Choosing your first Cruiser! - 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S vs. 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan Custom

[@cwigs2782]

I am a 50+ YO returning rider and I did a ton of research before purchasing a new bike. I opted for the Vulcan S ABS in 2020. I have almost 8k on the clock. This has been a fabulous bike. It’s light, it’s quick and it’s comfortable. Short trips, long rides and half way across the country and back. I love it.

[@michaelb.42112]

Me too !!!! 54 haven't ridden in 20 years, my 72 year old buddy lifelong Harley rider bought a decked out Vulcan 900 today (Yes, TODAY !) and loves it so much. I'm going to get a bike this month and I'm not sure yet so this is great. Good luck, buddy ! - Mike

[@apexxxx10]

@@michaelb.42112I am a double TKR with infektion survivor. Started riding at at 72 = RE= Meteor 350. I love long distance riding. Here’s my first long distance ride on my Indian “Thumper” 380 km from Bangkok to northern Thailand; our Dacha (cottage in Russian) Now, long distance rides and not enuff displacement WRY NECK in my case. The vibrations. Therefore I’ve decided to get a twin 650. of course I like the BMW Motorrad R nine T. pure. Too pricey! OK so what on offer here in THAILAND? Royal Enfield. I still like my 350 cruiser. Especially, the “heel-kicker” lever makes city lane-splitting, filtering easier. =RE= as you know has launched the all-new SUPER METEOR 650. Price point less than the KAWASAKI Vulcan S. The resale value of the “Kawa” better than Royal Enfield. Service Kawasaki probably better they have air conditioned service centers the call SERVICE FACTORY. Johnny BikeSanooK! www.carsanook.com

[@floridaredneck]

I'm 64 and starting again too. It was between Rebel 500 and Vulcan S. I haven't purchased yet, but have just been looking at the Vulcans lately. I'm afraid I will outgrow the 500, although it is only for fun, errands and riding around town mostly since I would use my car for work. On the other hand, I'm on the older side and might find a Rebel the only thing I need, and money is an issue. See, the decision process is driving me nutts. I really don't know what will tip me over the fence. Do you?

[@markmccoy1304]

@@floridaredneckI’m getting back on the scene too at 63. The Bikes that interest me are: Honda Rebel 1100. The Vulcan Classic LT 900. The Kawasaki z900rs. Suzuki Boulevard C50. All good Bikes I feel.

[@floridaredneck]

@@markmccoy1304 Decision making made me nutts too, unless it was something else. I didn't like the Rebel as much a I liked it's looks. The Vulcan was heavy, but I admit, I only noticed that after I had sat on an Eliminator. I haven't tried the other ones you mentioned. I'm not as concerned as outgrowing a bike, as I am feeling comfortable on it. I don't necessarily mean power, I mean just sitting on it cold. I'm a lean guy, so I favor a slimmer style, which usually means the gas tank. I'll look for those next time I go in. I want agility around town mostly. Not for work, not for main transportation. Something fun and easy to master and avoid disasters others create. I don't need speed or power, except to be able to go 80 without getting blown off the road for 5 or 10 miles if needed. So my choice is based on that. I'm going to be at stop lights frequently and turning. So, I don't need a bike that will do 125, although I'm not opposed to speed and power, I just don't need it and I just like how the Eliminator feels stopped and going. If I had any advice it would be if it feels right and will do what you need, then that's the one. I still hadn't bought a bike, I keep getting go-rounds with dealers, but I figured that out, so that part isn't a problem (I created my own invoice). Kawasaki invited me to a demo ride at a dealership about 1.5 hours away, but I went and rode the Eliminator ABS. I hadn't checked in here on YT, but I had decided I wanted the Eliminator SE instead of a Vulcan S or Rebel. That was before I rode either of them, and the Rebel felt strange and I didn't like the peg positioning; it was too small to try to be a cruiser. I think I sat on the 1100, so I'll admit to being a wimp because I wouldn't even try starting it up. I had the chance to ride quite a few bikes, but not having recent experience, I just rode the Eliminator (they didn't have an SE, but they are the same machine). You could ride every hour and I signed up for the Vulcan S on the next ride, but when I sat on it I knew it wasn't for me. It was also heavier and you gotta know I'm only 152 lbs. The guy who signed up for the Eliminator wanted it, so I traded and rode the Eliminator twice and loved it. If I had more experience, I would have tried the Ninja 400. Next time. Kawasaki gave me a voucher for $250. That's not a dealer discount. The dealer used that voucher to give me a price that was $300 more than their advertised price on their website that very instant. Yep, He wanted $6299 (after my voucher) and the bike was on their website for $5999. It should have been $5749 with my voucher. (MSRP $7249). I was pissed, but that's okay. I got to find out which bike I really want, how much I can get it for (near me next time), and I have eliminated the other bikes I was considering. I got to ride the bike for nearly an hour at their risk, so that was worth the trip, plus I can still use my voucher anywhere and don't need to tell them I have it until I get their best offer.

