Vulcan S 650 or Vulcan 900 Custom?

[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.

[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.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by 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.

I'm not really concerned with a center stand especially on a heaver bike. I have a paddock stand for that.

[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.

[JerryHawk250]

Well i guess the dealer is in no hurry to sell a bike. I've emailed them twice and talked to them on the phone about giving me a total cost on the bike before i make another 60+ mile trip to the dealership. I would go elsewhere but no other dealers near me even have a Vulcan S. The only other one I found was a 2021 and awful color scheme.

[2LZ]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

Well i guess the dealer is in no hurry to sell a bike. I've emailed them twice and talked to them on the phone about giving me a total cost on the bike before i make another 60+ mile trip to the dealership. I would go elsewhere but no other dealers near me even have a Vulcan S. The only other one I found was a 2021 and awful color scheme.

Precisely why there's not a new DRZ400SM in my shop. They wont give you an OTD price. They want you in the booth to take a beating.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by 2LZ

Precisely why there's not a new DRZ400SM in my shop. They wont give you an OTD price. They want you in the booth to take a beating.

Well i gave up on the dealer i actually went test drive the bike. I found another dealer that has two Vulcan S Cafe's. They were quick to respond with an out the door price of $7,970.59 which includes the TT&L. I'm making arrangements now with the finance company and will head out on Saturday to pick up if everything goes as planned.
Here the stock photo from there website.

[herbie]

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

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by herbie

I checked my local dealer and they have 2021 models on sale at $6499. Seems like a good price for a nice bike, I may have to investigate this a little more

I was looking at the base model from the dealer that won't respond for around the same price. It's all the additional fees they stack on top that i was trying to get. The problem with the 2021 is that you will not be able to install any aftermarket tuning. The 2021 ECU's are locked and will throw non removable error codes. I know these bikes are known for having a twitchy low speed throttle and aggressive engine break and that the booster plug will smooth it all out. I won't be able to do the booster plug on the 2021.

[herbie]

I didn’t know that, you sure do your due diligence that’s for sure! That makes sense to go with the 2020 model

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by herbie

I didn’t know that, you sure do your due diligence that’s for sure! That makes sense to go with the 2020 model

That's what i do. I don't leave a stone unturned. LOL

[JerryHawk250]

The dealer just sent me an actual picture of the bike. It's a little lighter blue than i expected but still looks beautiful. I can live with it. The first dealer finally emailed me. Bike was sold and doesn't have anymore 2020's in stock. Trying to sell me a 2021 but still didn't give me the out the door price on that one. Oh well. His loss.

[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.