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Cruisers

2017Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS Special Edition

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The 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS Special Edition is an accessible middleweight cruiser designed for new and returning riders seeking manageable ergonomics and modern safety features. Known for its approachable 226 kg curb weight, responsive handling, and standard ABS braking system, it delivers confident everyday performance with classic cruiser styling in striking Metallic Imperial Red.

Capacity
Not on record
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Engine
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Wet weight
226.0 kg
Seat height
706 mm
Power
48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 5700 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 2017 2018

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 44Agility 61Comfort 60Off-road 5Touring 45Road manners 65
Off-road & trail5%
Cornering55%
City riding68%
Daily riding70%
Touring45%
Two-up35%
Track15%
Best for
Built as a stylish, sporty-leaning cruiser for relaxed street riding and short trips rather than outright performance or long-distance touring.
Built for
A liquid-cooled parallel-twin cruiser that blends classic custom styling with modern handling, offering a more agile ride than typical heavyweight cruisers.
Not ideal for
Not the right choice for riders seeking high-speed touring comfort, passenger-friendly ergonomics, 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 706mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS 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 →

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Full specifications

Engine
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
0.2124 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
Capacity:
Not on record - add it
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
706 mm
Wet weight
226.0 kg
Fuel capacity
14.00 litres
Ground clearance
130 mm
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
Frame
High-tensile steel double pipe perimeter frame
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. 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
Metallic Imperial Red
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 20172018
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

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Common questions

What engine power does the Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS Special Edition have?

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

How many gears does the Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS Special Edition have?

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

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

The 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS Special Edition 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 ABS Special Edition weigh?

The 2017 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS Special Edition has a Wet weight of 226.0 kg (498.2 pounds).

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