[@joshouellette4927]

Love my Vulcan custom. I prefer cruising quiet country roads over highways or cities. Love the look, love the sound, plenty of power for what I ride on.

[@hcdangan]

I have a Vulcan S 650 and I tried riding the Vulcan 900 custom of one of my mates. Is it me or does the 900 custom feel lighter than the 650? Maybe because of a lower center of gravity?

[@jimgilbertswheelsanddeals]

Love all the choices Kawasaki gives us in bikes... at great prices... I am the Vulcan Custom guy...

[@PeterLoweOne]

The Vulcan S intrigues me the most. There's just nothing like it in the market. I think it's great!

[@tomyoung3087]

The Vulcan S is great for us older riders who still like cruisers, you can drop down from a heavy cruiser that you are starting to have trouble handling at slower speeds or stops to a light nimble bike that still seems like a cruiser.

[@apexxxx10]

⁠ I a double TKR with infektion survivor. Started riding at at age 72 = RE= Meteor 350. I love long distance riding. Here’s my first long distance ride on my Indian “Thumper” 380 km from Bangkok to northern Thailand our Dacha (cottage in Russian) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGqmXmavjplmhbc Now, long distance rides and not enuff displacement WRY NECK and numb fingers. Also in my case. The nasty vibrations! Therefore I’ve decided to get a twin 650. Or BOXER like the BMW Motorrad R nine T. pure. Too pricey, though. OK - so what’s on offer here in THAILAND? Mid size cruisers: Honda REBEL, =RE= Super Meteor and Kawasaki Vulcan. I still like my 350 cruiser. Especially, the “heel-kicker” lever makes city lane-splitting, filtering a lot easier. =RE= as you know has launched the all-new SUPER METEOR 650. Price point less than the KAWASAKI Vulcan S. The resale value of the “Kawa” better than Royal Enfield. Yes! Service Kawasaki probably better, they have super clean air conditioned service centers the call SERVICE FACTORY. Johnny BikeSanooK! www.carsanook.com

[@LordMcKrakenVonLittleBits]

I purchased a 2020 S Cafe after a two year hiatus from riding. I just wanted a cheap machine that looked like a lot of fun. The bike definitely delivered. In the two years I had her I put 7k miles on it ,really liked the way it took off from a standstill and had a sharp, tight lean angle that you could really dive into. The only thing I didn't like about it was the lack of a V-twin feel and sound. The engine has a 180 degree crank which is very smooth but leaves a mellow, sewing machine like action to it. I think the Vulcan S would sell so much better if they gave it a 270 degree crank. I traded the bike in last year for a Honda Fury to go back to that V-twin feel and character.

[@Furtadojdno]

New to riding, and i went with the Vulcan S, and I love it. Not a cruiser and not a sports bike, but it's a cruiser and a sports bike. Great bike to help me decide what my next bike will be.

[@kennyowens2189]

I used to ride Harley now I ride Vulcan custom

[@simonyeager6062]

Your videos are just awesome!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I really appreciate your support! Feel free to subscribe, I've got a lot more to come!

[@MrMakto]

Working on my license right now, 6'4" 300 lb giant, I was considering the 900 custom. big fan of the color scheme.

[@PeterLoweOne]

It's a great bike, it fits bigger guys well.

[@paulstanley3265]

I love my Vulcan s it’s like a sport bike I can ride with out being cramp. But I have been looking at a ninja 1000 sx need to go sit on one. Another great video

[@PeterLoweOne]

I love hearing from owners like yourself! People think that the motorcycle world is divided into sections of Cruisers or ADV riders, or sport bike riders, etc. We're all riders, and so many of us appreciate what each type of bike offers. Thanks for watching!

