Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S

Both Honda and Kawasaki are known for their reliable, agile, and powerful motorbikes. Both Japanese motorcycle brands have a rich history of producing dependable motorcycles and have loyal fanbases.

Unlike Harley Davidson, both Honda and Kawasaki produces versatile motorcycles, including sports bike, dirt bikes, cruisers, adventure bikes, dual sports, and track-racing motorcycles.

If exclusively looking at cruiser lineups, Honda has produced several popular cruisers in the Shadow lineup. The only one in the Shadow series still in production is the  Honda Shadow Phantom,  a stripped-down entry-level cruiser with a bobber-inspired look and a low seat height. Meanwhile, Kawasaki is more dedicated to its high-speed sports bike lineups like the Ninja series. However, the company has also introduced both traditional and modern cruisers to the Kawasaki Vulcan lineup. The Kawasaki Vulcan cruiser lineup includes vintage-style cruisers with long wheelbases, large fenders, and comfortable ergonomics. However, the Kawasaki Vulcan S is quite different from the regular Kawasaki cruisers. It has a muscle-cruiser look, sportier ergonomics, and chassis and engine designs that more resemble a naked bike. The Kawasaki Vulcan S is a uniquely-designed cruiser ideal for beginners.

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 and the Kawasaki Vulcan S differ from each other when it comes to looks, performance, and ergonomics. However, both motorcycles are comfortable, beginner-friendly, and equally popular among motorcyclists. This article is a detailed comparison between the Honda Shadow Phantom and the Kawasaki Vulcan S.

The Honda Shadow Phantom is a simple and plain motorcycle with no heavy parts and fuel tank logos. It is available in two simple single-tone color schemes, including adventure green and metallic matte black, with a matte black finish. The two-into-two separate dual short exhaust pipes are the only chrome parts on this motorcycle. The Honda Shadow Phantom has a slightly raked-out blacked-out front end, a small round-shaped headlamp enclosed in a matte black nacelle, and bullet-shaped front and rear turn signals.

The engine parts and gearbox are also completely blacked-out with a teardrop-shaped air filter cover. The Honda Shadow Phantom is also fitted with a gunfighter-style seat capable of two-up riding that ensures a low seat height. To complement the bobber-inspired look, it has fat Dunlop front and rear tires wrapped around wire-spoked wheels, fuel tank-mounted gauges, and a bobber-style front fender. The chopped rear fender has an integrated tail/stop light and license plate holder. Below the rider’s seat is the blacked-out battery cover with the Honda logo. Overall, the Honda Shadow Phantom is a small-sized cruiser with a planted design for better stability and handling.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is an unorthodox-style cruiser with a modern look and sportier ergonomics. The 2023 model comes with a conventional tuck-and-roll solo rider seat. Despite having a less raked-out front end, the Kawasaki Vulcan S has a good wheelbase and a low seat height. It has a unique chassis design with a radiator installed in front of a parallel-twin engine and a two-into-one, short muffler on the right side.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S has stylish bobber-style front and rear fenders with an extended assembly with a tail light, small rear turn signals, and a license plate bracket. It is also fitted with a shield-shaped headlamp enclosed in an aggressive-style blacked-out nacelle, giving it a retro look. The rectangular-shaped side mirrors and a digital and analog gauges cluster are mounted to simple low-mounted, semi-sweptback handlebars. The Kawasaki Vulcan S’s rear mono shock is positioned under the seat and visible from the right side of the motorbike. It also comes with slightly wide tires wrapped around stylish five-spoked wheels with the same color pinstripes as the rest of the motorcycle.

The Honda Shadow Phantom is an entry-level motorcycle powered by a 745 cc 52° V-Twin engine capable of a torque of 64.94 Nm @ 3,500 rpm and a horsepower of 44.6 hp @ 5,500 rpm. It is a simple, stripped-down cruiser with no modern features except for the Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI). The single throttle body ensures a smooth throttle response and low fuel consumption of 56 mpg. It ensures a fun riding experience for novice riders with its long-stroke engine design, smooth power delivery, and good low-end torque.

The Honda Shadow Phantom has a wide-ratio five-speed transmission and a cleaner final shaft drive to ensure smooth gear shifts and riding experience. The 41 mm front fork suspension has decent wheel travel that helps with neutral handling and turning corners. The handling has been further improved due to the low center of gravity and extended wheelbase design. The dual rear shocks have a wheel travel of 3.5 inches and a five-position preload-adjustable spring that ensure a plush riding experience on paved and bumpy roads.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is a popular beginner-friendly cruiser due to being low-powered and comfortable. It is fitted with a small 649 cc liquid-cooled, Parallel-Twin engine capable of a horsepower of 60.14 hp @ 7,500 rpm and a torque of 62.77 Nm @ 6,600 rpm. The Kawasaki Vulcan S is a muscle cruiser with fast acceleration, quick throttle response, and uninterrupted power delivery across all gear levels, making it suited for novice and intermediate riders. The Kawasaki Vulcan S has several features, including a five-position adjustable clutch and front brake levers that ensure the smooth clutch operation and easy gear shifts. Despite being powered by a small-displacement engine, it has a six-speed gearbox with a positive-neutral finder that delivers power to the rear wheel from the engine via a sealed chain drive.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is equipped with a Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) system with dual throttle bodies and sub-throttle valves that ensures better fuel delivery to the engine and a fuel economy of 57.32 mpg. The Parallel-Twin engine and the two-into-one stock exhaust pipe produce a soul-satisfying noise emitted from the exhaust.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a 41 mm telescopic front fork and a single lay-down offset shock absorber with linkage and preload adjustability that improves comfort on continuous long-distance rides. While it cannot turn or lean like a sports bike, it still ensures good handling and stability while riding at high speeds. The telescopic front fork has a wheel travel of 5.1 inches, while the single lay-down rear shock has a wheel travel of 3.2 inches. The Kawasaki Vulcan S ensures a safer riding experience due to its reliable braking system, including its 300 mm single front disc and 250 mm single rear disc Nissin brakes, along with an optional ABS.

