2022 Kawasaki Vulcan S First Ride | REVIEW

One of my favorite cruisers on the market, the notorious Vulcan S!

[@johnd9031]

I like a quiet exhaust. The thing I want most in a bike is reliability, comfort and handling. Speed is last.

[@TheDantedrake]

Agreed. I have a 06 Honda cbr600rr with a twin brothers exhaust. I can't wait to get rid of it because it sounds obnoxious. Gonna get the vulcan and keep that stock exhaust.

[@fakyoutube_69]

speed is last but, it must be doing 65-80 miles all day with stability.

[@billwood3766]

I too like a quiet bike. When the SHTF, you want to be able to sneak around.

[@Bavenbushcraft]

Absolutely agree, which is why my CBR600 went... I now have a CBF250 and love. After a bit more comfort though, which is why I'm here!

[@SokaBalogh]

Same

[@7R4dicalized]

I love a truly honest review- where the rider presenter is legit excited to be riding it..

[@kalnwi2023]

Became a expert after only the first mile and you think it's a good review ?

[@genegoodwin8925]

Well, I'm not a newbie, or a beginning rider. I'm 70 years old and have been riding since 1964. And I really like the Vulcan S. About a month ago I stopped in a Harley shop and sat on a new 975 Nightster, a few minutes later I stopped in a Kawasaki shop and sat on a Vulcan S. The Vulcan S is TWICE the bike of the Harley and at half the price. I've been riding V-Twin cruisers since the mid 1990's'. I am short legged so the cruises fit me best. But I'm tired of the chug chug chug of a V-Twin. And I like quiet exhaust. On the Vulcan S you can hear the air being sucked in through the air breather when you open it up. I like that sound much better than loud exhaust. There are those idiots who say "loud pipes save lives". To that I'll say 95% of the noise is behind the motorcycyle with loud exhaust. So I guess if you are traveking about 60 or 70 mph backwards the loud exhaust might scare some deer out of the way. But going forward, not so much. I currently own my second Harley Davison Tri-Glide due to my wife's many health issues. And I hate it. The Harley rides like a dump trunk even after I installed Progreesive shocks on back, lower the tire air pressure to just 20 psi and had the seat redone with gel pads. I like the feel of the Vulcan S just by sitting on it. But I have never drove one. We travel a lot usually about 15,000 miles a year. We also travel a lot on highways with speed limits posted at 70 mph. I usually stay at 65 mph and let the cars pass me. So with my type of riding I have a couple very important question I need answered. How is the smoothness of the ride of the Vulcan S like when you hit pot holes, seams in the roads and other inperfections in the roadways? And how is the Vulcan S when traveling at 65 mph? Does it have a lot of vibrarion, or does it settle down and feel relaxed at 65 mph? Thank you for this video I hope you reply to my questions. Ride safe and enjoy every journey.

[@born2moto]

I love my Kawasaki vulcan s650. I am extremely happy with it!

[@Kephers7]

I'm picking up a 2024 vulcan s cafe abs in the next few days as my first bike. I'm stoked.

[@Wohali123]

It’s customizable and it’s the best cruiser on the market, you just can’t beat it.

[@mariostekic]

Great video 👍 I have had my Vulcan S for a year now and I just Love it! But I put on Arrow system and it sounds so good now 💪😎

[@JD-zw3ry]

Thank you for your great presentation and thoughts.

[@blackhawk32b4]

It has adjustable handlebars, pegs and seat for different height drivers

[@kalnwi2023]

I'l older so maybe that's why I like a quiet exhaust , my neighbors like that plus I can hear the engine and the fantastic air induction on the Kawasakis' 650 bikes.

[@mike70s]

Positive review,thanks man

[@Myndi78]

Putting a sportsbike engine in a cruiser frame is SUCH a great idea! The only issue is that it sounds like a sportsbike 😂

[@BudderWil]

the exhaust is def underwhelming but nothing mods can't fix, will prolly be my first bike as a new rider :)

[@jones3892]

Good review. My first bike, going on three years and I agree, once you upgrade the exhaust, it’s louder and also has a bit more character.

