2024 Kawasaki Vulcan S - Alternative Cruising Since 1984

[@Censuwine]

I've had the bike for 8 years now and although it is not my main bike, I think I've had it long enough to form an opinion. Its upsides are the looks, its performance when pushed beyond 5000 rpm, reliability and its flickability. Service costs are also very reasonable. One of the disadvantages I found is that, in common with most other Japanese marques, they tend to rust faster. My BMW is 13 years old and in much better shape by comparison. The mirrors were useless until I bought extenders and the seat is a killer beyond 45 minutes of riding. Apart from that, for the money, one would be hard-pressed to find a better bike. To conclude, I think the most endearing aspects of this bike are its performance and amazing flickability.

[@jag1963]

I have a 2023 Goldwing and a 2024 Vulcan S I ride the vulcan more than the Goldwing cause its more fun. When I first ran it in at 4 thousand RPM it felt a little slow. At 250 miles I cranked it up to 6 thousand and its a different bike. Really enjoyable to ride and fun as well as cheap. I was out the door on the ABS Vulcan for $8920 You cannot beat that for new these days.

[@lopezdad30]

Not too bad

[@Alexanderyhwong]

I bought a used two year old 2016 KVS for $4250. I would love to upgrade to a Scout 101 but just too cheap to do so. It still gives me joy when I use it to commute to work. An added benefit is that I don't have to worry about it getting stolen. Where I live, it's just not popular for thieves. (Mainly to strip it for parts.)

[@LukeGordon-j8f]

I sat on one today and it’s extremely comfortable.

[@lopezdad30]

Comfort is pretty much the only thing this bike has going for it because it sure is ugly!!

[@ll-py6pu]

@@lopezdad30 it looks normal

[@lopezdad30]

@ll-py6pu this thing is loaded with the cheapest components from the 1990's. Just look at all the big bulky pieces like the mirrors, the signals, the levers, controls and cluster/odo.

[@ll-py6pu]

@@lopezdad30 I don't know thing about bike parts lol, just judging by aesthetic i think its normal

[@lopezdad30]

@ll-py6pu because you're not a biker sir.... that is why it looks normal to you sir. You want a good looking cruiser.... look at the honda rebel or any Indian or Harley bike.

[@davidg493]

I got my first bike this summer, not knowing anything about them, i looked at the eliminator, the rebel 500, and a few more. In the end i went with a used 750 nighthawk. But man i wish i had saw this bike. With the forward pegs and the liw profile seat i would have loved it.

[@hotdoug1000]

Always great watching your vids Scott. Years ago before I even thought about my bike licence I thought this would be a style for me, laid back and non sporty. Now I have a licence and got the SUV of bikes, a mid sized GS. When you give two thumbs, I ALWAYS imagine the song start lyrics "Boom Boom" from 'Waiting for the story to end' by Freak Power off the album, Drive Thru Booty.

[@stuartmahoney8761]

I had one of these for 3 years and bought it new. I was returning to motorcycling and wanted something to regain my confidence. This was perfect. Handles well, low and the engine is derived from the ER6, so quite nippy. The front brake was an easy fix with upgraded pads and some Angel GT tyres made for an excellent first bike. Out grew it quickly but I did enjoy ownership.

[@theguitarhero898]

Id say riding it for 3 years and not outgrowing until then that’s good! It had a good run. Kawasaki know how to make friendly bikes.

[@stuartmahoney8761]

It was very basic and had its faults, but I loved it and did everything I needed to do. It was a very friendly first bike.

[@cnw-jd9tt]

Bro such a good review I like it

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@cnw-jd9tt]

@NothingToProve of course, in picking up a 2015 today, trading my 08 meqn streak special edition for it

[@edwardsenesac]

I have had this exact bike in Wiesbaden since 2018! Nice all-round bike for the Rheingau. Really opens-up when pushing it. Feels fake and tinny in general, but reliable Japanese bike that hasn't changed at all since introduction. Little front brake as you say! But it's geared so low the engine does most of the stopping. Nice compact package that doesn't rust. Long wheelbase. You didn't take it on the autobahn. Bike is clunky at slow speeds. It's better at mid-range speeds when pushing it. It gives a throaty growl.

[@bufftankington7349]

The transmission on this bike might be my favorite part about it :) It's just buttery smooth and everything clicks into gear so nicely. Jokes aside, the engine, handlind and how much this bike can lean are my favorite parts about it, but man that transmission is so good

[@clinteastwood5906]

new viewer，already like this old man

[@markstaley5922]

Really good review like it more than I thought I would so well done 👍

[@SumPixelz]

Hey Scott, you’re a bit late to the Vulcan S party but I’m glad you got to review it. I have owned this bike for a year now and it’s really a great bike for that price point. It’s nimble, fast and cruisy comfortable. I can confirm though, the front brake and suspension are not the greatest. Rear suspension and brakes could be better too to be honest. Thanks for the review bud!🙏🏻👍🏻

[@dongrahamkarate1018]

Love mine love the Ninja 650 engine gets me out of the way fast. Brakes are good.

[@brentcollins9727]

I love those roads

[@cmdrgunslinger5955]

I would say it competes more with the Honda 500 Rebel or the RE 650s than anything Hardley or Indian (nee Victory) make.

[@apexxxx10]

*=RE= 650. How about ubiquitous Royal Enfield Vibrations?*

[@justexploring6979]

Thanks for the review, seriously considering between this and the Indian Scout

[@kowalski2334]

to the brake topic: how much kms do the demo bikes have that you test? brake pads need to be broken in before they bite correctly, you might consider this on the new bikes that you test.

