Kawasaki Vulcan S : Kawasaki Vulcan S stands as a versatile middleweight cruiser that bridges sporty performance with laid-back cruising vibes, powered by a punchy 649cc parallel-twin engine perfect for both city sprints and open-road journeys.
The 2026 model, freshly launched in India, brings E20 fuel compliance, subtle tweaks for smoother compliance, and a price tag that keeps it competitive against bigger-displacement rivals.
Riders love its ERGO-FIT adjustability, letting shorter or taller folks dial in a custom fit without compromise.
Bold Cruiser Styling
The Vulcan S grabs attention with its blacked-out aesthetic—think muscular fuel tank, chopped fenders, and a low-slung stance that screams attitude without going overboard on chrome overload.
LED headlamp and DRLs up front give it a modern edge, while the split seat and staggered exhaust pipes reinforce that classic cruiser silhouette, available in fresh 2026 shades like Metallic Flat Spark Black for a stealthy look.
Details like the exposed belt drive (on some trims) and compact tail section keep weight down visually, making it feel nimble despite the 235 kg kerb heft.
From any angle, it projects premium build quality, drawing nods from Harley fans and sportbike converts alike who want something approachable yet aggressive.
Engine Punch and Ride Dynamics
Heart of the beast is that liquid-cooled 649cc parallel-twin, dohc mill churning out 60-61 PS at 7500 rpm and 61 Nm at 6600 rpm—tuned low-down for torquey pulls from idle, hitting 0-100 kmph in about 5.8 seconds.
The six-speed gearbox with slipper clutch shifts slickly, paired to a chain drive that handles highway duties up to 186 kmph top speed without vibes ruining the cruise.
Real-world mileage hovers at 20-24 kmpl, decent for a cruiser, with the 14-litre tank offering solid range for weekend getaways.
Suspension—a fat 41mm telescopic fork upfront and preload-adjustable monoshock rear—soaks up potholes confidently, while the low 705mm seat height welcomes riders of all sizes to plant feet flat at signals.
Braking, Safety, and Tech Touches
Dual-channel ABS backs the 300mm front disc (dual-piston caliper) and 250mm rear, delivering composed stops—60-0 kmph in under 17 metres during tests. Traction control and K-ACT coactive braking tech add layers of confidence on wet roads or mid-corner saves.
The cockpit blends analogue tach with digital readouts for speedo, odometer, trips, fuel gauge, clock, and even distance-to-empty plus economy indicators.
Cruise control makes long hauls effortless, while adjustable levers, pegs (three positions), and handlebars via ERGO-FIT let you tweak for comfort on 100km rides or quick blasts.
Practicality for Daily Riders
At 235 kg wet, it feels planted rather than porky, with a narrow profile easing lane-splitting in traffic.
Passenger grab rail, optional backrest, and saree guard nod to Indian practicality, while the upright posture fights fatigue better than forward-controls on heavier tourers.
Service intervals stretch to 10,000 km, and Kawasaki’s network ensures parts availability, though premiums apply. Fuel injection and BS6 Phase-2 tuning keep it emissions-ready for E20 petrol, sidestepping carb woes of older iron.
Pricing and Ownership Edge Kawasaki Vulcan S
The 2026 Vulcan S hits Indian showrooms at Rs 8.13 lakh ex-showroom, up from prior years but packed with compliance upgrades and that new colourway—rivaling Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 or Triumph Speedmaster at a sharper entry point. Single variant keeps choices simple, focusing on core cruiser thrills without bloat.
Finance options through Kawasaki dealers make it accessible, with resale holding strong thanks to the Ninja-derived engine’s bulletproof rep.
Insurance and maintenance run higher than 350cc locals, but the exclusivity pays off for riders chasing Japanese reliability in cruiser form.
Kawasaki Vulcan S nails the middle-ground cruiser formula—potent yet forgiving, stylish without excess, and adjustable for real-world use.
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In a sea of big twins, it offers thrilling performance and everyday usability that turns commutes into cruises and highways into playgrounds, cementing its spot as a smart pick for modern riders craving heritage-flavored fun.