Here's Why The Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 Is So Popular... Ride, Review, Impressions + 0-60mph

[@genegoodwin8925]

I am far from a beginner and I want one. I am 70 years old and have been riding since 1964. I ride because motorcycyles make me happy and the Vulcan S has that fun factor.

[@crabhab]

It is a reasonably priced comfy bike with good performance and handling that is comfy and doesn't require a lot from new owners. Good job with the channel. You're doing great

[@Creepermoss]

I got a pretty good deal on a lightly used 2018, and as a new rider, I really like it. I don't plan to do any long trips or track days, I just wanted something fun to ride to and from work, this bike suits my purpose quite well. It's also quiet enough in stock form that my neighbors don't hate me (at least not over the bike).

[@noahknight4039]

My only complaint is the seat but once upgraded to a Corbin gunfighter seat I have zero complaints. The only modifications I did was the seat and added a fairing to the front to help with the wind on highways. But the exhaust is fine to me stock. I don’t need an obnoxiously loud bike.

[@billcarpenter5615]

@@noahknight4039 Agree on the seat, first upgrade I made was a Corbin seat.

[@robertartigue5541]

It might not have as much aftermarket upgrades on the market as Harley, but I've upgraded the crap out of my 2019 Vulcan S abs: Corbin Custom Leather Seat Arrow Rebel Exhaust Power Commander Tune Puig Crash Bars Puig type 2 mirrors Kawasaki Windscreen Tail Tidy rear fender delete Shad 23lt hard sided cases Rockform phone mount DC power outlet LED headlight Absolutely Love my Vulcan...

[@MrTay675]

pictures?

[@michaelnapper4565]

same

[@michaellovell2518]

Ranks in the top tier under bang for buck... Great daily ride for street use that isn't the best at anything, but is very well rounded. Comfortable enough, fast enough, flickable enough, fun enough, affordable enough, and reliable enough...

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Well said! 🤙😎

[@dikwalker1960]

I bought a New 2020 AB model after having to down size from My Big V-Twins due to age related problems with My Hips (Im 70) all I can say is wow its the quickest Bike Ive ever had it will outpull any thing Ive ever owned (Honda,Suzuki Harley Yamaha) and I will be touring on it Long Haul as it is comfortable enough to empty the Tank in one hit (158 miles best so far) and will take all the luggage needed for Two-up trips and be comfortable at around 70mph all day. All in all a Briliant Bike, keep up the good work on the Channel.

[@F1Odyssey]

I moved from my home state of Texas to New York a few years ago. Your mix of Spanish and English is like a slice of home that I didn't know I had been missing. Stay safe buddy. Subscribed

[@jeffmorris739]

Good reliable commuter bike. I see a lot of them at work. Cheap transportation. Kawasaki reliability.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Seems very DRZ like but in a cruiser package. Versatile, inexpensive, reliable, user friendly, not overly powerful but still fast enough,... Great all 'round cruiser! 👍 👨‍👩‍👧 ❤

[@bubbasgamez9478]

Brother love your videos and your views on the Vulcan 650s. I have had my Vulcan for 3 years upgrading the exhaust system. Other than that, no major up grades . I've ridden lots of cycles and this one is my favorite. Keep up the good work.

[@SuperRichie200]

I got one yesterday. Love it. Can't wait to ride it. Weather is a bit crap in UK at minute. Best. Sellers in UK.

[@jollyscarecrow]

Im a die hard cruiser fan, Just love them. I know people at Kawasaki so i get 20% off and i really wanted one of the vulcan 900's BUT in my country they stopped supplying them due to EU regulations. Originally i did not like the Vulcan S look at all. I was going to get a honda shadow or other similar bike... but my god this bike grew on me looks wise and im glad it did because sweet damn its great to ride. Nothing comes near to it considering the price. EDIT: I will say that in the UK we have a couple grades to buy this bike at and i would recommend the performance grade as it comes with the arrow rebel exhaust. Which my god makes it is fantastic. You will also want to get some other aftermarket bits but they are not expensive or hard to put on and once you do its a perfect bike. No Harley will beat it in looks, sound or performance unless they have the softail grade model which is twice the price (or more!) and even then it holds up to it.

[@davidg.8745]

Jon, it’s a good little bike. My daughter owns one and loves it. I’ve ridden it a few times and had a good time. It’s not my style but still fun. I think it’s big enough to go touring on. In fact, my daughter and I are going in June to slay the Dragon.

