Top 5 Problems with the Kawasaki Vulcan S 650

In this video I share the top 5 things I don't like about the Kawasaki Vulcan S 650. Note - There may be things said in this video that are subjective and only make up the opinion of the presenter. Issues discussed regarding the Kawasaki Vulcan S in this video can be fixed with modifications.
Although it is one amazing bike, you can never have a machine that is perfect. And hence I really struggle to pick my brain to bring you the top 5 cons of the Kawasaki Vulcan S 650.
Although most of the cons are subjective and in my opinion, I'm sure some of you can relate and if not let me know in the comments section below.
1. Aesthetically displeasing mirrors - The Kawasaki Vulcan S comes with these square shaped mirrors which although provide great visibility, lack style of any kind.
2. Indicators - The Kawasaki Vulcan S comes with these alien knob shaped indicators, or alien antennas as you could call them, that come standard on most Kawasaki lower to mid range products such as the Ninja 250 and Ninja 650.
3. Seat - The seat of the Kawasaki Vulcan S although provides a great riding position, lacks a lot of padding and after about an hour of riding you can get a sore arse.
4. Idle sound - The idle sound of the bike in my opinion lacks any kind of grunt, presence or anything exciting. However the Vulcan S sounds pretty sweet when its accelerating.
5. Restrictive turning circle - with a turning circle similar to that of a battle cruiser from Starcraft (yes I'm a nerd), it struggles to do a u-turn within 6.2 metres, although possible it requires some decent skill.
Overall there aren't many cons regarding the Kawasaki Vulcan S - it is engineered and executed well.

[@marcod1885]

Man I agreed with everything you said. You nailed everything I dislike about the bike. That being said I love this bike. It's so much fun!!!

[@Wanderer1]

Yeah not much bad to say about the bike. Only a few minor things. Ill definitely check out the mirrors you mentioned.

[@jeeroslaily7865]

I had mine for 6 months now a 2015 second-hand model . So far so good. I agree with the seat issue. Totally uncomfortable for long distance. As for the exhaust, I'd replaced it with single left n right HARLEY DAVIDSON Street glide model. Wow.. Worth doing so. The sound was pretty awesome n a little bit loud so other motorists will notice your presence. Looking handsome too.

[@dracoeclectic8911]

Pretty much everything you said is good to point out. I disagree with the mirrors, but it seems like 50/50 for Vulcan riders. One big problem that should be mentioned, at least in the US market is that the headlight is pretty poor compared to competitors that are using LED's now. Until upgrading it, I didn't feel confident riding at night without the high beam on.

[@1jewie]

Great vid mate, I have had mine for about a month, and already looking at making a few of those changes. Keep 'em coming. Good job.

[@mathisto21]

I also have to say I bought this exact bike, even in white, based on your reviews. I love it! 👍

[@orvski]

You pretty much mentioned my first few mods; mirrors, exhaust and indicators. My other two dislikes would have been hand grips too skinny and no gear indicator (mine's a 2016). Good video man, keep it up.

[@Wanderer1]

Haha yeah man.. Its funny how most of the dislikes are changeable anyway with a few mods. Its such a good bike.

[@karn1129]

Pretty much agree with everything, which is why I bought one that has custom bar end mirrors, Delkevic 350mm round full exhaust system, after market led indicators. As well as Hepco and Becker backrest with solorack, 2x lockable viking saddlebags and USB charger with voltage display. Once I'm off my L's that limiter is coming out and maybe add a booster plug but not sure on that yet. Only thing I will be changing is the seat. I think Corbin custom seat is the way to go.

[@josephschneider4376]

My only hope is it performs and not problematic,looks great.

[@ianskeldon6032]

Wow a fair and honest review how refreshing is that, hey Yammy Newb, here is how a fair review should be done. I think you could change both mirrors and indicators for very little money if you really don't like them. Turning circle your stuck with forever but it could be worse, look at some of the bigger cruisers, they need a football pitch to turn around in. Exhaust, sometimes it's nice to hear a tune rather than a roar and forget the bullshit about being safer, anyone that rides bikes and drives cars will tell you that they don't hear a bike until it passes them, the only people interested in a loud exhaust are the police. Enjoy your bike on that beautiful stretch of road mate and stay safe.

