I’ve been writing about motorcycles for 25 years and have witnessed a lot of trends in motorcycle styles during that time. After enduring the boom of choppers with ultra fat tires and gigantic rakes in the early to mid-2000s, and then the onslaught of humongous-sized touring cruisers of the mid-to late 2000s, it’s nice to see the majority of the new motorcycles being introduced for model year 2015 come back down to human-sized proportions.
Many of the models appeal to new riders—a large percentage of readers of Women Riders Now—as well as experienced riders seeking a vintage-y experience with some models resembling those of yesteryear.
Here’s our list of motorcycles to get excited about for 2015! Wait til you see the last one, an honorable that we had to include.
2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S
The most interesting motorcycle this year is the all-new Kawasaki Vulcan S, because it takes the term “ergonomically friendly” to a whole new level. The Vulcan S is designed from the factory to accommodate a wide variety of rider's sizes with its five multi-adjustable components. Seat, handlebars, and footpegs, as well as hand levers and suspension are all adjustable multiple ways. Riders under 5-feet-5 as well as those taller than that can find an adjustment to fit them.
The Vulcan S, which looks nothing like its Vulcan predecessors, has aggressive cruiser styling with a sporty edge, as it’s powered by a 649cc parallel twin engine that has sportbike-derived DNA. The fuel-injected motor has a 6-speed transmission and ABS is standard. Seat height is 27.8 inches. Price: $6,999.
Click to the next page to see the next motorcycle we're excited about.