and she enjoyed it. So I kept on taking it easy until she got use to highay speeds, then we started traveling. That was in 1994.
So from 1994 until 2020 or so is when we put in most of the miles. We would load up a 7X7 pup tent, a sleeping bag, clothes and a towell and wash cloth. Off we would go to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the outer shore of VIrginia and come back across the Chasapeak bay bridge, Galtinburg, Tenn, Deep Creek Lake Maryland, Cumberland Falls Kentucky amd many other places.
We alawys looked for campgrounds with hot showers. In the morning my wife would shower than I would. When we left the campgrond I'd tuck the towel and wash clothe on top of the sleeping bag and it would "air dry" as we went. We always ate out during our trips ans bought goodies from a grocery strore before turning in at night.
I retied when I was 50 so we could enjoy life and we did. But my wife has battled cancer eight times and now lives in a recliner. Both our sons had brain cancer and one died on Father;s Day 2002 at the age of 23. Our other son had a crippling stoke about six years ago and could no longer operate a hand clutch or a foot shifter. So I sold his motocycle and bought him a Can AM Ryker so he is still out riding. The can Am has no hand clutch or foot shifter so he can handle it.
Well, I went on and on and probably bored you to death. My point is ENJOY LIFE WHILE YOU CAN. You never know what tomoorow may bring. Ride safely and enjoy every journey.
Wow, what a story. No, didn’t bore me to death. Sorry for your losses and I wish the best for you and your wife.
I am looking to get 3 bikes when I can afford to do so.
1) A sport bike - likely a Ninja or GSXR. Never had a liter bike, so really leaning towards one of those. But, sometimes you can have more fun on a 600 and they are cheaper (hammer the throttle all day without as much worry of losing control. I’m used to crotch rockets, and love ripping up the corners with them. Been to the dragon several times.
2) I want a cruiser. I have absolutely no clue which one yet, but since I’ll already have a speed demon, I’m considering a Honda Shadow. Just something I can ride with other people my age that feel too old for rockets lol. Basically, a cheap way to have a good time on a reliable bike when it would otherwise sit in the garage. (I say this, but may end up riding it most, who knows).
3) A Hayabusa. No, not for the insane speed. I want the Gen 3 version which is technically a downgrade in performance over prior years, but a huge upgrade (in my opinion) of aesthetics, and for comfort. I want the Busa for LONG road trips, as it’s comfortable, good ride, bigger fuel tank, cruise control (I know this is adaptable to any bike, but I like the built in function), ability to hammer down on huge stretches of road (in the Great Plains or desert areas - or when I wanna be dumb), and ability to throw luggage on it.
The Busa I do believe is going to be the first one I save for.. but have a while to go. When I get any of the bikes, I’ll be making videos again and putting them on this channel, unless my subs vote otherwise.
@@Kodyssey Wishing you good luck on your future bike purchases. I love the sound of a 4 cylinder crotch rocket, reminds me of the sound of s grand prix race car. Love the high rpm and the quickness, But I'm way too old for all of that, I once owned a Honda 900. My wife said she's never been in anything or on anything that could accumilate speed so quickly. It was scarey quick. After about four close calls I traded it for a slower bike.
Just be careful and don't get hurt. I wrecked one in 1984 and messed my left leg up pretty bad. Walked with a cane for four years and took twenty years before I could go up and down stairs without looking like a goof ball. That wreck is what fianally slowed me down. Now I ride like an OLD man. But that's alright I am an OLD man (70).
You are so right about the gearing. I was confused when I first rode mine. In fact 1 through 3 seem so close together, I thought I was doing something wrong.
Yeah the gears are just way short. Like they tried to turn the gears down for a cruiser, using a sport bike motor. Just feels castrated
Wow, I will always cheer for you in Korea I'm looking forward to a great video. Have a nice day.
Well thank you. I try to do my best
ㅎㅎ반갑습니다~!^^
I had a 2018 Vulcan S and loved it. Fantastic bike. Scraped peg many times. Fun as hell bike. I did some similar videos on it and I have to say, I sure do miss it.
May keep and just get another bike
@@Kodyssey Keep it. Get a second bike
Did you ever have an odd smell come from yours after riding? Like.. I don’t think it’s bad, just something I’ve noticed
@@Kodyssey Nooo. What does it smell like? I mean new bikes have a weird break in smell that goes away after about 1000miles or so.
Smells like break in lol. But I am still under 3K miles. Likely what it is
I noticed you shift at 4-5k rpm, try shifting at 7-8k rpm and you'll feel the actual power of the bike. I used to shift low as well, then started nearly red-lining each gear before shift and its a different experience... naturally you won't see the eco indicator and use more fuel, but the bike makes max torque at 6,600 rpm according to kawasaki website, so if you shifting at 5k, you won't ever feel the power
Thanks for the video
Haha maybe in the video I shifted 4-5k. I felt the power, but the power wasn’t the issue. Issue was the limitation of the transmission and gears. Held the bike back. I got the full potential out of it lol.
