My wife bought a 2015 Vulcan S last month as her second bike and she loves it. It's great for her because of it's low seat and narrow tank. Plus it's fun for me! I'm 6'4" and 300 lbs and this bike has enough power for me to enjoy as well. It's a little cramped since it's set up for her w/ the reduced reach options, but I still like it.
@@TrilobitesRTasty sorry. I just saw this. I have had the suspension on the second softest setting. I never noticed any bottoming out. I have ridden it a couple hundred miles total on highways. Not much through the city. Didn't go over many bumps.
What a coincidence ! I bought my ‘Vulcy’ in Jan 19.. Its current miles is 7600 !!!!! This is my 4th bike and at 10K USD ( in India), this is it for me !
Ahaha we got twin bikes then! I hope you are doing good my friend! This is my first but will not be my last ahah I need something that fulfills my cruiser soul ahah Take care!
GREAT video!! I am going to be buying my first bike in about 6 months. I have done a LOT of research and fact-finding in preparation for this purchase and the Vulcan S is most definitely near the top of my list --probably #2 or #3. However, due to the lack of ABS on a couple of other bikes that would normally be rated (at least for my use) slightly higher than the Vulcan S, it gets moved right to the top. For example, if the Honda Shadow Phantom had ABS I would probably have it at the top instead. I really like the low, long, lean, appearance of that bike --which is largely due to its 64.6" wheelbase. In comparison, the wheelbase for the Vulcan S is 62.0", which gives it a similar profile, but the Honda Rebel 500/1000 and H-D Iron 883/1200 all have wheelbases that are less than 60.0", which makes them appear taller and bulkier, at least to my eye. As a beginning rider I don't think there is any real advantage to buying a bike without ABS --especially since I can't ever imagine me racing the bike, or needing 100% manual braking control because I want to "rip through the twisties". Much like you, I anticipate a more laid-back style of leisurely cruising. Furthermore, several large safety-related organizations state that you reduce your chance of being killed or seriously injured by roughly 1/3 when your bike is equipped with ABS! That makes the inclusion of ABS a no-brainer for me...
Hi Harry! Thanks a lot for your great comment. I totally agree with you! When I first started looking for cruisers to buy I was surprised to see that all of them (the ones I could afford at the time) didn't come with ABS... what a shame! That for me is a deal breaker! That was pretty much the reason I end up with the Vulcan S! I have seen lots of accidents (on youtube, but that still counts) that if ABS was present it simply wouldn't happen. So yeah for me is either ABS or I'm not buying the bike. Take care!
Hey Motospell, thanks for the awesome video. I have a 2023 Vulcan S and have been looking for floorboards as a direct fit for the bike. The DHD Floorboards link in the description doesn't work anymore. Do you happen to know where I could get my hands on these?
Bought a Vulcan S 2022 after selling my Fat Bob 114. The price is so good for what you get, the sheer fun when you basically have a Ninja 650 motor in a cruiser style bike. The Harley has the image and sound but I think it ends there when you compare the costs between the two. I changed because I recently had a son so having a 18/19k being parked most of the time felt crazy. If you want a cruiser but also the fun of a naked bike it’s no question what to get 😃 also the Kawasaki reliability is a big plus, the only downside is the chain maintence really.
Thanks for your great comment, my friend! It's awesome to get the opinion of someone who went the other way round. I do agree with you that the Vulcan S is a very fun bike to ride 😀 and for the price it is difficult to beat it! I'm glad you are still enjoying life on two wheels! Take care!
Oh, and once I am comfortable with the Vulcan S and my riding skills & ability I might decide to upgrade to the larger and much more powerful Scout Bobber Sixty. What a beautiful, well built & finished, well equipped (GPS & Maps are standard, I believe), bike that is! However, one of the other reasons the Vulcan S makes such a good "starter" bike is that it has enough power, weight, and size to make riding it fun for even more experienced riders, so it may be all the bike I ever need...
