I’m not sure what Britney Spears was singing about when she sang, “Oops!…I did it Again”, but I did it again…

I’ve been eyeing and researching the Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 for at least a year.  I couldn’t resist when I found this one.  It’s a 2023 with only 277 miles.  Break-in period hasn’t been completed nor first oil change.  Showroom condition and I feel like I stole it for $5100.

Will I like the higher revving Ninja-based parallel twin with 180° crank?  It sure isn’t Thumper and it makes my casual and lazy Honda Shadow Spirit VT750 feel like a Cadillac.

I have to experience it to decide if I like it.  If it ain’t for me, I can get my money back out of it within a year.

A nifty marketing thing about these bikes is the ERGO FIT.  At the point of initial sale, there are 3 seat options, 2 handlebar options, and 3 foot peg position settings.  Mine is setup as standard “mid reach”, but I may move the pegs back and get the extended reach handlebars to bring them closer to me. Moving the pegs only requires a different length shift rod ($10) and the extended reach handlebars are only about $65.

Right off the bat, what do I like and what attracted me…. Gotta try this parallel twin, fuel injected, cast wheels and tubeless tires, low solo seat, “muscle cruiser” look, and it’s more 21st century….  And I’ve got a case of old man crazies…

I need to take some better pics…but here it is!

Anybody familiar with these bikes?

Wow Paul !

That's a   looking machine !  

The day I picked up my 650 there was a guy at the Bike shop picking up a VN-650 and even though mine is pettier    I couldn't help but think how much more powerful that Kawasaki is :

Kawasaki VN 650                       RE Meteor 650
B/S               83/60 mm                          78/68
Compression  10.8-1                               9.5-1
Weight           471 #                                531 #

There ain't no point in getting in a drag race with you !    

It looks to me that the Kawasaki caries it weight "Down Nice and Low" also .   I'd think it would corner VERY WELL too !
Have you tried to adjust the Shocks to "Soften" the ride a little ?

I understand the VN 650 has a Heavy flywheel and long intake stacks to help with low RPM power ,    .   I'd also think the fuel millage would be impressive .    There seems to be a lot to like in that bike !  I predict there will be a Honda 750 V-twin for sale in Texas before the end of next year .  

I like your take on it, OldNSlow!  We’ve heard of Muscle Cruisers and Sport Touring, and this is kinda like hybrid Sport Cruiser.  In a way, it kinda reminds me of a V-Rod with half a V.

I wouldn’t think of trying to keep up with Super Dave!!  All of y’all have way more riding experience than me for that matter!  I felt bad for Dave on our group ride when he was riding sweep.  Even though he was riding 2-up with his wife, I could quickly tell he wanted to hit the twisties faster than I was willing to try!

Needing to complete the break-in period on this bike is a really good thing for me.  It forces me to learn the bike at lower revs before I try to give it a fist full of throttle.

I’m really not a hotrod type rider, but I have to admit that I wanted the extra power available if the urge arises.  I think this bike will cruise at 65mph at like 4,500rpm.  At that rate, you’re not even close to where peak torque and horsepower are made.

Serowbot wrote on 10/20/24 at 06:35:06:


Thanks Serowbot!  A detuned Ninja crotch rocket engine should suit me just fine.  I’m totally with you about sport bike ergo!  My bones don’t want to do that anymore.  Those days ended in the 80s!