I no longer have that bike. However, I am getting another soon.. completely different and a monster! Can’t wait
A lot of ppl do a sprocket swap w different gears that say remedies those highway high revs
I’d like to know what sprocket/gears they are using. And does anything change with acceleration doing this? Don’t want to lose any accel or top end
It is just a sprocket change. I'll look to see what they are all seeming to switch to.
I had the Vulcan for a year and the half put 9,600 miles on it and then traded it in for the new Rebel 1100cc Honda.
The Vulcan looks like it's not set up right for you because you are short. They got the ergo fit system where they set it up for your size.
The only thing I didn't like about it was it has no cruise control and got no LED lights. I rode that bike for 3 hours long many times 80 miles an hour and the engine is great. More than enough power. I'm 5'11" and it was very comfortable for me. I also put a Hapco and Becker back rast luggage rack combo on it. That way you just lean back and cruise.
Oh ,and an inflatable air seat cushion witch you can adjust with the pressure.
I had great rides on the Jersey shore.
I am comfortable as can be on the bike now. Seat still gets a little sore on the rear after a long ride, but it’s not terrible. I’ve broken it in more lol. I have another video of why people should get one. My next motorcycle is either going to be a crotch rocket which I’m thinking of the R7 or it’s gonna be the Indian scout
@@Kodyssey I test rode the Indian scout and it's heavier and more uncomfortable than the Vulcan. Be careful about that.
You may not like it. I didn't,
That is why I got The Rebel DCT. It's fantastic in the manual custom programming mode. You can set the torque engine brake, power exactly the way you want it. Good luck.
Hmm well it’s not a for sure thing, it was an option. But thanks for the input. I’ll have to do some research
@@Kodyssey Yes. The Indian is about 130 lbs heavier than the Vulcan.
The Indian is a lot harder to handle at slow speed, or slow sharp turns or doing figure eights. And a lot easier to drop. Becarful.
I Bought 4 bikes the pat 5 years it's never an easy thing to decide.
Not gonna lie, I am seriously considering a sports bike. I want to try a new R6 or maybe the R7. Thing with R7 is the cluster panel seems very simple and hard to see in daylight
Nice video. Try some gloves. You’ll like wearing them. Good protection and you can still operate your camera. I just dropped my bike at a stop sigh. Glad I had gloves on. ( I know not too bright).
I wear gloves almost all the time now. Keeps the black crap off my hand lol
@@Kodyssey thanks for your reply!
Over 35000km on 2019 Vulcan S. This bike needs an upgrade on the seat for anything over 2 hour trip. Run the RPM's at 6,000+ for best performance and still be in fuel efficient. I only use 6th gear above 115 km/hr. Would be nice to have cruise control for touring. Other then that still loving it!
Would definitely be nice if it had cruise control. Sorry for such a late response
Thanks for the fun video. Does the windshield block a lot of air ? Shall I get a taller one ?
Get a taller one if you want a lot of air blockage. This one helps keep off chest, but not the face. I think the cafe style keeps more off face because of bubble style.
you just seem a very hard to please cutomer because i own this bike and its great in every aspect...youre wining about things that aren't an issue just to make content...actually annoying.
This may be my first video you're watching. While I do try to come up with something every weekend to make content, I try to stay true and keep honest with my viewers. My attachment towards this bike has grown significantly since this video, and I was going through sport bike withdraws when I made this one. The seat is now more comfortable, it's plenty fast enough and whatever else my complaints were.. meh, lol. My comparison with the sports bike withdraw was primarily because the sporty design of the bike, and the fact they put a ninja engine as the heart. But I've learned to understand it's a cruiser
Really the only complain I have is a personal issue. I weigh so little, I bounce out of my seat on bumps at lowest settings. I'm going to mess with the adjustments more, but grrr.
That’s what I was thinking.
I wonder if there is tuning to change the mapping to give it that ninja kick?
Maybe, not sure. It would make it quicker, but it would not help with the gears
What is that cup holder? Where can I get one? Also does the Vulcan S have a USB port built in?
I have a video up “13 must have accessories”. All is explained there. Personally I don’t remember the cup holder brand, and no the bike doesn’t have a USB port - it’s an add on
@Austins Retreat Gaming thank you, ill check it out.
It’s literally half a crotch rocket engine. Its not any more powerful in the ninja. Had the ninja as my first then now have a Vulcan. Very comparable aside from riding position
Yeah, I get it. After riding for months with it, and getting more used to it.. if there was 1 thing I could change - it would be the position of the pegs. I can bust ass on this bike.. it’s very nimble. I just wish I could lay it down lower without scraping
Make a video with a flash ECU
That may be a while. And if I do, it will be with a power commander
@@Kodyssey Noooooo!
I want to be my first and last bike.
It’s a great bike!