[@mitchelllorens]

Absolutely a good bike I get mine tomorrow. I’m 67 and the bug has bitten again. It’s been a few years since my 1200 Sportster I sadly sold in harder times but back in the game manaña 😉 but thanks for the ride, the info and be safe!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Awesome to hear! Congrats on the soon to be new ride! Enjoy!

[@bikerbeliever8169]

You should wrap the bike in black, then you'll like it a lot better, imo obviously. The bike is fun affordable good SPORT cruiser, but isnt your typical cruiser, it's a bike that wants to be driven hard, not a good lazy bike honestly.

[@tomstevens4226]

Jumping from my VLX 600 to a Vulcan 650 and couldn’t be more excited

[@jones3892]

After I took the MSF, I decided the Vulcan S would be a good entry level cruiser for my commute. All around, its been a great bike as you and others have mentioned...

[@bugsy101073]

how's the heat dissipation to your legs?

[@jones3892]

@@bugsy101073 Its not noticeable to me unless I'm sitting in July / August rush hour traffic.

[@mmassie4321]

Love your reviews man. Want to start riding. I think this would be a good start. Peace!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks, brotha! I highly recommend this as a beginner bike, especially if you can snag a nice preowned one for around $4k. Hard to beat!

[@mikecathcart128]

Pick my 2019 vulcan s 650 this week. Can't wait.

[@gasman6922]

Finally was able to ride my S today. Been a long wait since October. Love this bike.

[@k.oliveranttila9492]

Agree with your review...the KVS is an excellent all-around bike that doesn't overwhelm those of us that are not pro-riders. Been riding since 1974, on and off, and bought mine a year ago. Got 6,000 accident and ticket free miles on the bike, and the performance still is more than enough...that's saying a lot for someone like myself that raced cars like Formula Atlantics. Reliable, inexpensive, fast enough.

[@johnrichardgwinn]

I own a 2019 cafe. Love it. Only thing I didn't like is the headlight. Not a fan of the tear drop look. Otherwise I have no complaint.

[@BoZhaoengineering]

mod it.

[@johnrichardgwinn]

I plan to some day. New custom headlight and new mirrors and maybe a chrome wrap.

[@pjeng1]

It is worth mentioning that Vulcan S has a parallel-twin engine instead of a V-twin design, and therefore, it has very different control riding characteristics. When I go to very light throttle, it gets a slight vibration/shudder. Not really lugging motor and it will accelerate fine. The Vulcan S simply doesn’t like “light throttle “. It likes to be wound out and shifted around 5000 rpm. I wanted to shift at 2000 rpm and ride at 2500 to 3000 rpm and Vulcan S engine doesn’t like that (shudder and vibrate). I now shift at 4500 to 5000 rpm and cruise around 5000 rpm. It just takes some getting used to (for those who used to ride a V-twin bike).

[@Ishbikes]

So it hates traffic too..

[@GasWorksISO]

27 years ago I bought a leather fringed keychain from a tobacco shop because it had the name of my dream bike on it. It didn’t say Kawasaki Vulcan, it said Harley-Davidson. I still have that keychain, and now I have the bike to go with it. The Vulcan S is a great bike, but it’s no Harley. They’re two different experiences. Good video as always, Jon. 🤘🏻👍🏻👊🏻

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Hecks yeah! No doubt the harley experience is unlike any other! 🤙😎

[@michaellovell2518]

"It's no Harley." For a lot of people, that's a plus...

[@bomber5242]

The Vulcan s doesn't try to be a Harley . It stands by itself . Part cruiser , part sportbike . The more I ride mine , the more I love it .

[@chrisl3062]

Me in 2022: Yes kids, back in 2020 you could actually get a used motorcycle for less then they cost brand new. We called it, "depreciation" and it used to be a thing way back in the day

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Lol. No joke, bro. The market is out of control these days. Fingers crossed things take a turn here soon.

[@CWJester]

That's it... I think I found the bike I'm gonna get. I like how some sport bikes look but from what I've sat on I feel more comfy on a cruiser. This looks like a solid in-between of what I want.

[@rallynfernandes8970]

Hi Jon. It's nice to see you in our Vulcan S Facebook group. 😁

[@luish8056]

Dude got some mileage out of that wheelie video.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Hahaha! One and done! Lol

[@luish8056]

Jon's Moto Garage You got some quality stuff here man, keep up the good work! 🤙🏼

[@JoeyandTosh]

I ride well over 100 bikes/yr and always have a good time on a vulcan s. There are a crap ton of accessories for it on the kawasaki website. Bike DOES also feel like a smaller/lighter Vrod, thought so when i first ride it.

[@7nor0cali7]

I owned mine for three yrs and i love it. I just got a z900

[@Peter-976]

It`s a good looking standard motorcycle. Not great, but a good, reliable and affordable bike.

