Kawasaki Vulcan 650 S (2015-on) Review
Highlights
- Easy-to-ride, cheerful, mid-size cruiser
- Far more usable than image suggests
- Same name as a V-bomber, so must be cool
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £190 |
| Power: | 60 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (27.8 in / 705 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (503 lbs / 228 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Kawasaki Vulcan 650 S is listed within the ‘Cruiser’ section of the firm's range. Someone should really inform trade descriptions. Sure, the 649cc parallel twin looks like a laid-back device for sauntering about, admiring yourself in shop windows and perhaps considering getting a tattoo or growing a ponytail. However, this is a perky, light, exploitable roadster; a fun-to-ride middleweight naked, just one that happens to be low and with long raked-out forks.
- Related: 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan S colours
Perhaps an even greater surprise with the Vulcan is that the whole package feels as right as it does. This is a low-priced, lightweight cruiser based round a detuned commuter engine, with more matt plastic than machined metal and blingy chrome, so should be as tempting as soggy cabbage in cold custard. Yet the Vulcan’s is utterly convincing, not just on that crucial first test ride, but every time you go back. The ex-ER-6 engine, chassis dynamic, sprawled-out riding position, ease of control and up-to-date colour scheme meld together into a wholly convincing motorcycle.
It’s a bike with a semi-traditional image that nuzzles its way into the current trend, without resorting to lashings of chrome, period baubles or to trying too hard to be ‘authentic’. People are beginning to see its attraction too. The Vulcan might sit down the order in Kawasaki UK’s best-sellers list but try getting a razz on the demonstrator at your local dealer. You’ll probably find it’s already booked up with demo rides.
In 2018 an A2 licence-friendly version of the Kawasaki Vulcan 650 S was introduced to the range, cementing the bike's position as a great first big bike. There's a thriving scene for enthusiasts, too, resulting in the Vulcan Riders and Owners Club.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineRiding the Vulcan is as taxing as remembering to blink. Steering is light and accurate, despite the stretched-out 31 degrees of rake and 120mm of trail, and it rolls cleanly into, through and out of corners with its easy-turning 160/60 rear tyre. Let’s not get carried away: the Kawasaki is no Triumph Trident or Yamaha MT-07. However, there are no issues with the usual cruiser ’peg scraping during normal riding, and it has the sort of nimble day-to-day usability you get with, say, a Ducati Scrambler or Suzuki SV650. And finding this sprightly, inspiring, usable dynamic in a package where you expect a delayed response and ponderous behaviour is most pleasing.
The riding position limits you to about 75mph. Any faster and it’s a strain staying upright. Having the footpegs out front takes getting used to as well, but you soon acclimatise – and the ergonomics are good for a cruiser-like device.
Though 228kg sounds chubby for a 649cc parallel twin, the Kawasaki is flyweight for something with cruiser-style geometry and the mass is all carried somewhere below the low-slung 705mm seat. So the Vulcan is amazingly manageable. Even pushing it around the 650 feels like it weighs about half what it actually does.
Most large-capacity bikes with this silhouette have the ride quality of a horse and cart on a corrugated steel roof, however the Vulcan’s suspension has damping and ride quality that outshine larger feet-forward creations – and that defy its £6499 starting price. Nothing fancy about the single front disc and two-pot sliding caliper, but there’s all the stopping you need with a hefty squeeze.
Engine
Next up: Reliabilityhis is the parallel-twin 649cc unit that Kawasaki have been thrusting into the ER-6 and (in spruced up guise) the Z650 for yonks. It has fewer revs to play with than in the ER-6 it was originally swiped from, and 11bhp fell out onto the factory floor during the transplant.
Crucially the engine’s torque is intact, though, and the flywheel is heavier. Power arrives 1000rpm earlier than in an ER making the Vulcan even more willing to get going. It doesn’t require effort to get a wriggle on. It’s a flexible engine, happy to hobble along at 2000 revs in a high gear, burp between turns using its enhanced midrange, or thrash about playing silly buggers. It’s nice being able to work an engine hard without worrying (too much) about needing to enlist a solicitor who specialises in traffic offenses.
