BMW G 650 GS versus Kawasaki Vulcan S
BMW G 650 GS
Adventure
Kawasaki Vulcan S
Cruiser
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2011 bis 2016
Built von 2015 bis 2024~
RRP
RRP 8.595 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- light and manoeuvrable
- uncomplicated
- favorable consumption
- solid workmanship
- enough space for passenger
Pros:
- Comfort
- Stability
- Processing
Cons:
- radiates little emotion
Cons:
- Short maintenance intervals
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.477 mm
Length : 2.165 mm
Seat : 780 mm
Weight : 192 kg
Length : 2.165 mm
Seat : 780 mm
Weight : 192 kg
Wheelbase: 1.575 mm
Length : 2.310 mm Height : 1.100 mm
Seat : 705 mm
Weight : 229 kg
Length : 2.310 mm Height : 1.100 mm
Seat : 705 mm
Weight : 229 kg
Engine
Motor type unknown 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 652 ccm
Hub: 83 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 5
Displacement: 652 ccm
Hub: 83 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 5
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Performance: 48 HP at 6.500 U/Min
Torque: 60 NM bei 5.000 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Performance: 48 HP at 6.500 U/Min
Torque: 60 NM bei 5.000 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Maximum speed: 176 km/h
Performance: 61 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 63 NM bei 6.600 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 311 km
Performance: 61 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 63 NM bei 6.600 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 311 km
Chassis
Frame type:
Bridges (steel)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Bridges (steel)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Frame type:
Perimeter (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 130 mm) Rear suspension:
Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 80 mm) Tyres at the front: 120/70 R18M/C 59H
Rear tyres: 160/60 R17M/C 69H
Perimeter (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 130 mm) Rear suspension:
Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 80 mm) Tyres at the front: 120/70 R18M/C 59H
Rear tyres: 160/60 R17M/C 69H
Brakes
Rear brake
Disk
Disk
Front brake
Single disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 250 mm)
Single disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 250 mm)
Conclusion - a cruiser
What remains? The Kawasaki Vulcan S is definitely not an athlete, but it is also not a heavy, immovable being. Alpine passes do not worry her, while caring for the driver with adequate comfort despite her rather simple suspension. In the evening after work riding on her in the setting sun, this is cheesy, but somehow beautiful.
The Kawa-typical maintenance intervals, which are kept quite short at 6,000 kilometres, are a small drop in the right.
But otherwise? It doesn't have to be more motorcycle, the purchase recommendation is available.
The test bike was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.
