Kawasaki Vulcan S Review, For the Beginner?

[@RemboUSMC]

Do you think this is more than a beginner bike? The price is right.......

[@Alexanderyhwong]

Maybe for a tall big rider, it could be a good beginner's bike. The bike is a little heavy and the turning radius is pretty wide with the forward controls. A beginner will have a hard time passing a (slow maneuver) motorcycle driving test with this bike. Still you are right that it's cheap, especially a used Vulcan S.

[@amoswilbanks7838]

Check out our Channel not trying to take nothing a way from no body channels but I will have my Vulcan on the dyno soon ( teamwrighteous)

[@heccomia8206]

Thanks for the update. Iam a beginner rider (week ends). Iam still undecided between this one or the honda rebel 1100 dct ? What are you thoughts for new riders? thanks from Subic bay !!

[@billcarpenter5615]

@@heccomia8206 Vulcan S was/is my first bike, I think it is a fantastic first bike and I am still happy with it 5 years later.

[@CaptainMontego]

Not trying to correct you Rembo, but I think when you said "flickable", you meant "squirrely" - Which is a pretty apt description. TBH, the squirrely handling reminds me of the old 70's Kawasaki H2 750 (Widow Maker). Cool vid, thanks.

[@genegoodwin8925]

I've rode over 300,000 miles on motorcycles and the only bike I'vs ever scraped pegs on were Harleys. I guess I'm not that agressive of a rider. The Vulcan S is a cruiser, not a sport bike so it was never intended to handle like a sport bike. What I do like about them is the comfort and it is a cruiser without a V-TWIN ENGINE and all that chug chug chug business. I just sold the last Harley I will ever own,. I bought it new for $37,000 and it broke down four times within the first year of owwership. Give me a Japanese bike like a Kawasaki that doesn't give me any trouble.

[@chrishynes6091]

Same bike here.. I was 54 , got it new. It was my learner, never rode before. It suites me fine for cruising around obscure towns and country roads.

[@_Moto215]

I'm 5'9" and looking to get the Vulcan S 650 as my first learner bike. Sounds like you'd give a thumbs up for someone like me?

[@arkagupta7502]

This is my own two cents. I am 6'2" (187 cm), 75 kilos (165 lbs) from NZ. Recently I learnt to ride and went shopping for my first bike. This bike was on top of the wish list, did all kinds of research, figured out I need extended reach, and appreciated how it accommodates riders with all kinds of statures. It looked fantastic in person, but the moment I sat on it, this was on a used one with extended reach at a dealership, I could not spend more than 2 minutes on it. It is not beginner friendly, period. The throttle is too... twitchy, and the seat is too low for a tall rider. I wish to repeat that this was an extended reach config, the handlebars and pegs were set forward but it felt like I was sitting on the bike and was cramped in. I think for people under 180 cm who have a fair bit of experience, this bike can be a perfect choice. Again, I really, really wanted to like and own this bike, had my eyes set on a new Cafe version, but I'm glad I walked away from it. You want your first bike to induce confidence when you're just learning the basics and discovering the joy of riding, you want a companion who understands and doesn't try to overwhelm you, this bike was not that, quote the opposite, for me at least. I test rode a RE super meteor 650 and immediately felt comfortable and was right at home. It gave me a lot of confidence, that throttle and power response were buttery smooth, something I didn't experience with Vulcan S. Hence, I decided to go with a SM650 for my first bike, even though I was prepared to buy a Vulcan S. Choose wisely if you're just starting to ride and go ride bikes before making any decisions!

[@iansmith5019]

The engine is the only thing from a 650 Ninja, not a 600,, nothing else about the bike has anything to do with a Ninja and not based off a Ninja.. .. also it's a 4 stroke not a 2 stroke. 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds is not lackluster...

[@Janoschman]

exactly! its based on the er6n/f platform

[@TheShortcop]

Love my Vulcan S! I am a newer rider, having only had my license since July. That said, I don't know why I'd ever sell it. It has PLENTY of power. It's light. Only downsides are comfort (anything over an hour and my rear end goes numb) and it has a chain drive. I've since added crash bars, Delkevic mini 8 exhaust, an LED headlight, a batwing fairing, bar end mirrors, LED light strips, a pair of speakers from Firehouse Technology, Saddlebags, and I'm waiting on a new seat from Corbin. I'm hoping the seat solves the comfort issue. Never going to drive it across country but I'd like to be able to do a 2 or 3 hour trip without feeling sore afterwards.