It feels a bit limp next to the ever-growing motors in the increasingly high-tech retro market, of course. The Vulcan has nowt like the wallop of a Triumph Street Twin, for example. But truth is that the 650 is more than ample for regular riding.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe engine’s well proven and very durable in ER-6 form, and equally bombproof in its softer state of tune for the Vulcan. You’ll have no worries. Header pipes and top engine mounts can be fragile on the ER, especially in a prang, but there are no concerns with the Vulcan.
Obviously, the Kawasaki is built to a price. Finish and presentation are as god as anything else at this price point and it doesn’t scream ‘budget’. But if you’re an all-weather year-round rider then the chassis with need protecting with anti-corrosion gubbins to prevent furry components and to stop corrosion getting its teeth in.
Our Kawasaki Vulcan 650 S owners' reviews are very positive. From the comments it seems there aren't any prevailing problems with the bike.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentIt is hard to put a price on the Vulcan as it is somewhat unique. At £6499 it is cheap, especially when compared to the £8895 a Harley 883 Iron will cost you or the £8699 Yamaha want for the XV950R, but it is also less of a motorcycle.
The Vulcan’s main rival is probably the Harley Street 750, which is £6045, or Street Rod at £6795. In this context it is about on the money.
The sporty-cruiser’s insurance is group 11, so sorting out a modest premium shouldn’t be hard. It’s the same as a Z650 and Versys 650, but a group higher than Honda’s popular CMX500 Rebel.
Economy is decent even when used with the gusto that the chassis allows – expect 63mpg or more. Tyres, brake pads and chains and sprockets last ages too. The cheapest Vulcan variant starts at £800 more than the rival Rebel but brings additional extra pillion-hauling ability and performance. It’s very keenly priced.
MCN Verdict: Kawasaki Vulcan 650 S vs Harley-Davidson Iron 883
In 2015 MCN put the Kawasaki Vulcan S up against the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 and Yamaha XV950R to see which came out on top.
Why are middleweight cruisers so popular? Simple, because they are great fun. A lot of motorcyclists don’t want to go fast, instead they want to relax and enjoy the ride and that’s what these bikes are all about. When it comes to the complete package it is hard to argue against the Harley as it’s got it all – price, heritage, feel and soul.
The Yamaha has almost the same merits, but lacks the heritage. Either are great options, but I have a feeling fashion-conscious riders will be swayed by the logo on the tank. The Vulcan is very practical and enjoyable, but it is aspiring to be something it can never be. It’s a quirky lightweight bike that will appeal to some, but for many it’ll be too leftfield, and tradition will steer them towards the Yamaha or Harley.
Equipment
There’s no denying that the Vulcan’s dash and generic switchgear look dated in world of widescreen colour panels and light-up buttons. Electronics are limited to ABS and… erm, some lights. Oh, and a hooter.
This said, you do get adjustable clutch and brake levers, plus three mounting position options for the footpegs. The compact digital dash houses ample data, too. Kawasaki have also got various Vulcan versions served with different trimmings: there’s the base Vulcan S; Vulcan S Café with trendier colours and flyscreen; a Vulcan S Performance with larger screen and Arrow exhaust; and also Tourer variants of each with huge screen, panniers and pillion back rest.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 649cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 8v, parallel-twin |
| Frame type | Tubular steel trellis |
| Fuel capacity | 14 litres |
| Seat height | 705mm |
| Bike weight | 228kg |
| Front suspension | 41mm forks, non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Single rear shock, adjustable spring preload |
| Front brake | 1 x 300mm disc with two-piston caliper |
| Rear brake | 250mm single disc with single-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 18 |
| Rear tyre size | 160/60 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 57 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £190 |
| New price | £6,699 |
| Used price | £2,000 - £6,000 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two years |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 60 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 46.4 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 100 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2015: Vulcan S (EN650) launched using a retuned version of the ER-6 engine in a bespoke frame. Billed as a sports-cruiser, designed to bring a more modern approach to the cruiser market with contemporary colours and black finishes, rather than glittery metalflake and lashings of chrome.
- 2017: The Vulcan S SE arrives.