[@BlackArroToons]

Nice review, thanks. Liquid cooling on both is good. If I ever had an air cooled engine that was overheating in heavy freeway traffic, I would shut the engine off and if needed, walk and push it if the traffic was slow enough, or walk along the side if possible. The 650 engine is great, I agree.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, I remember being stuck in traffic on an air cooled bike on a hot afternoon. It wasn't pleasant! Liquid cooling is the way to go for most people. Thanks for watching!

[@AyaWetts]

If that Vulcan Custom had a good 6th gear for the highway, and cruise control... I'd buy one as fast as I could...

[@thegoblin2684]

A good quality throttle lock will cost you around a hundred bucks , well worth the investment .

[@AyaWetts]

@@thegoblin2684 throttle lock and a cruise control is not the same thing... not even close.

[@jamesbarry6979]

Reminds Me of my old Kawasaki 650 from the 1980s... 👍

[@orionsbelt87]

Can you do a yamaha bolt r spec comparison to the vulcans

[@D31209]

Thanks for that review. I've been considering the Vulcan S as my first bike. I have a little riding experience on smaller bikes, but I want a cruiser because of my 60 mile daily commute. Do you think a Z650 would be a good bike for this task?

[@seanhopkins6179]

Sure you made a decision. Go for the z900, jumped to it from my 400 without much or any issues. Put it in low power mode and call it a day. 650 if you care about MPG, it’ll get better MPG

[@mohsinnasir7453]

Hey, Im getting my motorbike lisense but I need a bike to learn on and keep as my daily in the summer. I'm 6 foot 4 inches and weigh about 300 lbs. I'm 20 year old guy, but I'm not looking for something to speed on. I'm just looking for a comfortable bike without exseccive power. Please recommend me a bike. I live in Canada Bc. I'm thinking of getting a new bike only Thanks. Forgot to mention, I love the look of harley and the honda Rebel 300. I had a seat on the rebel 500,1100 and the Vulcan s and the 900. All were a little too small. The vulcan 900 was good, but I need something a little bigger. I'm not sure what else to look at. I'm buying new only, used market has screwed me over too many times before. Budget is around 10 to 12k Cad. Any other recommendations?

[@edwingonzalez8840]

Great review, I always wondered about these 2. If you can do a review on Kawasaki Concourse & how this sports tourer compares to the sports tourers of today.

[@PeterLoweOne]

That would be great. Anytime I have access to new bikes, I'll make videos, so stay tuned! You never know!

[@filoIII]

Difficult to change air filter and plugs on the S.

[@michaelb.42112]

As far as style goes, Kawasaki hit it out of the park on the flat black one. Can I get a kickstand that allows me to get off easily since I have an arthritic left knee ?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm not sure exactly what kind of kickstand that you're looking for, but I would think the ones that comes on these bikes would work for you.

[@YamiRenegade]

I'm tired of reading beginner bike or it's good as a first. Bike. I mean, yes it is. I agree with everything. But that bike is not only for beginners or restarters. I'm not a beginner but that bike is so cool! It's not a special bike but if you just wanna cruise around, take it!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, overall, I really try to avoid labelling a bike as a "beginner bike" especially since I really enjoy small displacement bikes. This one isn't really a small displacement bike, but I did make this video in part because people were asking about the Vulcan S in particular from a beginner's perspective.

[@hcdangan]

The Vulcan S is versatile. It is beginner-friendly but it also has enough power and nimble handling to put a smile on a seasoned rider. It could be your first and also your last bike.

[@3chickadventures]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@chiefjoseph8154]

Purchase a good used v star. Best mid size cruiser.

[@scooterjs6767]

Great video, thanks!

[@yamaharider8014]

I've considered both bikes, and the Vulcan S has my vote. I want lighter and better handling, and good fuel mileage due to current fuel costs. I may trade my Super Tenere for one soon....👍😺

[@PeterLoweOne]

That's the one that I would choose. Especially if you're used to the Super Tenere, it's not completely foreign to what you're driving now. Thanks for watching!

[@Ehb7777]

Great review

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!!

[@buy_da_dip8174]

Just the video i needed

[@RaviMDabral]

Vs RE Super Meteor 650 which one is better ( regardless of price) ?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm biased towards Kawasaki, but I would choose the Kawi.