[@RemboUSMC]

Enjoy the bike! Corbin seat? Whoaa, riding in style.

[@j.a.g.8689]

im 19 and thinking about getting this as a first bike

[@jamestkirkcameron9189]

@@j.a.g.8689 do it

[@joemann7971]

@@j.a.g.8689 the Vulcan S is a great bike. You won't get disappointed. The nice thing about the Vulcan S is that its docile at low RPMs, but once you gain experience and go to the higher RPMs, it's a heck of a lot of fun. There is always faster bikes but this one is more than enough bike for the street.

[@billcarpenter5615]

I got a Corbin seat for my VS and it made a HUGE difference, way more comfortable, the corbins do have a break in period but I can say it seems as if the seat just gets more comfortable over time and even right away the comfort was better than stock by far.

[@ferociousfrankie]

That was my first bike, 2019 Vulcan S ABS. Great bike, very nimble, very reliable, and can be set up for long rides with a reupholstered seat and saddlebags. Bought it for dirt cheap right at the beginning of the pandemic and sold it this last summer for a lot more. Only cons were shitty stock exhaust and jerky throttle.

[@forrestnome9521]

What did you wind up getting afterwards?

[@ferociousfrankie]

@@forrestnome9521 I got a hard to find CB1100EX and now ride a Multistrada 950S. :)

[@douglasradowick508]

Hey chief, 1st-thank-you for your service in our military. 2nd- the MC is a 4 stroke parallel twin, not a 2 stroke. I'm an auto mechanic myself and have been looking and reading up on this model. A small blunder, I am bringing this to your attention with respect (I'm 57 and can't get into the military because of an anyurism in my brain at 19 just out of H.S. by 3 weeks. Good presentation on the internet of the MC. Keep them coming as you're able!👍🤓⭐🏍️ Doug

[@RemboUSMC]

Thank you for the clarification.

[@frios011]

I just got mine yesterday, and I love it!

[@RemboUSMC]

Enjoy

[@FairladyS130]

You are the first Vulcan S rider to bring up the stability subject. I find that mine seems unstable at rest and when riding slow so it could be the same characteristic I noticed although, being a late returner to bikes, I have been blaming myself. Anyway I do agree that a bike can be too flickable if it lacks straight line stability.

[@bobsanchez2948]

its a great motorcycle,why they say beginner bike.hideous...what" it comes with training wheels... This 650 is a all around awesome motorcycle..

[@RemboUSMC]

Well said!

[@mikeogden5256]

It’s a not 2 stroke engine… it is a 4 stroke motor…. 👍

[@kalnwi2023]

It's not a motor, it's an engine .

[@aujax1]

very cool video. bike is based off the ninja 650c, which is a 4 stroke, 2-cylinder engine. its also the same engine as the versys 650 and the er6n.

[@amoswilbanks7838]

I have the 2019 in the Vulcan and the power is 61 HP and about to tune my bike some more @57 motorsports

[@forrestnome9521]

It seems like you actually did not ride it bc your experience on it differs from everyone else who agrees.

[@RemboUSMC]

Hmmm interesting. I actually kept a spike for a few days and wrote it back-and-forth to work and for pleasure. Not sure why you would say that.

[@ninji5226]

Last bike I owned was a beefed up 03 Yamaha FZ1 (roughly 140 hp at the wheel) but it was too much bike for where I live. It was hard to find enough winding roads or straight aways that let it shine without getting into trouble. I like the thought of an affordable run around bike that looks decent and is fun to ride. It's not always if a motorcycle is too much for you, it might be too much for what you will actually use it for (how many rocket owners track their bikes?). This just gives me sweet spot vibes and I might just buy one. Great review

[@crazyworld5256]

Thank you for this video. Nice job. Keep it that way 👍

[@billcarpenter5615]

If you want to ride that bike for long periods I really recommend a third party seat, I got a Corbin seat for my VS and it made it feel so much better, I can ride all day on it with the Corbin seat, when using stock my ass hurt after a half hour.

[@marcosbolt6399]

Love the color hoorahh . They got one for sale near my area same color . 2019 $4,500. I might get it for beginner.

