Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S

• Table of Contents
• 1. Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S
• 2. Key Differences Between the Honda Shadow Phantom and the Kawasaki Vulcan S
• 3. Detailed Specs Comparison: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S
• 4. Design: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S
• 4.1 Design: Honda Shadow Phantom
• 4.2 Design: Kawasaki Vulcan S
• 5. Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S
• 5.1 Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Phantom
• 5.2 Engine and Performance: Kawasaki Vulcan S
• 6. Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S
• 6.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Phantom
• 6.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Kawasaki Vulcan S
• 7. Technology and Features: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S
• 8. Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S
• 8.1 Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Phantom
• 8.2 Pros and Cons: Kawasaki Vulcan S
• 9. Colors and Cost: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S
• 10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 10.1 Is the Kawasaki Vulcan S a Fast Motorcycle?
• 10.2 Is the Kawasaki Vulcan S a Good Beginner Bike?
• 10.3 Is the Honda Shadow Phantom Good For Beginners?
• 11. Which is Better: the Honda Shadow Phantom or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?
• 12. Aftermarket Parts and Modification Options

1. 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.

Also Read: KAWASAKI VULCAN S VS HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 750

2. Key Differences Between the Honda Shadow Phantom and the Kawasaki Vulcan S

Key Differences between the Honda Shadow Phantom and the Kawasaki Vulcan S
Honda Shadow Phantom	Kawasaki Vulcan S
745 cc	649 cc
V-Twin Engine	Parallel-Twin Engine
Programmed fuel injection with single throttle body	Digital fuel injection with dual throttle bodies
Five-speed transmission	Six-speed transmission
Two-into-two exhaust system	Two-into-one exhaust system
Bobber-style cruiser	Muscle cruiser
Fuel tank-mounted gauges	Handlebars-mounted gauges
Steel-spoked wheels	Five-spoke alloy wheels
Rear drum brake	Nissin single-disc rear brake
No ABS	ABS is optional
Dual rear shocks	Single rear shock
Gunfighter-style single-piece saddle capable of two-up riding	Solo rider seat

3. Detailed Specs Comparison: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S

Honda Shadow Phantom 750		Kawasaki Vulcan S
Identification
Honda	Maker	Kawasaki
Shadow Phantom 750	Model	Vulcan S
2023	Year Model	2023
Custom / Cruiser	Motorcycle Type	Cruiser
$7,899	Base Price	Non-ABS: $7,349 ABS: $7,899
Engine and Performance
745 cc / 45.46 cu in	Displacement	649 cc / 39.6 cu in
52° V-Twin, Four-Stroke Engine	Engine Design and Type	Four-Stroke, Parallel-Twin Engine
Liquid-Cooled	Cooling System	Liquid-Cooled
Two	No. of Cylinders	Two
Three	Valves Per Cylinder	Four
44.6 hp @ 5,500 rpm	Horsepower	60.14 hp @ 7,500 rpm
64.94 Nm @ 3,500 rpm	Torque	62.77 Nm @ 6,600 rpm
76 mm / 3 in	Stroke	60 mm / 2.36 in
79 mm / 3.11 in	Bore	83 mm / 3.27 in
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI); 34 mm Throttle Body	Fuel Injection System	Digital Fuel Injection with Dual 38 mm Throttle Bodies and Sub-Throttle Valves
9.6:1	Compression Ratio	10.8:1
Wide-Ratio, Five-Speed	Transmission	Six-Speed with Positive Neutral Finder
Shaft	Final Drive	Sealed Chain
Wet, Multiplate	Clutch	Wet, Multi-Disc
56 mpg	Fuel Economy	57.32 mpg
Chrome, Separate Dual Mufflers	Muffler	Blacked-out Single Muffler
Two-Into-Two Exhaust	Exhaust	Two-Into-One Exhaust
Steel Frame	Frame	High-Tensile Steel Diamond Frame
Electric	Starter	Electric
Fuel Tank-Mounted	Gauges	Handlebars-Mounted
Wheels
Steel-Spoked Wheels with Black Rims	Wheels	Five-Spoke Alloy Wheels
Front: Dunlop® 120/90 R17 64S Rear: Dunlop® 160/80 R15 74S	Tires	Front: 120/70x18 Rear: 160/60x17
Braking
296 mm Single Disc with Twin-Piston Caliper	Front	Nissin 300 mm Single Disc with Dual-Piston Caliper
180 mm Drum	Rear	Nissin 250 mm Single Disc with Single-Piston Caliper
No	ABS	Optional
Suspension
41 mm Front Fork	Front	41 mm Telescopic Front Fork
Dual Shocks with Five-Position Spring-Preload Adjustability	Rear	Preload-Adjustable Lay-Down Offset Shock Absorber with Linkage
116.84 mm / 4.6 in	Front Wheel Travel	129.54 mm / 5.1 in
88.9 mm / 3.5 in	Rear Wheel Travel	81.28 mm / 3.2 in
Dimensions and Weight
160 mm / 6.3 in	Trail	119.38 mm / 4.7 in
34°	Rake	31°
3.7 gal	Fuel Tank Capacity	3.7 gal
129.5 mm / 5.1 in	Ground Clearance	129.5 mm / 5.1 in
825.5 mm / 32.5 in	Width	878.84 mm / 34.6 in
1089.7 mm / 42.9 in	Height	1099.82 mm / 43.3 in
2395.22 mm / 94.3 in	Length	2308.86 mm / 90.9 in
655.32 mm / 25.8 in	Seat Height	706.12 mm / 27.8 in
1640.8 mm / 64.6 in	Wheelbase	1574.8 mm / 62 in
549 lbs / 249 kg	Wet Weight	ABS: 498.3 lbs / 226 kg Non-ABS: 491.7 lbs / 223 kg

