Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020 vs. Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023

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Overview - Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020 vs Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023

The Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020 and the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023 are both chopper/cruiser motorcycles that offer unique features and specifications.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020 is equipped with an in-line, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 649cc. It has a bore of 83mm and a stroke of 60mm, producing a power output of 61 HP and a torque of 63 Nm. The transmission is chain-driven, and it has 2 cylinders. On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023 features an in-line crankpin offset engine with a displacement of 648cc. It has a slightly smaller bore of 78mm and a longer stroke of 67.8mm, resulting in a power output of 47 HP and a torque of 52.3 Nm. Similar to the Vulcan S, it also has a chain-driven transmission and 2 cylinders. However, the cooling system differs, with the Super Meteor 650 using an oil-air cooling system.

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have a steel frame. The Vulcan S 2020 has a perimeter frame type, while the Super Meteor 650 2023 has a load-bearing engine frame type. Both offer stability and durability, but the load-bearing engine frame of the Super Meteor 650 provides a unique design element.

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020

When it comes to brakes, both motorcycles have a single disk front brake. This ensures efficient stopping power and control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Vulcan S 2020 has a front tire width of 120mm and a diameter of 18 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 160mm and a diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1575mm and a seat height of 705mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 228kg, and the fuel tank capacity is 14 liters. On the other hand, the Super Meteor 650 2023 has a slightly narrower front tire width of 100mm and a larger front tire diameter of 19 inches. The rear tire width is 150mm, and the diameter is 16 inches. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1500mm and a higher seat height of 740mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is slightly heavier at 241kg, and the fuel tank capacity is larger at 15.7 liters.

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020 offers a powerful engine, making it suitable for those who enjoy a thrilling ride. Its chassis tuning with sporty Kawasaki DNA ensures a dynamic and responsive riding experience. The real cruiser seating position provides comfort during long rides, and the easy-to-read display enhances convenience. Additionally, the Vulcan S has potential for tuning, allowing riders to personalize their motorcycle to their preferences.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023

On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023 is known for its well-balanced nature and harmonious engine. It offers a high-quality feel and comes with connectivity as standard, allowing riders to stay connected while on the road. The Super Meteor 650 also provides high-speed stability, making it suitable for highway cruising. The powerful LED headlight ensures excellent visibility, and it offers a top price-performance ratio, providing value for money.

In terms of weaknesses, the Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020 has an appearance that some may consider outdated. It also offers moderate wind protection, which may be a concern for riders who frequently ride at high speeds. On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023 has a standard seat that may strain riders during long journeys, and the windshield may be undersized for taller individuals, potentially compromising their riding experience.

Overall, both the Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020 and the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023 have their unique strengths and weaknesses. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities when choosing between these two chopper/cruiser motorcycles.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020 compared to Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line crankpin offset
BoreBore83 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke67.8 mm
Engine powerEngine power61 HPEngine power47 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,250 rpm
TorqueTorque63 NmTorque52.3 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,600 rpmRpm at Torque5,650 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio9.5
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingOil-air
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement648 ccm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typePerimeterFrame typeLoad-bearing engine

Brakes Front

TypeTypeSingle diskTypeSingle disk
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width100 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter18 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width160 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height80 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter16 inch
LengthLength2,310 mmLength2,260 mm
WidthWidth880 mmWidth890 mm
HeightHeight1,100 mmHeight1,155 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,575 mmWheelbase1,500 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height705 mmSeat Height740 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)228 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)241 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity15.7 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA2

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020

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

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023

Royal Enfield has given its new flagship the full name Super Meteor, and lo and behold, the likeable 650 is indeed a big hit. In future, the competition will have to dress warmly to keep up. The traditional Indian manufacturer has used its proven strengths and stepped up a gear with this cruiser, not only in terms of look and feel. The pretty Super Meteor 650 is a logical addition to the portfolio and will make many buyers happy.

Well-balanced motorbike

harmonious engine

high-quality feel

connectivity as standard

high-speed stability

powerful LED headlight

top price-performance ratio

Standard seat is a strain on long journeys

windshield undersized for tall people.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Vulcan S vs Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020 and a Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023 is about 14% higher. Compared to Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 2023 there are less Kawasaki Vulcan S 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 15 compared to 23. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Vulcan S with 92 days compared to 104 days for a Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. Since model year 2015 1000PS.de editors have written 13 reviews for the Kawasaki Vulcan S and 7 reviews for the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 since model year 2023. 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 29,700 views for the first review on Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 published on 22/10/2022.

Price Kawasaki Vulcan S

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Model year
Current average market prices

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