Living with the 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S: Is It Worth It?

Do you want to know what it's like to live with the brand new 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S? I'll tell you all about it, after riding it for 2 weeks straight here's what I really think about this motorcycle.
Is it the best middleweight cruiser on the market?

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[TenguTV]

I bought a 2022 Vulcan S in October 2021, after a very long hiatus of not riding. I looked at many different bikes from the Indian Scout to the Triumph Bonneville, and other great models.

My brother manages a Kawasaki dealership, so I gave him a call when I was ready to buy, and hear his suggestions. I was eyeballing the Z900. Now, he rides everything under the sun, but has mainly been a supersport liter bike rider (after racing motocross since we were children). It helps that he knows what I like and considers my body type (6’4” and 215 lbs). He couldn’t suggest the Vulcan S fast enough. Not only because it had been some years since I’ve ridden last, but in his words, “Dude, this is a VERY fun bike to ride”. The Ergo Fit system also made it comfortable at my height and limb reach.

Now, I wasn’t initially keen on a 650cc. I come from a Harley background, and customized them for decades, so I wanted more power. But at only 480 lbs, the power to weight ratio on the Vulcan S has plenty of get-up-and-go.

So, I rode it for a year and he was right. It is a VERY fun bike to ride. I needed something nimble and responsive for urban riding, but also to take on longer trips occasionally. This fit both needs wonderfully.

But the Vulcan S doesn’t come perfect out of the factory. I made MANY modifications to it. Here’s my list….

1. Kuryakyn Mirrors (as all I saw was my shoulders with the stock mirrors).

2. Matt Gecko LED headlight. (The power of the sun at night!).

3. Chrome Glow LED tail light. (That huge stock eyesore had to go)

4. Pirelli Angel 2 Tires. (The stock Dunlops are slippery in the rain and cold)

5. Quad Lock handlebar mount for my phone. (The best in market. Get the vibration dampener).

6. Kawasaki power outlet and rear fender bag.

7. Radiator cover to protect from stones and debris.

8. Corbin or Mustang seat. Your butt will hurt after an hour on long rides without replacing that seat.

The Game Changer… a new exhaust.

Now, not everyone will have the luxury of this option, depending on your laws which vary from country, state, and locality. The stock exhaust is nicely, yet dangerously quiet. Drivers will not hear you nearby. Presence is safety on a motorcycle.

I went with a Two Brothers race exhaust on mine, and boy what a difference! I didn’t have to change my O2 sensor, but I did need a Power Commander for conversion. After some serious re-tuning on the computer, it is a completely different motorcycle! More torque, more power, punchier in lower RPMs, higher rev between gear changes, and the sound is amazing! So loud that I feel bad riding through any neighborhood after the sun sets, so I’ll be adding a baffle to it this season (which will take it down 7dB).

I have the bike ripped apart for custom paint at the moment. With all these mods, it’s going to be hard to trade it in for anything else near this kind of comfort and performance for the price. Granted, I’m fortunate to have some advantages for upgrades. My brother gets me good prices on parts and labor, and my decades of professional auto painting and customization experience save me a ton of money as well. Between the two of us, I can do anything I want to this bike.

You WILL get some interesting looks and comments because the Vulcan S doesn’t fall into a particular category. It’s not fully a cruiser or a sport bike. It’s something in between, so it makes people stop and look. My friends get jealous when they see how much fun I’m having while we all ride. It’s making them re-think what they’d like to have.

So while the Vulcan S is often touted as a “good beginner bike”, “perfect for women or smaller people”, etc. etc., I think that, while true, is a limited view on what this model has to offer. Every person that has jumped on this bike, from beginners to highly experienced riders that have been on everything, has said these same words… “Wow, this is a surprisingly fun bike to ride!”

Isn’t that what this hobby is all about?

If you want to look cool, get a Harley or Indian. If you want to look like Steve McQueen, get a Bonneville. If you want to look like our Lord and Savior Valentino Rossi, get a liter bike. But if you want a fun bike to ride, get a Vulcan S.

[markchalupsky]

I own one and absolutely love it. I have added full windshield, floorboards, all LED bulbs, LED light bar, SHAD panniers and back box. Best Buy for the money for sure!