Oh, it's not the Scout Bobber but the new Indian Chief. I wouldn't be surprised if they fit the same display on the Scout models, I am actually expecting that to happen soon! On paper it's an awesome bike, I haven't got the chance to test ride it yet but it seems slightly overpriced when compared with some Harleys (as long as having a fancy LCD is not a priority for you), at least for me as I need a passenger seat and pegs, I could get a H-D Sport Glide (that comes with passenger seat and pegs, quick detached and lockable saddlebags, bigger fuel tank) for about the same price as the new Chief base model. But well, at the end of the day what maters is your love for the bike and how it makes you feel every time you look at her. The Vulcan S can very well be a "forever" kind of bike. It never felt underpowered to me not even 2 up. It has its flaws like any other bike but you can easily learn to live with it. Take care and let me know what bike you end up buying! Cheers!
Truly is a great bike but does require some personal tweaking: Seat needs changing to something more comfortable if you are riding more than 30mins. Headlight needs to be changed, stock one is so poor. Exhaust needs the arrow rebel one they do with it (or another after market one) so you can actually hear the damn thing. Worth installing a boosterplug to smooth out the jumpy first gear. Mirrors are hideous so that would have to change for me. Install a radiator guard. Sounds like quite a lot but all of the above are easily sorted out with only the exhaust and seat costing something noticable. Then its a near perfect bike with maybe only the suspension being a bit on the hard side. Even though the above are easily sorted out I am still amazed Kawasaki don't have most of it sorted out from the start. But it is a great bike and I love it!
I agree with you there! You can easily override the need for the boosterplug by simply feathering the clutch a bit more, it works well for me that way. Take care!
Ahah no, it can be second hand as long it is a good deal (although the prices for the second hand - 1 to 2 years old - I've seen aren't much different than the price of a new bike, like £1k) The new Indian Chief seems like a great option, still need to test ride it first (bike not yet available in Scotland) and then compare with the other options on the market. Unfortunately because it's a brand new bike in the market the chances of getting a second hand one will be very slim. Take care!
I bought a 2023 Vulcan S about 2 months ago. So far think its a good bike. It is my second bike compared to the Suzuki C50T I had the Vulcan S has really impressed me for a 650 it has plenty of power. I like the foot boards you have could you tell me more about them? I would like to get some for my bike.
Hi my friend! First of all, congrats on buying a Vulcan S! She's a fantastic bike! If I could, I would have kept mine! The flooboards were made by a guy on facebook, he made lots of them at some point so many people here in the UK had them. I'm not sure if he is still doing them, but I'll leave you the link for his profile so you can message him. Take care! facebook.com/dean.holdaway.1
in my case i got this grateful vulcan s last year 2022version. If i have a chance to change the bike, that will be z900rs.. Nevertheless the vulcan will be by my side as long as possible^^
Obrigado, Myke! Comprei ao Dean Holdaway, é membro do grupo Kawasaki Vulcan S Riders (KVSR) no facebook, ele costuma fazer por encomenda. Abraços e boas curvas!
@@MOTOSPELL I heard rumours of a KVS 1000cc I guess that would be worth waiting for. Dream bike? Rocket GT3! |I really think we all would struggle to find a 'do-it-all' bike.
@@SG-il9gm I have been hearing that rumour for a bit now but apart from some badly done photoshop. There's just one thing that might make it a reality, The Honda Rebel 1100! Kawasaki might want to have a go at them and produce a 1000cc version. But it might take a while, who knows. The Rocket 3 is a proper beast! And looks amazing too! I prefer a more classic, less sportier look so that's why I'm not considering it as an upgrade for me. That and the price ahah No bike is perfect but can get pretty close, we just need to compromise here and there :D or just get several bikes ahah Time to try my luck on the lottery! Take care my friend!
I could make up 1001 excuses but in all honesty it all came down to about 4 things: 1 - Price; 2 - “cheap” insurance; 3 - looks like a cruiser; 4 - has ABS; I’m not gonna lie, If I could I would have bought an Indian or Harley straight away, but as you well know they cost an arm and a leg and also the insurance would be surreal! (I got a quote of about £2k a year... no thanks!) Everything has its time, now that I worked my arse off with a second job working night shifts and got some more years of insurance under my belt, I can afford to move to an Indian or Harley later at the end of this year. Take care and ride safe!
Hi Spell ! I just bought one a 2019 cafe with 3000 miles. It is my first bike, im a car guy ! I have a question, is it normal that i always have the impression that the engine sound, sounds like its tickling ? Like a little annoying small tik tik tik? All i know for sure because it was the bike of my aunt, is that he never was missused, beaten and the maintenance was all done properly. Thanx a lot !
