Chronicling Adventures On Two Stroke

Cruiser Showdown: Kawasaki Vulcan S Vs Yamaha V Star 650, Which One To Ride?

At a Glance

  • The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a starting price of $7,399, while the Yamaha V Star 650 has a starting price of $6,899.
  • This makes the V Star 650 the more affordable option, but it is important to keep in mind that the Vulcan S comes with more standard features.
  • The Kawasaki Vulcan S and Yamaha V Star 650 are both excellent cruisers that offer a comfortable riding experience, plenty of power, and a stylish design.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S and Yamaha V Star 650 are two of the most popular cruisers on the market today. Both bikes offer a comfortable riding experience, plenty of power, and a stylish design. But which one is the right choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Kawasaki Vulcan S vs Yamaha V Star 650 in terms of performance, features, and price to help you make an informed decision.

Performance

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 61 horsepower and 46 lb-ft of torque. The Yamaha V Star 650 is powered by a 652cc V-twin engine that produces 40 horsepower and 39 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the Vulcan S has a clear advantage in terms of power. However, the V Star 650 is a lighter bike, so it actually has a slightly better power-to-weight ratio. This means that the V Star 650 will feel more responsive and agile than the Vulcan S, especially at low speeds.

Features

The Kawasaki Vulcan S comes standard with a number of features that the Yamaha V Star 650 does not, including:

  • ABS brakes: ABS brakes help to prevent the wheels from locking up during braking, which can lead to a loss of control.
  • Traction control: Traction control helps to prevent the rear wheel from spinning out of control when accelerating, which can be especially helpful on slippery surfaces.
  • Cruise control: Cruise control allows you to set a desired speed and the bike will maintain that speed without you having to constantly adjust the throttle.

The Yamaha V Star 650 does not come standard with any of these features, but they are available as options.

Price

The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a starting price of $7,399, while the Yamaha V Star 650 has a starting price of $6,899. This makes the V Star 650 the more affordable option, but it is important to keep in mind that the Vulcan S comes with more standard features.

Which Bike is Right for You?

If you are looking for a powerful and feature-rich cruiser, the Kawasaki Vulcan S is a great choice. However, if you are looking for a more affordable and agile bike, the Yamaha V Star 650 is a better option.

In a nutshell: The Verdict

The Kawasaki Vulcan S and Yamaha V Star 650 are both excellent cruisers that offer a comfortable riding experience, plenty of power, and a stylish design. Ultimately, the best bike for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a powerful and feature-rich bike, the Vulcan S is a great choice. If you are looking for a more affordable and agile bike, the V Star 650 is a better option.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which bike has more power, the Kawasaki Vulcan S or the Yamaha V Star 650?
A: The Kawasaki Vulcan S has more power, with 61 horsepower compared to the Yamaha V Star 650’s 40 horsepower.

Q: Which bike is more affordable, the Kawasaki Vulcan S or the Yamaha V Star 650?
A: The Yamaha V Star 650 is more affordable, with a starting price of $6,899 compared to the Kawasaki Vulcan S’s starting price of $7,399.

Q: Which bike is more fuel-efficient, the Kawasaki Vulcan S or the Yamaha V Star 650?
A: The Yamaha V Star 650 is more fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 54 mpg compared to the Kawasaki Vulcan S’s 48 mpg.

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About the Author
Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his...