2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S: BACK TO BASICS CRUISER.
Introducing the 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S…
Unlike any other, the Vulcan S cruiser is designed to transport riders into a sporty realm in edgy style. Blending an aggressive ride with a vintage styling and a powerful 649cc engine, this bike kicks any experience into high gear. Whether you’re commuting to work or enjoying a day trip, the Vulcan S adds confidence-inspiring performance to every ride.
Vulcan S, not your average cruiser. Standing apart, with its Parallel Twin engine, unique frame and suspension layout and designed for independent minded riders, Vulcan S does not require the rider to conform to some “herd-mentality”, outdated fashion or lifestyle. Accessible in all senses of the word, the accommodating new Vulcan S encourages you to go Your Way!
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
FEATURING:
- 649cc PARALLEL-TWIN ENGINE
- SPORTBIKE-DERIVED CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
- ERGO-FIT EXCLUSIVE SIZING SYSTEM
- FIND YOUR FIT WITH ERGO-FIT TECHNOLOGY
- Ninja-derived power and performance
- Sporty handling
- Adjustable riding positions
Modern, urban styling
Flowing style with long-and-low stance and modern elements like the original headlamp and cast wheels with five spoke pair design give the Vulcan S very non traditional cruiser looks.
Long range
With its 14 litre fuel tank capacity and the Parallel Twin engine’s good fuel economy, the long range offered by the Vulcan S means riders can go longer between fill-ups—convenient in town, and reassuring when out on a daytrip.
Relaxed, foot-forward riding position
The compact engine and slim frame result in a design that is narrow at the knees and feet. Forward positioned footpegs are ideal for relaxed, cruiser style riding.
Comfortable seat
Sculpted seat design with thick padding offers excellent comfort and good hip support.
Low seat height
Being able to easily put your feet on the ground when stopped is one of the most important factors in feeling comfortable on a motorcycle. At 705 mm, the Vulcan S’s low seat is very accommodating.
Large disc brakes
Large-diameter disc brakes balance ample stopping power with easy control for beginning riders.
Adjustable footpegs
3-position footpegs allow riders to adjust foot position to suit size and preference. Three positions available: STD, 25 mm forward, 25 mm back.
Under-engine muffler
Muffler located under the engine contributes to a low centre of gravity, and is tucked out of the way, making it easier to reach the ground when stopped. The muffler’s design conveys both power and style.
Adjustable clutch/brake levers
Multi-position levers allow riders to adjust lever position to suit hand size and preference.
Linkage-equipped offset laydown single-shock
Offset laydown single-shock rear suspension is equipped with linkage to enable a longer stroke for increased ride comfort.
The rear suspension arrangement also contributes to the bike’s compact design, freeing up space for a large-volume silencer under the engine.
Rear shock features adjustable preload, with 7 positions to suit rider size and payload.
Slim backbone-style rear frame
The design of the frame, rear suspension and swingarm create an integrated line running from the front of the bike to the rear hub.
A pipe frame of high-tensile steel gives the bike a lightweight appearance. 3D analysis was used to achieve the target rigidity and stress values.
Easy-to-read instrumentation
Original-design instrumentation cluster features an analogue-style tachometer and multi-purpose LCD.
Convenient features keep riders fully informed of operating conditions.
Long wheelbase
Wheelbase of 1,575 mm was chosen for a balance of light handling and superior riding stability.
The same characteristics that make it fun to ride (light handling and relaxed, rider-friendly ergonomics), also make the Vulcan S ideal for new riders.
Easy-to-control 649 cm3 liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649 cm3 Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The engine was tuned for rider-friendly power characteristics that will inspire confidence in new riders. The Vulcan S offers smooth starts from a standstill, smooth acceleration, and a satisfying pull when accelerating. The strong acceleration facilitates highway merging and passing.
Light handling
Low overall weight, fine-tuned chassis rigidity balance, 18”/17” radial tyres and suspension settings result in a bike with light, easy handling and easy manoeuvrability.
KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES SUMMER RELEASE OF 2023 STREET MOTORCYCLES
Kawasaki welcomes the return of several sport, retro sport, naked, cruiser, adventure touring, and dual-sport models to its street motorcycle lineup. These 2023 model year motorcycles are set to arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the summer months so that riders can continue to “Let the good times roll
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
ENGINE
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649cc parallel twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The Ninja 650-based engine is retuned for even more rider-friendly power characteristics that will inspire confidence in new riders.