4. Design: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S

4.1 Design: Honda Shadow Phantom

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.

4.2 Design: Kawasaki Vulcan S

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.

5.Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S

5.1 Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Phantom

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.

Also Read: HONDA SHADOW 750 VS. HARLEY IRON 883: WHICH IS BETTER?

 

5.2 Engine and Performance: Kawasaki Vulcan S

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.

6. Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S

6.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Phantom

Photo Credit: @Women Riders Now

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.

6.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Kawasaki Vulcan S

Photo Credit: @Techi Azi

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.

7. Technology and Features: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S

Honda Shadow Phantom		Kawasaki Vulcan S
Technology and Features
No	ABS	Optional
No	Economical Riding Indicator	Included
No	Adjustable Ergonomics	Ergo-Fit ® Feature
Analog	Speedometer	Digital
Digital	Odometer	Digital
Analog	Tachometer	Analog
No	Fuel Gauge	Digital
No	Clock	Digital
Digital	Trip meter	Digital
Yes	Fuel Level Warning	Yes
Yes	Oil Pressure Warning Light	Yes
Yes	Engine Management Warning	Yes
Yes	Pillion Seat	No

8. Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S

8.1 Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Phantom

Honda Shadow Phantom Pros	Honda Shadow Phantom Cons
Simple	No ABS
Easily customizable	Lacks sixth gear
Lightweight	No modern ride-assist features
Reliable	Less powerful and torquey engine
Good low-end torque	Low ground clearance
Affordable	Shorter rear wheel travel
Beginner-friendly	Not suitable for two-up riding
Comfortable for shorter and taller riders
Good for daily commutes
Low seat height
Low center of gravity
Adjustable dual rear shocks

8.2 Pros and Cons: Kawasaki Vulcan S

Kawasaki Vulcan S Pros	Kawasaki Vulcan S Cons
Aesthetically appealing	No stock passenger seat
Sporty cruiser	Smaller engine
Modern design	Smaller lean angles
Good exhaust note	Low ground clearance
Fast acceleration	Shorter rear wheel travel
Good throttle response
Dual throttle valves for better fuel economy
Adjustable ergonomics
Economical riding indicator
Extremely lightweight
Affordable
Reliable
Attractive color schemes

9. Colors and Cost: Honda Shadow Phantom Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

10.1 Is the Kawasaki Vulcan S a Fast Motorcycle?

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.

10.2 Is the Kawasaki Vulcan S a Good Beginner Bike?

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.

10.3 Is the Honda Shadow Phantom Good For Beginners?

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.

Also Read: HONDA SHADOW PHANTOM 750 VS. SUZUKI BOULEVARD C50

11. Which is Better: the Honda Shadow Phantom or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?

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.

12. Aftermarket Parts and Modification Options

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.

Photo Credit: @PowerSports Honda , @Kawasaki