Vulcan S 650 or Vulcan 900 Custom?

[david3921]

Yep, lots of familiar looking parts on that Kawasaki (look at my sig). Something to be aware of is that it's hard, if not impossible, to get a center stand for it. There are ones that were developed for the Versys/ERN6N but they are very spendy. I just solved it by getting a stand. It's also fun to play with the sprockets. It's almost mandatory to swap out the front 15T to a 16T on the Versus to calm it down. It also makes the Speedo accurate. I'm sure the ratio on the S is more cruiser friendly but a simple swap in the front can make it jump off the line if you are so inclined. The vibes from the twin are noticeable when new but smooth out with added miles and a switch to better oils. I noticed a huge change switching to Rotella at my first oil change. I'm sure you'll be happy with your purchase, hopefully with a good price from the dealer.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by david3921

Yep, lots of familiar looking parts on that Kawasaki (look at my sig). Something to be aware of is that it's hard, if not impossible, to get a center stand for it. There are ones that were developed for the Versys/ERN6N but they are very spendy. I just solved it by getting a stand. It's also fun to play with the sprockets. It's almost mandatory to swap out the front 15T to a 16T on the Versus to calm it down. It also makes the Speedo accurate. I'm sure the ratio on the S is more cruiser friendly but a simple swap in the front can make it jump off the line if you are so inclined. The vibes from the twin are noticeable when new but smooth out with added miles and a switch to better oils. I noticed a huge change switching to Rotella at my first oil change. I'm sure you'll be happy with your purchase, hopefully with a good price from the dealer.

Thanks for the info. That's good to know. I'm sure if i end up getting it i'll be looking at everything i can to make it even better. You know i can't leave anything stock. lol

[herbie]

Good for you Jerry, after all you’ve been through you deserve a new bike!

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by david3921

Yep, lots of familiar looking parts on that Kawasaki (look at my sig). Something to be aware of is that it's hard, if not impossible, to get a center stand for it. There are ones that were developed for the Versys/ERN6N but they are very spendy. I just solved it by getting a stand. It's also fun to play with the sprockets. It's almost mandatory to swap out the front 15T to a 16T on the Versus to calm it down. It also makes the Speedo accurate. I'm sure the ratio on the S is more cruiser friendly but a simple swap in the front can make it jump off the line if you are so inclined. The vibes from the twin are noticeable when new but smooth out with added miles and a switch to better oils. I noticed a huge change switching to Rotella at my first oil change. I'm sure you'll be happy with your purchase, hopefully with a good price from the dealer.

It looks like the Vulcan S comes with the same 15/46 sprockets. Did you have any issues with clearance with the 16 tooth? A 43 tooth rear would be about the same gear ratio with the 15 tooth front.

[Megadan]

As far as center stands go, I know T-Rex racing makes one specifically for the Vulcan S 650. It's a bit over 200 bucks, so price isn't too terrible. The center stand for my Honda is almost $300 alone, and the full kit is nearly 400.

Honestly, center stands are really only useful for trip maintenance (chain cleaning and roadside repairs when away from home). Otherwise, a basic paddock stand does the same job at home. I use the hell out of my pitbull stands for storage and maintenance.

[david3921]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

It looks like the Vulcan S comes with the same 15/46 sprockets. Did you have any issues with clearance with the 16 tooth? A 43 tooth rear would be about the same gear ratio with the 15 tooth front.

Nope, no issues. The chain is long enough to accommodate it without messing with any links. It seems like everyone was changing the front on the Versys...well, almost everyone. The wheely guys like the 15T. Some even go down to a 14T.

BTW, a 16T is the largest you can go on the front as it comes with a 520 chain. The best way to get the sprocket off is with an impact. For some reason they are super tight from the factory. There's a locking washer that needs to be flattened before accessing the nut.

[Megadan]

Absolutely get the 650. It's a "cruiser" in the seating position, but they are very sporty feeling/riding bikes. They are a parts bin bike so replacement parts and upgrades are abundant. That engine has been around a long while and has been ironed out really well. Quite hard to go wrong with it.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Megadan

Absolutely get the 650. It's a "cruiser" in the seating position, but they are very sporty feeling/riding bikes. They are a parts bin bike so replacement parts and upgrades are abundant. That engine has been around a long while and has been ironed out really well. Quite hard to go wrong with it.

Yeah, i noticed there are a lot of after market parts for this bike.

[wheelbender6]

I'll step out of line and vote for the old V-twin Vulcan 900. Its sounds great and it is well made. My neighbor had one and kept in top condition.
-One of the things I do like about the 650 is the very adjustable seating position. That is pretty valuable when you reach the "arthritic" years, LOL.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by wheelbender6

I'll step out of line and vote for the old V-twin Vulcan 900. Its sounds great and it is well made. My neighbor had one and kept in top condition.
-One of the things I do like about the 650 is the very adjustable seating position. That is pretty valuable when you reach the "arthritic" years, LOL.

Oh, I agree with you on the looks of the 900. That's just it, I've reached the arthritic years. Lol The ability to adjust everything is what sold me. The one I drove was set up perfect for me. On the 900 I found my legs and arms where stretched out a little farther that I liked. The Vulcan S had a little more power and the fun factor was a little higher as well. It's all about the ride and not the look.

[JerryHawk250]

Well nothing is never simple. About 5 years ago someone had opened a credit card in my name and i didn't know it. About a year later I get a letter form a collection agent. I told them i know nothing about it and disputed the collection. After that i haven't heard anything about it. Come to find out after 4 years it's still on my credit report. I have no problem getting a loan but the interest rate is almost double what it should be. Now I'm working with a finance Co that I've recently used and payed off. Hopefully they can do better. I refuse to pay a high interest rate because of some low life hacking my information.

[2LZ]

That's a good price. I just checked the Kawasaki dealer in Sac and they START at 8199 for the same bike.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by 2LZ

That's a good price. I just checked the Kawasaki dealer in Sac and they START at 8199 for the same bike.

That's why I'm jumping on it.

[JerryHawk250]

I got everything straighten out, I think. lol Well almost. I'm supposed to go pick up the bike tomorrow. I had issues with making a mobile deposit to my Credit Union account for the down payment. App updated recently and for whatever reason the deposit gets rejected because it claims it's not endorsed properly even though it is. So after literally hours of setting up a transfer from my bank account to my credit union account, it's telling me the deposit wont go through till Monday. I got a confirmation email that it went through but doesn't show up in either account. I can't get a hold of the loan officer. Keeps going to voice mail. No response to text or email so I don't know if everything is still on go for tomorrow. The dealer hasn't received anything either. And I can't figure out why my nerves are shot. Nothing ever goes easy.

[tknj99]

Alittle late to this thread, but im sure you'll love the Vulcan.. i'm loving my 03 Vulcan Mean Streak, looks good, rides great and hauls ass.. and still kickin' after 18 years