Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder.
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Capacity
649 cc / 39.65cu /in
Bore x Stroke
83 x 60 mm
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio
10.8:1
Lubrication
Wet sump
Induction
Fuel system DFI® with two 38mm throttle
bodies, with sub-throttles
Ignition
TCBI with digital advance
Starting
Electric
Max Power
61 hp / 44.5 kW) @ 7500 rpm
Max Torque
63 Nm / 46.5 ft.lb @ 6600 rpm
Clutch
Wet, Multi Disc
Transmission
6 Speed with positive neutral finder
Final Drive
Sealed chain
Frame
High-tensile steel double pipe perimeter frame
Front Suspension
41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Front Wheel Travel
129 mm / 5.1 in
Rear Suspension
Lay-down offset rear shock with linkage and adjustable
preload
Rear Wheel Travel
81.2 mm / 3.2 in
Front Brakes
Single 300mm disc 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes
Single 250mm disc 1 piston caliper
Front Tyre
120/60 -R18
Rear Tyre
160/60 R17
Dimensions
Length 2311 mm / 91.0 in.
Width 881.3 mm / 34.7 in.
Height 1099.8 mm / 43.3 in
Wheelbase
1574.8 mm / 62 in.
Seat Height
706 mm / 27.8 in
Ground Clearance
129 mm / 5.1 in
Wet
Weight
223.0 kg / 491.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity
14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Unlike any other cruiser, the Vulcan® S is geared to fit a wide range of riders.
Never taking away from its stylish features, this bike takes comfort,
adjustability, and Ninja®-derived power and performance to the next level.
The Vulcan S is not your average cruiser. It stands apart, with its Parallel
Twin engine, unique frame and suspension layout, and its very non-traditional
looks. Designed for independent-minded riders, it does not require the rider to
conform to any herd-mentality fashion or lifestyle.
With its unique engine, frame, suspension and non-traditional cruiser looks,
the Vulcan® S was designed to be different. It was also designed to provide a
high level of fit and comfort to help inspire a confidence in riding that makes
the Vulcan® S especially attractive to new riders.
KAWASAKI RETURNS WITH THE VULCAN® S PLATFORM, THE MODERN CRUISER WITH
ERGO-FIT™ COMPONENTS AND A SMOOTH RIDE
Designed to rethink cruisers, with a low-seat height, sporty suspension and
adjustable ergonomics, the Vulcan® S line of motorcycles is back as the
comfortable, sporty, smooth and easy-to-ride cruiser.
The Vulcan S has the same low silhouette of a bigger-bore Vulcan® cruiser,
mixed with Kawasaki Ninja®-derived power and handling, as well as its popular
ERGO-FIT™ components, designed to comfortably fit a wide range of riders.
The Kawasaki Vulcan S cruiser returns with Kawasaki’s user-friendly and
unique ERGO-FIT components. This allows for two seat options for added comfort
and rider placement, three footpeg placement options, and two different reach
handlebars. Furthermore, the Vulcan S boasts one of the lowest weights of any
motorcycle in its class (twin cylinder cruiser of similar displacement) and we
all know what that means – easier to maneuver, quicker acceleration, easier to
stop, quicker to turn and smooth suspension action. The Vulcan S cruiser is
available in four configurations: the Vulcan S and Vulcan® S ABS, both of which
are available in Pearl Blizzard White; the Vulcan S® ABS SE, available in Pearl
Lava Orange paint; and the Vulcan® S ABS Café, available in Pearl Storm Gray.
Vulcan S, not your average cruiser. Standing apart, with its Parallel Twin
engine, unique frame and suspension layout and designed for independent minded
riders, Vulcan S does not require the rider to conform to some “herd-mentality”,
outdated fashion or lifestyle. Accessible in all senses of the word, the
accommodating new Vulcan S encourages you to go Your Way! Configure your Vulcan
S with Ergo-Fit solutions!
Features
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649cc parallel twin with fuel injection delivers
smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The
Ninja® 650-based engine is retuned for even more rider-friendly power
characteristics that will inspire confidence in new riders.
The
Vulcan S offers smooth starts from a standstill, smooth acceleration, and a
satisfying pull when accelerating. The strong acceleration helps with highway
merging and passing.
•Model-specific intake porting, camshaft profiles and long-type intake
funnels contribute to strong low-mid rpm performance, contributing to the smooth
acceleration and good pull feeling.
