Vulcan S vs Vulcan 900: Which Bike Is Better For Your Ride?

Kawasaki cruising series motorbikes are helmed for their cruising style, power and comfy yet stylish riding experience. Over the years, Kawasaki introduced different cruising motorcycles and Kawasaki S and Vulcan 900, are two of their state-of-the-art motorcycles. 

Kawasaki S series is a complete sports cruising motorbike whereas Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is a classic cruising motorcycle. As you see the Vulcan S vs. Vulcan 900 comparison, you will find that the Vulcan 900 is slightly more powerful with the Vulcan 900 Classic version having a 903cc engine. Conversely, the Vulcan S 650 has a 649cc engine. 

Both bikes offer exceptional performance and style. In this comparison, you will find the price, specifications & other features of Vulcan S vs Vulcan 900 in the article. Besides, the article may help you to choose the right motorcycle for you.

Features of Vulcan S vs Vulcan 900

Vulcan S and Vulcan 900 are both powerful motorcycles. Both bikes have distinct features for different types of riders. Let’s get into the details of each bike.

Features of Vulcan S:

Kawasaki Introduced the Vulcan S series in 2015 as their premier sports-cruising motorcycle. It came as the Vulcan S 650 and gained immediate popularity thanks to its lightweight design and comfort. 

The Vulcan S is a lightweight cruiser with a carb weight of 518 lbs only. It is designed for versatility and customization. It boasts an adjustable riding position. It allows the riders to enjoy their rights with the best comfort level. Besides, it provides a parallel twin engine. Thus, it can deliver smooth power helping you to reach 120 MPH for amazing rides. 

The Vulcan S offers a thrilling ride for beginners. The riders can easily handle the bike for riding. The bike comes with fuel injection systems for efficient performance. It offers ample storage space options of 14L fuel.

It has 130 mm ground clearance and 2310 mm length. The height of the bike is 1090 mm, and the width is 855mm. Besides, it has a strong wheelbase of 1575 mm with radial tire. The max power of the engine is 61 PS @ 7500 rpm with a 60 mm stroke.

Features of Vulcan 900:

Kawasaki stormed the motorcycle market with the Vulcan 900 Classic edition in 2008 with a liquid-cooled engine having 903CC engine displacement. 

The Vulcan 900 maintains a traditional styling and power. It is also equipped with a V-twin engine. It delivers strong low-end torque that can take you on highways effortlessly. Its larger size provides extra stability. You will also find comfort during long rides. 

The Vulcan 900 typically has more accessories available. The front suspension consists of a 41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork. The seat height of the bike is 26.8 inches. It creates a relaxed riding position.

The engine delivers impressive torque and horsepower. It also has a smooth-shifting 5-speed transmission. It ensures smooth shifts and a broad power band. Also, it has a large, sculpted fuel tank and a wide rear fender. 

Vulcan S Vs. Vulcan 900: The Differences 

There are a few key differences between the Vulcan S and Vulcan 900. First, we can talk about their engine sizes. There is a liquid-cooled 649cc parallel-twin engine in Vulcan S. On the other hand, the Vulcan 900 boasts a larger air-cooled V-twin engine. It has a displacement of 903cc. Therefore, it can provide some extra power and torque. 

Feature / Aspect	Kawasaki Vulcan S	Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Engine Size and Power	649cc parallel-twin engine	903cc V-twin engine
Riding Style	Versatile, customizable	Classic cruiser style
Handling	Nimble and agile	More substantial and stable
Price	Typically more affordable at $7899	Typically slightly higher at $8999
Customization Options	Highly customizable	Some customization options
Engine Character	Smooth power delivery	Strong low-end torque
Ergonomics	Adjustable riding position	Traditional cruiser style
Aesthetics	Modern and sleek	Classic cruiser look
Weight	Lightweight design at 518lbs.	Heavier and larger at 695lbs.
Suitable for Beginners	Beginner-friendly	Appealing to some beginners
Long-Distance Riding	Versatile for off-road	Comfortable highway cruiser
Off-Road Capabilities	Suitable for challenging terrains	Limited off-road capability
Fuel Efficiency	Good fuel efficiency	Lower efficiency with power
Versatility	Good for city and tight turns	Better for long-distance

You will find another notable difference in their riding positions. The Vulcan S offers an adjustable ergonomic setup. This Ergo-Fit setup allows the riders to customize their riding experience. They can adjust the handlebars, foot pegs, and seat height according to their preferences. 

On the other hand, the Vulcan 900 has a more traditional cruiser-style riding position. It provides forward-mounted foot controls and wider handlebars. However, The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic is priced at $8999 for the 2023 edition. The Kawasaki Vulcan S Motorcycle has a price tag of  $7,849 for the ABS version and the non-ABS version is priced slightly lower at $7,449.

However, in terms of aesthetics, both bikes have their unique charm. The Vulcan S sports provide a modern style with its slim profile and sleek lines. The riders can get a contemporary look of the bike. But the Vulcan 900 exudes classic cruiser vibes. It has wide fenders and chrome accents.

While both bikes provide an enjoyable ride on smooth roads, you will find differences in versatility. Vulcan S has a lightweight design. So riding the bike through city streets or tight turns is easy. 

