Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015 vs. Honda CMX500 Rebel 2020

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Honda CMX500 Rebel 2020

Honda CMX500 Rebel 2020

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Overview - Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015 vs Honda CMX500 Rebel 2020

When comparing the Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015 and the Honda CMX500 Rebel 2020, there are several notable differences in their technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, both motorcycles have an in-line engine and use a chain transmission. However, the Vulcan S has a larger displacement at 649cc compared to the Rebel's 471cc. This results in the Vulcan S having more power with 61 HP compared to the Rebel's 46 HP. The Vulcan S also has higher torque at 63 Nm compared to the Rebel's 44.6 Nm.

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have a steel frame. The Vulcan S has a slightly longer wheelbase at 1575mm compared to the Rebel's 1488mm. The seat height is also slightly higher on the Vulcan S at 705mm compared to the Rebel's 690mm. However, the Rebel has a smaller fuel tank capacity at 11.2 liters compared to the Vulcan S's 14 liters.

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

When it comes to the strengths of the Vulcan S, it has a rev-happy engine that performs well in both high and low rev ranges. The brake system with ABS is decent, providing good stopping power. The Vulcan S also has an idiosyncratic look, making it stand out from other motorcycles in its class. The narrow 160 rear tire makes it more maneuverable, and the Ergo-Fit system allows for optimal adaptation to the rider. Additionally, the Vulcan S offers a sufficiently comfortable chassis.

On the other hand, the strengths of the Rebel include its compact dimensions, which make it easier to handle and maneuver. It offers reasonable performance and has a cool look with lots of custom potential. The Rebel also received a successful facelift for the 2020 model year.

Honda CMX500 Rebel 2020

Honda CMX500 Rebel 2020

However, the Vulcan S does have some weaknesses. The Ergo-Fit system, which allows for customization to the rider, costs extra. The wind protection is only moderate, and the gear indicator is only available as an option.

Similarly, the Rebel also has its weaknesses. It may be too compact for taller riders, and the readability of the display could be improved. Some riders also find that the front brake requires too much hand force.

In conclusion, while both the Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015 and the Honda CMX500 Rebel 2020 have their strengths and weaknesses, the Vulcan S offers more power, a larger fuel tank capacity, and a more customizable riding experience with the Ergo-Fit system. On the other hand, the Rebel has a more compact design, reasonable performance, and a cool look with customization potential. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015 compared to Honda CMX500 Rebel 2020

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015
Honda CMX500 Rebel 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore83 mmBore67 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke66.8 mm
Engine powerEngine power61 HPEngine power46 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque63 NmTorque44.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,600 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio10.7
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionDigital, Transistor
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement471 ccm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeSingle diskTypeSingle disk
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width130 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter18 inchFront tyre diameter16 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width160 mmRear tyre width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height80 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter16 inch
LengthLength2,310 mmLength2,188 mm
WidthWidth880 mmWidth820 mm
HeightHeight1,100 mmHeight1,094 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,575 mmWheelbase1,488 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height705 mmSeat Height690 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)228 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)190 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity11.2 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA2

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

The Vulcan S is reinvigorating the "small" mid-size cruiser scene - not only because of its unique design, but also because it is so easy to ride and is aimed at beginners. The low seat height and the narrow saddle help the rider to stand securely on the ground, while the low centre of gravity also makes for easy and safe handling. The engine also fits in well with the uncomplicated appearance, can be revved up decently from 2000 rpm and only stops at around 10,000 rpm - something that has never been seen before in a cruiser. The "Ergo-Fit" system, which varies the seat height, the rider's distance from the handlebars and the footrests, costs extra but also allows the Vulcan S owner generous customisation options.

Rev-happy engine that also behaves well in the lower rev range

decent brake with ABS

idiosyncratic look

narrow and therefore manoeuvrable 160 rear tyre

Ergo-Fit system for optimum adaptation to the rider

sufficiently comfortable chassis.

Ergo-Fit system costs extra

moderate wind protection

gear indicator only available as an option

Honda CMX500 Rebel 2020

Honda CMX500 Rebel 2020

It is always fascinating how much riding fun Honda has packed into the small Rebel 500. The technology is familiar thanks to the modular system and should - typically for Honda - last forever. Now, with the update for 2020, the little Rebel presents itself cooler than ever, because LED lighting and the optional Special Edition with quilted seat make it a cool custom cruiser ex works. Only the front brake could use more lard and the engine is a little characterless, even compared to the direct competition. Nevertheless, it is and remains a real insider's tip for cruiser lovers!

compact dimensions

reasonable performance

lively handling

cool look with lots of custom potential

successful facelift for 2020

too compact for tall pilots

readability of the display

front brake requires too much hand force

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Vulcan S vs Honda CMX500 Rebel

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015 and a Honda CMX500 Rebel 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015 is about 14% higher. Compared to Honda CMX500 Rebel 2020 there are less Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 8 compared to 11. It takes less time to sell a Honda CMX500 Rebel with 50 days compared to 75 days for the Kawasaki Vulcan S. Since model year 2015 1000PS.de editors have written 13 reviews for the Kawasaki Vulcan S and 16 reviews for the Honda CMX500 Rebel since model year 2017. The first review for the Kawasaki Vulcan S was published on 16/10/2014 and now has more than 14,800 views. This compares to more than 150,600 views for the first review on Honda CMX500 Rebel published on 03/04/2017.

Price Kawasaki Vulcan S

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CMX500 Rebel

Model year
Current average market prices

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