Chronicling Adventures On Two Stroke

Face-off: Yamaha Bolt 950 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S – The Ultimate Cruiser Comparison

Quick notes

  • However, the Bolt 950 is a better choice for riders who prioritize comfort and power, while the Vulcan S is a better choice for riders who prioritize affordability and fuel efficiency.
  • The Vulcan S, on the other hand, has a higher top speed, is more fuel-efficient, and has a few unique features, such as a slipper clutch and a traction control system.
  • The Yamaha Bolt 950 is a better choice for long rides because it has a more comfortable seat and a suspension that is tuned for comfort.

The Yamaha Bolt 950 and the Kawasaki Vulcan S are two of the most popular cruisers on the market. Both bikes offer a comfortable ride, plenty of power, and a stylish design. But which one is the right choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Yamaha Bolt 950 and the Kawasaki Vulcan S in detail to help you make an informed decision.

Performance

The Yamaha Bolt 950 is powered by a 942cc air-cooled V-twin engine that produces 54 horsepower and 58 lb-ft of torque. The Kawasaki Vulcan S is powered by a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces 61 horsepower and 46 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the Vulcan S has a slight edge in horsepower, but the Bolt 950 has more torque. This means that the Bolt 950 will feel more powerful off the line and at low speeds. The Vulcan S, on the other hand, will be more fuel-efficient and have a higher top speed.

Handling

The Yamaha Bolt 950 has a low seat height and a wide handlebar, which makes it easy to maneuver. The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a slightly higher seat height and a narrower handlebar, which makes it a bit more difficult to handle at low speeds. However, the Vulcan S has a longer wheelbase than the Bolt 950, which makes it more stable at high speeds.

Comfort

The Yamaha Bolt 950 has a plush seat and a suspension that is tuned for comfort. The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a firmer seat and a suspension that is tuned for performance. This means that the Bolt 950 will be more comfortable on long rides, while the Vulcan S will be more responsive in the corners.

Features

The Yamaha Bolt 950 comes standard with a number of features, including a fuel injection system, a digital odometer, and a trip computer. The Kawasaki Vulcan S comes standard with a few less features, but it does have a few unique features, such as a slipper clutch and a traction control system.

Price

The Yamaha Bolt 950 has a starting price of $8,999. The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a starting price of $7,099. This makes the Vulcan S a more affordable option, but it is important to note that the Bolt 950 comes with more standard features.

Which Bike is Right for You?

The Yamaha Bolt 950 and the Kawasaki Vulcan S are both great cruisers, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Bolt 950 is a more comfortable and powerful bike, while the Vulcan S is a more affordable and fuel-efficient bike.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. This will allow you to experience the differences between the two bikes firsthand and make an informed decision.

Final Thoughts

The Yamaha Bolt 950 and the Kawasaki Vulcan S are two of the best cruisers on the market. Both bikes offer a comfortable ride, plenty of power, and a stylish design. However, the Bolt 950 is a better choice for riders who prioritize comfort and power, while the Vulcan S is a better choice for riders who prioritize affordability and fuel efficiency.

Top Questions Asked

1. What is the difference between the Yamaha Bolt 950 and the Kawasaki Vulcan S?

The Yamaha Bolt 950 has a larger engine, more torque, and a lower seat height than the Kawasaki Vulcan S. The Vulcan S, on the other hand, has a higher top speed, is more fuel-efficient, and has a few unique features, such as a slipper clutch and a traction control system.

2. Which bike is better for beginners?

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is a better choice for beginners because it is more affordable, easier to handle, and has a lower seat height.

3. Which bike is better for long rides?

The Yamaha Bolt 950 is a better choice for long rides because it has a more comfortable seat and a suspension that is tuned for comfort.

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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...