The Vulcan S offers smooth starts from a standstill, smooth acceleration, and a satisfying pull when accelerating. The strong acceleration helps with highway merging and passing.
• Intake porting, camshaft profiles and long-type intake funnels contribute to strong low-mid rpm performance, contributing to the smooth acceleration and good pull feeling.
• Crankshaft design contributes to the easy-touse engine character so it is very smooth when rolling on and off the throttle which makes
pulling away from a stop easier.
• Connector tube joining the header pipes helps eliminate peaks and valleys in the torque curve, resulting in smoother power delivery.
• The design of the under-engine muffler contributes to strong torque in the low-mid rpm range which helps with control at lower engine speeds.
• Parallel twin engine is compact and helps reduce the dimensions of the entire motorcycle to keep it small and nimble.
• 180-degree crankshaft plus balancer shaft for extremely smooth engine operation.
• Triangular crank and transmission shaft layout makes the engine very short from front to back, a semi-dry sump(KP) oil system reduces overall engine height, while the narrow pitch of the chrome composite(KP) plated aluminum cylinders helps reduce engine width.
Positive Neutral Finder(KP)
• Just lift the shift pedal from first gear at a stop to select neutral easily.
• A Kawasaki exclusive.
Digital Fuel Injection (KP)
• Fuel injection settings provide smooth low end response while contributing to the engine‘s quickrevving character.
• Dual 38mm Keihin throttle bodies feature sub-throttle valves(KP) for high power output with smooth, sensitive throttle response. The sub throttles, located behind the main throttle valves, are controlled by the ECU so that the EFI system has smooth throttle response.
• Precise fuel injection plus exhaust catalyzer significantly reduce emissions.
• Fine-atomizing fuel injectors produce a fine fuel mist for better acceleration, combustion and fuel consumption.
CHASSIS
The chassis is slim and lightweight, due in part to the compact design of the engine. Light, easy handling is complemented by a reassuring low seat height and a slim design that makes it easy to reach the ground. The low overall weight is apparent as the bike is lifted off its side stand, making
the Vulcan S one of the most accommodating bikes for new riders available.
Frame
• The compact engine allows use of a slim, minimalist frame, resulting in a design that is narrow at the knees and feet.
• 3D analysis was used to achieve the ideal stiffness balance for the frame, contributing to superb handling characteristics.
• Constructed of high-tensile steel for strength and light weight.
• The layout of the offset single-shock rear suspension allows the battery to be located beside the shock instead of beneath it. This elegant arrangement allows a lower seat height as well as a slim design.
• The exhaust is kept under the engine as much as possible, ensuring a slim chassis and an unobstructed reach to the ground.
• Low weight and low center of gravity make the Vulcan S highly maneuverable, whether riding, pushing from a parking spot, or walking beside the bike.
• Slim backbone-style rear frame design allows all components to be positioned close to the bike centerline.
• Instead of using seat rails, a single beam formed from interlocked C-section pieces is used. The slim design enables a more comfortable seat construction.
• Separate swingarm pivot plates contribute to the slim chassis design. At the swingarm pivot, the lower part of rear frame is supported by two sleeves through which the swingarm bolt passes. This enables a narrower design between the rider’s feet, facilitating the reach to the ground.
• Rigid-mount engine is a stressed member, contributing to the frame’s idealised rigidity balance, and to the bike’s excellent handling and stability.
• Frame geometry contributes to light, natural handling.
• Footpegs are positioned relatively high so that they do not touch down easily, enabling stress-free cornering.
• Optimized wheelbase balances light handling and a superior riding experience.
Suspension
• Both front and rear suspension settings prioritize ride comfort.
• Offset laydown single-shock rear suspension is equipped with linkage to enable a longer stroke for increased ride comfort.
• The rear suspension arrangement also contributes to the bike’s compact design, freeing up space for a large-volume silencer under the engine.
• Rear shock features adjustable preload, with seven positions to suit rider size and payload.
Brakes
• Large 300mm front disc is gripped by a two-piston caliper and at the rear a 250mm disc is gripped by single-piston caliper.
• The brakes provide ample stopping power.
FIT & COMFORT
Low seat height
• Low 27.8-inch seat height allows riders to easily put their feet on the ground when stopped, one of the most important factors in feeling comfortable on a motorcycle.
