Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S - [2015] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.
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Performance Review: Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S - [2015]

Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S - [2015] image

Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S - [2015]

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Figures & Specs Summary:

  • Edition: Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S
  • Year: 2015 | Type: Cruiser
  • Engine: 649 cc (39.6 ci) 8 Valve
  • Engine Type: Horizontal In-Line | Cylinders: 2
  • Engine Stroke: Two | Valve Config: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection
  • Cooling: Liquid | Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Transmission: 6 speed / Manual
  • Drive: Chain
  • Wet Weight: 223 kgs (491 lbs)
  • Dry Weight: 0 kgs (0 lbs)
  • Power: 61 bhp (45 kW) @ 7500 rpm
  • Torque: 46.4 lb-ft (62.9 Nm) @ 6600 rpm
  • BHP Per Ton: 273.5 bhp
  • Torque Per Ton: 208.3 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 13.5 secs
  • 0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 13.8 secs
  • Top Speed: 100 mph (160.9 kph)
  • 1/4 Mile (Est.): 0 secs @ 0 mph
  • Frame: Steel
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Kawasaki VN 650 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2015. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2016 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2015 Honda AF24 Giorno.This particular Kawasaki VN 650 has a 649cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Horizontal In-Line Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.

Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura - [1984] image

An alternative Horizontal In-Line engine, Cruiser style motorbike includes the Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura - [1984]

The 2015 VN 650 shares its Horizontal In-Line engine and Cruiser style configuration with the likes of the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura and the 1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the VN 650's Cruiser style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura | 1984cc.1982 Yamaha XS 400 L Maxim | 1982cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 223 kgs (491 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 or the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple, give or take 50kg.

Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025] image

The 2015 Kawasaki VN 650 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]

In terms of power the 649cc 8 valve Horizontal In-Line 2 cylinder engine produces 61 bhp (45 kW) @ 7500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].

The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 46.4 lb-ft (62.9 Nm) @ 6600 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki VN 650 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

Suzuki RG 250 Gamma - [1985] image

The 1985 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2015 Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S.

The 2015 Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S has a Power to weight ratio of 273.5 bhp per ton and 208.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2015 VN 650 competing with the 1985 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma [298.0 bhp\ton] and the 1992 Honda NSR 250 R MC21 [298.0 bhp\ton].


Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki VN 650 generating around 208.3 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1992 Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin [233.3 lb-ft per ton] and the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650 R [233.1 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 13.5 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 13.8 secs, this makes the Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S similar in acceleration to the 2021 Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S Cafe (13.5 secs) and the 2021 Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S ABS (13.5 secs). This Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Honda CB 350 F - [1974] image

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2015 Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S and the 1974 Honda CB 350 F

When talking about the performance of the 2015 Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1974 Honda CB 350 F (0 secs) and the 2016 Suzuki AN 200 Burgman (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 2015 version of the Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S has a maximum speed of 100mph.

Honda CBR 250 RR SP Quick Shifter Special Ed - [2021] image

Top Speed of the 2015 VN 650 equals the 2021 Honda CBR 250 RR SP Quick Shifter Special Ed

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2015 Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S then how about a 2021 Honda CBR 250 RR SP Quick Shifter Special Ed (111 mph) and the 2021 Honda CBR 250 RR (111 mph).

Related Links:

2015 Kawasaki VN 650 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Kawasaki

Bike Comparison


Performance Figures & Specs:

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Edition:

A1 250

AR 125

AR 50

AR 80

BJ 250

BR 250

EL 125

EL 250

EL 252

Eliminator 400

Eliminator 500

EN 400

EN 450

EN 500

ER-4

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ER-6

EX 250

EX 400

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F9 350

FX 400

G3-SS

GPX 250

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Gpz 1000

Gpz 1100

Gpz 250

Gpz 305

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GTR 1000

GTR 1400

H1 500

H2 750

KDX 125

KDX 175

KDX 200

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KE 125

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KH 125

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KLV 1000

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Ninja 1000

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S2 350

S3 400

SL 250

Versys 1000

Versys 650

Versys-X

VN 1500

VN 1600

VN 1700

VN 2000

VN 250

VN 400

VN 500

VN 650

VN 750

VN 800

VN 900

W 250

W 400

W 650

W 800

W1

W2

W3

Xanthus 400

Z 1000

Z 1100

Z 125

Z 1300

Z 200

Z 250

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Z 305

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Z 440

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Z 550

Z 650

Z 750

Z 800

Z 900

Z H2

Z1

Z2 750

Z7

Zephyr 1100

Zephyr 400

Zephyr 550

Zephyr 750

ZG 1000

ZG 1200

ZG 1300

ZL 1000

ZL 250

ZL 400

ZL 600

ZL 750

ZL 900

ZN 1300

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ZR-250

ZR-7

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ZZR 1400

ZZR 250

ZZR 400

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Bike Figures:

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Engine Capacity: 1352cc
Top Speed: 189 mph
Power: 187 bhp


Suzuki AN 400 Burgman Special Edition

Suzuki AN 400 Burgman Special Edition
Engine Capacity: 400 cc
Top Speed: 95 mph
Quarter Mile: 16.9 secs @ 0 mph


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Quarter Mile Time
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