Cruisers
2018Kawasaki Vulcan S
49 fields on record
The 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S is a low, easy cruiser with an engine from the Ninja 650. Its liquid-cooled 649cc parallel twin makes 61 hp at 7,500 rpm and 63 Nm through a six-speed gearbox and chain, with a 35 kW version for A2 riders. A low 705 mm seat and 229 kg wet weight suit new riders.
- 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
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Designed primarily for relaxed street cruising and commuting with a sporty edge rather than outright performance or long-distance touring.
- Built for
- An approachable, torque-friendly parallel-twin cruiser that trades top-end excitement for smooth, confidence-inspiring everyday usability.
- Not ideal for
- Not the right choice for riders chasing high-speed thrills, serious off-road capability, or long two-up touring comfort.
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 usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased 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.
Engine
- Capacity
- 649.0 ccm
- Power
- 61.0 HP (44.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 107 CO2 g/km
- EPA Certificate No.
- JKAXC.649AAE-002
- 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
- 0.2664 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
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Lubrication system
- Force lubrication, semi-dry sump
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
- Horizontal Back-link 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. Dual-piston calipers.
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Single-piston caliper.
- Rear brakes diameter
- 250 mm
- ABS
- Optional
- Front tyre
- 120/70-18
- Rear tyre
- 160/60-17
Other
- Color options
- Metallic Matte Carbon Grey
- Warranty
- 12
- Comments
- Limited power version of 35 kW available.
- 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 | 2015 | 2018 | 2021 | 2024 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 649 cc | 649 cc | 649 cc | 649 cc | 649 cc |
| Seat height | 706 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.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Vulcan S?
The 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S has a Capacity of 649.0 ccm (39.60 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Vulcan S have?
The 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S has a Power of 61.0 HP (44.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Vulcan S have?
The 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Vulcan S?
The 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S 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 weigh?
The 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S has a Wet weight of 229.0 kg (504.9 pounds).
Shop this bike
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Similar bikes
Same category, weighted similarity
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649 cc · 229 kg · 705 mm
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649 cc · 247 kg · 710 mm
2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition
649 cc · 225 kg · 706 mm
2019 Yamaha XVS650 A
649 cc · 247 kg · 710 mm
2019 Suzuki Boulevard S40
652 cc · 160 kg · 700 mm
2016 Triumph America
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