Slim chassis design
• The Vulcan S’ parallel twin engine enables a slimmer space between the rider’s legs since there is no cylinder there such as in a typical V-twin cruiser.
• Slim, backbone-style rear frame contributes to the easy reach to the ground.
ERGO-Fit adjustability
• Footpeg position can be adjusted to any of three positions: mid-reach, one inch forward, or one inch back. (Alternate shift linkage rods, sold separately, are necessary when changing the position from standard.)
• Ergo-Fit reduced reach accessory handlebar positions the handle grips 1.7 inches closer to the rider.
• Three different accessory Ergo-Fit seats adjust rider position: reduced reach positions rider closer to the tank and controls to accommodate shorter riders, mid-reach for average-sized riders is standard, and extended reach provides a more spacious seating position for taller riders.
• Brake and clutch levers can be adjusted to suit the rider’s hand size and preference.
Comfort
• Seat designed with thick padding to offer a wide surface and excellent hip support, ensuring ample comfort for city riding and short tours. The seat bracket is rubber mounted to reduce vibration transferred through the seat.
• Footpegs are positioned for foot-forward control, creating a relaxed cruiser-style riding position.
• Handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce vibration transmitted through the handle grips.
• Rider footpeg stays are rubber-mounted to further reduce vibration.
Feeling comfortable—especially for a new rider—is one of the key factors when choosing a motorcycle. The Vulcan S was designed to be accommodating for a wide range of riders from short to tall. Complementing the relaxed riding position, adjustable footpegs and levers, and a
number of accessory components allow riders to custom-fit their bike to suit size and preference.
TREND-SETTING DESIGN
For riders who prefer not to follow the crowd, the unique design of the Vulcan S offers a stylish, modern alternative to the traditional cruiser image.
Styling Elements
• Curved, flowing style blended with a powerful, long-and-low stance and modern elements creates a unique, eye-catching design.
• Inverted triangle headlamp contributes to the Vulcan S’ fresh, unique design.
• Tapered handlebar is fatter in the middle, contributing to a strong appearance of the handlebar area.
• Teardrop-style fuel tank adds a cruiser-style touch.
• Rear fender shaped to hug the wheel as closely as possible, creating a compact cruiser-style design. The design was made possible in part by the offset laydown rear shock.
• LED taillight contributes to the compact tail design and adds to the bike’s modern image.
• Solo seat complements the low rear fender design.
• Metal trim added to various components, including the radiator shrouds, cylinder head cover and swingarm pivot cover contribute to the high-quality image.
Engine
• The engine configuration creates an image very different from the traditional cruiser.
• Finish on the cylinder head is similar to air-cooled fins, contributing to an aggressvie appearance.
• Slim radiator design matches the cruiser-style image.
• Attractive bend of exhaust pipes and under-engine muffler arrangement contribute to the Vulcan S’ attractive styling.
• Dual-wall exhaust pipe design gives the header pipes a fatter appearance for a strong image.
Frame
• Elegant pipe perimeter frame is a key component of the Vulcan S identity. The bike’s bodywork accentuates the frame, rather than hiding it.
• The design of the frame, rear suspension and swingarm create an integrated line running from the front of the bike to the rear hub.
• Offset laydown rear single-shock suspension is a distinctive styling element, contributing the trendsetting design.
• The swingarm’s D-shaped cross-section gives it a pipe-like design that matches the frame, and contributes to the high-quality appearance.
• Long wheelbase adds to the bike’s cruiser-style long-and-low design.
• Key cylinder is located at the front of the fuel tank, creating a very clean cockpit area. The position also greatly facilitates access and ignition operation.
Wheels
• Original design of the cast wheels uses five spoke pairs to create a cruiser-style image with a strong impact.
Instrumentation
• Compact, stacked instrument cluster matches the bike’s overall design and features an easy-to-read layout.
• Analogue-style tachometer and multi-function dual-window LCD screen use white LED backlights for excellent visibility at night.
• Gear indicator in the instrument display provides gear position at a glance to help keep rider informed.