UK legislation and probably a EU too. I found this on the internet: Section 4.1.4 now states the following: “Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.” I hope it helps my friend!
@@DreamofPoe wow! That’s preposterous!? Sooooo….use the crappier headlight? I can see a rationale if the brighter LED is not adjusted correctly and be blinding but not really. Hmm
My wife bought a 2015 Vulcan S last month as her second bike and she loves it. It's great for her because of it's low seat and narrow tank. Plus it's fun for me! I'm 6'4" and 300 lbs and this bike has enough power for me to enjoy as well. It's a little cramped since it's set up for her w/ the reduced reach options, but I still like it.
It is a fun bike indeed! I'm happy you and your wife are enjoying it! Take care!
May I ask…with your height and weight, does the suspension bottom out when you ride the Vulcan?
@@TrilobitesRTasty sorry. I just saw this. I have had the suspension on the second softest setting. I never noticed any bottoming out. I have ridden it a couple hundred miles total on highways. Not much through the city. Didn't go over many bumps.
Rotting Christ T shirt, like my own. And a great review. Seems Vulcan S is perfect BM bike haha
Great honest review...and good craic! Only learning (officially😏) and you have confirmed this is the bike for me, keep 'er lit
Cheers my friend! It's a great bike and if I could I would have kept her! You will love it!
What a coincidence !
I bought my ‘Vulcy’ in Jan 19.. Its current miles is 7600 !!!!!
This is my 4th bike and at 10K USD ( in India), this is it for me !
Ahaha we got twin bikes then! I hope you are doing good my friend!
This is my first but will not be my last ahah I need something that fulfills my cruiser soul ahah
Take care!
GREAT video!!
I am going to be buying my first bike in about 6 months. I have done a LOT of research and fact-finding in preparation for this purchase and the Vulcan S is most definitely near the top of my list --probably #2 or #3.
However, due to the lack of ABS on a couple of other bikes that would normally be rated (at least for my use) slightly higher than the Vulcan S, it gets moved right to the top.
For example, if the Honda Shadow Phantom had ABS I would probably have it at the top instead. I really like the low, long, lean, appearance of that bike --which is largely due to its 64.6" wheelbase.
In comparison, the wheelbase for the Vulcan S is 62.0", which gives it a similar profile, but the Honda Rebel 500/1000 and H-D Iron 883/1200 all have wheelbases that are less than 60.0", which makes them appear taller and bulkier, at least to my eye.
As a beginning rider I don't think there is any real advantage to buying a bike without ABS --especially since I can't ever imagine me racing the bike, or needing 100% manual braking control because I want to "rip through the twisties".
Much like you, I anticipate a more laid-back style of leisurely cruising.
Furthermore, several large safety-related organizations state that you reduce your chance of being killed or seriously injured by roughly 1/3 when your bike is equipped with ABS!
That makes the inclusion of ABS a no-brainer for me...
Hi Harry! Thanks a lot for your great comment. I totally agree with you! When I first started looking for cruisers to buy I was surprised to see that all of them (the ones I could afford at the time) didn't come with ABS... what a shame! That for me is a deal breaker! That was pretty much the reason I end up with the Vulcan S! I have seen lots of accidents (on youtube, but that still counts) that if ABS was present it simply wouldn't happen. So yeah for me is either ABS or I'm not buying the bike.
Take care!
Since 2016 every new motorcycle must have abs by law.
At least in europe
Hey Motospell, thanks for the awesome video. I have a 2023 Vulcan S and have been looking for floorboards as a direct fit for the bike. The DHD Floorboards link in the description doesn't work anymore. Do you happen to know where I could get my hands on these?
Probably, Dean is not making them anymore. Try to reach him through his facebook facebook.com/share/Dzmx1qEnZrsRnNmk/
Bought a Vulcan S 2022 after selling my Fat Bob 114. The price is so good for what you get, the sheer fun when you basically have a Ninja 650 motor in a cruiser style bike. The Harley has the image and sound but I think it ends there when you compare the costs between the two. I changed because I recently had a son so having a 18/19k being parked most of the time felt crazy. If you want a cruiser but also the fun of a naked bike it’s no question what to get 😃 also the Kawasaki reliability is a big plus, the only downside is the chain maintence really.