•Crankshaft design includes a heavier flywheel mass than the Ninja 650. This
contributes to the easy-to-use engine character so it is very smooth when
rolling on and off the throttle which makes
pulling away from a stop easier.
•Connector tube joining the header pipes helps eliminate peaks and valleys in
the torque curve, resulting in smoother power delivery.
•The design of the under-engine muffler contributes to strong torque in the
low-mid rpm range wich helps with control at lower engine speeds.
•Parallel twin engine is compact and helps reduce the dimensions of the entire
motorcycle to keep it small and nimble.
•180-degree crankshaft plus balancer shaft for extremely smooth engine
operation.
•Triangular crank and transmission shaft layout makes the engine very short from
front to back, a semi-dry sump(KP) oil system reduces overall engine height,
while the narrow pitch of the chrome
Positive Neutral Finder(KP)
•Just lift the shift pedal from first gear at a stop to select neutral easily.
•A Kawasaki exclusive.
Digital Fuel Injection (KP)
•Fuel injection settings provide smooth low end response while contributing to
the engine‘s quickrevving character.
•Dual 38mm Keihin throttle bodies feature sub-throttle valves(KP) for high power
output with smooth, sensitive throttle response. The sub throttles, located
behind the main throttle valves, are controlled by the ECU so that the EFI
system has smooth throttle response.
•Precise fuel injection plus exhaust catalyzer significantly reduce emissions.
•Fine-atomizing fuel injectors produce a fine fuel mist for better acceleration,
combustion and fuel consumption.
ENGINE
The chassis is slim and lightweight, due in part to the compact design of the
engine. Light, easy handling is complemented by a reassuring low seat height and
a slim design that makes it easy to reach the ground. The low overall weight is
apparent as the bike is lifted off its side stand, making the Vulcan S one of
the most accommodating bikes for new riders available.
Frame
•The compact engine allows use of a slim, minimalist frame, resulting in a
design that is narrow at the knees and feet.
•3D analysis was used to achieve the ideal stiffness balance for the frame,
contributing to superb handling characteristics.
•Constructed of high-tensile steel for strength and light weight.
•The layout of the offset single-shock rear suspension allows the battery to be
located beside the shock instead of beneath it. This elegant arrangement allows
a lower seat height as well as a slim design.
•The exhaust is kept under the engine as much as possible, ensuring a slim
chassis and an unobstructed reach to the ground.
•The Vulcan S’s low weight and low center of gravity make it highly maneuverable,
whether riding, pushing from a parking spot, or walking beside the bike.
•Slim backbone-style rear frame design allows all components to be positioned
close to the bike centerline.
•Instead of using seat rails, a single beam formed from interlocked C-section
pieces is used. The slim design enables a more comfortable seat construction.
•Separate swingarm pivot plates contribute to the slim chassis design. At the
swingarm pivot, the lower part of rear frame is supported by two sleeves through
which the swingarm bolt passes. This enables a narrower design between the
rider’s feet, facilitating the reach to the ground.
•Rigid-mount engine is a stressed member, contributing to the frame’s idealised
rigidity balance, and to the bike’s excellent handling and stability.
•Frame geometry contributes to light, natural handling.
•Footpegs are positioned relatively high so that they do not touch down easily,
enabling stress-free cornering.
•Optimized wheelbase balances light handling and a superior riding experience.
Suspension
•Both front and rear suspension settings prioritize ride comfort.
•Offset laydown single-shock rear suspension is equipped with linkage to enable
a longer stroke for increased ride comfort.
•The rear suspension arrangement also contributes to the bike’s compact design,
freeing up space for a large-volume silencer under the engine.
•Rear shock features adjustable preload, with seven positions to suit rider size
and payload.
CHASSIS
Brakes
•Large 300mm front disc is gripped by a twopiston caliper and at the rear a
250mm disc is gripped by single-piston caliper.
•The brakes provide ample stopping power.
•Customers looking for an added degree of reassuring braking performance can
also choose models with ABS that assists braking under certain conditions.
•The compact ABS unit contributes to the lightweight chassis, and is
conveniently tucked away under the rear shock, which ensures a slim construction
beneath the seat.
