Quick summary
- The Yamaha XV 950 has a single disc brake in the front and a single disc brake in the rear.
- The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a dual disc brake in the front and a single disc brake in the rear.
- If you’re looking for a bike with a traditional cruiser feel, plenty of power, and a comfortable ride, the Yamaha XV 950 is a great choice.
The Yamaha XV 950 and Kawasaki Vulcan S are two of the most popular boulevard cruisers on the market. Both bikes offer a comfortable ride, plenty of power, and a stylish design. But which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Yamaha XV 950 and Kawasaki Vulcan S head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.
Engine
The Yamaha XV 950 is powered by a 942cc air-cooled V-twin engine that produces 50 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 advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the XV 950’s V-twin engine provides a more satisfying exhaust note and a more traditional cruiser feel.
Transmission
The Yamaha XV 950 is available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The Kawasaki Vulcan S is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The Vulcan S’s seven-speed automatic transmission is a major advantage over the XV 950’s four-speed automatic transmission. The Vulcan S’s transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, and it always seems to be in the right gear.
Suspension
The Yamaha XV 950 has a telescopic front fork and a swingarm rear suspension with dual shocks. The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a telescopic front fork and a monoshock rear suspension.
The Vulcan S’s monoshock rear suspension is a major advantage over the XV 950’s dual shock rear suspension. The monoshock provides a more comfortable ride, and it handles bumps and potholes better.
Brakes
The Yamaha XV 950 has a single disc brake in the front and a single disc brake in the rear. The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a dual disc brake in the front and a single disc brake in the rear.
The Vulcan S’s dual disc brake in the front provides better stopping power than the XV 950’s single disc brake. However, the XV 950’s brakes are still adequate for most riding conditions.
Weight
The Yamaha XV 950 weighs 641 pounds dry. The Kawasaki Vulcan S weighs 543 pounds dry.
The Vulcan S’s lighter weight makes it easier to maneuver and handle, especially at low speeds.
Price
The Yamaha XV 950 has a starting price of $8,999. The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a starting price of $7,499.
The Vulcan S’s lower price makes it a more affordable option for budget-minded riders.
Which Bike is Right for You?
The Yamaha XV 950 and Kawasaki Vulcan S are both excellent boulevard cruisers. However, they offer different advantages and disadvantages.
If you’re looking for a bike with a traditional cruiser feel, plenty of power, and a comfortable ride, the Yamaha XV 950 is a great choice.
If you’re looking for a bike that’s easy to maneuver, fuel-efficient, and affordable, the Kawasaki Vulcan S is a great choice.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. That way, you can experience firsthand the differences between them and make an informed decision.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which bike has more power?
A: The Kawasaki Vulcan S has more power than the Yamaha XV 950.
Q: Which bike has a better transmission?
A: The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a better transmission than the Yamaha XV 950.
Q: Which bike has a better suspension?
A: The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a better suspension than the Yamaha XV 950.
Q: Which bike has better brakes?
A: The Kawasaki Vulcan S has better brakes than the Yamaha XV 950.
Q: Which bike is lighter?
A: The Kawasaki Vulcan S is lighter than the Yamaha XV 950.
Q: Which bike is more affordable?
A: The Kawasaki Vulcan S is more affordable than the Yamaha XV 950.