[@oojimmyflip]

All stuff you can change, Ive just sat on one today for the first time and its such a beautifully balenced bike 30kgs less weight than the Royal Enfield Super Meteor so a thumbs up for that definately, I have nerve damage in my lower legs so I need to consider that in the equation they are £7,200.00 GBP over here in the UK on the road and the sales guy told me Kawasaki are bringing out a 500cc twin for spring 2024 so an even lighter bike may be on the horizon, at 6ft 3ins tall I need the lower Centre of gravity so I think Ill be test riding one very soon. Checkout the gel seat covers available for the Vulcan as I understand it a lot of people use one and it straps under the seat to, They are also available for your pillion passenger, it apparently makes long distance runs a lot more confortable and doesnt cost as much as replacing the seat and stops you sliding towards the tank and crushing your nuts ( if you got outside bits that is)🤣, ideal for people who buy a used machine. I was also told that the rear suspension is supplied in position 2 and you can soften the suspension by turning the preloader at the top of the spring to position 1 but give it a test ride and make sure its not bottoming out on the speed bumps. lots of videos on how to adjust the suspension on youtube.

[@olegyefremov2583]

Great review. I'll be devil's advocate and say that mirrors are subjective. Uncomfortable seat, dashboard from a decade ago, engine copied from different bike are all signs of keeping the cost of the bike for consumer low. I am new rider. I wanted new bike because I didn't know much about bikes and I didn't want to get ripped off or buy used crap that'd be sitting in a garage being fixed all the time. At the same time I didn't want to spend $20,000 plus on a bike that I might crash due to being inexperienced. So, this bike checked all my boxes: new, cruiser, and inexpensive. Now, a year and 4500 miles later I've changed my seat (mustang), added passenger seat and pegs, replaced rear turn signals and headlamps to leds, added windshield. With zero accidents 🤞

[@johnnybravo3612]

Great bike for sure. I’ve had mine since the end of April of this year.

[@Wookiesugar]

So this is my 5th street bike over the last 25 years. It's the first one I haven't been able to stand up on while riding and I don't think I'm ever going to be able to get used to it. Makes me feel way too vulnerable. I guess I'm just not a cruiser guy. Taking it down to see what they'll give me in trade on a z650 next week.

[@Wanderer1]

Wookiesugar To be honest mate I totally feel the same way. Just the seating position.. Having my ass like half a foot away from the ground.. Plus how the bike just feels so open and your legs are infront of you and to the side.. I also feel vulnerable on it. And i don't think im a cruiser person either. I can comfortably ride any bike.. Except cruisers. Just a personal preference. Totally get you

[@frankdiano]

Thanks for sharing. I tried to stand up few times too. Felt weird for sure...

[@nwroadrat]

Seems appropriate with an inexpensive bike. However, a few changes and this bike will go the distance. Nice vid.

[@michaelfawkes4794]

All good points but as you said small ones. I've heard the two brothers exhaust system is the best for this bike which I'll be getting fitted very soon!! An all round great bike.

[@141amxs2]

I thought about getting one of those for my vulcan s, ended up getting a Delkevic 16in slash cut and I think it is awesome. So far no tuning required.

[@ekimandersom4478]

I changed the indicators for nice LED ones. I changed the mirrors the first day i bought it. The seat sucks, but i use an air cushion, easy fix. My biggest issue would be the fact it wants high rpm's , a cruiser should pull from 30mph in 5the gear. Basically it should have only 5 gears .

[@neilcatliff159]

Very twitchy throttle below 3000 RPM can be sorted with power commander £450, I will live with it for now 😀 Wind buffeting no nose screen . Passenger seat / no sissy bar on, my list of things to buy. Heat from exaust engine when stationary low speed in hot country , it fries your legs, new exhaust and wrap next job. Overall love the bike

[@efnot2]

cant believe you missed the suspension issues on the bike!!! i bottomed out so many times just last week

[@Wanderer1]

What issues have you experienced?

[@horuslupercal3872]

I find this comment funny I weight 285 so I'm a big boi and I love this bike, and yes I bottom it out a lot.........

[@adamdesselle4176]

@@horuslupercal3872 what's you top speed you've reached on yours I hit 116 mph at 240

[@horuslupercal3872]

@@adamdesselle4176 oh about 90, I don't own this bike I've just had access to one

[@kurgon1976]

what about when you take a passenger ? does it drag or is it still ok?

[@crgregorio]

how difficult or easy is it to shift from the standard bikes, particularly the driving position of feet extended forward?

[@jlrutube1312]

I love the shape of the mirrors.

[@aussieconvenience3072]

I have Kawasaki Vulcan 650s 2016 model, few days ago i tried to adjust the brake lever positioning and suddenly obne problem has been raised. after some mile drive my front brake start griping my front wheel and it jammed my wheel after few steps. My mechanic tried to clean the brake piston and greasing it but still this issue raising to me. whenever i experience this issue, i bleed the front caliper from nozzle to reduce the pressure so it made my wheel free to drive again. it happens every after 10 to 15 miles. nowadays, i am keeping 10nos ring key in my pocket for releasing the pressure of front brake. Please suggest what should i do to make it okay. Note ( There is no check light) I would be abliged if some one could guide me. Muhammad Usman Gul

I do agree, the seat hurts the ass after a bit. Also, I don’t prefer the blinkers.

