The Kawasaki Vulcan S turns the traditional cruiser formula on its head, a machine for independent minded riders who want low, stretched out style without the intimidation that often comes with the class. Modern, urban styling replaces chrome laden convention with a distinctive round headlamp and five-spoke cast wheels, all wrapped around a compact 2,310mm overall length.
A 649cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, DOHC 8-valve with an 83 x 60mm bore and stroke, produces 61PS at 7,500rpm and 62.4Nm of torque at 6,600rpm through twin 38mm throttle bodies with sub-throttles for smoother response. Drive runs through a six-speed gearbox and wet multi-disc manual clutch to a sealed chain final drive, with digital ignition, electric start and forced lubrication through a semi-dry sump, giving relaxed, accessible power that builds progressively rather than snatching at the throttle.
A tubular diamond, high-tensile steel frame carries a conventional 41mm telescopic fork and a Horizontal Back-link rear shock with seven-way adjustable preload, tuned for a planted, unhurried ride rather than outright sharpness, offering 130mm of wheel travel. A single 300mm front disc with a dual-piston caliper and a single 250mm rear disc handle braking through an 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combination, an unusual pairing that adds to the stretched, custom silhouette and helps keep steering light at parking speeds. At 229kg with an unusually low 705mm seat height and a 1,575mm wheelbase, it plants both feet on the ground with total confidence at a standstill.
A relaxed, foot forward riding position keeps things comfortable mile after mile, and a 14-litre tank paired with the twin’s good economy means fewer stops between fill-ups, whether pottering around Plymouth or heading further afield along the coast. Standing just 1,100mm tall at the tank, it looks as low as it feels, and that unusually low 705mm seat puts the ground within easy reach of most riders regardless of height or experience, removing one of the biggest worries that keeps newer or shorter riders away from the cruiser class altogether. Head to GT Motorcycles, your Kawasaki dealer in Plymouth, for finance and a test ride, covering riders across Devon and Cornwall.
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