Vulcan S (649cc)Owner: unison
This corner introduces one MY Bike posted on Webike Community every week.
The model introduced this time is Kawasaki "Vulcan S" and the owner is "unison".
The Vulcan series was Kawasaki's dominant cruiser model. With its large, low, and long body, custom variations, classic, "the cruiser" look, and throbbing V-twin engine, it was easy to enter the market with a lineup of mid-size models.
It was such a famous model, but today's Vulcan S is a bit different. At any rate, it is equipped with a liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin-cylinder, high-output, the high-revving engine of the same lineage as the Ninja 650, with an output of 61 PS at 7,500 rpm. And yet, the seat height is an extremely low 705mm, only 10mm lower than that of the 50cc Honda Today, and the wheelbase is a low and long 1575mm! Yes, the current Vulcan S is a sports cruiser with the concept of a cruiser that can also be used for sports driving.
When it comes to customizing such a Vulcan S, it is understandable that one would want to give it more of a sport naked look than cruiser-style customization. The headlight of Mr. Unison's Vulcan S was changed to a classic round eye style. The motorcycle is now equipped with a bikini cowl, giving it a sporty look. He commented that there are not many external parts for a minor motorcycle, but that's why his modified machine has more presence.
The design of the Vulcan S is characterized by its odd-shaped, teardrop-shaped headlights. However, the round eyes also make it look even more like a naked motorcycle, which is very cool! However, there is also the Honda Rebel 500, a middle-class sports cruiser with round eyes. It takes some sense to differentiate the two!
The engine that every Vulcan S owner talks about is a powerful engine. Although it does not have a throbbing cruiser-like feeling, it is still able to enjoy winding roads because it is the same type of engine as the Ninja 650.
The step position is mid-control, like a naked motorcycle, but forward control is available as an option.
I wrote that the Vulcan series was a classic cruiser, but in fact, the first Vulcan was equipped with a parallel two-cylinder engine based on the one used in the GPZ400. It had the power of a sports machine itself, outputting 50 PS at 10,500 rpm, but its looks were chopper style! This is Ezo Silver Wolf's EN400 (it was not named "Vulcan" until a while after its release). While this is another unique design, the concept is similar to the modern "Vulcan S". I guess you could call it an ancestor!
FROM MY BIKE COMMENTS
Motive for purchase
I was considering the current Rebel, Volt, and Vulcan S as domestic American models, but I was interested in the sporty Vulcan S. I also like the naked look of the Vulcan S.
Advantages
It has good suspension, powerful low speed, and feels easy to use around town. It is a minor motorcycle, so it does not suffer from others.
Disadvantages
Minor models have few external parts, so the fun of playing with them is limited.
It is not well-known, so many people ask me what kind of motorcycle it is. (Although it is a joy to do so).
There is almost no space for loading, so a side bag is a must.
Address to prospective buyers
It has good footing and stability, so even beginners to large motorcycles can ride it with confidence.
Although it is a 650cc motorcycle, I have no complaints about the power, so if you like the style, I would recommend this motorcycle.
