Honda CB500X vs Kawasaki Vulcan S
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Honda CB500X and Kawasaki Vulcan S: three different takes on what a great bike should be. They land within touching distance on price, so this comes down to character and fit. On paper the Kawasaki Vulcan S leads on power with 61 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickHonda
Honda CB500X
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Vulcan SThe verdict
The Honda CB500X edges it overall at 8.2/10, but the Kawasaki Vulcan S wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
Honda CB500X
A2-legal, 47 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Kawasaki Vulcan S
61 hp and 0.27 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Honda CB500X
Our 8.2/10 at $7,399, the most bike per dollar.
Honda CB500X
196 kg with an 833 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Honda CB500X
Our top score in this matchup at 8.2/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Honda CB500X vs Kawasaki Vulcan S: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Honda CB500X or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?
The Kawasaki Vulcan S makes the most power at 61 hp and 63 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Honda CB500X or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?
The Honda CB500X is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $7,399.
Which is lighter, the Honda CB500X or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?
The Honda CB500X is the lightest at 196 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Honda CB500X or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?
For a new rider we'd point to the Honda CB500X: A2-legal, 47 hp and 196 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
