KAWASAKI Vulcan S vs HONDA CB500XA
Pick your favourite below and cast your vote — counts update right away and no registration is required. Sharing your choice helps others who read this comparison.
Scores, summary & seat (optional) Estimates and auto text from specs — open if you want them.
Technical score (estimate)
Weighted mix of power, torque, power-to-weight, top speed and lighter weight within this comparison only. Not a real-world verdict — riding style and roads matter.
Usage fit (estimate)
Rough scores for city riding, touring, sporty riding and new riders — mix of specs and bike category. Same caveats as the technical score: traffic, skill and tyres matter.
City / commute
Touring / long rides
Sporty riding
New rider friendly
Seat height (cm)
Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.
- KAWASAKI Vulcan S 70.5 cm Lowest seat here
- HONDA CB500XA 83 cm Tallest seat here
Spread in this comparison: about 12.5 cm.
Rough guide: comfortable flat-foot reach often needs inseam roughly in the same ballpark as seat height (varies a lot by ergonomics).
Auto summary from specs
Generated from the numbers in the comparison — not a review.
- Power spans 47 hp (HONDA CB500XA) up to 61 hp (KAWASAKI Vulcan S).
- Torque spans 43 Nm (HONDA CB500XA) up to 63 Nm (KAWASAKI Vulcan S).
- Weight spans 199 kg (HONDA CB500XA) to 229 kg (KAWASAKI Vulcan S).
- Displacement spans 500 cc (HONDA CB500XA) to 650 cc (KAWASAKI Vulcan S).
All values look the same; turn off the filter.
| Specification | KAWASAKI Vulcan S | HONDA CB500XA |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | KAWASAKI | HONDA |
| Model | KAWASAKI Vulcan S | HONDA CB500XA |
| Engine size | 650cc | 500cc |
| Power | 61hp | 47hp |
| Torque | 63nm. | 43nm. |
| Cylinders / valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves |
| Weight | 229kg | 199kg |
| Front brake | 300 mm single disc, dual-piston caliper | Dual 310 mm x 5 mm disc with Nissin axial-mount two piston calipers |
| Rear brake | 250 mm single disc, single-piston caliper | 240 mm x 5 mm disc with single piston caliper |
| Seat height (cm) | 70.5cm | 83cm |
| Front tyre | 120/70-18 | 110/80R19M/C |
| Rear tyre | 160/60-17 | 160/60ZR-17M/C |
| Cooling | Liquid cooling | Liquid cooling |
| Front suspension | 41 mm telescopic fork | Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal monoshock, link-type, 7-step adjustable preload | Prolink mono with 5 stage pre-load adjuster, Steel hollow cross swingarm |
| Motorcycle type | Chopper – Cruiser | Adventure |
| Top speed | 190km/h | 188km/h |
| Fuel capacity / consumption | 14 L – 6 L/100km | 17.7 L – 4 L/100km |
| Service network | ||
| Service quality | ||
| Parts availability | ||
| Price | $7349 | $7399 |
| Brand price lists | View KAWASAKI price list | View HONDA price list |
| Extra features | -Adjustable footpegs -Adjustable clutch lever / brake lever -Economical riding indicator -Dual throttle valves |
-The slipper/assist clutch |
Opinions
You need to vote for a model above before you can leave a short comment. Comments are published after editor approval.
No published opinions yet — you can be the first.
2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S vs 2023 HONDA CB500XA: Which One is Better for You?
2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S and 2023 HONDA CB500XA offer comparable performance in terms of engine capacity, but usage preferences and driving styles could influence the choice. Additionally, 2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S, with its 61hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.
1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance
2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S and 2023 HONDA CB500XA are close in engine capacity. 2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S, with its 650cc, provides slightly better performance, while 2023 HONDA CB500XA, with its 500cc, offers a more economical and balanced option.2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S, with its 650cc engine capacity, is ideal for users seeking high performance and acceleration. Experienced riders may prefer it for long-distance journeys.
2. Torque Power
2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S, with its 63Nm torque, delivers powerful performance. A high torque value ensures superior acceleration and advantage on steep inclines. 2023 HONDA CB500XA, with its 43Nm torque, offers a more balanced ride for city use. 2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S is ideal for users requiring rapid acceleration. Moderate torque power is suitable for both city use and short-distance trips.
3. Top Speed
2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S (Chopper – Cruiser) and 2023 HONDA CB500XA (Adventure) deliver the same performance with a maximum speed of 190 km/h. In this case, it would be more logical to base your decision on the type of motorcycle and other features rather than speed.
4. Cooling System
2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2023 HONDA CB500XA offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.
5. Design and Comfort
2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S and 2023 HONDA CB500XA are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2023 HONDA CB500XA, with a seat height of 83cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S, with a seat height of 70.5cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.
Conclusion
2023 HONDA CB500XA emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S and 2023 HONDA CB500XA offer comparable performance in terms of engine capacity. 2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2023 KAWASAKI Vulcan S and 2023 HONDA CB500XA deliver identical top speed performance. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2023 HONDA CB500XA stands out in terms of technical specifications and overall performance. However, depending on your riding preferences and usage needs, both models offer unique advantages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of KAWASAKI Vulcan S vs HONDA CB500XA?
KAWASAKI Vulcan S is listed at 190 km/h vs 188 km/h for HONDA CB500XA.
Which has more horsepower, KAWASAKI Vulcan S or HONDA CB500XA?
KAWASAKI Vulcan S has 61 hp compared with 47 hp on the HONDA CB500XA.
Which is better, KAWASAKI Vulcan S or HONDA CB500XA?
It depends on your riding style. Compare top speed, weight, fuel use and price in the table on this page, then vote for the bike you prefer.
Similar comparisons
Other comparisons that share these bikes or were recently added.