[@Isahiyella]

I was looking at the Royal Enfield Interceptors and went by my local dealership to check them out. I am 5'9 and didn't like the way it felt when I sat on it. The Vulcan on the other hand was a perfect fit. Both feet firmly on the ground and it has a much lower height to weight ratio than the Enfield. Imma bout to jump on it.

[@YouCubeParadigm]

I'm definetly getting this bike! Gonna change the headlight for a round one with LED though. Do a tailtidy/fender delete, and get a firetong willymade exhaust. 10/10

[@iiFuture]

I traded in my Ninja 636 for a Vulcan so I can do longer trips and I love the Vulcan, especially after installing a booster plug and a full-system exhaust (Loud asf lol).

[@jasonmendonca6061]

I have a Vulcan S and I'm adding a 636 to my fleet in a few months

[@adamloadsman8597]

I Loved this clip I'm so excited I'm getting the 2023 full power awww yeah

[@SokaBalogh]

Thanks for your video, do you reccomend this bike for a starter like me as a first bike? I will make the school in January.

[@vulcangunner58]

I put the Two Bros. stainless exhaust on my S two yrs. ago...great sound improvement, in fact too loud! I put the baffle in, and now a good growl...Pricey...$700 shipped. The stock exhaust sound is sad.

[@j.francisward1897]

Wish they made it with a shaft drive like the previous Vulcan 750.

[@altrock86]

I am thinking about this as my second bike, and first cruiser. My first bike is a used Kawasaki dual sport 250.

[@TexasNewMoney]

Alamo Cycleplex is near me. Know well the streets you test drove on. I'm gonna have to take a quick drive and check out a Vulcan. Its likely my next bike.

[@Looking4TravelingWelderJob]

Beautiful bike

[@ShaggyCrew87]

I yeah. I own one and sound sweet man. No need more noise. It is a beauty

[@ME-hj1nz]

Kudos on the video. I was originally looking to buy the honda shadow phantom, but there was no time frame given, that the dealers would get one in up here in Fairbanks Alaska.. I saw one of these, researched and saw this video, and it cinched it for me. Rode it all summer last year.. Only a couple of things on the negative.. A limited range of windshields out there.. (mainly wind screens), So I had to fab one out myself. Next, The active engine breaking is nice but, the gas mileage on this bike sucks if you like to get on the throttle. I tend to zip around a lot and we're talking 30 mpg.. so about 60 miles per tank. the ride comfort is nice, even on bumpy roads.. but not really built for passengers. even if you install the seat and peg bars, the weight limits means you'd have to both be pretty light. I bought the 650, I've been on bikes since i was 10. I weigh 230lbs, and it can easily break 95 mph.. tops out about 110. Over all, i give it 8.75 stars out of 10.

[@abdulazizsaleh9567]

Thank you so much 🇸🇦💐👌🏻

[@mie1jos]

Oh yes bought the same one 2 days ago!!!!

[@MotoBaggins]

Had this bike ordered in October arrived November 23rd (came in less than a month 👀). Its my first bike that I bought "new". So excited to ride this season! March plan on doing a trip from PA to Florida. Had a 1983 Suzuki GS450A and most recent bike was a 2003 Suzuki 1400GSLP.

[@2mkholley]

Love my vulcan it's an awesome bike!

[@marionkyman]

I'd really like to know how your 1,000ish mile trip was on this motorcycle.

[@MotoBaggins]

@@marionkyman leaving in two days! So ill keep you posted! Got 300 miles in currently. Got to do some bike mantinence (break in oil change/chain tension) along the way but looking forward to get some miles.

[@torn5203]

How was the trip?

[@jaxonwilliams684]

@@MotoBaggins how was the trip

[@BrandonD]

Great review, how is the suspension and over all comfort over bumps and rougher parts of the road? Thank you!