- 2018: The Vulcan S Café and Sport variants join the range alongside Touring versions of both. An A2 licence-friendly version was launched at the same time.
- 2021: New colours revealed.
Other versions
There are multiple versions: the entry-level Vulcan S; the Vulcan S Café with jazzy colours and flyscreen; and a Vulcan S Performance with larger screen and an Arrow exhaust. All three models are also available in Tourer guise, complete with huge screen, panniers and pillion back rest.
Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI VULCAN S (2015 - on)
17 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI VULCAN S (2015 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your KAWASAKI VULCAN S (2015 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £190 |
Version: Cafè
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £500
With a bad hip the seat was a bit hard after 1hour30min of riding. Gel packs put in seat turned it into an all day ride 0(which I've done). Plenty of umph when you want it (someone said they had their bike up to 108mph, can't remember who that was:). It does do 0 to 60 in 4 seconds, tested that a few times just because. It's just such a comfortable relaxed riding position, I love it.
Once seat gel packs put in and panniers added. I can ride for 130 miles stop for fuel and a quick break then crack on. With forward foot controls keeping an eye out for potholes is a must but that's the same for all cruiser bikes I guess. I have had a pillion on the back and once I got use to the handling at slow speed. Nce moving I almost forgot she was there.
Great sports bike engine in a cruiser. After 36000 miles I converted my Vulcan to belt drive. LOVE IT
My Vulcan has NEVER let me down in any way, always starts first time. Never gives me any concerns. After 5 years and 44000 miles, I think that says a lot about this bike.
I do a lot of miles commuting and change the oil and filter more times than is strictly necessary. Since the warranty ran out I do all the servicing myself; especially after my Vulcan came back after a major service and I happened to take a plastic panel off to clean it and found one of the frame bolts undone by 1 cm. Never trusting them again. Checked all other frame bolts and torqued the offending bolt.
The style, for a 650 the Vulcan is small but looks great. Stock mirrors work well but changed the barn doors for smaller ones, love the rest of it.
Buying experience: I got my ex demo bike (340 miles on clock) from Blade Motorbikes Swindon. Got a great deal and traded my old bike in as well. Played about £5000.
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £150
Short seat height not that reliable
Had to change the clutch after 15,000 miles
Only 33 mph per gallon city riding
Very basic
Buying experience: Brought it new form a dealership
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £120
My first bike. Comfortable seating position and handles pretty well. Works best between 5k-7k revs and great fun. Has a booster plug fitted but can still be a bit snatchy around 3k revs so you have to feather the clutch to compensate in town. The sound isn't brilliant due to the 180° crank and have looked at changing the exhaust but is it really worth the cost? Great first bike because it doesn't do anything for you.
As it's my first bike I have nothing to compare it with but the single front disc stops the bike perfectly well. Rear brake isn't brilliant but adequate for dragging and control at slow speeds. Have removed the pillion seat but don't imagine it would be all that comfortable. Wouldn't recommend much more than 100 miles in one go. With the feet forward all the weight is on your butt. Also the suspension isn't brilliant on rough surfaces and you do feel the bumps
Starts first time every time. The bike pulls really well when you hit the revs and the parallel twin engine is well proven. No issues at all apart from the snatchiness mentioned above.
A few chips on the tank and patches of surface rust at the base of the rear shock as well as on some of the bolts and small spots on some of the welds. Otherwise no issues mechanically. Quite a lot of plastic panels but it's built to a budget and I guess it saves on the weight.
Analogue rev counter which incorporates a small LED display for speed, gear indicator and choice of stats. Apart from ABS no other features which at least makes it real.
Buying experience: Local dealer couldn't have been more helpful. Purchased just under 2 years ago. Advertised at £4899, paid £4800 and the dealer waived the advertised £160 delivery fee.
Year: 2021
Easy to ride ,fun motorcycle Much better than my previous xl883 sportster
Front brake could do with dual set up Adequate for my style of riding
Performance not a problem Easy to ride
No problems after 18 months
No issues so far, average 65mpg
Exhaust in standard is a bit lame I know it needs to meet euro 5/6 Black widow installed (awesome) Randg rad guard fitted Heated grips Sissy bar
Buying experience: Mand p Swansea bought new
Year: 2016
I love the look of this bike but it has taken a long time to get used to. I learned on a CB650R and it was easy of the bat. My bike prior to passing was a scooter and that was much more practical. This is long and much heavier than both of those two bikes.
