The Middleweight Cruiser With 18 Ergonomic Configurations And A Ninja-Derived Parallel-Twin
One of the most frustrating and disappointing things to deal with as a motorcycle enthusiast is to hop on the bike you have been dreaming about for ages, only to find that it simply does not fit. Motorcycles are unique in the sense that they can only be designed to fit a medium-sized rider, and if you fall on one extreme or the other, there are certain motorcycles that you just won’t be able to ride without extreme modifications. Good technique can compensate to some extent, but this requires a level of commitment that may not always be worth it.
Setting Ego To One Side
One of the biggest issues in motorcycling is riders buying the wrong bike, and then trying, for however long, to adapt to the bike. Dealerships will almost always point you towards one of the more expensive models that can be outfitted with expensive options. This is just business, and it is important to understand this before making a purchase.
One of those bigger, more powerful bikes on offer will appeal to our ego. Buying a bike that is too big or too powerful for you is very easy to justify when ego gets involved. We will convince ourselves that we will “grow into it.” But, in reality, more growth happens on a bike that you can ride comfortably, and confidently. Simply sitting on a bike will actually tell us a lot more than any spec sheet ever will. Motorcycles are about feeling, and each motorcycle has nuanced differences that won’t show up on text.
For new riders there is a great selection of smaller capacity options these days. But, for those ready to step up to a bigger middleweight, there is one bike that fits every conceivable shape and size, and well worth a look if you are struggling to find a bike that actually fits your frame.
The Kawasaki Vulcan S Offers More Adjustability Than Any Other Motorcycle Currently On The Market
MSRP: $7,649 – $8,149
In the past, most motorcycles offered enough ergonomic flexibility to accommodate most riders, but over the years, most likely in an effort to lower production costs, this has been phased out. The Vulcan S is something of a throwback in this respect, offering an impressive 18 ergonomic configurations that will help almost any size rider find a comfortable riding position. This Ergo-Fit system makes this one of the most approachable middleweight bikes on the market, but it is still a middleweight, and not necessarily as beginner-friendly as Kawasaki claim it to be.
The Vulcan S Has A Sporty Ninja-Derived Twin
Power: 60 Horsepower
One of the main reasons we struggle to consider the Vulcan S as an option for new riders is the fact that it has a pretty sporty parallel-twin.
This is the same engine you would otherwise find in the Ninja 650 sport bike. While it is in a more mild state of tune than the Ninja, with 60 horsepower as opposed to 67 horsepower, it is still the kind of powertrain that likes to rev. It won’t be ideal for newer riders, and won’t necessarily appeal to those looking for a more traditional cruiser that makes all its torque lower down in the rev range either.
Balancing Approachability And Rider Engagement
The Vulcan S offers a more balanced approach to motorcycling in general. A combination of its sporty power delivery and equally sporty chassis deliver a unique riding experience for a cruiser. It well and truly lives up to the “S” in its name, and can be a fun bike to ride on a nice twisty canyon road. That said, it is still an approachable bike that certainly won’t be intimidating riders with a year or two of riding experience.
The Ergo-Fit System Makes The Vulcan S A More Comfortable Cruiser
One small caveat here is that some of the configurations require an optional shift linkage to be fitted if you fall on either of the two extremes. In our opinion, this is not a big issue and is well worth spending the extra money if it achieves a superior fit. The 18 different configurations are split between three levels of reach (reduced, mid, and extended), and help make the Vulcan S one of the most comfortable lightweight cruisers’ money can buy.
Much is made of how comfortable certain motorcycles are to ride, but once the ergonomics are compromised, all that goes out the window. The Ergo-Fit system is a simple innovation that makes a discernible difference. At present, it is also the only motorcycle on the market that offers this level of adjustability, which is a shame. This is something that could easily be added to more motorcycles, but it would almost certainly add to production costs.
Good Ergonomics Are Only One Part Of The Motorcycling Puzzle
Another contributing factor to this system not being introduced on other models is the fact that there are just so many different kinds of motorcycles these days. Each manufacturer builds a wide selection of different sized motorcycles already, and it just makes more financial sense for dealers to point customers to another model. Even for those looking at getting a lightweight cruiser, you can choose between this and the Eliminator. If you look at what is on offer from other manufacturers, there are several more good options.
At the end of the day, larger displacement motorcycles like the Vulcan S are an emotional purchase. No matter how good the fit might be, you may not be able to build a good connection with the bike. That connection is of equal importance, and it might not be made with a bike that fits your body particularly well. Not everyone wants a lightweight metric cruiser like this. There is a reason why you will see short riders willing to hop off a big ADV at every traffic light, and tall riders willing to ride a cramped mini-bike. They have found the bike that feels right for them.
Buying the wrong bike isn’t just buying a bike with your ego. It is also buying a bike that forces you to make too much of a compromise. Unless you are a new rider still learning the ropes (although some beginner bikes are more fun than you might think), the one thing that should never be compromised is your ability to actually enjoy riding the motorcycle you choose.
Source: Kawasaki
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