Kawasaki Vulcan S

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is a heavy cruiser with a 649 cc liquid cooled parallel twin engine.

It produces 59.13 bhp and 62.4 Nm of torque which is plenty for highway runs, touring and relaxed city riding. With this performance, the Kawasaki Vulcan S price starts at Rs. 8.23 lakh (ex showroom).

With just one variant available, the buying decision is simple. Buyers do not get multiple equipment options at different price points. The 705 mm seat is another strong advantage with this bike as short riders will find it easier to put both feet down at stops.

Then comes the weight. At 235 kg, the Vulcan S is not something you casually push around a parking area. You will feel that heft. The motorcycle gets a 14 litre fuel tank and claims 20.58 kmpl mileage. That should work well for weekend rides.

Still, riders covering long distances regularly should keep fuel costs in mind. Actual mileage will change with traffic, speed, road conditions and riding style.

• The low slung cruiser style gives the Vulcan S a strong look on the road. It is perfect for people who like a cruiser bike but don’t want something too big.
• The sculpted style fuel tank and visible frame add a lot of style. To be honest, this bike looks better in real life than the numbers show.
• The 2,310 mm length and 1,575 mm wheelbase create a stretched look. This makes the Vulcan S look calm and easy on the highway.
• The 855 mm width makes the motorcycle feel big in traffic. Riders in narrow lanes should give it a little more space.
• The 130 mm ground clearance is good for bad roads and city speed bumps. High or broken speed bumps still need a careful approach.
• Alloy wheels and tubeless tyres are good for riding. A small flat can also be easier to handle on trips.

• The 649 cc parallel twin engine produces 59.13 bhp at 7,500 rpm. There is enough punch here for highway overtakes and open road riding.
• Its 62.4 Nm torque arrives at 6,600 rpm. That reserve becomes useful when carrying luggage or a passenger.
• A six speed gearbox keeps the engine relaxed during highway cruising. It also gives enough flexibility as speeds change between city roads and highways.
• The claimed 0 to 100 kmph time is five seconds. That is useful when joining a highway or getting past slower traffic.
• The claimed top speed is 186 kmph. You probably will not use that number often, but the extra headroom is useful.
• The 20.58 kmpl claimed mileage is reasonable for a 649 cc motorcycle. Riders covering big distances every month may notice higher fuel costs.

• The 705 mm seat height makes the Vulcan S easy to reach when standing still. Shorter riders might find it easier to put their feet down.
• The motorcycle weighs around 235 kg, which makes the bike feel steady when going fast. You will feel it when backing up or moving the bike by hand.
• The 1,575 mm wheelbase helps keep the motorcycle steady when riding on the highway. It also gives the Kawasaki bike a comfortable and relaxed feel during rides.
• The rear suspension has a shock placed off to the side with adjustable preload. Riders can change the settings based on their load and riding conditions.
• Dual channel ABS works with the disc brakes on both the front and rear. It helps stop the wheels from locking up during hard braking if the road surface changes.
• The front brake has a 272 mm disc, while the rear brake has a 216 mm disc. This brake setup is right for the size and weight of the motorcycle.
• The front wheel is 18 inches, while the rear wheel measures 17 inches. They are made of alloy and use tubeless tyres. A setup like this helps keep the motorcycle steady when turning and riding on the highway.

• The Vulcan S gets traction control to help manage rear wheel slip during acceleration. It can be useful on wet or loose surfaces.
• Its instrument console combines an analogue speedometer with digital information. I think this simple layout suits the cruiser better than a busy screen.
• The digital display includes a fuel gauge, clock, service indicator and other information. These details are useful during longer rides.
• A real time mileage indicator shows how the motorcycle is using fuel. That can help commuters keep an eye on monthly fuel spending.
• The Kawasaki bike also gets an electric starter, engine kill switch and pass switch. Nothing flashy, just the controls you regularly use.
• There is no USB charging port listed for the Vulcan S. Riders using phone navigation will need another charging option.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is better suited to riders who want highway performance, cruiser styling and a low seat.

Its 649 cc engine has enough performance for overtaking and touring. The 705 mm seat is another genuine advantage for shorter riders.

But the 235 kg weight changes the experience in the city. Parking, reversing and tight U turns will take more effort. At Rs. 8.23 lakh (ex showroom), this is not a casual commuter purchase. Insurance, registration, fuel and maintenance will add to the ownership bill.

I think the Vulcan S works better as a weekend and highway motorcycle than as a daily city commuter. Heavy traffic can make its size and weight tiring. So, is it worth the money? That depends on where you ride.

For riders regularly covering intercity highways, the strong engine and relaxed riding position make a stronger case. A proper test ride is still essential.

Try slow U turns. Park it yourself. Spend some time checking the seat comfort. This will tell you much more than the specification sheet.