New Kawasaki Vulcan S Performance

Metallic Matte Carbon Gray / Ebony RRP £8,029

Vulcan S Performance, not your average cruiser and certainly not standard. Standing apart, with its Arrow full exhaust system which enhances the sound of the Parallel Twin engine, the Vulcan S Performance comes with a Café deflector offering extra wind protection and contributing to the custom feel of the bike. Vulcan S does not require the rider to conform to some “herd-mentality”, outdated fashion trend or lifestyle. Accessible in all senses of the word, the accommodating new Vulcan S encourages you to go Your Way!

Comfortable seat

Sculpted seat design with thick padding offers excellent comfort and good hip support.

Under-engine muffler

Muffler located under the engine contributes to a low centre of gravity, and is tucked out of the way, making it easier to reach the ground when stopped. The muffler’s design conveys both power and style.

Modern, urban styling

Flowing style with long-and-low stance and modern elements like the original headlamp and cast wheels with five spoke pair design give the Vulcan S very nontraditional cruiser looks.

Low seat height

Being able to easily put your feet on the ground when stopped is one of the most important factors in feeling comfortable on a motorcycle. At 705 mm, the Vulcan S’s low seat is very accommodating.

Adjustable footpegs

3-position footpegs allow riders to adjust foot position to suit size and preference. Three positions available: STD, 25 mm forward, 25 mm back.

Easy-to-control 649 cm3 liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin

Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649 cm3 Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The engine was tuned for 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 facilitates highway merging and passing.

Easy-to-read instrumentation

Original-design instrumentation cluster features an analogue-style tachometer and multi-purpose LCD.
Convenient features keep riders fully informed of operating conditions.

Relaxed, foot-forward riding position    

Relaxed, foot-forward riding position
The compact engine and slim frame result in a design that is narrow at the knees and feet. Forward positioned footpegs are ideal for relaxed, cruiser style riding.

Large disc brakes

Large-diameter disc brakes balance ample stopping power with easy control for beginning riders.

Adjustable clutch/brake levers    

Multi-position levers allow riders to adjust lever position to suit hand size and preference. 

Linkage-equipped offset laydown single-shock

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 7 positions to suit rider size and payload.

Slim backbone-style rear frame    

The design of the frame, rear suspension and swingarm create an integrated line running from the front of the bike to the rear hub.
A pipe frame of high-tensile steel gives the bike a lightweight appearance. 3D analysis was used to achieve the target rigidity and stress values.

Long range

With its 14 litre fuel tank capacity and the Parallel Twin engine’s good fuel economy, the long range offered by the Vulcan S means riders can go longer between fill-ups—convenient in town, and reassuring when out on a daytrip.

Long wheelbase

Wheelbase of 1,575 mm was chosen for a balance of light handling and superior riding stability.
The same characteristics that make it fun to ride (light handling and relaxed, rider-friendly ergonomics), also make the Vulcan S ideal for new riders.

Engine Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement 649 cm³
Bore x Stroke 83 x 60 mm
Compression ratio 10:8:1
Valve system DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel system Fuel injection: 38 mm x 2 with sub-throttles
Ignition Digital
Starting System Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi‑dry sump
Maximum power 44.7 kW {61 PS} / 7,500 rpm
CO2 emission 102 g/km
Maximum torque 62.4 N•m {6.4 kgf•m} / 6,600 rpm
Transmission 6-speed
Final drive Sealed chain
Primary Reduction Ratio 2.095 (88 / 42)
Gear Ratios 1st 2.438 (39 / 16)
Gear Ratios 2nd 1.714 (36 / 21)
Gear Ratios 3rd 1.333 (32 / 24
Gear Ratios 4th 1.111 (30 / 27)
Gear Ratios 5th 0.966 (28 / 29)
Gear Ratios 6th 0.852 (23 / 27)
Final reduction ratio 3.067 (46 / 15)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Brakes, front Single 300 mm disc. Caliper: Dual-piston
Brakes, rear Single 250 mm disc. Caliper: Single-piston
Suspension, front 41 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rear Offset laydown single-shock, linkage equipped, with 7-way adjustable preload
Frame type Tubular diamond, high-tensile steel
Trail 120 mm
Wheel travel front 130 mm
Wheel travel rear 80 mm
Tyre, front 120/70 R18M/C 59H
Tyre, rear 160/60 R17M/C 69H
Steering angle, left / right 35° / 35°
L x W x H 2,310 x 880 x 1,100 mm
Wheelbase 1,575 mm
Ground Clearance 130 mm
Fuel Capacity 14 litres
Seat Height 705 mm
Curb mass 229 kg