[@theguitarhero898]

With a 0-60 around 4.5 seconds and a sport bike engine in a cruiser with the ergos to match, it seems pretty damn great to me..

[@russcoaus2043]

Great stuff bro I hope you and your family are safe good vid🖤🇦🇺😎🤙

[@dkelli6020]

Came close to buying one 2 years ago. But the looks of the Iron 883 won me over.

[@aaronis31337]

That was me you were talking to on Facebook. Fun.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Heck yeah! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, brotha! 🤙😎

[@WildOn2sVlog]

It’s a good fun little bike. Good for starters and not too expensive. Gears changes are smooth. Felt very light compared to my Indian Chief DH lol but still fun

[@HairyBushPilot]

I just bought a 2016 with 87 miles for $3,500. Amazing bike for an intermediate rider

[@theguitarhero898]

That's one hell of a deal.

[@apexxxx10]

*Thanks Jon’s Moto Garage. I am a young at heart (born 1949) rider. Today, I am eagerly waiting for my KAWASAKI Vulcan 650 Cafe (ABS). It will be delivered Tues 19 Dec 2023. Thereafter I’ll hit the road AH1 (Asia Highway 1) from Bangkok to Northern Chiang Mai 680 km. Soon, I will have two bikes. My old ‘Thumper’ =RE= Meteor 350. Two years. Mileage 30,000 km. All over sunny Thailand in tropical heat and heavenly downpours. No more 350 cc Royal Enfield! Enough is enough! The nasty VIBRATIONS! Thanks for the chronic Wry Neck (Torticollis) And the Neuropathy (numb right hand throttle hand & fingers) usually after one hour in the saddle. It’s been good to know ya! =RE= No more. There is a Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. But, I did choose the 650 cc KAWASAKI cruiser. I am sure you’ll understand. The ‘KAWA’ Ninja 650 cc engine and KAWASAKI’S legacy and Service Factories, as they call them all over Thailand. Greetings Johnny BikeSanooK! My KZbin channel* www.carsanoook.com

[@cruisingprimate1072]

I like mine, it was the only bike on the market that had everything I wanted other than the belt drive, really like belt drives because of the very low maintenance.

[@bomber5242]

If you really like low maintenance , there is nothing like shaft drive . Almost all of the several bikes I have owned have been shaft . That's just about the only thing I don't like about my 2015 Vulcan s .

[@anthonyskrzec6881]

I think its a great bike if ur looking for a cruiser its quick and its alot cheaper then a sportster by at least a few grand around here the style could use a couple small tweaks but still worth it

[@beepbop6697]

Have the exact same 2017 SE (same paint scheme). Bought mine new, have ~21k miles on it now. 👍

[@kevinbarlow4930]

Seriously considering this bike unfortunately can’t test ride in the UK at the moment as dealers are shut, but as soon as they re open I will try to book a test ride, currently riding a 650 V strom

[@molonlabe459]

Kaw needs to put the Z900rs engine in that frame.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Heck yeah! That would be the ultimate!

[@killfase01]

Shoot there's so many Kawasaki sport bike options they could use just off the concept itself. I've been waiting for 1000 but I dont think it's coming lol

[@molonlabe459]

@@killfase01 I'd buy one.

[@killfase01]

Bro! Imagin a Vulcan h2!

[@killfase01]

Because of the wind resistance it wouldn't be able to perform as well but fuck it lol

[@toddbehnke8713]

Personally, I like that it's neither wholly a cruiser or a sports bike. I've been putting away a bit of money, contemplating my first bike. Torn between The Vulcan S and the V-strom 650.

[@davidg.8745]

Todd Behnke if you fit the v-strom, I think it’s a better bike. It also has better aftermarket support.

[@simonclark8176]

Great vid Jon ...smashing bike too !

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks, brotha! Hope you and yours are well! 🤙😎

[@sathishrao7926]

I too was disappointed when Gas works garage traded in his Vulcan for a Harley.. I’d be curious to know how the sales of Vulcan are in comparison with those of other entry level metric cruisers like Rebel..

[@canrule08]

I got the 2019 version: I did not want a chrome cruiser (which is a bitch to polish), and i love the japanese tech (doesn't break down). the first time I sat on it, it clicked for me: yea, this is it. I find it impressive that you wheelied a cruiser - I thought that was a sportbike/adventure/dirt bike thing. Now i need to learn that...

[@kickezer]

The most annoying part about watching all these reviews are the taxes in Norway are trough the roof. "Most expensive is 8000bucks" here the cafe is 16k usd, performance 13k usd. Picking up my 2023 performance in a month and cant wait!

