Kawasaki Vulcan S: All You Need To Know

Kawasaki India launched the new 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S, the first Kawasaki cruiser motorcycle in India, at a price of Rs. 5.44 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Bookings for the Kawasaki Vulcan S are already underway and the bike will be available on sale in a couple of months from now. The Vulcan S shares the engine with the other Kawasaki middleweights - the Kawasaki Z650, the Kawasaki Ninja 650, and the Kawasaki Versys 650. So, what does the Vulcan S offer then, apart from cruiser styling and ergonomics? Here's a look at all you need to know about the latest Kawasaki cruiser in India.

2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S

1. Looks and Design

The Kawasaki Vulcan S will be officially unveiled at the 2018 Auto Expo, although the price has been announced and bookings are already being accepted at Kawasaki dealerships. The Vulcan S is available in only one colour in India - flat ebony black, but it has a more modern approach to cruiser styling. Non-traditional in approach to cruiser motorcycle styling, the Vulcan S has an 'inverted triangle' headlamp with unique styling, a tight-fit rear fender, unique wheel design and features adjustable footpegs, handlebar and seat.

Kawasaki Vulcan S shares its engine with the Z650, Ninja 650 and Versys 650

2. Engine and Performance

The bike is powered by a fuel-injected, 649 cc, parallel-twin engine tuned to make around 60 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 63 Nm of peak torque at 6,600 rpm. The power from the DOHC, eight-valve engine is transmitted through a six-speed transmission. According to Kawasaki, the Vulcan S offers smooth starts from a standstill, smooth acceleration, and a satisfying pull when accelerating. We're not strangers to this engine though, having reviewed both the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Kawasaki Ninja 650, with which the Vulcan shares its engine. It's a gem of an engine, and the Vulcan S promises to be an entertaining cruiser.

Also Read: Kawasaki Ninja 650 Review

Kawasaki Vulcan S gets cruiser ergonomics, adjustable foot pegs and handlebar

3. Chassis and Suspension

The Kawasaki Vulcan S however has a different chassis than its other 650 cc siblings. The Vulcan S employs a perimeter frame chassis with high-tensile steel and has a 41 mm telescopic front fork with 130 mm travel. The rear suspension is an off-set laydown single shock, with adjustable preload and 80 mm travel. Braking duties are handled by a single 300 mm disc at the front, gripped by dual-piston calipers and a single 250 mm disc at the rear, gripped by single-piston calipers.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is targeted at new riders and female riders

4. Ergonomics and Usability

With adjustable ergonomics and a seat height of 705 mm, the Kawasaki Vulcan S will be accessible to a wide range of riders, of different build and height. Ground clearance is decent at 130 mm, although the kerb weight of 235 kg isn't exactly what you'd call 'lightweight'. A fuel tank with 14-litre capacity will be useful for long hours in the saddle, for those riders inclined towards long distance riding.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S will compete against Harley-Davidson India's most successful models

5. Market Positioning and Pricing

The new Kawasaki Vulcan S has been priced at Rs. 5.44 lakh (ex-showroom) and has been positioned to appeal to new riders and female riders. At that price point, the Vulcan S locks horns with the hugely successful Harley-Davidson Street 750 and the Harley-Davidson Street Rod. What the Vulcan S offers is a slightly modern approach to cruiser styling and a proven to be refined and competent 650 cc parallel-twin engine. We'll only be able to provide a full verdict, once we get to test ride the new bike.

Also Read: Harley-Davidson Streed Rod First Ride Review