Thanks for your great comment, my friend! It's awesome to get the opinion of someone who went the other way round. I do agree with you that the Vulcan S is a very fun bike to ride 😀 and for the price it is difficult to beat it!
I'm glad you are still enjoying life on two wheels!
Take care!
Ill be buying my 2nd cruiser bike. An Indian Scout bobber for real. Keep safe sir. More power
The Scout is an awesome bike and the bobber, especially the Jack Daniels edition is just to die for! It looks so good! Ride safe, my friend!
Oh, and once I am comfortable with the Vulcan S and my riding skills & ability I might decide to upgrade to the larger and much more powerful Scout Bobber Sixty. What a beautiful, well built & finished, well equipped (GPS & Maps are standard, I believe), bike that is!
However, one of the other reasons the Vulcan S makes such a good "starter" bike is that it has enough power, weight, and size to make riding it fun for even more experienced riders, so it may be all the bike I ever need...
Oh, it's not the Scout Bobber but the new Indian Chief. I wouldn't be surprised if they fit the same display on the Scout models, I am actually expecting that to happen soon! On paper it's an awesome bike, I haven't got the chance to test ride it yet but it seems slightly overpriced when compared with some Harleys (as long as having a fancy LCD is not a priority for you), at least for me as I need a passenger seat and pegs, I could get a H-D Sport Glide (that comes with passenger seat and pegs, quick detached and lockable saddlebags, bigger fuel tank) for about the same price as the new Chief base model.
But well, at the end of the day what maters is your love for the bike and how it makes you feel every time you look at her.
The Vulcan S can very well be a "forever" kind of bike. It never felt underpowered to me not even 2 up. It has its flaws like any other bike but you can easily learn to live with it.
Take care and let me know what bike you end up buying!
Cheers!
Truly is a great bike but does require some personal tweaking:
Seat needs changing to something more comfortable if you are riding more than 30mins.
Headlight needs to be changed, stock one is so poor.
Exhaust needs the arrow rebel one they do with it (or another after market one) so you can actually hear the damn thing.
Worth installing a boosterplug to smooth out the jumpy first gear.
Mirrors are hideous so that would have to change for me.
Install a radiator guard.
Sounds like quite a lot but all of the above are easily sorted out with only the exhaust and seat costing something noticable. Then its a near perfect bike with maybe only the suspension being a bit on the hard side. Even though the above are easily sorted out I am still amazed Kawasaki don't have most of it sorted out from the start. But it is a great bike and I love it!
I agree with you there! You can easily override the need for the boosterplug by simply feathering the clutch a bit more, it works well for me that way.
Take care!
Great video 😀 p.s I now know what you mean re the vibration lol 😂. I reckon you will go for a Harley 🤔 does it have to be brand new ?
Ahah no, it can be second hand as long it is a good deal (although the prices for the second hand - 1 to 2 years old - I've seen aren't much different than the price of a new bike, like £1k)
The new Indian Chief seems like a great option, still need to test ride it first (bike not yet available in Scotland) and then compare with the other options on the market. Unfortunately because it's a brand new bike in the market the chances of getting a second hand one will be very slim.
Take care!
I bought a 2023 Vulcan S about 2 months ago. So far think its a good bike. It is my second bike compared to the Suzuki C50T I had the Vulcan S has really impressed me for a 650 it has plenty of power. I like the foot boards you have could you tell me more about them? I would like to get some for my bike.
Hi my friend! First of all, congrats on buying a Vulcan S! She's a fantastic bike! If I could, I would have kept mine!
The flooboards were made by a guy on facebook, he made lots of them at some point so many people here in the UK had them. I'm not sure if he is still doing them, but I'll leave you the link for his profile so you can message him.
Take care!
facebook.com/dean.holdaway.1
in my case i got this grateful vulcan s last year 2022version. If i have a chance to change the bike, that will be z900rs..
Nevertheless the vulcan will be by my side as long as possible^^
The Vulcan S is a great bike in general, if I could I would have kept her!
Take care!
Boas. Onde comprou os suportes para as peseiras? Bom video.
Obrigado, Myke!