It takes a bit of getting used too but the ride is smooth, the engine is smooth and won't scare even a novice rider. Brakes are good on the front but a little lacking on feel on the rear.
Smooth and not at all scary. Little sluggish towards the higher end of motorway speeds but will easily lose your license if you aren't paying attention.
No issues with reliability but there are some rust spots on the bike and below the seat there it quite a lot. One to look out for when buying.
I've only had to fill her up but it is getting 55mpg on the trip computer.
No real equipment as standard. The rev counter is nice but mine has an additional gear indicator which is handy.
Buying experience: I bought privately and believe I probably have the cheapest Vulcan on the road as she wanted it gone quickly and I was the first person to turn up.
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £20
low down makes easy to mount, heated grips should be standard, exhaust design makes difficult for maintainance,a good bike for those that like a cruiser
very good handling for its size, good all round handling,a couple of hours riding generally before a break but might be longer for a lighter rider
enjoyable on country roads,goodn round town, does well on motorways
paint on frame could be improved
oil and filter and chain oil yearly, very good on petrol 65 to 70 mpg. road tax top bracket only downside
screen added for me, crash bars , fenda extenda and radiator protector and a back rest with rack if carrying pillion, Dunlop sportmax gpr300 fitted good
Buying experience: bought from a dealer cos had a trade in,so paid £4800 asking price on 3 year old
Year: 2016
The seat and the short travel suspension conspire to make the bike somewhat uncomfortable on a long rides and / or touring. You must get all the ERGOFIT done at point of sale, otherwise it could cost you a considerable outlay of cash further into ownership. Having the ERGOFIT set right for you personally is crucial for your own comfort. It's a great budget buy bike for the weekender riders who don't venture too far from home.
Budget bike so don't expect the best. The suspension travel is only about 82 mm front & rear and is quite harsh and sports orientated. This ain't a Trad Cruiser!
The engine is in several different current models and was developed from the engines in quite a few other previous Kawasaki bikes. It's a tried & tested formula their parallel twins have been around for some years now.
Some rust will appear on swing arm very soon after purchase if you are using the bike daily and in winter [in the UK especially]. It's a reliable bike though.
Good fuel economy if the standard exhaust is kept on. You'll need a paddock stand set or better still an Abba Superbike lift / stand [there is NO centre stand]. That said, servicing at home can then be done fairly easily. Cost of servicing is average. Availability & choice of replacement tyres is good.
Version: Sport
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £200
Easy to ride with power when you need it the engine is quite perkie it should be it's the same engine as the Ninja 650
Breaks and very good the rear especially ride quality is ok.
Power delivery is very good very responsive mid range .
The engine stalls some times when it's cold but apart from that it's Ok
costly at main dealership for a service is a bit on the steap side but it's only once a year
Very good switch gear all in the right place.
Buying experience: I paid the advertised price of 7600 but Greenham Kawasaki gave me a very good price for my bike so I was happy
Version: 650S
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £200
Was a great bike and fun to ride around in town. While it decently powered, it seemed to lack on the interstate. The only real problems I had with this bike were mechanical. After owning the Vulcan 650s, I'll never purchase another Kawasaki.
Outside of the mechanical issues I listed, it was a nimble and responsive bike that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The engine was quite nice with plenty of torque at lower RPMs.
From about 600 miles up, the coolant system wouldn't hold pressure and I'd regularly have to top it off. Two months outside of warranty and with approximately 2000 miles on it, 3 gears in the transmission disintegrated while accelerating in 3rd gear.
Filters were easily replaced and not hard to find.
Version: Non ABS model
Year: 2019
outstanding blend of cruiser and sport bike.
Version: Non ABS base model
Year: 2019
comfort with style and performance.
The lights need to be upgraded to LED. I already changed out my turn signals. The headlight is next.
I ride mine everyday to work and for fun on the weekends. Cheaper than a second car and a lot more fun.
