1 Bike Model, 4 Builders: Choose Your Favorite
Recently Kawasaki held a “Breaking Boundaries” Build-Off – offering up their Vulcan S model to four different builders for customization. While we don’t cover much motorcycles here on Driving Line, I love seeing how different people customize the same platform (just like the Scion Tuner Challenge!) That and I’ve recently procured my motorcycle license, so a beginner-friendly bike like the Vulcan S grabbed my attention.
Kawasaki dubs their Vulcan S, released in 2015, as “breaking boundaries” by challenging riders ideas of what a cruiser should be. Included in the sub-8k pricetag is a tailored package to fit the bike to you – including three seat options as well as adjustable footpegs and varied handlebars. Powered by Kawasaki’s signature 649 cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine producing just over 46 lb-ft torque at 6600 rpm while also being compact and lightweight – contributing to the bikes under-500 lbs weigh in.
But enough about the specs, because we’re here for the builds. Bikes seem a welcome customization platform to me due to their compact size – much less daunting than a mid-‘60s land yacht from my normal classic car world. The varied shape, feel, and riding style of these resulting builds impressed me just as much as the Vulcan S platform.
Two Brothers Competition 2 into 1 exhaust Pro Taper high rise ATV bars
Shinko 705 Dual Sports tires
Mario's on South 1st diamond stitch design upholstery
Stainless fabricated number plate
Custom tail light using vintage dash light with LED internals
Tail Section and Controls fabricated from 1" O.D. tubing shaped, includes custom oval seat section with wiring routed through the tubing
Hella LED 6", 18 watt, 1080 lumen bulb headlight
Wires minimized, connections soldered and heat shrinked
Custom fabricated battery box
Drag-style handlebars
Foot controls moved rearward
Revised more aggressive seating position
Fender and struts swapped out for a cafe tail, retaining stock tail light
Modified shock mounts increase ride height
Custom tank
Two-tone gloss/flat black paint scheme
Custom paint by Paint by Bondo
Pirelli MT60rS tires
Custom fabricated gauge mount
Custom headlight fabrication
Machined solid riser bushings
Biltwell 6" Gordo risers
Pro Taper contour handlebars
ASV levers and perch
Acerbis hand guards
Two Brothers Racing exhaust system
Progressive suspension
Re-shaped and covered seat by The Seat Guy
Internal wiring through handlebars
Custom paint by Anaheim Rod and Custom Paint
Anodized Retro KZ1000 cast wheels
Ninja front suspension
Ninja 650 swingarm
Biltwell pegs and handlebars
Metzeler Lasertech tires
Battery relocation
Custom seat designed by RideApart, built by Al's Auto Upholstery
RideApart mid-control mounts
Custom Exhaust
After votes being cast at the unveiling event at Brouweri West in San Pedro, California - it was RideApart's build by Jessie Kaiser that took home the win!