[@RaviMDabral]

@@PeterLoweOne Thanks Peter, Any particular reason? RESM650 really looks better and have got newer mods + colors. I am in the middle of making this decision.

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@RaviMDabral The Kawasaki is much sportier with good handling and much more power, but it's still easy to drive. I think good handling makes a bike safer and more fun. It also has a great reputation for being reliable. It's the one that I would choose.

[@apexxxx10]

⁠ I a double TKR with infektion survivor. Started riding at at age 72 = RE= Meteor 350. I love long distance riding. Here’s my first long distance ride on my Indian “Thumper” 380 km from Bangkok to northern Thailand our Dacha (cottage in Russian) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGqmXmavjplmhbc Now, long distance rides and not enuff displacement WRY NECK and numb fingers. Also in my case. The nasty vibrations! Therefore I’ve decided to get a twin 650. Or BOXER like the BMW Motorrad R nine T. pure. Too pricey, though. OK - so what’s on offer here in THAILAND? Mid size cruisers: Honda REBEL, =RE= Super Meteor and Kawasaki Vulcan. I still like my 350 cruiser. Especially, the “heel-kicker” lever makes city lane-splitting, filtering a lot easier. =RE= as you know has launched the all-new SUPER METEOR 650. Price point less than the KAWASAKI Vulcan S. The resale value of the “Kawa” better than Royal Enfield. Yes! Service Kawasaki probably better, they have super clean air conditioned service centers the call SERVICE FACTORY. Johnny BikeSanooK! www.carsanook.com

[@josephrumpolo7328]

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF EACH, THX, GREAT VIDEO........

[@chanceseiler]

I had the custom looks just like the one in this video. I was just ok. To much vibration hands would be dead in 10 miles. Plus it’s a heavy turd. Picked up a 24 Vulcan S & love every bit of it.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for sharing! The Vulcan S is definitely a different bike with it not being a V-Twin. They appeal to different people for sure.

[@RodeoRides]

Sport is a nice bike, however no LED’s at all 😬

[@PeterLoweOne]

It's interesting... In North America, we seem to be getting a few less LEDs. My Z900RS that I just bought has LED everything in Europe and other markets, but has incandescent signal lights here in North America.

[@filoIII]

They need a Vulcan Custom 1200.

[@aleksandrskusnirs6259]

Too bad that Vulcan Custom (and other 900cc platform cruisers) are for US only. Europe only get the strange Vulcan S.

[@PeterLoweOne]

U.S. and Canada. I film in Canada. I'm guessing the lack of ABS brakes is what keeps it from Europe. Maybe an emissions standard too. Not sure.

[@filoIII]

And chain-drives are a PAIN.

[@kalnwi2023]

labor of love

[@floridaredneck]

Great comparison, thank you. I'm a Vulcan S guy. One thing I don't get about that Custom (and some S 650s), is the color. That Custom reminds me of the kitchen appliances in my grandma's house. Who is making these decisions? That is such and ugly color. I'm not the only one who complains about that. Obviously, no one asks the consumer what they'd want, unless you want a new bike that looks 40 years old at a distance.

[@lilythao9125]

Vulcan s 650. You can't go wrong with it.

[@gurgenmakaryan4428]

The stock exhaust on vulcan S is deal breaker, honestly so agly, why???

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi

[@SB-mw1bg]

Not a sport bike or a cruiser............it's a spruiser!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha! I like that!!

[@filoIII]

Vulcan S should have inverted forks and dual-front brakes.

[@rhoodj]

Kawasaki so cheap...😮 I want Stratoliner or a RAIDER 😅😅

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

1st

[@mr.snuggle6883]

900cc is way too smal you'll want to trade to a real motorcycle within a month. I wouldn't recommend anything smaller than a Goldwing.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Uh... ok... sure. Just so you know, I drive a 900cc bike as well, and my Z900RS SE would be MUCH quicker than your Goldwing. So it's not always about engine size. Secondly, not everyone will want what you want. Pretending like the Goldwing is the best bike for everyone is a little interesting to me... It's a nice bike, and I think it's great for some owners, but it's not like there are hundreds of other bikes that are better for most people.

[@rhoodj]

Yamaha stratoliner or Raider for me😅😮

[@josephrumpolo7328]

GREAT VIDEO, I LIKE BOTH BUT THE VULCAN S IS FOR ME!!!!!