2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S, First Bike purchase Review by new rider
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- Опубликовано: 31 дек 2017
- First of all: I fixed my mic issues!
My review of the 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 as a first bike for a new rider. I've had the bike for a year, my license for 2, and give my thoughts on it being a first bike for a new rider. 
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You repeatedly mention enjoyment; that is precisely what motorcycling is about. Welcome to the hobby!
Thanks!
I am far from a new rider or a beginner. I am 70 years old and have been riding since 1964. I just sold the last Harley I will ever own. I paid $37000 for it and it broke down four times within the first year.
So now I want something more dependable. My last nine bikes were all V-Twins and to be honest I am very tired of the chug chug chug of a V-Twin, I checked out the Triumphs and the Royal Enfields. The only one that suited me was the Royal Enfield Clestial Blue SuperMeteor 650, but it rode like an old dump truck. I felt every crack and bump in the road. I think if I were to run over a gnat I would have felt it,
I have looked at every motorcycle available right now. The Indian Scout might be alright, but they cost too much. The Kawasaki Vulcan S does the same thing as an Indian Scout and for a lot less money.
So I am not a beginner. I am an OLD man but I think the Vulcan S is a good all around motorcycle for anyone who likes to ride. And a bike with some guts to give you a thrill when ever you want to open it up. This being said, I hope to buy a Kawasaki Vulcan S in the very near furture. Who knows, at my age it could be the last bike I ever own.
Bryan, I can’t thank you enough for this video! I’m in the process of getting my motorcycle endorsement in two weeks. I’ve discovered the Vulcan S as well, but was wondering if this was going to be too much bike for first time rider. I was stoked to hear your instructor’s insight. Thank You for taking the time to create your video and sharing your new rider experience. I will be totally getting a Vulcan S as well! Thank You so much.
you're welcome!
Great review. Enjoyed going along for the ride.
Thanks!
Thanks for the video - I'm taking the safety course in June and starting to review options for the bike. This video is exactly what I needed.
Greg let me know if you have any questions. So glad my video was helpful!
Thanks Bryan. Your video touched on a lot of the questions I had and your thought process in your evaluation is very similar to mine. My main concern is making sure that I don't commit the deadly sin of getting too big of a bike since I'm a beginner. But, I don't want to spend money on something I'll want to replace in a year or two. I think the vulcan s is a good balance of a beginning bike and something I can grow into. I'm still a month and a half away from a final purchase but doing my research and etc now. I'll let you know if I have more specific questions - I saved your video for future reference.
Yup! Same thoughts on my end. The very first time I was a little intimidated with the bike but after 10 mins, was completely comfortable. Now, after a year, I love it more and more. I personally don't think you can go wrong with a smaller bike because there's a lot of learn and grow into, but if you can manage a larger bike like the vulcan S safely, it's a GREAT option. It is so low to the ground, which helps a ton.
I have my safety class in June and looking forward to that Vulcan S. Thanks for sharing!
Two Mikes you will not regret it!
How did you find your experience on the Vulcan S coming straight out of the safety class? Was the safety class your only experience on a bike?
Hi mate, I have a Vulcan S and love, but I love it a whole lot more after installing the factory "cafe" windscreen and aftermarket aero mirrors, no wind on your chest, faster and better fuel economy, plus houses your instrument cluster nicely
Man that’s beautiful!
Great video especially for beginner riders. I am thinking about getting my motorcycle license and thinking also about what type of bike to start on. I have sat on this bike, and it did feel super comfy and I could flat foot it so easily. This made me feel a lot more confident that I may choose this bike. I have looked at loads of other bikes but I keep coming back to the Vulcan s 650. Thanks Bryan.:)
Hi Karen. Thanks for the comment! Go for it! I can't tell you how many times both feet on the ground helped save me from a bad fall. Especially because the bike has a low center of gravity and "feels" light.
Thanks here in Uk 🇬🇧 just passed my mod 2 looking at these..🥂
Worth every penny!
Thank you for the video. The commentary provided valuable information for me on the riding position set up since I am 5'8'' with a 29 inseam. Also alleviated some of my concerns regarding the handling of the bike since it has forward foot controls and all I've ridden are bikes with foot controls directly under me. Sounds like despite the control position, the Vulcan is capable in cornering and maneuvering through tight and curvy spaces.
LIONS 67 you're welcome! The Vulcan is definitely maneuverable and it feels very narrow. Granted, I've never had extended time on another bike, but at both low and high speeds, I am very confident in its handling.
very nice bike friend I like the color like the roads where you are
Thank you! Yes, the roads up here in Northern Cali are amazing
These are real nice bikes and quick too
Bubacat 1 much quicker than most people realize! Not sure how it compares to other cruisers, but this one goes all the way up the tach!
thx 4 sharing ur expérience
You're welcome
I've been thinking for months and I'll most likely get one of those as soon as I feel financially confortable, to replace my beloved 250cc naked bike :) I love this kawasaki model.
