The Kawasaki Vulcan S comes with custom ergonomic settings to suit riders of all sizes, borrowing the powertrain from the ER6 range and is the lightest middle weight cruiser in its segment.
Kawasaki had surely kept a tonne of surprises under its sleeve this year that have been unfolding over the past few weeks. After showcasing the H2R and H2 hyper sports bikes, the Japanese manufacturer also unveiled the new Versys 1000 at the Intermot Motorcycle Show held earlier this month. Extending the Vulcan lineup further, Kawasaki has now officially unveiled the Vulcan S power cruiser for the US market and will go on sale across Europe by January, 2015. The newest middle weight cruiser on the block, the Vulcan S promises to pack a host of customisation offerings for the rider with the Ergo-Fit option and a proven powertrain.
Starting with the powertrain, the Kawasaki Vulcan S borrows the 649cc parallel-twin engine from the Ninja 650 and has been tuned to produce 61 HP of power and 62 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed transmission. The manufacturer has made changes to the camshaft profiles, intake and throttle body spacer as well as gear ratios for more low-end and mid-range performance, without having to compromise too much on the top-end power band. Targeted at different riders, Kawasaki says that the changes to the engine also make the Vulcan S more adaptable for novice riders, while the top-end performance will go on to satisfy the more experienced ones.
The Vulcan S rides on a high-tensile steel perimeter frame with suspension duties performed by 41 mm telescopic forks at the front and offset shocks with linkage and adjustable preload at the rear. Stopping power on the other hand comes from a single 300 mm disc with twin-piston callipers at the front and a 250 mm disc with single-piston calliper at the rear. ABS is also available as an option on the Vulcan S. The power cruiser rides on 18-inch and 17-inch cast alloy wheels at the front and rear respectively.
Making sure that the 2015 Vulcan S is favoured by riders of all sizes, Kawasaki has introduced the power cruiser with the Ergo-Fit package that offers riders different configuration settings to provide optimum riding comfort. The Vulcan S comes with an adjustable ride height of 27.8-inch along with 3-way adjustable foot pegs and reduced reach handlebar options that brings the handlebar one inch closer. The brake and clutch levers are adjustable as well.
Aesthetically, the 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S may not be very radical in approach but keeps the cruiser DNA intact without touching the basics. The design has a modern and urban appeal that is complimented with a low riding stance, while the distinctive cast aluminium wheels and headlamps adding to the visuals. The cruiser gets an analog tachometer with a digital display and will be offered in a choice of 3 colour options including Candy Lime Green, Pearl Crystal White or Flat Ebony. Kawasaki will also be offering a range of touring accessories with the cruiser including luggage racks, saddlebags, windscreens, passenger seats and much more.
Prices for the 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S starts at $6999 (Rs. 4.30 lakhs) for the non-ABS model and $7399 (Rs. 4.55 lakhs) for the ABS version. The motorcycle has a claimed kerb weight of 228 kgs with ABS, making it the lightest bike in its class. The Vulcan S is scheduled to make its European public debut at the EICMA show in Milan next month with more details to be released then. Kawasaki could bring the bike to India (spelling big trouble for the Harley-Davidson Street 750) but do not expect anything before the second of half of next year.
