These 2 bikes are on my short list for my next new bike purchase. Do any of you CB owners also have a Vulcan S? I'm curious which bike you like better and why. Most of my riding is closer to home. I ride maybe 200 miles for a day ride. I sometime go on 3-4 day trips. My girlfriend would be riding with me maybe 10% of the time. Together we are about 350 lbs.
Thanks for your input.
Hello Superscvthe and welcome to the forum.
First off, this being a CB1100 forum, I think most on here would agree that the Honda will better fit your needs. Not that the Kawasaki isn't a fine bike it's just not in the same class with the Honda. The CB has an engine with better torque and hp plus the quality of the finish is better. A better comparison would be with the Z900 RS. I've not ridden the S650 but I have the Versys with basically the same motor. I found it a little buzzy at highway speeds and inferior overall to my wife's 650 V-strom. Can you arrange a test ride on both?
A friend of mine has the Vulcan 650 and it is a fine bike. It is a bit under powered for two up riding. He and his wife weigh in under 300 lbs. and he doesn't like riding with her on the back. The CB, on the other hand, would be much better for two up (plenty of power/torque) and will out handle and out accelerate the Vulcan all day long. As previously mentioned, it would be best for you to test ride each bike and decide which one fits you best. Good luck in your quest.
Can't help with the Vulcan, Superscythe, but I know the CB1100 is fine for all day two-up touring. However, I would add some sort of back support for the passenger. On the one occasion my wife rode on the bike before I installed a top box, she found it a wee bit precarious.
Redbirds- Funny you should bring up the Versys. I just sold my 2008 Versys last week after riding that bike for 10 years. I currently have a 2006 Triumph Scrambler and a 1998 Honda Manga. After riding the Triumph, the Versys felt a bit cramped. My girlfriend could no longer ride the Versys because of back issues. Do you think the CB1100 is much better for 2 up riding than the Versys?
(04-28-2018, 12:05 AM)Superscythe_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Redbirds- Funny you should bring up the Versys. I just sold my 2008 Versys last week after riding that bike for 10 years. I currently have a 2006 Triumph Scrambler and a 1998 Honda Manga. After riding the Triumph, the Versys felt a bit cramped. My girlfriend could no longer ride the Versys because of back issues. Do you think the CB1100 is much better for 2 up riding than the Versys?
Power: No problem. Comfort: It depends on a number of factors.
I have a seat with a removable back rest. My wife loves to go with me for shorter rides. She starts to get uncomfortable after about an hour. She's tall, so she finds the leg position too cramped. Also, she doesn't ride often (maybe once a week,) so she's not accustomed to the saddle like I am. Plus, she grew up getting to ride on the back of her dad's Goldwing, so that's her expectation of two-up riding
(04-28-2018, 12:05 AM)Superscythe_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Redbirds- Funny you should bring up the Versys. I just sold my 2008 Versys last week after riding that bike for 10 years. I currently have a 2006 Triumph Scrambler and a 1998 Honda Manga. After riding the Triumph, the Versys felt a bit cramped. My girlfriend could no longer ride the Versys because of back issues. Do you think the CB1100 is much better for 2 up riding than the Versys?
My brother rides frequently with his wife at pillion. His CB has the Corbin Gunfighter/Lady seat with passenger backrest. Works well for them; I have not ridden with a passenger for 40 years as my wife has always had her own bike.