Vulcan S 650 or Vulcan 900 Custom?

[JerryHawk250]

I installed a pair of Fog Light/ High Beam Driving lights yesterday afternoon. These lights are bright. It was an easy install. I drilled a hole in the center of my Cafe Windshield bracket to mount them. I also installed a mirror mounted three way switch to operate them. I had ordered mounting brackets so i could mount them on my crash bars but the brackets would fit. They were supposed to fit 1 1/4" bars but in reality they might of worked on 1 1/8" bar. Needless to say those got returned. I'm glad it didn't work because they fit much better where i mounted them. Here's are links to the switch and lights. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y131S53...roduct_details

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GS4QTZN...roduct_details

[JerryHawk250]

I guess it's time for a little review on the bike. Even with all the cold weather I managed to put just over 1630 mile on the bike. Yesterday alone I put over 125 miles. The weather was perfect in the upper 60's and lower 70's. The bike is really comfortable and with the new extended reach seat my rear had no complaints. lol My only complaints on this bike in stock form from the factory were the twitchy low speed throttle (that went away with the rear sprocket change), standard reach seat pressed on my tail bone which made it only slightly uncomfortable. Besides that, I love everything about the bike. I did make a few upgrade but were really not necessary. I replaced the stock headlight bulb which was really brighter than I've had on other bikes. I replaced with a LED which was a little brighter but also put less load on the charging system. The seat upgrade was necessary due to my height. I needed that extra inch so I could scoot back a little farther. But this is a standard free feature offered by Kawasaki to customize to you height. The new exhaust system wasn't necessary either. Stock exhaust was fine but just too quiet for me. The new exhaust sound is what I was looking for. It's not loud but I can hear it now. The throttle lock was nice yesterday on that long ride. I'm glad I bought it and works perfectly. I can't complain about the Viking Saddle bags either. These have plenty of storage space and are very sturdy. Adding the new fog lights/driving lights are bright and do make me feel like I'm more visible to others. Even in broad daylight I can see the light reflection in the rear of the vehicles in front of me. The yellow fog lights really are more noticeable in the daylight. I also replaced the rear 46 tooth sprocket with a 43 tooth. Since I wasn't planning on riding two up, the higher gear ratio was more suited for my light weight. Otherwise the stock 46 tooth would of been perfect for two up or heavier person.

I think I couldn't of made a better choice picking this bike. Kind of has the best of both worlds of being a sports bike in a cruiser riding position. Weather is only getting better by the day so should be racking up the miles soon.

[2LZ]

Glad to hear everything is working out and you have bonded! I know what you mean about, "I did make a few upgrade but were really not necessary." Fellow mod junkie here.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by 2LZ

Glad to hear everything is working out and you have bonded! I know what you mean about, "I did make a few upgrade but were really not necessary." Fellow mod junkie here.

Yeah, you know how it is. You have to put your personal touch on the bike. But have to admit it, I'm a mod junkie as well. lol

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

I'm a mod junkie

I resemble this remark.

I had a feeling you would like this bike. They are great bikes, and a good balance of comfort and sporty. That 650 engine is a gem and just powerful enough to make it a good useable machine without having to worry about accidentally doing 100mph (yes, I do that a LOT on my VFR)

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Megadan

I resemble this remark.

I had a feeling you would like this bike. They are great bikes, and a good balance of comfort and sporty. That 650 engine is a gem and just powerful enough to make it a good useable machine without having to worry about accidentally doing 100mph (yes, I do that a LOT on my VFR)

I've accidently hit that 100mph several times myself just passing cars.

I love everything about it. It's not heavy, very nimble and way more power than I really need. I got the rear rack Saturday and installed it yesterday. I liked the way it looks and for $100 less than Kawasaki wanted. Now all I need is some nice weather to ride. Looks like rain for most of the week.

[2LZ]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

....and way more power than I really need.

No such thing. Just like there's never too many mods.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by 2LZ

No such thing. Just like there's never too many mods.

True, but unlike mods, I'm not really looking for any extra power..... Yet. lol I do have one more mod coming, I promise. lol I did order another horn. I do hate sounding like the Roadrunner.

[herbie]

Get this horn Jerry, it's a hoot!

https://www.harborfreight.com/bad-bo...orn-94117.html

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by herbie

Get this horn Jerry, it's a hoot!

https://www.harborfreight.com/bad-bo...orn-94117.html

Yeah, I was looking at that one but it was a little bulky. I really didn't have a good place to install it. I ordered just a regular car horn. This one is suppose to be 130db. Will arrive tomorrow. That "Horn" decal will have to come off though. I think we know it's a horn. lol https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08K35P1J6...roduct_details

[JerryHawk250]

I just rolled over 2000 smiles on her this morning. I'm still grinning ear to ear every time I get on this bike. Weather has finally warmed up and been getting some nice riding weather. Bikes been averaging between 56 and 60 mpg depending if I'm riding the back roads or the interstate. The fog tights/driving lights have come in handy on those early morning rides to work. I had a couple of mornings with fog and they cut right through. And the high beam really reaches out way past my LED high beam.

[JerryHawk250]

It's been a while sense I posted a riding video. I just turned over 2800 miles on here this morning. I'm so glad i choose the Vulcan S over the Vulcan 900. I really like the way the bike rides and handles plus the awesome power of the 650. It doesn't take much throttle to get her moving. You will hit 90-100 mph in a heart beat and not even know it. lol

I've been real busy with Hurricane repairs and playing music. The only riding I have been doing is commuting back and forth to work. Weekends have been booked up. Yeah, I know it's a long and boring video with a lot of rambling. It was a nice and relaxing beautiful ride into work this morning though.

[JerryHawk250]

just a little update. Though i haven't been riding much on any of my bikes because of this crazy wet weather. I did manage to put roughly 3500 miles on her. Last week i installed an inexpensive rear shock that some of the guys on the Vulcan forum suggested. For under $45 if was a huge improvement. The stock shock rides smooth until you hit any large bumps or potholes and can be rather harsh on the back side. This shock rides about the same as far as smoothness but vertically eliminated the harshness on rough roads. The only mod that was needed was to drill out the top bushing to 12mm. That was easily accomplished with a hand drill.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VRZ13V8...roduct_details

[herbie]

I like how the spring coils have more space between them. Softer ride equals happy Jerry

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by herbie

I like how the spring coils have more space between them. Softer ride equals happy Jerry

That's right , now all it needs to do is STOP RAINING!