[mannygulliver]

I own a 2015 Vulcan S, I've owned her for almost 6 years. She's a fantastic, reliable bike. I've toured all over Europe and UK on her. She has never let me down. Maintenance and service are not expensive. This bike is great at handling and has great power for her class. I like her so much that I can not bring myself to let her go and get anything else. I thought about getting an Indian Scout Bobber but it's way too expensive and probably won't be any more fun than the Vulcan.

[Matching_Bikes.]

My girlfriend bought the 2021 Valcan 650s custom paint and trim. I just bought mine 2023 last week. Same bike just blackedout. We love them.

[PlayIam]

2021 Vulcan S, absolutely love it. Changed out the terrible Halogen light for an LED. Changed out the chrome levers for adjustable black levers, added Kuryakyn floorboards, added a kickstand extension pad, and last, Puig engine guards…that is it. PERFECT!

[matthewcrook]

I have owned mine for one year now, and I love it.
Very comfortable and has enough power. Always getting complements on it.

[fil.c]

I own Vulcan S '22. I love this bike man, I just love her! Although, I need one more category to fulfill my desires, I promised to never let her go of my garage for only one reason. SHE IS UNIQUE! I am from Greece and I traveled already almost the whole country on it in just 2 years! Only things I added on her was a Puig windshield, small size and dark, suitcases on the sides, tank-bag and a back for the passenger so we can both enjoy the trip a little better! She is absolutely amazing. She done good until now and I am sure she will do more in the future. I guarantee you this is a great bike for starters. Didn't I mention? She is my first!!! I wish you all safe and interesting rides!!!

[stevemaxein]

i own a 2018, bought new, installed a windscreen, ( big improvement over the road), tail bag, 12v adaptor, and the non functioning mirrors, lovin every minute of it

[hulsizer]

Proud owner, very fun to ride. Installed passenger seat, pegs, sissy bar and luggage rack. Love the upgradability.

[agentszero]

Having had this bike for 3 years now I have to say it has been awesome. Always get looks and lots of compliments. I bought it originally as a bike to get back into riding after a long hiatus (not wanting to go full on sport bike right off the bat). This summer I think it's time to sell and do an update (eyeing the Z900). If you're a beginner to intermediate rider and want something that is easy to ride, affordable, and fun take a Vulcan S for a test ride and see for yourself. Be safe and see you out there.

[MichelleBoyles-up]

Thank you for this video. I just got my license and am seriously considering the Vulcan as my first bike.

[moisesvaladez]

Just got my 2023 yesterday and man I love it just went on an 150 mile ride and it’s super comfy and reliable

[chonomercy]

I bought mine in new 2016, Only change is a R an G tail tidy and Street hard panniers. Done a few miles now with no issues. Great bike.

[JeffCatesTVP]

I have a delkavic exhaust on mine, and it makes all the difference in the world in the fun and cool categories.

[icky_thump]

I picked up a 2016 Vulcan S earlier this year in the spring after having not ridden since like 2011. I've always been a fan of Kawasaki, as it was the bike I started out on; a hand-me-down '83 CSR 650 from my dad.

I had been wanting a Ninja 650R for years but could never afford a bike. This year was finally the right time, but i've since outgrown the sport bike looks (nor am I as thin lol). When I learned that Kawi made a unique sport cruiser with the same engine i had loved for years, I was all in. It has been a great bike - have put about 2400 miles since April 30th. Definitely a great beginner bike, with linear power. Not too much to scare newcomers away, and not too weak to grow out of anytime soon.

[williammoore]

Good video. I bought a 2015 under 6 months ago. Had 2100 miles. I put another 1700 roughly so far. Seems to be a good bike. When I bought it. It had the back seat and rest plus the Kawasaki soft saddles bags. I added a radiator guard and a puigi windshield. Ride safe everyone.

[Darksider]

daily this bike for work and leisure too, it's a great bike, super fun, powerful and fast enough

[lancelotray]

one of the best comfortable bikes I've ridden.

[kirbylapierre]

Nice lookin machine, I watched some YouTube videos and then a couple ò weeks ago I sat on one at the local dealership, and now I want one!

[nigelsride]

I have the new 2023 Vulcan S, it's just superb and rides really well, plenty of power if needed, I ha e upgraded the exhaust and am having a new Core Motorecycles comfort seat made for them longer journeys. It is just a special crusier