Comprei ao Dean Holdaway, é membro do grupo Kawasaki Vulcan S Riders (KVSR) no facebook, ele costuma fazer por encomenda.
Abraços e boas curvas!
Hi Spell , Great video, I am with you all the way its a cruiser for me too. Please do let us know how you decide.
Awesome! Any model/brand in particular for you?
I will be sharing soon the first test ride :D Can't wait for the end of the year!
Take care my friend!
@@MOTOSPELL I heard rumours of a KVS 1000cc I guess that would be worth waiting for. Dream bike? Rocket GT3! |I really think we all would struggle to find a 'do-it-all' bike.
@@SG-il9gm I have been hearing that rumour for a bit now but apart from some badly done photoshop. There's just one thing that might make it a reality, The Honda Rebel 1100! Kawasaki might want to have a go at them and produce a 1000cc version. But it might take a while, who knows.
The Rocket 3 is a proper beast! And looks amazing too! I prefer a more classic, less sportier look so that's why I'm not considering it as an upgrade for me. That and the price ahah
No bike is perfect but can get pretty close, we just need to compromise here and there :D or just get several bikes ahah Time to try my luck on the lottery!
Take care my friend!
Gracias por tu video
You welcome!
Check out the new mot changes for motorcycles, you won’t need to put the old bulb back in.
Cool! Thanks for letting me know!
@@MOTOSPELL no problem. I added a link to the regulation changes... it has probably gone into your ‘held for review’ comments.
Strange, it is not showing there :/
I like Vulcan s,
What is the reason why you buy a vulcan s?
I could make up 1001 excuses but in all honesty it all came down to about 4 things:
1 - Price;
2 - “cheap” insurance;
3 - looks like a cruiser;
4 - has ABS;
I’m not gonna lie, If I could I would have bought an Indian or Harley straight away, but as you well know they cost an arm and a leg and also the insurance would be surreal! (I got a quote of about £2k a year... no thanks!) Everything has its time, now that I worked my arse off with a second job working night shifts and got some more years of insurance under my belt, I can afford to move to an Indian or Harley later at the end of this year.
Take care and ride safe!
Hi Spell ! I just bought one a 2019 cafe with 3000 miles. It is my first bike, im a car guy ! I have a question, is it normal that i always have the impression that the engine sound, sounds like its tickling ? Like a little annoying small tik tik tik? All i know for sure because it was the bike of my aunt, is that he never was missused, beaten and the maintenance was all done properly. Thanx a lot !
Hi there my friend!
Yes, it's totally normal, it's a "feature" of this engine ahah
Are you enjoying it?
Take care!
@@MOTOSPELL thank you very much Spell for your lightning fast answer ! I love everything about this bike, except the engine sound lollll
@@mitsubishi1978 no worries! Yeah the sound sucks ahaha
Hello from USA! Question, why would a superior LED bulb not pass MOT?
UK legislation and probably a EU too. I found this on the internet:
Section 4.1.4 now states the following:
“Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.”
I hope it helps my friend!
Sorry, replied with the wrong profile 😅
@@DreamofPoe wow! That’s preposterous!? Sooooo….use the crappier headlight? I can see a rationale if the brighter LED is not adjusted correctly and be blinding but not really. Hmm
@@alexandercoll4863 I would just leave it and see how it goes
As for your next bike, go for Triumph Rocket 3 GT.
Don't really like the looks of it, cracking bike but I prefer a more classic looking cruiser.
Take care!
@@MOTOSPELL Then Yamaha VMax or Suzuki M109R.
@@JulAlxAU now we are talking! Love the Suzuki!
@@MOTOSPELL Ah, alright then. You like it more retro. I heard a lot of good stuffs about the Suzuki. Give it a test ride, maybe you like it.
Love kavasaki
Yamaha x-Max 400 scooter, great cruiser , I have one for sale if interested
Thanks for the comment. It's not the type of bike I'm looking for but thanks anyways and good luck with the sale!
Take care!
Vulcan 900 Is belt driven vtwin
Yes, but there is no ABS version of it in the market and they were discontinued in Europe in 2016/2017. ABS is a must for me.
I had the 900. It is outdated n boring. My Vulcan S is better, but miss belt drive.
fun bike but the suspension is atrocious
Yeah, not made for the Edinburgh roads!