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Cruisers

2017Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe

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The 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe is a nimble, accessible middleweight cruiser perfect for riders seeking manageable ergonomics and approachable performance. Its cafe-inspired styling delivers retro character with modern amenities, while the compact 705mm seat height and forgiving handling make it ideal for new and returning riders. Known for its user-friendly nature and agile maneuverability, this bike excels in both urban commuting and weekend cruising.

Capacity
649.0 ccm
Engine
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Wet weight
231.0 kg
Seat height
705 mm
Power
48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 5700 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 36Agility 51Comfort 62Off-road 10Touring 48Road manners 68
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering55%
City riding72%
Daily riding70%
Touring45%
Two-up40%
Track20%
Best for
A style-focused cruiser with cafe-racer touches designed for relaxed street riding and city cruising rather than outright performance.
Built for
Offers a torquey, easygoing low-rpm feel typical of Kawasaki's 649cc parallel twin, wrapped in a customized cafe-inspired silhouette.
Not ideal for
Not the right choice for riders seeking high-speed touring comfort, off-road capability, or track-level performance.

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 Cafe, 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
48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 5700 RPM
Torque
77.0 Nm (7.9 kgf-m) @ 3700 RPM
Engine type
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2078 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
231.0 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
Offset laydown single-shock, linkage equipped, 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. ABS. Two-piston calipers.
Front brakes diameter
300 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc. Single-piston caliper.
Rear brakes diameter
250 mm
ABS
Yes
Front tyre
120/70-18
Rear tyre
160/60-17
Other
Color options
Pearl Blizzard White/Candy Lime Green
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 20172019202220242026
Capacity 649 cc 649 cc 649 cc 649 cc 649 cc
Dry weight — — — — 214 kg
Seat height 705 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 Cafe?

The 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe has a Capacity of 649.0 ccm (39.60 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe have?

The 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe has a Power of 48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 5700 RPM.

How many gears does the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe have?

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

What is the torque of the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe?

The 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe has a Torque of 77.0 Nm (7.9 kgf-m or 56.8 ft.lbs) @ 3700 RPM.

How much does the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe weigh?

The 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe has a Wet weight of 231.0 kg (509.3 pounds).

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