Cruisers
2026Kawasaki Vulcan S
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The 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S is a middleweight cruiser designed for riders seeking accessible performance and modern technology in a manageable package. Its 649cc parallel-twin engine delivers responsive torque and smooth power delivery, while the low 27.8-inch seat height and lightweight 498-pound frame make it ideal for new and returning riders. Known for combining retro styling with contemporary features like ABS and fuel injection, it excels as an approachable daily rider and weekend cruiser.
- Capacity
- 649.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 212.1 kg
- Seat height
- 706 mm
- Power
- 60.0 HP (45.1 kW) @ 7500 RPM
What’s new for the 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S
vs the 2025| Spec | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 61.0 HP (44.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM | 60.0 HP (45.1 kW) @ 7500 RPM |
| Dry weight | — | 212.1 kg (467.6 pounds) |
| Front brakes | Double disc. Twin-piston caliper, optional ABS | Single 300mm disc with twin-piston caliper (and ABS) |
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
- 60.0 HP (45.1 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
- 0.2829 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
- 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
- 2309 mm
- Overall width
- 879 mm
- Overall height
- 1100 mm
- Seat height
- 706 mm
- Dry weight
- 212.1 kg
- Wet weight
- 226.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 14.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 130 mm
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Tubular diamond, 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
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single 300mm disc with twin-piston caliper (and ABS)
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Single-piston caliper, optional ABS
- Rear brakes diameter
- 250 mm
- ABS
- Optional
- Front tyre
- 120/70-18
- Rear tyre
- 160/60-17
Other
- 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 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 649 cc | 649 cc | 649 cc | 649 cc | 649 cc | 649 cc |
| Dry weight | — | — | — | — | 212 kg | — |
| Seat height | 706 mm | 705 mm | 705 mm | 705 mm | 706 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
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Vulcan S?
The 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S has a Capacity of 649.0 ccm (39.60 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Vulcan S have?
The 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S has a Power of 60.0 HP (45.1 kW) @ 7500 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Vulcan S have?
The 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Vulcan S?
The 2026 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 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S has a Dry weight of 212.1 kg (467.6 pounds).
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