ORLANDO, FL, OCT. 15 – Kawasaki unveiled the latest addition to its cruiser line today in advance of the opening of the AIMExpo – the Vulcan S. The Vulcan S is a lightweight cruiser with a sporty feel and features the uniqueness of being customizable for different sized riders.
The most notable feature on the new Vulcan is its three options of fit: reduced reach, mid reach (its standard configuration) and extended reach. How did Kawasaki create a cruiser that Goldilocks and three bears could all approve of? By offering different seat and handlebar options trademarked as Ergo-Fit (reduced reach and extended reach) in addition to the ability to move the footpegs one inch forward or backward from the standard settings. All customers get fitted to their Vulcan S at the time of purchase at no additional cost at the dealer.
Powering the Vulcan S is Kawasaki’s liquid-cooled 649cc parallel-twin engine derived from its Ninja 650 sportbike, with what Kawasaki claims to deliver a smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low- to medium-RPM range. The Vulcan Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) system is set to boost the engine’s bottom-end power while still letting it rev freely. The Vulcan S gets a six-speed transmission with a chain drive. Stopping the Vulcan S is a single 300mm front rotor with twin-piston caliper up front and a single 250mm rear rotor with single-piston caliper in back.
The Vulcan S’ cruiser style chassis gives it a low center of gravity and is boasted as being the lightest in its category at around 492 pounds (including fuel and necessary fluids), making it fun to ride for more experienced riders and confidence inspiring for an entry level rider, Kawasaki says.
Adding to the comfort and ease of control are its 41mm telescopic front fork and offset rear shock with back-link that offers up 3.15 inches of travel. It also has cruiser-style 18×4.0-inch front and 17×5.5-inch rear cast alloy wheels with twin five-spoke design.
The Vulcan S is listed at an MSRP of $6999 and for $400 more you can upgrade to the ABS model. They come in three different color options: Candy Lime Green, Pearl Crystal White and Flat Ebony.
2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Bore x stroke: 83 x 60mm
Compression ratio: 10.8:1
Maximum torque: N/A
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: DFI® with two 38mm throttle bodies, with sub-throttles
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
Transmission: Six-speed with positive neutral finder
Final drive: Sealed chain
Frame: High-tensile steel double pipe perimeter frame
Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm telescopic fork / 5.1”
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Lay-down offset rear shock with linkage and adjustable preload/ 3.2”
Front tire: 120/70 R18
Rear tire: 160/60 R17
Front brakes: Single 300mm disc with twin-piston caliper, ABS
Rear brakes: Single 250mm disc with single-piston caliper, ABS
Overall length: 91”
Overall width: 34.7”
Overall height: 43.3”
Ground clearance: 5.1”
Seat height: 27.8”
Wheelbase: 62”
Curb weight: **491.7 lb.
Fuel capacity: 3.7 gallons
Colors: Candy Lime Green, Pearl Crystal White or Flat Ebony
MSRP Standard: $6,999
Warranty: 12 month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus (optional): 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
**Curb weight includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
