Cruisers
2016Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition
42 fields on record
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition is a middleweight cruiser designed for riders seeking an accessible yet capable standard custom motorcycle. Powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine producing 61 horsepower, it delivers responsive performance and manageable torque ideal for both new and experienced riders. Known for its comfortable ergonomics, nimble handling, and approachable character, the Vulcan S excels as an entry-level cruiser that doesn't compromise on modern engineering or style.
- Capacity
- 649.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 225.0 kg
- Seat height
- 706 mm
- Power
- 61.0 HP (44.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Designed primarily as a stylish, accessible cruiser for daily commuting and relaxed street riding rather than outright performance or long-distance touring.
- Built for
- A modern, sporty-leaning cruiser that blends laid-back cruiser styling with surprisingly nimble handling from its lighter chassis and sharper geometry.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking high-speed touring comfort, serious two-up long-distance travel, or any off-road capability.
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 usEngine
- Capacity
- 649.0 ccm
- Power
- 61.0 HP (44.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
- Torque
- 63.0 Nm (6.4 kgf-m) @ 6600 RPM
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2711 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
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
- Clutch
- Wet multi-disc, manual
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1575 mm
- Overall length
- 2311 mm
- Overall width
- 881 mm
- Overall height
- 1100 mm
- Seat height
- 706 mm
- Wet weight
- 225.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 14.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 130 mm
- Dry weight
- Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Perimeter, high-tensile steel
- Front suspension
- 41mm telescopic fork
- Rear suspension
- Lay-down offset rear shock with linkage and 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. Two-piston calipers. Optional ABS.
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Single-piston caliper. Optional ABS.
- Rear brakes diameter
- 250 mm
- ABS
- Optional
- Front tyre
- 120/70-18
- Rear tyre
- 160/60-17
Other
- Color options
- Metallic Matte Carbon Gray/Metallic Matte Phantom Silver
- Warranty
- 12
- Comments
- Limited power version of 35 kW available. ABS adds 3 kg.
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 | 2016 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 649 cc | 649 cc |
| Seat height | 706 mm | 705 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 14 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition has a Capacity of 649.0 ccm (39.60 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition have?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition has a Power of 61.0 HP (44.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition have?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition 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 Special Edition weigh?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition has a Wet weight of 225.0 kg (496.0 pounds).
Shop this bike
Affiliate linksWe may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Please log in or register if you'd like to leave a comment.
Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.