Feeling comfortable—especially for a new rider—is one of the key factors when
choosing a motorcycle. The Vulcan S was designed to be accommodating for a wide
range of riders from short to tall. Complementing the relaxed riding position,
adjustable footpegs and levers, and a number of accessory components allow
riders to custom-fit their bike to suit size and preference.
Low seat height
•Low 27.8-inch seat height allows riders to easily put their feet on the ground
when stopped, one of the most important factors in feeling comfortable on a
motorcycle.
Slim chassis design
•The Vulcan S’ parallel twin engine enables a slimmer space between the rider’s
legs since there is no cylinder there such as in a typical V-twin cruiser.
•Slim, backbone-style rear frame contributes to the easy reach to the ground.
ERGO-Fit™ adjustability
•Footpeg position can be adjusted to any of three positions: mid-reach, one inch
forward, or one inch back. (Alternate shift linkage rods, sold separately, are
necessary when changing the
position from standard.)
•Ergo-Fit™ reduced reach accessory handlebar positions the handle grips 1.7
inches closer to the rider.
•Three different accessory Ergo-Fit™ seats adjust rider position: reduced reach
positions rider closer to the tank and controls to accommodate shorter riders,
mid-reach for average-sized riders is standard, and extended reach provides a
more spacious seating position for taller riders.
•Brake and clutch levers can be adjusted to suit the rider’s hand size and
preference.
Comfort
•Seat designed with thick padding to offer a wide surface and excellent hip
support, ensuring ample comfort for city riding and short tours. The seat
bracket is rubber mounted to reduce vibration
transferred through the seat.
•Footpegs are positioned for foot-forward control, creating a relaxed
cruiser-style riding position.
•Handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce vibration transmitted through the handle
grips.
•Rider footpeg stays are rubber-mounted to further reduce vibration.
FIT & COMFORT
For riders who prefer not to follow the crowd, the unique design of the
Vulcan S offers a stylish, modern alternative to the traditional cruiser image.
Styling Elements
•Curved, flowing style blended with a powerful, long-and-low stance and modern
elements creates a unique, eye-catching design.
•Inverted triangle headlamp contributes to the Vulcan S’s fresh, unique design.
•Tapered handlebar is fatter in the middle, contributing to a strong appearance
of the handlebar area.
•Teardrop-style fuel tank adds a cruiser-style touch.
•Rear fender shaped to hug the wheel as closely as possible, creating a compact
cruiser-style design. The design was made possible in part by the offset laydown
rear shock.
•LED taillight contributes to the compact tail design and adds to the bike’s
modern image.
•Solo seat complements the low rear fender design.
•Metal trim added to various components, including the radiator shrouds,
cylinder head cover and swingarm pivot cover contribute to the high-quality
image.
Engine
•The engine configuration creates an image very different from the traditional
cruiser.
•Finish on the cylinder head is similar to air-cooled fins, contributing to an
aggressvie appearance.
•Slim radiator design matches the cruiser-style image.
•Attractive bend of exhaust pipes and under-engine muffler arrangement
contribute to the Vulcan S’s attractive styling.
•Dual-wall exhaust pipe design gives the header pipes a fatter appearance for a
strong image.
Frame
•Elegant pipe perimeter frame is a key component of the Vulcan S’s identity. The
bike’s bodywork accentuates the frame, rather than hiding it.
•The design of the frame, rear suspension and swingarm create an integrated line
running from the front of the bike to the rear hub.
•Offset laydown rear single-shock suspension is a distinctive styling element,
contributing the trendsetting design.
•The swingarm’s D-shaped cross-section gives it a pipe-like design that matches
the frame, and contributes to the high-quality appearance.
•Long wheelbase adds to the bike’s cruiser-style long-and-low design.
•Key cylinder is located at the front of the fuel tank, creating a very clean
cockpit area. The position also greatly facilitates access and ignition
operation.
TREND-SETTING DESIGN
Wheels
•Original design of the cast wheels uses five spoke pairs to create a
cruiser-style image with a strong impact.
Instrumentation
•Compact, stacked instrument cluster matches the bike’s overall design and
features an easy-toread layout.
•Analogue-style tachometer and multi-function dual-window LCD screen use white
LED backlights for excellent visibility at night.
•Gear indicator in the instrument display provides gear position at a glance to
help keep rider informed.
•Key cylinder is located at the front of the fuel tank, creating a very clean
cockpit area. The position also greatly facilitates access and ignition
operation.