[@gogosenpai6125]

Its m bumpy bike buttt... Not all the time it's bumpy after 180kmph

[@prairiegold6870]

You definitely need to stiffen up the rear suspension over bumps (it's adjustable). I have a 2020. Could use a seat upgrade, other than that a fantastic motorcycle.

[@leannerobintahi]

You can upgrade on the Exhaust crnt you I like it louder,thinking on investing in one of these 👌🏽

[@ashesdrivered.9123]

The butt destroying seat is the Achilles heel of this awesome bike. There are no affordable aftermarket seat options available...period! You're stuck with it if you can't afford the premium price of a $500+ replacement seat. You're going to have to go the route of a gel pad cover, etc. if you plan on riding any distance beyond 50 miles.

[@MtnTiggr]

Im personally thirteen right now and looking for a nice simple and good bit je to get me from point a to point b for a good price. I’ve been riding clutches for three years now so I feel confident about this bike.

[@seanbrah93]

RIP

[@abdulazizsaleh9567]

Thank you 👌🏻

[@garretbjerke3171]

I own one of these and One-hundred percent agree they could do a little better on sound

[@whollymindless]

I refer to the exhaust as "Neighbor Friendly".

[@DL2164]

So would u say a skinny 5'5 dude such as my self would do well on this as my very first (never been on one before) bike.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

windshield for sure ! ; add a back rack for top box; , crash bars

[@nilo.niezki5843]

New subs here keep it up 👍👏👏👏

[@tlayn4]

I've been searching and watching reviews of different cruiser-type and Vulcan S made me decide to buy a bike. This will be my first ever bike... I don't even know how to ride one, yet. lol

[@cesartapia610]

Take the motorcycle safety course first! They'll teach you everything about riding. You should consider buying used for your first bike especially. Just my two cents.

[@erickieffer5797]

Take the MSF course.

[@KarlOlofsson]

Working on my license atm and tbh a fairly quiet ride is kind of a plus for me. Like the idea of a stealthy ride. I also live in a small town where very loud bikes late at night are very annoying, so don't want to disturb people that way. Also seems more sustainable with a quieter bike for longer rides?

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

nice bike

[@Tom_Emody]

If the exhaust being quiet is the biggest problem. That’s a good darn bike!

[@MightyMouzMoto]

Is it smooth or does it have a lot of vibration in the hands and feet at higher speeds?

[@michaelb.42112]

Dude, you're KILLIN' me with envy. I have wanted to ride that bike and hardly any pre-owned come up for sale, so I guess that alone says how coveted this bike is. I own a Shadow Spirit 750 that is great, of course because it's a Honda, BUT I've always wanted to have that Ninja between my legs with a Cruiser outside, because what could possibly be a better compromise ? EDIT : It looks as easy to ride as a bicycle.

[@4Saturday]

Yes love it traded my Harley for one I love the mean look very peppy nice and light to many people saying nice beginner bike but I have been riding over 10 years different Harley s . I love this bike got lucky got mine with bags and luggage rack out the door for 7800 tax title and license 2023 with 1200 miles

[@nrcg2317]

Ok, I am a return rider. I had a new 1980 Honda CB750K. It weighed around 560 lbs. and handled pretty well. It was kind of tall. I'm 5'9" in height. Is this the right bike or should I go for the Kawasaki 900? I'm not a speed freak, but I need escape power on the highway.

[@joseadavila7445]

Have one I put 2 brothers mufflers and all the extras best bigginers moto . But then you wanna keep it as your only bike . You want the abs one.

[@MrSoranowoto]

at about minute 13 you turn right signal was still on sir. I know it's a year ago but I just started watching your video.

[@frostysred32]

Would you recommend this for a daily interstate commuter (15 miles one way). Brand new rider, not too worried about speed but intestate is 65-70mph

[@jonathanfields87]

As someone who commutes on this bike everyday, rain or shine, this bike is a fantastic choice. I’m on the highway for 26 miles each way Monday-Friday. It’ll run 90mph all day without even making you think twice. It’s also super clickable. So when you get into the city, you can chuck it around without worry. In the city, it’s a Ninja 650 with a lower COG.

