Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024 vs. Honda CL500 2024

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024

Honda CL500 2024

Overview - Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024 vs Honda CL500 2024

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024

Honda CL500 2024

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Details

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024 compared to Honda CL500 2024

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024

Honda CL500 2024

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024

Honda CL500 2024

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	83 mm	Bore	67 mm
Stroke	Stroke	60 mm	Stroke	66.8 mm
Engine power	Engine power	61 HP	Engine power	47 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	8,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	62.4 Nm	Torque	43.4 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,600 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10.8	Compression Ratio	10.7
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping
Ignition	Ignition	Digital	Ignition	Digital, 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	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	649 ccm	Displacement	471 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Telescopic fork	Front suspension	Telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	41 mm	Diameter	41 mm
Travel	Travel	130 mm	Travel	150 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Dual Shock
Travel	Travel	80 mm	Travel	145 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload	Adjustment	Preload

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel
Trail	Trail	120 mm	Trail	108 mm

Brakes Front

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

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	250 mm	Diameter	240 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Single piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	110 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	80 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	18 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	160 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	70 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,310 mm	Length	2,175 mm
Width	Width	880 mm	Width	831 mm
Height	Height	1,100 mm	Height	1,135 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,575 mm	Wheelbase	1,485 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	705 mm	Seat Height	790 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	229 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	192 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	14 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	12 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A2

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024

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 CL500 2024

The Honda CL500 is an uncomplicated scrambler with a cool look, light-footed handling and a surprisingly revvy engine. It offers riding pleasure for everyone, whether on the road or on light off-road terrain. The CL500 shines on winding roads in particular with its agile, intuitive riding experience. Its versatility and accessibility make it an ideal companion for everyday use, while Honda's extensive range of accessories allows the scrambler to be customised. Even on demanding long-distance routes, such as the Balkan Rally, the CL500 has proven to be a reliable and fun partner.

Attractive price

comfortable ergonomics

stylish looks

agile, light handling

good stability

cultivated two-cylinder engine

Display difficult to read in direct sunlight

little pillion passenger comfort on long journeys

small tank requires frequent refuelling stops

suspension under-damped in poor road conditions