[@Shannon_Robbie]

Here in Canada you can get a new one for around $9k. I found a used one that's five years old and the guy is asking $8,500 for it!

[@jonathanching2735]

Almost got one for my first ever bike, but then I saw xsr700 and got that instead. Tough decision though.

[@ivanandales5587]

Putting a twin brother racing exhaust can make the bike even way cooler just imo.

[@BoZhaoengineering]

As owner of Vulcan S with 40,000 km milage, this bike prefer 10W60 engine lubricant like Indian Scout is recommended by 15W60. Never pour in 10W40 which is too thin for the high rev engine. Both of the engine is exhiliated in high rev for power output. They all need 10W60 engine oil in order to endure high temperature and high rev and to release the full power of engine and of course protecting engine wear.

[@mikeeger7581]

Right on Jon 491.7 wet weight great guess

[@govnor1495]

Here's why you should NOT buy this bike: You want V-twin sound. You do not like the way parallel twins (like Triumph) sound, biggest complaint I see. I think lots of people expect it to sound like a Harley, which nothing else sounds like. You don't like the way the bike looks. I would never buy a bike if I didn't like the way it looked. You do not like to customize and want something stock that you will never change. You are a beginner and buying new. This bike needs an exhaust and ECU upgrade immediately and throw those mirrors in the garbage. I love the parallel twin, it's a completely different animal than a V-twin, don't expect the sound or the way it rides to be the same. First of all they're faster. If you want a Harley, you'd better get that instead because it is the opposite of a Harley. These bikes do not look or sound cool without some modification. This is a terrible motorcycle for a beginner if you buy it new. The resale value is horrendous and you will get something else next year. All of that said, it is one of the most fun bikes I have owned, sounds mean (with an exhaust) and handles great. I bought a new one but I also plan to keep it for a long time. I love the way it looks modded out. These motors are super reliable and it will last forever. One of the best handling cruisers out there. It is faster than almost any V-twin except for the biggest and most expensive ones. You can get a good deal on a new one because it is misunderstood and not flying off the showroom floor.

[@mrmohitmathur1]

Subscribed ............... Great review. Stay safe............

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks for the support! 🤙😎

[@vanpiper]

I have a Suzuki M109 I love the looks but it is so damn heavy Highway great in town terrible I'm looking in buying a Vulcan s might be the perfect bike for me.

[@mikeeger7581]

Yeah I like gas works too

[@EasyRiderGreg]

Never rode one, but if I got the chance I would. I am not fond of the way it looks, but hey I'll ride anything but a scooter or moped. I do think the older Vulcans look a lot better than this one.

[@Steve-ec6ed]

the vulcan 900 is a nicer looking bike but theres still just something about metric cruisers in general that turn me off. Im sure they ride great though

[@mikeeger7581]

You should get a Honda ctx 700 they are similar to the Vulcan s in all the aspects of that bike it looks different good at everything not great at anything good for beginners low center of gravity and fairly low cost

[@FnLn55]

CTX700 interesting bike...thanks

[@FreeformThoughts804]

I COME STRAIGHT HERE FOR THE WHEELIES

[@stape510]

Nice, man!!!...I've been thinking about getting this bike....Thanks for putting out some real-deal thoughts, opinions, and videos about this bike....Cheers!!...

[@JonsMotoGarage]

🤙😎Thanks, brotha!

[@anthonyagrait7026]

Looks like you're in Chandler! We're in the same neck of the woods. I've been keeping tabs on Craigslist, OfferUp, and FB Marketplace for a 650 S. You mentioned that you've seen them go for as low as $3k or $4k, any other places you'd suggest for a Valley rider to look? Thanks!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Hey! Same barrio here! I've seen em in those ranges but it's very hit or miss. As of late, prices have all been up. 🏍🤙

[@oliverrojas7117]

Yes I think it’s a good bike because of ergo fit and l’d consider it because of style and maybe not because of price and cruiser seating positions.

[@raghnallmacaodh3220]

My Wife, is a new rider and loves her 2016 Vulcan.....

[@lastnline1]

Time to sell it and rotate some of the stock in the garage , post an update video on what’s in the garage now

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I agree. However, I won't be selling until all the dust settles from the current pandemic. So could be a few months still.