Test ride one and you will not be disappointed. The power and handling are great! It took me a while to get used to feet forward riding but that was just a few rides. I love the bike!
@@BryanRheem I did sit on one, next time I will try a test ride :)
Great video man! Also eyeing this bike for a while now, might just get it after I get my license. You mentioned you did the ergo fit thing, so did they have that at the dealership where they customized the Vulcan to your liking?
Yes, at the dealership, they will customize the bike for free the first time.
Never owned a street motorcycle but I have really been looking into it and I think I'm either going to get the vulcan or the yamaha r3
very different bikes but I've heard great things about both. You just have to decide if you want a cruiser style or race style
I was planning on either getting this or the Harley sportster I’m 6’4 & 210
Well, I'm 5'7 and I have the ergo fit setting to medium. I think even on the extended reach option, it might be a little tight for you. I would definitely try one out with the extended setting just to make sure. The seat is very low which also might be uncomfortable for you when you have both feet down.
Bryan...embrace the Kawi green! Believe it or not, I describe the handling of my VN 2K much the same way you describe your S -- I say Mo' is nimble...'specially for a big girl!
Good vid bud,..I ride a 750 shadow ace and a 650v-strom ,going to trade my 650 for a valcan s same h.p.but a lower seat
Cheers
You will love the vulcan s. Would like to hear how you think it compares to the shadow.
@@BryanRheem how much mpg do you get on city/highway i really want this bike and hope it gets good mpg
@@cameronmchugh4153 I get between 40 - 50mpg. If I'm on the throttle then more like 30 - 40. My riding is a mix between city and highway.
I've ridden feet forward & feet tucked under. feet forward is the way - for me. I did not enjoy my legs tucked at all. perhaps because my 1st & every bike since has been feet forward. I had to ride feet tucked on the CBT (rider safety course) bikes. just couldn't get used to the position. however you like to ride, do it well, do it safe. enjoy the road. just get home at the end of it ;)
Thanks for the comment!
The 250 thing is a lie, but it's true you'd be copromising on the highway. If you're ok with doing 65mmph I suppose. But a 400 is a great place to start and even stick to it. I've had all the big ones today they are just an exageration
Did you have any experience riding prior to purchasing this Vulcan S other than the new rider class?
Not really, none at all!
@@BryanRheem As a new rider has you ABS ever engaged
@@Smartstylist not yet, even after all these years. Partly because I ride super slow and I ride super defensively.
Gotta get a Two Brothers Exhaust
way too loud, especially for my passengers. I'm saving up for an arrow
I have not been riding in over ten years. Thinking about get this bike. How much did you get for?
I bought it new but 2 years old. I think I got it for around $7500? It should be lower than that now if you find a used 2015.
Thanks for the rely, that out the door price? Reason I'm asking, dealer keeps adding to the cost. It was little crazy and a turn off too.
@@my2wheels No, not including tax, tags, etc. Your dealer is adding options? or Warranties?
Bryan Rheem, he was adding back seat, to cost as well as the engine guard too. Looking like another $600 to the cost. I’m willing to pay in cash too. How did you make out of the deal? Any surprise?
I got the bike bone stock and added the rear seat and pegs myself (super simple bolt ons).
Does the Vulcan have a gear position display?
There is a Kawasaki one that is an additional accessory. It doesn't come with it stock but all the plugs are there for an easy installation if you choose to put it on.
Yes it does
2018+ models have a gear position display built in. 2015 - 2017 does not but Kawasaki has an optional accessory for it.
How is the passenger comfort with that set up?
Not comfortable for long rides. But perfectly fine for zipping around town.
Thanks. That's mostly all my wife likes to ride anyway
@@beerbreath27 you could put a rear rest as well.
Well I have to trade my current bike in first and then deal with the wife!
We have one available for purchase with only 9xx miles if interested just message.
There is no con to ABS. Tired of clowns even claiming that. It's just guys ragging on safety features...nothing more. Bikes should be standard with that.
I will always choose a bike with ABS!
It sounds like an old diesel engine.
Faster please!
Do you want me to talk faster???
No, ride faster! It's a nippy cruiser, you should show it as such. But then again I later realised you were a new rider, so I apologise for my comment, take it easy. Ride safe.
be a good bike for an old fart wanting to do the USA next summer?
Most definitely!
....after you replace that hard seat.