[@RecreationallyCynical]

I have a 2016 Vulcan S and boy do I have opinions on it. Before that, I would consider the Vulcan a lightweight cruiser, but a middleweight bike. It's 500 lbs wet, which is less than the Iron 883 (560 lbs) and the Scout (550 lbs). I don't think the existence of the Rebel 300 (360 lbs) and Rebel 500 (400 lbs) should move the definition of "lightweight" to not include the other three. I'd say the Softail (650 lbs) and the Chief (670 lbs) are middleweight cruisers, and they only get heavier from there with baggers and tourers. Now for my opinions. I got the Vulcan S for my second bike as a beginner rider and chose it because of all the rave reviews I heard about it. Every review I saw about it claimed how excellent and perfect the bike was. Maybe I held my expectations too high because after taking ownership I was disappointed by the bike and would not consider it a good beginner bike. There are plenty of better options out there. On a positive note, the bike has plenty of power to get you going, even in sixth gear: just pin the throttle and go. Enough power to pass on the highway and not feel like you're pushing the limits of the motor. I found the stock ergonomics uncomfortable. I'm 5'8" and tried mid-reach and reduced reach pegs and bars. I found the reduced reach controls were better for me, but were still uncomfortable, mostly hip and back aches. I installed Kuryakyn mini floorboards and absolutely love them, and may be installing a Corbin seat. I absolutely hate the positive neutral finder. I almost never put my bike in neutral at a stoplight. I'm always in first gear, ready to go in case of someone coming up too close or too fast from behind. As such, I rarely have a need to put my bike into neutral at a stop. The one time I did need to put my bike into second gear from a stop was when the battery was low and I needed to push start the bike. Some genius thought you wouldn't need second gear when you're not moving, so they invented the "positive" neutral finder to prevent you from going past neutral into second. I had to run alongside the bike, periodically hopping on one leg and kicking the shift peg up until eventually the bike was moving fast enough to disengage the positive neutral finder. Once I was in second I was able to properly push start the bike. It's a pointless feature and I don't see why it's needed, but thankfully it only sometimes gets in the way. However, the biggest issue I have with the bike is the horrifically twitchy, on/off throttle response, especially in low RPMs/speeds. When driving down my apartment complex's driveway or driving down a school zone at 25 mph in 2nd or 3rd gear, the bike bucks back and forth: it's rapidly alternating between adding power and engine braking multiple times a second. It's like there's no 10% to the throttle; it jumps straight from 0% to 20% to 0% to 20% over and over. It gets so much worse when I hit a small bump like a pebble and my wrist twitches, sending me into the cycle of speed-brake-speed-brake. This isn't limited to low speeds, it's also happened to me at 35-45 mph, but it's less jarring at that speed. I adjusted my throttle freeplay and researched solutions online to this. Lots of others have had the same issue. They recommend getting a booster plug, which is supposed to even out the throttle map (or something like that); I tried it, and noticed almost no difference. They recommend getting a throttle tamer, which has a different cam profile for the throttle cable so small rotations don't pull the cable as much; I tried it, and again noticed almost no difference. They recommend sending your ECU to some guy in Florida who can tune it and even out the throttle map (or something like that); I haven't tried that yet, but I might. Though if I have to do all of this to make the bike good, then by default the bike is not good. I keep two fingers on the brakes in school zones and neighborhoods, both for quick stopping reflexes and to help keep my hand steady, and this bucking shit still happens. I tried riding the clutch a bit to smoothen it out, but I shouldn't have to be riding the clutch for blocks at a time going 35 mph down the road. To say the throttle twitch is fustrating is an understatement. Sometimes it pisses me off so much I don't want to ride that bike for a week or two. This may be a bit dramatic, but if I test rode the Vulcan S I wouldn't have gotten it. (My dealership doesn't do test rides and they haven't done demo days because of COVID.) All that being said, I'm still a beginner. I practice when I can and try to get over it, but I still get frustrated; and frustration is the enemy of fun, and fun is the mother of learning (or something like that). If you wanted a beginner's perspective on whether this "beginner" bike is truly a beginner bike, I would say to shop for something else. It's possible they fixed the throttle issues in a recent version of the bike. Like I mentioned, mine is a 2016 (I don't know what year your neighbor's is). It's also possible/likely that I'm doing something wrong and need to learn, so feel free to tell me off or provide helpful feedback. Sorry for the rant. This bike just pisses me off because I feel like I was over-promised and under-delivered. The rest of the bike is fine, I guess.

[@RemboUSMC]

Great information. Thank you for sharing.

[@jones3892]

The Vulcan is my first bike as well… get the booster plug if you can. That will resolve the twitchy throttle and the Corbin Seat is the first upgrade I should have done. Overall, great value for the money and once you tailor it to your riding style.

[@pjeng1]

I own a 2019 Vulcan S ABS and I totally agree with your comments here. The booster plug did not work for my bike to reduce throttle jerkiness and I am surprised to hear that I am not alone here since it did not work for yours either.