[@lastnline1]

Jon's Moto Garage just don’t sell Jackie’s sportster and triumph those are great bikes for her

[@Nickersont88]

Rode one last year. Loved it. Still regret getting rid of it, but for me it was the ride and the character that didn't fit what I really wanted. I want a sports car to daily, so I thought I wanted a sportbike to daily. I just picked up a bobber sixty and it just fits my headspace better: It has the looks and the sound that makes me want to ride. Honestly though, among a lot of great attributes I have to demerit the Vulcan on comfort. The buzz in the handlebars made my fingers numb and the seat makes my back hurt after 40m rides. The bobber (of all bikes!) doesn't give me any such discomfort after an hour in the saddle.

[@TheBigkal201]

So the bobber sixty is way better??? Dude wtf are you talking about there’s no buzz in the handle bars on the Vulcan s

[@ryanoliver9131]

Trevor Nickerson I love the bobber 60!! all the bike you’ll ever need

[@Music-jm1io]

♥Jon's Moto Garage

[@ezekiel201997]

my right ear enjoy this video

[@killfase01]

Only bad thing I've found on mine is the handle bar position. If u try to get a knee down turning right its damn near impossible to control the throttle how u want. Way to far back for the performance it offers

[@shawncarman5618]

I'm looking at this bike as an option, I have a Stryker now but want something more nimble to have fun with. My problem is I'm 6'5 so I'm not sure if I'm going to fit well on it.

[@mikeeger7581]

Low center of gravity makes it feel very lightweight

[@stikytube]

Change the seat to Corbin solo, you will be able to ride it all day, instead of an hour.

[@robertartigue5541]

Yup expensive, but worth every penny, one of the best upgrades I did to my vulcan

[@sugarnads]

Yeah i put one on my vt750s and turned it from a 2hour max bike to a 5+ hour bike once the seat was run in so to speak

[@rubo1964]

They lose value fast. In Boston area I saw great examples under 4k not too many miles so its kind of sucks you pay 8k for a bike after few years its worth half the price...Personally for 8k I prefer SV650

[@ahmedmohammad9184]

Where do you buy used motorcylces from? i am looking for used vulcan s or harely 883

[@anshu0809]

Damn dude you wheelied a cruiser

[@cablecutter12]

I'd call the Vulcan S a standard, myself, but he did get that front wheel way up there

[@stlchucko]

cablecutter12 I don’t really consider a bike with forward controls a standard. The S does kind of make its own category. It’s like a stripped down, mid sized, sport tourer.... a sport cruiser?

[@davidpeterson943]

Good review Jon.

[@josephj1234567]

Good video but the right sided audio kills me

[@killfase01]

I cant see the rpm too well on my phone but are you short shifting or is that sprocket tooth count

[@killfase01]

Nvm I watched to the end lol

[@kenspix]

Love my Vulcan S 650, hate the seat.

[@fishiemon64]

ever rode the Kawasaki z400????

[@chengsgroup2518]

In Taiwan it cost $15000 dollar's

[@jeremywilkins4985]

Ugly mirrors, ugly tail end. Changed out both for $50 on eBay. Universal tail light, bar end mirrors. Looks like a modern bobber.

[@awdrifter3394]

0:36 Amigx

[@TheBigkal201]

The Vulcan s could be considered a Ducati compared to any Harley below $17,000.00....change my mind also UGLY? If the Vulcan is ugly the street 750 looks like dog shit I HAD a Vulcan about to buy a FATBOB so I’m not a Harley hater

[@stlchucko]

The Street 750 is so ugly, if it had a face, its mother would punch it.

[@mohawkmikemotorcycles9077]

That bike seems Rad.

[@goodgoat3096]

I'd take a Yamaha Bolt instead.

[@theguitarhero898]

Wrong answer ;)

[@sweetcostarica]

Why so popular? Easy, they are *_cheap to buy,_* period.

[@ne1cup]

Ninja engine?

[@stlchucko]

Yup... Ninja 650

[@RunUpRebuilds]

Love your bike! Check out my page for my FXDLS salvage rebuild:

[@alithejumbo]

Bad audio

[@highplainshollarhomestead3188]

Looks like a chick bike.

[@kencohagen4967]

They are butt ugly. I prefer the Bolt and would love one of those, but the Vulcan S is just ugly. In fact I'd rate it somewhere between as ugly as my ex to as funny looking as her sister.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Hahaha!

[@TheBigkal201]

Idiot

[@stlchucko]

The Bolt is a full on Sportster wannabe with none of the available engine upgrades. The stock gauge looks like a cheap 1980s LCD watch. It’s for hipsters that want to fool their non-bike friends because “air cooled V-twin = Harley”, but are too scared to get a HD because they don’t know how to spin wrenches and “Japanese bikes are more reliable”.

[@XRFOREVER]

who cares