[@Ladosligese]

if the seat - mirrors - exhaust is the only thing you "dont" like about the bike .. i`m onboard

[@Wanderer1]

Yeah man it's an awesome bike 😁

[@HamiltonMechanical]

my biggest reason for riding came right at the end of your video. you just see cool shit you wouldn't see otherwise!! Thinking about getting one of these... I currently have a 73 cb350four, neat bike, but vintage, want something that rides a bit nicer. I'm not a very big guy, around 130lbs, so It seems this bike would be a good fit for someone like me.

[@Wanderer1]

So true man. You see and feel so much more when you ride. As hippy as it sounds, you kinda become one with the environment surrounding you haha. Thats a damn nice bike you have there. Wouldnt mind one of those beauties!

[@HamiltonMechanical]

@@Wanderer1 Thank you bud! here's a video of an overview I did of her. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHfcnq2EndyWnsk Cheers from Tennessee, usa my friend!

[@genegoodwin8925]

I really like the Vulcan S, but what I don't like is when you equip it with a passenger saet, passenger foot pegs, winfdhield, passenger back rest and maybe saddle bags you'll have more than the cost of a Vulcan 900 Classic LT. I agree the exhaust note could be improved, but thr turining circle is due to the length of any cruiser. I do really like the 650 parallel twin and the performce it privides. I've ridden cruisers since the mid 90's and to tell you the truth, i'm ired of V-twins. The 650 parallel twin puts the Vucan S ovder the top for me. Hawasaki has many nice bikes these days, I like the Vulcan S, Z60RS, and the W800.

[@techten1012]

Biggest drawback of vulcan650 is it requires valve inspection every 15k miles, usually cost around 600$ to get it done at dealership. Harleys have hydraulic valves and never need any valve inspections.

[@Wookiesugar]

techten 101 this is a very good piece of information I'd have never learned otherwise. Thanks for that.

[@MaverickAus]

lol Harleys also require a ute to follow them everywhere they go so WHEN they break down you can complete your trip.

[@Ladosligese]

nah Harleys dont need them .. but ofc EVERYTHING else breaks on them , most likely add up a bit more then 600 bucks

[@brianwiseman9518]

Harley requires a hauler every 15k miles.

[@Ulghart]

I love the video and your points. But watching ppl driving on the left screws with my mind seriously...

[@johnherian781]

I use a Wild Ass seat cushion.Helps big time on my Versy x-300.

[@melissasponseller2693]

Had mine 6 months love it - 2021 but hate that it's top heavy though I'm 4'11 and it's been lowered. I replace exhaust already.

[@allybell1481]

How are you finding riding it. (I’m also very short) I’m looking at purchasing and wonder if it was too big and heavy for me?

[@BikerNiladri]

Amazing 😍

[@jamesbraun2763]

My 05 Vulcan 500 was a good bike , took many 2K mile trips to the smokies , with 2 up .

[@lensperspective9753]

James Braun Glad to hear that, i want to do the Rockies

[@positivelynegative9149]

For a smaller turning radius, increase lean; which requires increased speed. That turn you made while complaining about the turning radius was awfully slow. When you go that slow, of course it's going to be a wide turn because you're unable to lean the bike at that speed.

[@RatFace_MonkeyEar_FishEye]

Yes! Look for japanese U turn on youtube

[@frankdiano]

....had same experience while making a U turn , after 3 days of owning mine, down I went ugh...

[@chemicalspore]

this is a great bike for the price point.

[@joaquinelectric1]

I have a question I’m about to buy 2017 Kawasaki Vulcans s for $4500 with 4000 miles I have a question in the first gear it feel weir anyone have the problem?

[@Wanderer1]

What do you mean the first gear feels weird? The first gear feels very short lived as in it runs out of revs quickly before you have to shift. Kinda jerky as well if you're on and off with the throttle. That's common for lower displacement Kawasaki's 650 and below. Is that what you mean by weird?

[@joaquinelectric1]

@@Wanderer1 yes sir thats what I mean ., I already bought it 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan s650 with abs with 4000 miles for $4500 I think I make a good buy don’t you think ? Thank you for reply back

[@Wanderer1]

@@joaquinelectric1 Yes sir. That's a very good buy. Good deal. Great bike. I miss my vulcan S. But yeah the first gear felt weird on mine as well. It's a common issue. You can read more about it here: www.vulcanforums.com/threads/got-me-new-2018-vulcan-s-650-today-1st-gear-issues.305082/

[@brandoncomer6492]

That goofy looking headlamp shroud is an instant no for me.