[@aaronb4639]

2019 Vulcan s owner. Also tried the booster plug and didn’t notice much. Currently waiting on my ECU from that guy in Florida. The twitchy throttle is only thing I don’t like about this bike.

[@pjeng1]

@@aaronb4639 Glad to know that I'm not alone. I did contact Booster Plug company in Europe and the guy couldn't really tell me why it didn't work for my Vulcan S. ECU may help but it costs a lot more than booster plug.

[@GunCollector007]

Nice review. Thanks

[@g-man6333]

Amazing review after 2 days! Really, 2 stroke engine? It happens but, always like to hear longer term reviews and some miles done! 👌

[@RemboUSMC]

The 2 stroke comment was a fupa and not intended. It is a good bike but not a great bike.

[@scottjohnson7780]

Thanks for the review, I was looking at this bike as my next bike. What do you think of the Suzuki C50?

[@RemboUSMC]

I did not ride that bike so I have no opinion. yet.....

[@SumPixelz]

Love my Vulcan S, got some nice suitcases on it for camping trips, and I threw some bar end mirrors on it, a a cafe windscreen, arrow exhaust and tail tidy, cause that backlight unit is just hideous and weird.

[@RemboUSMC]

Very nice!

[@ghostmost2614]

Beginner if it’s the only one you have Fun if it’s your second one

[@terrellgarren7125]

Not a bad bike for a low cost cruiser. My opinion, the Honda Shadow Phantom is a better choice. They are good bikes to learn on.

[@joemann7971]

The Vulcan S is better than the Phantom in just about every way except for maintenance. That's really where the Phantom shines. Its super low maintenance and the maintenance it does require is super easy. They are great bikes if you're happy with the power they provide. The only thing that I dislike is that the Phantom doesnt have an ABS option. The Shadow Aero does have an ABS option, and its a better option that. the Phantom. Same power, but with safer brakes. Not sure why Honda doesnt .ake the same ABS option for the Phantom, since the aero and the Phantom are basically the same bike.

[@sammyday3341]

I have to say it looks like a very comfortable bike.

[@Anail_Mhin]

I am riding bikes for 20 years now. Sports bikes, around 200HP (((GSX-R1000 tuned for 4 years))) ....I do not think this bile is "for beginners" I found it way WAY more easy to drive my GSX-R. Whatsoever...the Vulcan is fun and a cool looking bike

[@osaze61]

Great review

[@RemboUSMC]

Thanks

[@vulcansrider7585]

This bike give you comfy, fast, agility n durability 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@RemboUSMC]

Yes it does!

[@mie1jos]

I am going to try out the Ergo fit system next week (I am 5 ft). For a test ride I will have to wait until February... I am very curious about the nimbleness. I now ride a Honda Rebel 500.

[@forrestnome9521]

You'll be able to ride corners in the 85-95 mph w ease. This bike eats corners. I drive like I stole it and it handles it we'll.

[@mie1jos]

@@forrestnome9521 I bought it and I love it. It is super nimble and so great the clutch control is adjustable to my short fingers. No more back or hip pain even after a full day if riding. I put over 8000 km. on it and I work fulltime. So almost all my free time I spent on the Vulcan😃

[@gregmatty6393]

When you shoot in your garage, what do you use for lighting and which camera do you shoot with? I am a very solid studio still photographer, but struggle with video lighting. Yeah I know the principles are the same, but “hot” studio lights for video will cost way more money than my White Lightning studio lights which are expensive enough at about $600 each. Thanks for any insight.

[@RemboUSMC]

In the garage I point a rotolight LED at the wall/ceiling intersection in a corner and use a worklight to create some light on the bike but mostly from bouncing it off the ceiling/wall.

[@RemboUSMC]

Sony A7R3, sometimes my iPhone

[@gregmatty6393]

@@RemboUSMC Do you shoot 4k or 1080p? I typically go 1080p to not take up so much memory and not tax the computer's processing power.

[@claudiosakaeshigemi6889]

excellent explanation

[@wallacea-nyc.4300]

Thank you Sir. For this Video. 👍🏆🏍 🌎🕊

[@RemboUSMC]

My pleasure!

[@nilo.niezki5843]

Good review, new subs here 👍

[@RemboUSMC]

Thank you and glad to have you here.