However, something other than Vulcan S may be suitable for rugged terrains. The Vulcan 900 is the best for this purpose. As it provides a longer travel shock design, it will be suitable for cruising for long travel.

Vulcan S and Vulcan 9 Riding Style:

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is renowned for its adaptability and versatility. The Vulcan S features an innovative Ergo-Fit system. It helps to fine-tune their riding position. This includes adjusting the handlebars, foot pegs, and seat height. Its high customization ensures that riders of various sizes and preferences can achieve an ideal and comfortable riding posture.

Due to its adjustable ergonomics, the Vulcan S is incredibly versatile. It can easily accommodate both novice and experienced riders, as well as those with different body types. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for riders seeking a bike that suits their specific needs.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900, in contrast, offers a distinct classic cruiser riding style that appeals to a particular group of riders. The Vulcan 900 embraces the traditional cruiser aesthetics. Its design has a laid-back riding position with forward-mounted foot controls and wide handlebars. The styling evokes the timeless charm of classic cruisers, making it a preferred choice for riders who appreciate the classic look and feel.

The cruiser-style riding position of the Vulcan 900 prioritizes rider comfort, especially during extended highway cruising. The bike’s spacious seating arrangement allows riders to stretch their legs and relax, making it ideal for leisurely long-distance journeys.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Each Bike?

When comparing the Vulcan S and the Vulcan 900, you must consider the strengths and weaknesses. Both bikes offer amazing features. Therefore, there are many pros of bikes. But the Vulcan S and Vulcan 900 both have some cons.

Pros of Vulcan S:

• One of the biggest advantages of Vulcan S is its versatility. 
• This bike features an adjustable ergonomics system. 
• It allows riders to customize their riding position according to their preferences. 
• It also boasts a lightweight chassis. 

Cons of Vulcan s:

• Sometimes, the riders may find that the engine lacks power.  
• The adjustable ergonomics are a plus. 
• The taller riders might feel slightly cramped on longer rides.

Pros of Vulcan 900:

• The Vulcan 900 has a larger engine displacement.
• It provides more power on tap.
• This bike offers a thrilling ride with great performance. 
• Its classic styling is another major draw for many riders.

Cons of Vulcan 900:

• It has a comparatively heavy weight and larger size.
• Therefore, riding in tight spaces or at slow speed, like parking lot navigation, takes a lot of work. Another consideration of the bike is fuel economy. 
• You will get low efficiency with increased power.

Both bikes have their distinct advantages and drawbacks. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and riding style. You may prioritize customization options or raw power. They will play a key role in determining which bike suits you best.

Which One Is Better For Beginners: Vulcan S Vs. Vulcan 900?

Both the Vulcan S and the Vulcan 900 offer great options for beginners. You may need clarification about choosing the best one from Vulcan s vs Vulcan 900. However, some key differences may influence your decision.

The Vulcan S is often considered a more beginner-friendly choice for its lightweight design. Besides, it provides adjustable ergonomics. The low seat height is very helpful for the new riders. They can touch the ground with comfort. 

The bike’s narrow frame also contributes to its maneuverability. Thus, it allows new riders to navigate traffic or tight spaces confidently.

On the other hand, the Vulcan 900 offers a more traditional cruiser experience. It has a larger engine displacement and classic styling. Therefore, it delivers an authentic riding experience that many beginners find appealing. 

It may be slightly heavier than the Vulcan S. Its power delivery is smooth and predictable. Therefore, it is perfect for those who crave more oomph on their rides.

The choice of a beginner depends on his personal preferences and comfort level. Both bikes have their merits. Both can provide an enjoyable riding experience for newcomers to cruisers. So, the beginner will decide to choose the bike based on his preference.

Which Bike Is Better For Long Rides And Off-Road Riding?

The Vulcan S and the Vulcan 900 have unique strengths for long rides and off-road. The Vulcan S offers a more agile and nimble ride. Therefore, it is suitable for riding in tight corners and challenging terrains. 

Its lightweight design and adjustable riding position allow for greater control. It gives the riders confidence on rough roads or off-road trails. Additionally, its low seat height provides added stability during off-road excursions.

On the other hand, the Vulcan 900 boasts a larger engine displacement. So, it can provide more power on long journeys. The riders will also get a smooth acceleration and comfortable riding. The spacious seating arrangement ensures maximum comfort on a long road.

Choosing between these two models depends on personal preferences. If you prioritize versatility for off-road or urban areas, choose Vulcan S. It is the best choice as it provides enough power for longer trips so the Vulcan S may be your best bet. 

However, if you value raw power and comfort on the highway, you can go with the Vulcan 900. It’s crucial to consider some factors in off-road situations. The factors are riding experience, terrain conditions, and desired level of comfort ability. 

Conclusion

Both Vulcan S and Vulcan 900 have their unique qualities and strengths. In this article, we have clearly compared the Vulcan S vs Vulcan 900. Both bikes have different features. Hope you have got an idea for both bikes.

Consider your riding preferences and skill level when choosing between these two bikes. The Vulcan S might be your best bet if you’re a beginner. But if you prioritize long-distance or off-road exploration, then the Vulcan 900 could be the better option.