• Key cylinder is located at the front of the fuel tank, creating a very clean cockpit area. The position also greatly facilitates access and ignition operation.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $7349 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $8,699 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £7449 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
POWER
Engine 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled
Displacement 649cc
Bore x Stroke 83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Fuel System DFI 38mm Throttle Bodies (2), with sub-throttle valves
Ignition TCBI w/ Electronic Advance
Transmission 6-speed with positive neutral finder
Final Drive Sealed Chain
Maximum Torque 46.3 lb-ft @ 6600 rpm
PERFORMANCE
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel 41mm telescopic fork/5.1 in
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel Lay-down offset rear shock with linkage and adjustable preload/3.2 in
Front Tire 120/70×18
Rear Tire 160/60×17
Front Brakes Single 300mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear Brakes Single 250mm disc with single-piston caliper
DETAILS
Frame Type High-tensile steel diamond frame
Rake/Trail 31/4.7 in
Overall Length 90.9 in
Overall Width 34.6 in
Overall Height 43.3 in
Ground Clearance 5.1 in
Seat Height 27.8 in
Curb Weight Non ABS: 491.7 lb / ABS: 498.3 lb*
Fuel Capacity 3.7 gal
Wheelbase 62.0 in
Color Choices Metallic Flat Spark Black, Pearl Matte Sage Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black
Warranty 12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional) 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
POWER
Engine 649cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 8-valve parallel twin
Bore x Stroke 83.0 x 60.0 mm
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Fuel System Fuel injection: ø38 mm x 2 with dual throttle valves
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
Transmission 6-speed, return
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive Chain
PERFORMANCE
Frame Perimeter, high-tensile steel
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel ø41 mm telescopic fork / 130 mm (5.1 in)
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel Offset laydown single-shock, linkage-equipped, with adjustable preload / 80 mm (3.1 in)
Rake / Trail 31.0° / 120 mm
Steering Angle (L/R) 35° / 35°
Front Tire 120/70R18M/C 59H
Rear Tire 160/60R17M/C 69H
Front Brake ø300 mm disc with dual-piston caliper
Rear Brake ø250 mm disc with single-piston caliper
DETAILS
Dimensions (L x W x H) 2,310 x 880 x 1,100 mm (90.9 x 34.6 x 43.3 in)
Wheelbase 1,575 mm (62.0 in)
Road Clearance 130 mm (5.1 in)
Seat Height 705 mm (27.8 in)
Curb Mass** ABS: 226 kg (498 lb), non-ABS: 223 kg (492 lb)
Fuel Capacity 14 litres
Instrumentation Analogue-style tachometer + multi-function LCD screen with gear position indicator, fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range, average/instant fuel consumption and Economical Riding Indicator
Warranty 12 months
Kawasaki Protection Plus 12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Engine type
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement
649 cm³
Bore x stroke
83 x 60 mm
Compression ratio
10:8:1
Valve system
DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel system
Fuel injection: 38 mm x 2 with sub-throttles
Ignition
Digital
Starting System
Electric
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, semi‑dry sump
Performance & Transmission
Maximum power
44.7 kW {61 PS} / 7,500 rpm
Limited power version
35 kW
CO2 emission
102 g/km
Power down kit 35 kW
Available
Maximum torque
62.4 N•m {6.4 kgf•m} / 6,600 rpm
Fuel consumption 35 kW kit
4.5 l/100 km
CO2 emission 35 kW kit
104 g/km
Transmission
6-speed
Final drive
Sealed chain
Primary Reduction Ratio
2.095 (88 / 42)
Gear Ratios 1st
2.438 (39 / 16)
Gear Ratios 2nd
1.714 (36 / 21)
Gear Ratios 3rd
1.333 (32 / 24)
Gear Ratios 4th
1.111 (30 / 27)
Gear Ratios 5th
0.966 (28 / 29)
Gear Ratios 6th
0.852 (23 / 27)
Final reduction ratio
3.067 (46 / 15)
Final reduction ratio
3.067 (46 / 15)
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Brakes & Suspension
Brakes, front
Single 300 mm disc. Caliper: Dual-piston
Brakes, rear
Single 250 mm disc. Caliper: Single-piston
Suspension, front
41 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rear
Offset laydown single-shock, linkage equipped, with 7-way adjustable preload
Frame & Dimensions
Frame type
Tubular diamond, high-tensile steel
Trail
120 mm
Wheel travel front
130 mm
Wheel travel rear
80 mm
Tyre, front
120/70 R18M/C 59H
Tyre, rear
160/60 R17M/C 69H
Steering angle, left / right
35° / 35°
L x W x H
2,310 x 880 x 1,100 mm
Wheelbase
1,575 mm
Ground clearance
130 mm
Fuel capacity
14 litres
Seat height
705 mm
Curb mass
229 kg
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