[@NothingToProve]

Yes I mention that in my videos, if the km is low.

[@alexmorgan3435]

Cool. It's a little too black for me, but a classic look with some chrome perhaps even a dash of brushed aluminium would be awesome.

[@nigelsride]

I loved my Vulcan , it was so much fun. I had 2 years of fun riding it . Had to change the seat, though 😊but it was so much fun on a budget.

[@madtownguzzi]

Great review as always. You mentioned the 883 is the old Sportster still available in Germany? Have you ever done a video on how you ended up in Germany?

[@douglassharretts2035]

Bought a ‘18 Harley 750 Street to learn on. Looking to get into cruisers. Will the ‘24 Vulcan S be a upgrade or should I stick with the street?

[@NothingToProve]

No, It's not an "upgrade" they are about equal. So that'd be a "horizontal" move. Indian Scout would be an upgrade but it's also a little more money.

[@Zugo_CT]

Hello thank you for the review, I have a very specific question, I hope you can enlighten me, is it possible to modify the rear view mirrors on this bike, quit frankly it's the only thing I dislike on it, is it possible to perhaps put the mirrors below the handlebars? Thank you for the answer 😁

[@NothingToProve]

Oh yes, mirrors are one of the easiest parts to mod on a bike. Just find the right aftermarket brand you want and go with them. I just did a search "aftermarket Kawasaki Vulcan mirrors" and got a lot of hits. Try it 👍

[@andreajesuspirlo]

Ever wondered reviewing royal enfield 650 bikes. Would love to see shotgun and super meteor on this channel.😊

[@NothingToProve]

I've considered them but "cheap" bikes usually don't do well on my channel, so I'm a little hesitant.

[@andreajesuspirlo]

I can understand. But just a single review to test your audience reaction. 😊​@@NothingToProve

[@drdoolittle5724]

Phew, you gave it two thumbs and I collect mine on the 30th, please don't run it so close on my next bike! Superb little town, where? may I ask please.

[@NothingToProve]

Northern Germany 😊👍

[@drdoolittle5724]

@@NothingToProve You don't say?

[@LuciferMorningstar-wk8qu]

You will love it. I added a windshield, floorboards, crash bars, backrest and luggage rack, saddlebags, full exhaust and am sending the ecu off for a tune next week.

[@cnw-jd9tt]

Which tune?​@@LuciferMorningstar-wk8qu

[@fastestonearth1]

The new Vulcan S is super nice 2025 we should get it here in the Uk early 2025 🥂

[@mr.officer06]

Three thumbs up

[@RobDaKid87]

If they threw a larger engine in it, I'd get one. Put it alongside my Rebel and Scout.

[@edwardsenesac]

The way it is set up one doesn't really need more than 650. Higher revving, of course. You would then get the full-sized Vulcan, but big and bulky with a different style.

[@kowalski2334]

why get 3 bikes of the same type though?

[@enricohagn]

Rumors going around about a Vulcan (or Eliminator) with the ZH2 engine.

[@stevesane800]

Great review Scott. I wonder if you have the CFmoto 450CLC cruiser in Germany? It doesn't have the same HP as the Vulcan, but it has a belt drive. Its a shame your viewership is reduced when you review 'cheap end' motorcycles. Cheers

[@NothingToProve]

Yea, 1of the dealers i work with has them but they are not selling very well, so they just started limiting what are on demo this year. I'll check next time I'm there but last time I checked, they didn't have any on demo. 😮‍💨

[@kevinvandenbergh9998]

Well what about the Honda rebel 500? Even cheaper. Dont know about their 1100 though. I first looked at the 500 for my first bike but then i upped my budget. So then the Vulcan was going to be my first for a while. Until i broadened my budget again, so it became the Scout 60 :D The Scout was a good beginner bike, but im a bigger guy so it was on the small side. My brother does ride the Vulcan though as his first. When my Indian Pursuit is parked beside a Vulcan its funny to see the size difference, the Vulcan you can put it inside of my Pursuit completely

[@kevinvandenbergh9998]

Also, although not an option anymore but another competitor would have been the HD 750 that they dont sell anymore

[@zaphodbeeblebrox4574]

... and the Vulcan 900 ?.

[@raimundb.5560]

You can't really compare them...😊

[@timkennedy326]

I'm 5.3 will I fit that bike.

[@NothingToProve]

Yes, no problem.

[@betruly7894]

😂 funny

[@thterzioglu]

BMW R12 could be a better alternative to H-D and Indian rather than this Vulcan. don't you think ?

[@NothingToProve]

Well, the whole point of this bike is cost, this is almost half the cost of those bikes

[@yahoodlums]

I think this bike has great potential but its super ugly. Needs a big makeover. Look at the Super Meteor or Triumph Bobber or Indian Scout Bobber. All better looking.

[@enricohagn]

Looks are in the eyes of the beholder, don't you think? It's sound, though...

[@LuciferMorningstar-wk8qu]

​@@enricohagn emmisions and noise standards are why it sounds like a sewing machine. Once you put an exhaust on it, it screams. Delkevic makes a really good sounding system.

[@enricohagn]

@@LuciferMorningstar-wk8qu the exhaust won't change the 180°crank leave blower sound, unfortunately 🙁 I've got one of these for second bike (next to my Z900RS), hence I know. It's great bang for the buck, though.

[@davhuf3496]

I like the looks. Not every bike needs to be a Harley clone.

[@danielyoungmusic]

Totally disagree.... This bike looks absolutely awesome 🔥 🔥