The look doesn’t bother me, the visibility bothers me. I’m completely opposite than you. I have wide shoulders and I have to try hard not to see my upper torso in the mirrors.

[@SirD4version3]

If you weigh more than 220 pounds.. You got enough of padding

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

I'd disagree on point 4 as I like the exhaust note on tickover, but it is a big ugly box like most modern bikes. I'm sure the mirrors are the same as the ones I had on my 2009 Vulcan (see my channel) and deffo need replacing.

[@justincool613]

Harley makes the street 750 and the HP and torque are about the same. You should check it out.

[@mathisto21]

Dude 3 weeks ago you posted a video about how you have had enough of this bike, then this week you posted a video about why everyone should get one...and now you have a video talking about not liking it...dude I love your videos but make up your mind hahahaha 😉

[@Wanderer1]

Haha mate I honestly didn't really give the bike a chance in the beginning and was ignorant for doing so. Then I let it rip through some winding roads and fell in love... You made a wise decision in buying one and Im glad my confusing reviews were of some use to you lol

[@dingznthingz]

My biggest complaint about my 2018 Vulcan S is that it sounded like a sissy ass scooter. Not anymore. I installed a CS Racing full exhaust system. Now it sounds like it should. Also, the factory exhaust system looked like a bomb hanging underneath a World War II dive bomder. When Eric Buell built motorcycles, that was also the biggest complaint I had about Buell sport bikes. The CS Racing exhaust should have been installed by Kawasaki at their factory.

[@ZinoAmare]

budget is most reasons, less padding less money wasted on a seat and stuff

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

advertise worldwide about the ergo fit extended reach seats yet no one has them; any country as my dealers searching all Over USA for a extended reach seat set. If you over 5' 10" you will need them, in addition to the pegs being full forward !! at 6' , you have little leg room.

[@hoppy857h5]

Be better if they did this bike with a better seat, better sounding exhaust as standard/make slip-ons available and have it belt driven instead of chain.

[@Wanderer1]

It definitely needs a better seat and a better sounding exhaust. But they'll always wanna keep em quiet stock

[@marcod1885]

Agreed, the mirrors look horrible. I switched mine for Magazi Medusa mirrors. It's a welcome improvement! Check them out if you own the bike or msg me for pics!

[@rogermcfarland8111]

Good one.

[@marremane]

so basically there are no problems which aren't easily fixed

[@ravyvan3729]

I love kavasaki

[@bikerpumbajh8108]

20 min and my ass is at pain, the vibrations in the handelbars is crazy they really should fix that, rally need high rpm before it goes away. changed the exhaust ans mirrors as the first tings. also the first gear and second gear is a bit to high, really not the beat bike for low speed. if i had the money i had sold mine again, had it 2 years now

[@algesbrek5695]

Did you know this bike has been detuned for the Australian market...throtal restricted and one other thing....Will give you 61 h.p.

[@bablubablu-ls6to]

Harley ne kitna$doller diya Hai

[@renatomontalban8749]

Non phare avant c'est déformé par la chaleur

[@jimw7916]

that compression algorithm on your video is TERRIBLE!

[@zxc9884761]

What about honda rebel 500 with cb500 engine?

[@Wanderer1]

Im yet to try that bike out. Will post a review on it in the future.

[@matthewbrown9731]

I own one. It's a great bike very fun. The CB500 engine makes it pretty quick and it has good low end torque. It's pretty light and easy to ride. Good starter bike imo.

[@daniel27560]

It's ugly

[@matthewbrown9731]

@@daniel27560 lol it is pretty wierd looking. But it's not really meant to be that beautiful expensive bike that you want to keep for years.

[@daniel27560]

@@matthewbrown9731 the Kawasaki is i went to a dealer and instantly fell in love with the vulcan s the rebel really looks like a budget bike i thought the Vulcan s was gonna be over 13 or 14 i was surprised at how affordable it is

[@sicongchen1990]

'for my american friends'.....we do use weird units for almost everything, length, area, volume, weight, temperature....

[@patw9175]

I feel like because of the seating position on cruisers, overlooking the padding in the seat is a fatal error. I've never ridden the Vulcan S so I can't comment on that specific bike, but it seems to me that cruisers in general send all the big bumps in the road right up your ass into your spine. Of course, I can't talk shit: the fork seals have been blown on my FZR1000 for years now, so it's the same thing for me except my it's my wrists taking the pounding.

[@ghostmost2614]

Deceleration is so bad

[@anilrochlani]

ONLY FEW CAN TELL ABOUT DISLIKE ABOUT ANYTHING UR ONE OF THEM.