Ducati Multistrada 1200 versus Kawasaki Vulcan S

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Ducati

Ducati Multistrada 1200

Adventure
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Vulcan S

Cruiser
Speeding instead of travelling?
Travelling has something to do with relaxing, with serenity and arriving. So pretty much everything that Ducati can't do with its bikes brushed on riot. Whether this can still be something with traveling, we tested... weiter
Ducati Multistrada 1200
Gallery
Black and beautiful
Choppers or cruisers are currently a bit out of fashion. But since the Honda Rebel is so successful, we set our sights on the competition from Kawasaki and summoned the Vulcan S for testing. The "S" does not stand for Sport Beautiful Black. All matte, and just as matt... weiter
Kawasaki Vulcan S
Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2010 bis 2018
Built von 2015 bis 2024~
RRP
RRP 8.595 €
Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de
Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de
waveform
waveform

Competitors

Pros:
  • Power
  • Sound
  • Precise chassis
  • Space
Pros:
  • Comfort
  • Stability
  • Processing
Cons:
  • Sparse furnishings
Cons:
  • Short maintenance intervals

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.529 mm
Length : 2.190 mm Height : 1.495 mm
Seat : 845 mm
Weight : 232 kg
Wheelbase: 1.575 mm
Length : 2.310 mm Height : 1.100 mm
Seat : 705 mm
Weight : 229 kg

Engine

Motor type unknown 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.198 ccm
Hub: 68 mm
Hole: 106 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 248 km/h
Performance: 152 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 128 NM bei 7.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Maximum speed: 176 km/h
Performance: 61 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 63 NM bei 6.600 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 311 km

Chassis

Rear suspension:
 Mono-featherleg
Frame type:
 Perimeter (steel)
Front suspension:
 41 mm telescopic fork (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
 Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 80 mm)
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R18M/C 59H
Rear tyres: 160/60 R17M/C 69H

Brakes

Front brake
 Double disc Rear brake
 Disk
Front brake
 Single disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
 Single disc (∅ 250 mm)

Superbike for everyday use

What's stuck? The Multistrada is a capped superbike that is suitable for everyday use, allows long tours at a time, is fast and also ensures the passenger a comfortable livelihood.

It offers almost the same riding performance as a superbike, the same stability when it needs to go faster and packs a wendigkeit. It is the superbike for the rider, who no longer wants to edge on the motorcycle, but may enjoy the upright posture.
With her whole facility she enjoyed Dietmar and me a lot.

For everyone else, think about it well. If you don't want to be constantly challenged, who enjoys the peace, who gets the constant roar ingenuity on your nerves, who wants to cruise first – let it stay.

The test bike was provided to us by Ducati Hamburg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Used (3 years old): 12,000€
  • Years built: 2010-2018
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: red, white, grey

Conclusion - a cruiser

What remains? The Kawasaki Vulcan S is definitely not an athlete, but it is also not a heavy, immovable being. Alpine passes do not worry her, while caring for the driver with adequate comfort despite her rather simple suspension. In the evening after work riding on her in the setting sun, this is cheesy, but somehow beautiful.

The Kawa-typical maintenance intervals, which are kept quite short at 6,000 kilometres, are a small drop in the right.

But otherwise? It doesn't have to be more motorcycle, the purchase recommendation is available.

The test bike was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 7,645
  • Used (3 years old): 5,500€
  • Years of construction: since 2015
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: matt black, matt green