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Cruisers

2023Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe

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The 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe combines classic styling with modern performance in a middleweight cruiser designed for riders seeking an approachable, agile alternative to larger bikes. Its 649cc parallel-twin engine delivers smooth power and impressive torque, while the cafe racer aesthetic and responsive handling appeal to those wanting character without overwhelming size or complexity.

Capacity
649.0 ccm
Engine
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Wet weight
228.0 kg
Seat height
705 mm
Power
48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 6600 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe

vs the 2022
Spec20222023
Power 60.4 HP (44.1 kW) @ 7500 RPM 48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 6600 RPM
Wet weight 225.0 kg (496.0 pounds) 228.0 kg (502.7 pounds)
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 42Agility 57Comfort 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 2023 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 →

Range and running costs

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

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
48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 6600 RPM
CO2 Emissions
107 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.
PKAXC.649AAE-007-R01
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption
4.56 L/100km (51.6 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions
2.3 CO g/km
Torque
62.8 Nm (6.4 kgf-m) @ 6600 RPM
Engine type
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2105 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 electronic advance
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
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
2310 mm
Overall width
880 mm
Overall height
1100 mm
Seat height
705 mm
Wet weight
228.0 kg
Fuel capacity
14.00 litres
Ground clearance
130 mm
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
Frame
High-tensile steel diamond
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
79 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. ABS. Single-piston caliper.
Rear brakes diameter
250 mm
ABS
Yes
Front tyre
120/70-18
Rear tyre
160/60-17
Other
Color options
Pearl Storm Gray/Ebony
Warranty
12
Comments
Small windscreen. Economical Riding Indicator.
Fuel Tank Material
Metal

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 201720192022202320242026
Capacity 649 cc 649 cc 649 cc 649 cc 649 cc 649 cc
Dry weight — — — — — 214 kg
Seat height 705 mm 705 mm 705 mm 705 mm 705 mm 706 mm
Fuel capacity 14 L 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.

Rider Reviews

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MotorcycleDB

The 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe is a stunning and powerful bike that will turn heads on the road. With its sleek cafe racer styling and powerful engine, this bike offers a thrilling riding experience for motorcycle enthusiasts. The Vulcan S Cafe features a liquid-cooled 649cc parallel-twin engine that delivers impressive performance and smooth power delivery. Its low seat height and adjustable footpegs make it comfortable for riders of all sizes, while its agile handling and responsive brakes ensure a confident and enjoyable ride. Whether you're cruising through the city streets or hitting the open highway, the 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe is a versatile and stylish bike that offers an exhilarating ride every time.

Overall, the 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe is a standout motorcycle that delivers on both style and performance. Its cafe racer aesthetics, powerful engine, and comfortable ergonomics make it a great choice for riders looking for a stylish and thrilling ride. With its impressive handling and responsive brakes, this bike offers a confident and enjoyable riding experience. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to the world of motorcycling, the Vulcan S Cafe is a bike that is sure to impress with its sleek design and thrilling performance.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe?

The 2023 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 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe has a Power of 48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 6600 RPM.

How many gears does the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe have?

The 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe?

The 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe has a Torque of 62.8 Nm (6.4 kgf-m or 46.3 ft.lbs) @ 6600 RPM.

How much does the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe weigh?

The 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe has a Wet weight of 228.0 kg (502.7 pounds).

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