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Cruisers

2017Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition

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The 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition is a middleweight cruiser designed for new and experienced riders seeking accessible, comfortable cruising. Known for its manageable weight, low seat height, and approachable riding position, it excels at relaxed street riding and weekend touring. Available in three striking color options, this bike balances classic cruiser character with modern handling capabilities.

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
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition

vs the 2016
Spec20162017
Wet weight 225.0 kg (496.0 pounds) 229.0 kg (504.9 pounds)
Other years 2016 2017

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 45Agility 62Comfort 68Off-road 10Touring 45Road manners 65
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering55%
City riding72%
Daily riding75%
Touring45%
Two-up40%
Track20%
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 us
At 705mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition, 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
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
Valves per cylinder
4
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
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 Grey/Matte Urban City White/Orange
Warranty
12

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 20162017
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.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition?

The 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition?

The 2017 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 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition has a Wet weight of 229.0 kg (504.9 pounds).

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