Get a crash guard.
Buying experience: Bought mine new from the local dealer and happy with their services.
Version: ABS
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £125
Low seating position, not too heavy, manoeuvres well round town and comfortable on a ride out....Good choice for a first big bike.
3 optional positions for bars, pegs and seat.
Buying experience: Purchased through M&S in Newcastle and they where very helpful , financial package was a good deal also.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £400
It’s such a dream to ride as my first bike. Very forgiving but packs a punch. Totally love how it looks too with many heads turned.
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £100
The riding position is the best for me even when two up ,don't really notice you've got somebody on the back .front pegs could do with being raised slightly do grind out on the tighter corners .would recommend to a friend.
Bikes a good alrounder,I prefer riding on twisty roads only downside the pegs grind out when not leaning to far over ,I have to lift me foot up .can last 2hours on a long run with the wife on the back. Before we have to stop for a stretch and fuel.
Loads of low down torque,nice and smooth .
Its the same quality as any other Kawasaki.not had any problems with the bike ..
Sissy bar on the back for the wife she loves it..an extra but was already on bike when purchased.
Buying experience: From a dealer for £5400 was up for £5500.
Version: ABS
Year: 2015
Quick off the mark and a breeze when overtaking. I simultaneously owned a Harley Sportster Custom (1200), a Street 750 (now sold) and the Vulcan S and I can tell that on a long touring trip the smoothness of the Vulcan was most welcome (but I still love my sportster) .
Done a 1500 km trip over 5 days (fully loaded) over motorway, standard roads and very mountainous twisty's and the vulcan took it all in its stride.
Smooth and responsive and the gearing seems just right.
One tiny bubble on the tank paintwork lost a star but other than that it's been solid.
Apart from annual service no other spend has been required so far.
Ergo-fit is a brilliant idea and enough accessories available to cover most needs. Lost a star because my year does not have a gear indicator.
Buying experience: Private buy, a little pricey but the original owner had added a lot of accessories that met my needs perfectly.
Version: cafe
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £150
It's a great bike but the sum of the parts (except the engine) are at best cheap and poor quality. Most of the bike is plastic and, if you drop it, it will shatter. I would recommend but buy a second hand model.
The front brake is good, despite having the cheaper disc fitted unlike the Z650. The back brake is poor to say the least.
It's got a great engine although you have to rev it. There's quite a lot of torque and it's quite frugal if the revs are kept down.
Mine had a duff battery from new but otherwise good. The indicators wobble on the plastic mounts and will not tighten up.
Difficult to service as there's no main stand, and with the exhaust under the motor you can't lift there. You also need to remove the petrol tank to get to the plugs and air filter, and you need to bring it in for a 3500-mile service, at £140.
It has a great display with many functions on the speedo, great suspension and fab seat. It handles really well, It's not a V-twin cruiser it is dressed like one ten years ago.
Buying experience: The buying experience wasn't bad, the shop was pleasant and did what they do best, fairly good PX and hassle-free.
Version: Vulcan s sport
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £150
This is a great bike. I’ve had mine for a year, got it new with the full Arrows exhaust which sounds sweet. Think is one of the best motorcycles I’ve owned. It’s a great all rounder, a cruiser with sports bike performance. It handles great for a cruiser as it’s nice and light you can handle it easy at low speeds.
The brakes are good with abs standard which is peace of mind if you need to stop quick in all weathers. The ride quality is good, the suspension is easy to adjust for soft or harder whichever you prefer. The forward controls making riding easy and comfortable.
The 650 parallel twin from the 650 ninja which is tuned for more torque . It’s a quick cruiser putting out 60 bhp and light weight makes 0- 60 in 4 seconds and top speed over 120mph which is reasonable.
As Kawasaki you can trust it to last. I have traveled 5000 miles on her with no issue. Everything looks quality and feels nice.
As a basic type bike running cost are low. Service cost are about £150 annually. With a 14L an average 60mpg which is good and can take you around 160 - 170 miles in a full tank.
Buying experience: Got from a dealer with 0%apr for 3 years new at £7000 with Arrows exhaust.
