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 color 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.
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.
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.
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-liter capacity will be useful for long hours in the saddle, for those riders inclined towards long distance riding.
Market Positioning and Pricing
The new Kawasaki Vulcan S has been priced at ? 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.
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