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Cruisers

2018Kawasaki Vulcan S

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49 fields on record

Capacity
649.0 ccm
Engine
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Wet weight
229.0 kg
Seat height
705 mm
Power
61.0 HP (44.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Other years 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 37Agility 54Comfort 68Off-road 10Touring 55Road manners 70
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering55%
City riding78%
Daily riding75%
Touring55%
Two-up45%
Track20%
Best for
Designed primarily for relaxed street cruising and commuting with a sporty edge rather than outright performance or long-distance touring.
Built for
A approachable, torque-friendly parallel-twin cruiser that trades top-end excitement for smooth, confidence-inspiring everyday usability.
Not ideal for
Not the right choice for riders chasing high-speed thrills, serious off-road capability, or long two-up touring comfort.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 705mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
649.0 ccm
Power
61.0 HP (44.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
CO2 Emissions
107 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.
JKAXC.649AAE-002
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption
4.56 L/100km (51.6 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions
2.3 CO g/km
Torque
63.0 Nm (6.4 kgf-m) @ 6600 RPM
Engine type
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2664 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke
83.0 x 60.0 mm
Compression
10.8:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Injection
Starting
Electric
Ignition
TCBI with digital advance
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder
4
Lubrication system
Force lubrication, semi-dry sump
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Clutch
Wet multi-disc
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1575 mm
Overall length
2311 mm
Overall width
881 mm
Overall height
1100 mm
Seat height
705 mm
Wet weight
229.0 kg
Fuel capacity
14.00 litres
Ground clearance
130 mm
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Tubular diamond, high-tensile steel
Front suspension
41mm telescopic fork
Rear suspension
Horizontal Back-link with 7-way adjustable preload
Front wheel travel
130 mm
Rear wheel travel
81 mm
Rake (fork angle)
31.0°
Trail
119 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Double disc. Dual-piston calipers.
Front brakes diameter
300 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc. Single-piston caliper.
Rear brakes diameter
250 mm
ABS
Optional
Front tyre
120/70-18
Rear tyre
160/60-17
Other
Color options
Metallic Matte Carbon Grey
Warranty
12
Comments
Limited power version of 35 kW available.
Fuel Tank Material
Metal

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 20152018202120242027
Capacity 649 cc 649 cc 649 cc 649 cc 649 cc
Seat height 706 mm 705 mm 705 mm 705 mm 706 mm
Fuel capacity 14 L 14 L 14 L 14 L 14 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Vulcan S?

The 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S has a Capacity of 649.0 ccm (39.60 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki Vulcan S have?

The 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S has a Power of 61.0 HP (44.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM.

How many gears does the Kawasaki Vulcan S have?

The 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Kawasaki Vulcan S?

The 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S has a Torque of 63.0 Nm (6.4 kgf-m or 46.5 ft.lbs) @ 6600 RPM.

How much does the Kawasaki Vulcan S weigh?

The 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S has a Wet weight of 229.0 kg (504.9 pounds).

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