[@jDot2414]

I ride a Harley Electra glide cvo, big bike. Looking to down size I’m doing more inner city riding but still would like to throw some bags on each side. What’s your take? Thinking the vaquero but not much of a downsize lol think the vaquero is 100 lbs less and a tad lower than Electra glide

[@RemboUSMC]

I am not familiar with the vaquero...

[@joemann7971]

Outside of the Vulcan S, all the other Vulcans, including the Vulcan 1700 Vaquero (which FYI, means cowboy in Spanish) are more traditional V-Twin motorcycles. I guess the vaquero would be lighter but not enough to make a huge difference. If you're thinking more innercity riding, get a vulcan S and some saddlebags and a windshield. Even if you add 100 lbs worth of stuff, it would be over 200 lbs lighter than the vaquero. I think you'll be happier for inner city riding.

[@jDot2414]

@@joemann7971 thank you! I appreciate it. I will look to test drive one this week. My issue is I still want to be able to ride 80 mph comfortably for highway driving. If you have any other bike recommendations lmk please. Take care

[@joemann7971]

@@jDot2414 I honestly find the Vulcan S to be quite comfortable. My previous bike had floorboards (Honda Shadow), and the Vulcan feels more comfortable with pegs than my shadow did with floorboards. Maybe the bike was too small. Who knows. I'm still 5'11", and everything about the bike feels right for me. I did buy it used though, so, I'm guessing the previous owner was about my height. If you buy the bike from the dealer new, they'll change out the seat, handlebars and peg positions for you because of the ergo-fit system

[@jDot2414]

@@joemann7971 sounds like a great bike. I’m going to see if I can find one to test drive this week. Thanks again! Ride safe

[@DaveDoingDaveThings]

Was that for a restricted version? If not your stats and some info are wrong

[@Socrates366]

What is the best quality helmet for big bikes

[@RemboUSMC]

I am partial to the AGV K-6 because it’s lightweight

[@jimscarnivorekitchen4731]

Great video

[@RemboUSMC]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@AutoMotoZone]

So you ride the bike , or the neighbour from time to time ?😅

[@RemboUSMC]

Yes!

[@jeremyball169]

4 stroke 2 cylinder says it right in the specs you put up

[@RemboUSMC]

yes, 4 stroke, 2 cyclinder.

[@TranslateToEnglish]

My Vulcan S is 4 stroke. I think they all are. 54 HP.

[@RemboUSMC]

Yes, I believe that is correct.

[@mariostekic]

Amazing bike 👌😎

[@Ludonauta]

The Vulcan S 650 is a great bike but it didn't age quite well. Any japanese 125cc nowadays comes with full-led, a nice looking tft display plus some (admitedly pointless) riding modes. I know it costs 7000-8000€, but still Kawasaki should update de model while its popular.

[@porkoholic]

2 stroke based on ninja 600 😂😂😂 Nice intro...

[@Janoschman]

it's based on the er6 platform, not the ninja

[@jamied4191]

Is it 2 stroke ???

[@RemboUSMC]

No

[@devinstetler3612]

You said it is a 2 stroke?🤔

[@RemboUSMC]

yeah, not what I meant to say. it is obviously a 4 stroke.

[@Strict30]

Put ecu tune and wow

[@frios011]

Too flickable? What the hell does that even mean?

[@RemboUSMC]

Movement side to side when turning quickly.

[@rondaigneault3062]

4 stroke

[@RemboUSMC]

Agree. Was talking about cylinders and brain farted

[@paganlife1373]

wtf is a flick? just say HANDLE(ing).

[@forrestnome9521]

*650

[@InuranusBrokoff]

2 stroke? Skipped...

[@RemboUSMC]

4 stroke

[@andrewdavis5404]

You lost me at 2 stroke

[@johnhusband2028]

2 stroke really,typical American know it all.

[@RemboUSMC]

Yeah, one little mis-speak (it is obvious this is a 4 stroke) and all of the sudden I am a know it all. Does that make you feel better about yourself?

[@henryrubenbass]

You said two stroke!

[@RemboUSMC]

Ughh I know

[@henryrubenbass]

The bike looks great. I like the looks. Yet to try it out, but it is on my list for a new bike.

[@forrestnome9521]

Not easy to scrape pegs

[@RemboUSMC]

On this bike, it is very easy. Just like scraping the pegs on a Harley or an Indian. I scraped the pegs on my Ducati multi-Strada, so this little thing is no big deal. Not sure why you would say that either.

[@ronhalley8120]

2 Stroke? Haha.not

[@RemboUSMC]

No, 4

[@chengsgroup2518]

$14000 dollar where I live