Kawasaki Vulcan S vs Yamaha Vmax 1700
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Kawasaki Vulcan S vs Yamaha Vmax 1700. Kawasaki Vulcan S: 61 hp @ 7,500 rpm hp, 228 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Yamaha Vmax 1700: 200 hp @ 9,000 rpm hp, 310 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 215 km/h (electronically limited), Motoryk rating 8.5/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Kawasaki Vulcan S
Yamaha Vmax 1700
Horsepower (hp)
61 hp
200 hp
Torque (Nm)
63 Nm
167 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
215 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
228 kg
310 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
61 hp @ 7,500 rpm
200 hp @ 9,000 rpm
Torque
63 Nm @ 6,600 rpm
167 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h (estimated)
215 km/h (electronically limited)
Weight
228 kg (wet/curb weight)
310 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
4.5 L/100km (approx. 22 km/L typical real-world average)
7.5–9.5 L/100km (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Kawasaki Vulcan S
7.5/10
"The sensible cruiser that actually makes mechanical sense used."
Pros
+Adjustable ergonomics suit everyone
+Parallel-twin engine lives forever
+Low maintenance belt drive
Cons
−Stock seat punishes longer rides
−Styling divides opinion sharply
−Low resale value retention
Yamaha Vmax 1700
8.5/10
"A tire-destroying, jaw-dropping muscle cruiser that demands respect constantly."
Pros
+Utterly savage low-end torque
+Bulletproof engine internals
+Stunning visual presence always
Cons
−Horrific fuel consumption figures
−Tire bills are punishing
−Heavy at 310kg wet
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
