Kawasaki Vulcan 650 S (2015-on) Review

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.

Had to change the clutch after 15,000 miles

Only 33 mph per gallon city riding

Very basic

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

3 optional positions for bars, pegs and seat.

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.

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.

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.

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.