Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021 vs. Honda CB 1000 R 2021

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

Honda CB 1000 R 2021

Overview - Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021 vs Honda CB 1000 R 2021

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

Honda CB 1000 R 2021

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021 compared to Honda CB 1000 R 2021

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

Honda CB 1000 R 2021

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

Honda CB 1000 R 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	83 mm	Bore	75 mm
Stroke	Stroke	60 mm	Stroke	56.5 mm
Engine power	Engine power	61 HP	Engine power	145 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	10,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	62.4 Nm	Torque	104 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,600 rpm	Rpm at Torque	8,250 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10.8	Compression Ratio	11.6
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Ignition	Ignition	Digital	Ignition	Transistor
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	4
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	649 ccm	Displacement	998 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Travel	Travel	130 mm	Travel	120 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Single swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	80 mm	Travel	131 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Perimeter	Frame type	Backbone
Trail	Trail	120 mm	Trail	100 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Single disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	300 mm	Diameter	310 mm
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Four pistons

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	250 mm	Diameter	256 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Double piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	18 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	160 mm	Rear tyre width	190 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	55 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,310 mm	Length	2,120 mm
Width	Width	880 mm	Width	789 mm
Height	Height	1,100 mm	Height	1,090 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,575 mm	Wheelbase	1,455 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	705 mm	Seat Height	830 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	229 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	212 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	14 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	16.2 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

No matter which platform Kawasaki puts the 650 cubic two-cylinder in, the result is always a great motorbike! Even though the engine is unusually rev-happy for a cruiser, it results in a cruiser that actually qualifies as a sports cruiser when paired with the sporty chassis set-up. The only brake is the limited lean angle clearance, but this will not deter lovers of hearty footrest grinding. With such a good bike, we hope that Kawasaki will follow suit - after all, the Vulcan S has been with us almost unchanged since 2015.

powerful engine

chassis tuning with sporty Kawasaki DNA

real cruiser seating position

easy-to-read display

potential in tuning

Appearance a little outdated

moderate wind protection

Honda CB 1000 R 2021

The 1-litre version of the Neo Sport Cafe Racer shows that it doesn't always have to be the golden mean. In all honesty, it has to be said that the largest of all the representatives also feels the most "grown-up". The electronic equipment of the 1000 in the + version leaves almost nothing to be desired and the handling is extremely rider-friendly for this class. Playfully easy cornering with a well-tuned chassis, snappy brakes and low weight seem to be the recipe for success in terms of smoothness. In terms of performance, the CB1000R+ unfortunately has to make concessions. With 145 hp, the Honda is not a brute rocket, but it is all the more controllable for it. And 145 hp with a full tank of 213 kg is more than enough for maximum riding pleasure on country roads!

Flawless responsiveness of the power unit

Honda-typical extremely rideable 1000

Good electronics package (ABS, traction control, riding modes..)

Smooth and precise gearbox

Excellent functioning quickshifter

Black/white LCD not quite up to date and not ideally readable in direct sunlight

tall pilots may have space problems with their knees at the tank