[@erichasz7068]

I also daily a 2017 Vulcan s. 32 miles one way on interstate and highway. Does 75 for me no problem, then I ride about 65 on the highway. It does fantastic. I am going to grab a windshield one of these days though. Will be a nice add.

[@nervonabliss2071]

@@erichasz7068 Whata the benefit of a windshield on a cruiser. How often are you bending down low enough for it to serve its purpose?

[@erichasz7068]

@@nervonabliss2071 you don’t have to bend down to have it serve it’s purpose. Mine will be 22 inch model and it will deflect a ton of air over my helmet. It will be a bit dorky, but nice to have on the longer rides. Won’t have to fight the air as much

[@nervonabliss2071]

@@erichasz7068 Thanks. Yeah, never really liked the look too much personally but I can see the benefits for long rides.

[@Imsaved777]

It’s good for riding the trails.

[@DavidGarcia-rp2qm]

Sounds similar to the rebel.. not a fan of the quiet, it’s a safety concern to be honest, but I still like it

[@CBR150_V1_RED]

vulcan s engine and ninja 650 and verseys 650 engine is dsame.. no wonder why exhaust sounds like that 😊.. ilove ds bike...

[@trailhog1606]

Is this Canadian or American pricing

[@zahidqadri5075]

Polaris slingshot vs vanderhall Venice ? Which performs better ?

[@yvonnegonzalez5616]

Ilovit!

[@damdam85]

👌👍

[@Actias1974]

The OTD price is about 9K, MSRP is just a starting point

[@timohansson3674]

Is it better and more comfortable than Indian scout?

[@Mr.XR8996]

I believe it is more comfortable, but when it comes to power and delivery, the scout definitely wins.

[@jasonmendonca6061]

I've ridden both and I own the Vulcan S. I rode the Indian scout bobber on a demo day and I wasn't impressed enough to spend double the money on it.

[@devsajee1899]

Everything expect that Tail-light. That's it! That's the only thing holding me back!

[@joemann7971]

I think a beginner could ride this bike, if they have some common sense, and they keep the bike in the low rev range. According to the manual, you're supposed to keep it under 6000 RPMs for the first 1000 miles and the bike doesn't really show its potential until after 6000 rpms. Personally, I found this to be a much better bike than my Honda Shadow 750. The power on this is more, but it wasn't so much so. I got accustomed to going full throttle acceleration after a couple of weeks. I am a bigger guy so, it would be different for a guy that weighs a buck fifty, obviously, but I don't think it would be that ridiculous.

[@johnnybravo3612]

I weigh about 177. I started on this motorcycle as a total beginner who had never ridden a motorcycle (had ridden a scooter for vacation one weekend years before and had also taken the MSF course just before buying this bike, took the course on a 125 cc Kawasaki Eliminator I think it was). I have had no issues at all. I started in late April 2021. I have gotten extremely busy so only have 1,200 miles so far but I haven’t had issues. I did actually mess up on a speed bump and accidentally pulled the throttle in as it bounced. I was able to correct the situation in time but it was sketchy. The bike wasn’t too unforgiving or anything. So yes, a beginner can absolutely start on this bike. But PRACTICE CLUTCH CONTROL. That should’ve been muscle memory on that speed bump by the time it happened, but it wasn’t.

[@jacob_1866]

break in period is a myth

[@johnnybravo3612]

@@jacob_1866 it’s debated

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

any difference is 20-21-22; Kaw says only colors. ? no other changes.

[@genegoodwin8925]

I personally like the quiet exhaust. If you change the exhaist and think it is going to sound like a Harley, it will not. You can make it oudm but it is a parallel twin, not a V-Twin and the sound of each engine is quite differant. You will never make a parallel twin sound anything like a V-Twin.

