Which to buy? – Rebel 500 vs Vulcan S vs Bolt

Bolt scrapes in corners, but it is an easy fix. One is just putting a riser on the rear shocks for a half inch or inch. 0-60 MPH|Vulcan S 4.2 sec.|Bolt 4.9 sec. / Rebel 5.9 …. Bolt top speed 101 mph (some sat 106)… Vulcan 900 5.8 (some say higher), 99 mph. “not a fan of the yamaha bolt. It is top heavy and I can’t ride one without my knee hitting the airbox.” Vulcan 900 very comfortable ride, great V-Twin sound, big gas tank Taller people fit Bolt better over Vulcan S and Rebel 500. Bolt rear shocks better than Vulcan S with sharp bumps and potholes. Bolt sounds better. Rebel and Bolt are mid controls. Bolt has belt drive. Bolt has a decent seat – you might not need to change it. Bolt gearing is sort of low and it is hard to change due to belt drive. … I own 2016 Vulcan 650 s. It is a great bike but it’s not your typical cruiser because of motor. The bolt sounds way better but actually may be a tad slower and it feels more top heavy than the Vulcan imo. If you want the sound and also belt drive and more mid controls go with bolt. If you want non typical cruiser with chain drive that still looks great but needs to be pushed more for excitement get the vulcan. Honestly I would look into getting Vulcan 900 over 650 even though its slower just for the sound and feel of v twin and larger fuel tank and it has belt drive which is little better as far as maintenance goes. Vulcan S and Bolt are both blessed with light steering and excellent stability. The Bolt’s piggyback shocks did a better job taming sharp bumps and potholes while its tractor-style saddle also gets the nod for superior comfort. … My 5-foot-10 compadre found the Bolt ergos much to his liking. “It fits me well,” Orr said. “I like the bar, seat, and peg placement. It’s not cramped, and you sit lower in the seat to stay out of the wind a bit better than on the Vulcan.”. When time came to claim a saddle for the freeway ride home, I pulled rank and took possession of the Bolt, the bike we both favored. While we agreed that at $7,399 ($6,999 without ABS) the Vulcan S represents a great bargain that may appeal to cash-strapped buyers, we failed to connect with the bike beyond its solid functionality. And while it’s true the Bolt R-Spec rings in at significantly higher price of $8,390, we found it more robust and soulful, a machine that invokes more emotion. Its styling is also right for the times, and the aftermarket has embraced what is one of the more customizable options among Japanese cruisers.

Rebel 500 pro: is lighter

Vulcan S con: is heavier / pro: single shock, nicer looking muffler

From a person who owned both: “I’ve had both bikes and still have the S. Advantages of the Vulcan S – tach, gear indicator, more forward controls so it’s more comfortable for me, horn button and turn indicator buttons are in the correct place (the Rebel has them reversed), larger engine, faster, smoother at highway speed. Advantages of the Rebel – cheaper sticker price, tons of custom options, cheaper on gas and insurance, zippy little bike. Both bikes have terrible seats but the Corbin seat for the Vulcan is more comfortable than the Corbin seat for the Rebel. All things considered, I would chose the Vulcan over the Rebel although I consider the Rebel a really good bike.”

My wife was looking at the Rebel and Vulcan S for her first bike. She’s 5’1″ and was able to flat foot both. She liked the styling of both. She ultimately decided on the Rebel because it was a bit lighter and she felt more comfortable with the weight and of course, there’s the Honda reliability. For me, I prefer the styling of the Rebel. The single shock on the Vulcan is just weird. I gotta say though, the Vulcan stock muffler looks so much better than the Rebel. I have no clue how it sounds though, as the battery was disconnected and the dealer wouldn’t even let me hear it run… Before you buy, do some research. case, I wanted the Rebel. I then start checking around for who has the one I want, and I interview the dealership. Do they have good reviews? Do I like the sales guy? Do they have a good service dept? Do I want to do business with them? And would I recommend them? An informed decision is the best decision. Best of luck with yours!