Weighing only 249 kg, the Honda Shadow Phantom is one of the most lightweight and comfortable cruisers in the Honda cruiser lineup. Due to its raked-out front end and extended wheelbase, it has a low seat height of 25.8 inches and a low center of gravity. Despite being a small motorbike, it is comfortable for shorter and taller riders due to the forward-mounted foot controls providing adequate legroom. The low seat height, forward-mounted foot controls, and handlebars position ensure a comfortable rider triangle, upright back, and laidback seating position. However, a shorter rider must sit slightly forward to reach the low-mounted, semi-sweptback handlebars.

The Honda Shadow Phantom is an ideal entry-level motorcycle for daily commutes, city travel, and highway cruising. You can install a windshield,  saddlebags,  and a  backrest  to improve the riding experience on longer trips.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is a sporty cruiser with aggressive styling yet relaxed ergonomics that ensure a laid-back riding experience. It comes with the smart Ergo-Fit feature introduced by Kawasaki to improve safety and comfort for all riders. With the Ergo-Fit feature, riders can adjust the rider triangle and ergonomics to better suit their preferences. By adjusting the handlebars' position, seat height, and footrest position, you can make the ride more comfortable for shorter, average, and taller riders.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a low seat height and forward-mounted foot controls that provide adequate legroom and an upright back position. However, if you prefer an aggressive riding style, you can adjust the rider triangle. The Kawasaki Vulcan S is an ideal daily commuter due to being a lightweight motorcycle weighing only 226 kg. It is best suited for cruising on open roads and traveling through cities. However, for long-distance rides, the Kawasaki Vulcan S can be fitted with  saddlebags,  windscreen, and  backrests.

Installing an aftermarket passenger seat can also provide comfortable two-up riding.

Despite being a sporty cruiser with aggressive styling, the Kawasaki Vulcan S is not as fast as a sports bike. However, as a lightweight entry-level cruiser, it is agile and produces good acceleration and throttle response. The Kawasaki Vulcan S can reach a top speed of 105.6 mph.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is an ideal beginner-friendly bike due to being lightweight, nimble, affordable, and comfortable. Despite being powered by a small 650 cc Parallel-Twin engine, it is maneuverable enough to ensure a fun riding experience. It comes with several modern features, including adjustable ergonomics, an optional ABS, dual throttle valves, and an economical riding indicator.

The Honda Shadow Phantom is lightweight, nimble, comfortably, and handles well. The low center of gravity helps improve stability while turning corners. The Honda Shadow Phantom is an ideal motorcycle to start with if you have no prior riding experience.

The Honda Shadow Phantom and the Kawasaki Vulcan S are two ideal beginner-friendly motorcycles due to their being lightweight and nimble. Both motorcycles are reliable, comfortable, affordable, and easy to handle for beginners. However, both motorcycles have completely different designs. The Honda Shadow Phantom is a bobber-inspired cruiser with a low seat height, a chopper-style front end, and laid-back ergonomics. Meanwhile, the Kawasaki Vulcan S is a sporty cruiser with aggressive styling.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is better than the Honda Shadow Phantom in many ways. Firstly, the Kawasaki model is cheaper despite being equipped with several modern features. Even the Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS version comes at the same base price of $8,799. The Kawasaki Vulcan S also has an Ergo-Fit feature, dual throttle valves, and more aesthetic appeal than the Honda Shadow Phantom. Even though the Kawasaki Vulcan S has a smaller engine, it is still more agile and fun to ride than the Honda Shadow Phantom.

However, in the end, it all depends on your preferences and why you need a motorcycle. If you are a cruiser fan and want a simple motorcycle that can be customized later, the Honda Shadow Phantom is a good option. However, if you love modern and sporty looks and want an unconventional cruiser with ABS and adjustable ergonomics features, then the Kawasaki Vulcan S is the right choice.

The motorcycle market is full of cruisers that can be easily customized with readily available aftermarket parts. Viking Bags has several high-quality aftermarket parts available that improve aesthetics, performance, and comfort. The aftermarket parts available at Viking Bags include  sissy bars, handlebars, crash bars, and fairings. Viking Bags also has different luggage options, including sissy bar bags and saddlebags, to improve storage capacity.