[@surajsinghno1573]

Other bikes have runed the exhaust sound

[@benzoneofficial]

Does it have slipper clutch?

[@erickieffer5797]

Yes

[@roaddog7542]

Nice but the Rebel is still calling me for a first bike.

[@dominicbarker999]

Ok I'm really interested in a Kawasaki Vulcan I would be a really new rider and I want a bike with a comfortable ride and save some gas while also being able to have fun on a bike and I mean like when I twist that throttle I want the amount of power I'm looking for do you think this bike would be a good fit for me

[@wccrispy]

0-60 in 4.5s and nearly 50 mpg.

[@dominicbarker999]

@@wccrispy I'm gonna take that as this would be the perfect bike for me

[@wccrispy]

@@dominicbarker999 Absolutely. The one complaint I hear most about the Vulcan is how uncomfortable the seat can become after an hour of riding. Consider the Corbin upgrade if you plan to do some longer rides. There are less expensive accessories for seats that may bridge that gap until you're ready to pay for a Corbin upgrade.

[@dominicbarker999]

@@wccrispy thank you it's good to know that I won't be making a bad choice on a motorcycle especially when I'm just gonna be starting out

[@wccrispy]

@@dominicbarker999 Find MotoJitsu here on KZbin. Especially his low speed course. Also, Harley-Davidson has a 3-day rider course. Sign up for it. You're gonna do great!

[@dylanjones678]

Thats funny you are at Alamo cycle plex haha

[@sterlingforbes3872]

Is this a good beginner bike?

[@Mr.XR8996]

Absolutely, mainly for its affordability and being such a rider friendly motorcycle! Very easy to ride had alot of fun on it, very smooth too plus looks awesome

[@sterlingforbes3872]

@@Mr.XR8996 Thanks for the quick response! Want to get a bike to learn on that also looks really cool and so I found this model. Thanks again!

[@MrSamurai47]

For me it has to be good at 70 mph+

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

at 6'2 then you need long pegs out and extended seat. I'm 6' and its not comfy as std.

[@victormurphy7956]

I'm looking into buying my first bike and i really Iike this one. I honestly give no shits about the exhaust not being loud.

[@mithrandirthegrey7644]

“Taller guy”, what does that mean? You sound Mexican so not sure I buy that. I’m 6’7 and I’d like to know if I can fit on this bike.

[@TheCrustygames]

This is in San Antonio 😂

[@stimulatemyexistence5669]

3:50 wow!! It picks up... as fast as my old jetta! Lmfao

[@chengsgroup2518]

Korean brand hyosung or something had their 650 sport bike engine in their cruiser in the 90s…. It was faster , lighter , more practical , had the harley Vrod looks and better fuel economy then all the cruisers back then….. everyone complained and look down just because it wasn’t a VTwin …. Now Kawasaki , Honda etc do the same and everyone praise the cruiser with the sports bike engine… just to show that 90% of the+people are insecure about themselves and just follow the crowd….

[@Nitu_S.C.]

That was and "exhausting" 15 minutes.

[@kiwidude112]

This or a rebel 500?

[@marionkyman]

I'm debating between the same two motorcycles. I really like the Rebel 500, but I'm leaning more and more toward the Vulcan S.

[@joemann7971]

@@marionkyman I think the performance is similar but the Vulcan S is bigger. You're not going to feel cramped on it. And if you're buying new, the ergo fit is a huge plus for the Vulcan S. The only reason to even consider the Rebel, IMO, is if you want to get the 1100, but that bike is quite a bit more like expensive than the Vulcan S.

[@gtiguy1992able]

Yamaha bolt

[@Pyron27]

Vulcan for sure

[@marionkyman]

@@gtiguy1992able I like the bolt too. Decisions. Decisions. Lol

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

NICE BENT KNEE IS NOT NICE. .STRAIGHT OUT LIKE A CRUISER IS NICE.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

why say upgrades wHen NOTHING has changed in 3 yrs

[@jameswright2082]

Worst roads in America