2026Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe ABS

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The 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe ABS is a nimble middleweight cruiser designed for riders seeking approachable performance and classic cafe styling. Its 649cc parallel-twin engine delivers smooth mid-range torque, while the low 27.8-inch seat height and manageable 502.7-pound weight make it ideal for new and returning riders. ABS braking and responsive handling combine with retro aesthetics to create an accessible gateway into cruiser culture.

Capacity: 649.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 214.1 kg
Seat height: 706 mm
Power: 60.0 HP (45.0 kW) @ 7500 RPM

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How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering55%

City riding75%

Daily riding78%

Touring45%

Two-up40%

Track20%

Best for: Built primarily as a stylish urban cruiser with cafe-racer styling, favoring low-speed comfort and easy commuting over outright performance.
Built for: A relaxed, approachable middleweight cruiser with a torquey parallel-twin feel and enough style to appeal to riders who want cafe aesthetics without a full sportbike commitment.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking high-speed touring capability, aggressive cornering performance, or any off-road use.

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

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 706mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe ABS, 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 →

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Range and running costs

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Units

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Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 649.0 ccm
Power: 60.0 HP (45.0 kW) @ 7500 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 107 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: TKAXC.649AAE-012
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: 0.2802 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 60.0 mm
Compression: 10.8:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI with Electronic Advance
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1575 mm
Overall length: 2309 mm
Overall width: 879 mm
Overall height: 1130 mm
Seat height: 706 mm
Dry weight: 214.1 kg
Wet weight: 228.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 14.00 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm

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