Vulcan S ABS, 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and designed for independent minded riders, Vulcan S does not require the rider to conform to some “herd-mentality”, outdated fashion or lifestyle.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS: CONFIDENCE-INSPIRING PERFORMANCE.
Introducing the 2025 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS…
Unlike any other cruiser, the Vulcan S is designed to transport riders into a sporty realm in edgy style. Blending an aggressive ride with 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.
With its unique engine, frame, suspension and non-traditional cruiser looks, the Vulcan S was designed to be different. It was also designed to provide a high level of fit and comfort to help inspire a confidence in riding that makes the Vulcan S especially attractive to new riders.
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and designed for independent minded riders, Vulcan S does not require the rider to conform to some “herd-mentality”, outdated fashion or lifestyle.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!
2025 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- 649cc PARALLEL-TWIN ENGINE
- SPORTBIKE-DERIVED CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
- ERGO-FIT EXCLUSIVE SIZING SYSTEM
- Ninja®-derived power and performance
- Adjustable seat, footpegs, and handlebar (18 possible configurations)
- 7-position preload adjuster for optimized rear suspension
- Sportbike-influenced wheels and tires
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
ERGO-FIT
ADJUST YOUR RIDING POSITION TO FIT YOUR HEIGHT AND REACH
Take command of comfort with 18 different adjustable configurations to achieve your preferred fit.
A Perfect Fit
ERGO-FIT is an exclusive sizing system that creates the perfect fit for riders of all sizes by offering adjustments to the bike’s seat, footpegs, and handlebar to accommodate the rider’s height and reach. With 18 possible configurations between Reduced Reach, Mid Reach, and Extended Reach, ERGO-FIT helps produce a more comfortable and confident riding experience.
After you purchase a Vulcan S motorcycle, you’ll have the option to get fitted at no additional cost. And at dealerships with an ERGO-FIT Center, it’s even more convenient to get fitted.
5’6″ and Under
This configuration is the starting point for shorter to average-height riders. The handlebar is positioned 1-in closer to you for a confident riding experience, while the Reduced Reach sculpted seat is tapered and moves you 2-in forward. Footpegs are placed rearward for an optimal leg stretch*.
5’7″ to 6’0″
This configuration is the starting point for average-height riders. The handlebar is positioned to accommodate both average-height and taller riders. The Mid Reach sculpted seat is tapered for an easy reach to the ground and footpegs are placed in the standard position for optimal comfort.
6’1″ and Over
This configuration is the starting point for average-height to tall riders. The handlebar is positioned to accommodate both taller and average-height riders, while Extended Reach sculpted seat moves hip support back 1-in to provide extra room. Additionally, footpegs are placed forward for optimal leg comfort.*
POWER
SPORTBIKE DNA
Powered by a 649cc Ninja-derived engine, the Vulcan S motorcycle delivers potent power with ample low- to mid-range torque for an exhilarating ride.
Smooth & Torquey
The compact 649cc parallel-twin engine delivers smooth and responsive power. A light overall weight produces easy handling and exceptional performance for a confidence-inspiring experience.
Feel Every RPM
Predictable roll-on power contributes to a confident riding experience as the revs climb, offering a spirited ride in the high-rpm range.
PERFORMANCE
SPORT CRUISER PERFORMANCE
The Vulcan S motorcycle delivers exhilarating sport cruiser performance for maximum enjoyment on every ride.
Lightweight & Responsive
Sportbike-derived chassis and suspension provides light and responsive handling for easy maneuvering and sporty feel.
Optimal Traction
Sportbike-influenced wheels and tires contribute to the light-handling feel and provide confident traction.
SMOOTH & ADJUSTABLE
Built to accommodate a variety of riders, the rear shock features a 7-position preload adjuster that can optimize the rear suspension, ensuring a smooth, comfortable ride. Adjustments can be made to suit rider preference—a softer setting for a more plush feel or stiffer setting for a sportier ride.
KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES FALL RELEASE OF 2025 STREET MOTORCYCLES
No matter what type of motorcycle you’re looking for, Kawasaki’s 2025 lineup has the model for you as it welcomes the return of several hypersport, supersport, sport, retro classic, hypernaked, supernaked, mini naked, retro sport, cruiser, adventure touring, and dual-sport models to its street motorcycle lineup. These 2025 model-year motorcycles are set to arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the fall months so that riders can continue to “Let the Good Times Roll.”
2025 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS 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 re-tuned 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-to-use 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 idealized 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.
• Available Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) helps assist braking under certain conditions.
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 adjust ability
• 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 [8] 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 aggressive 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-toread 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.
2025 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $7,899 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $9,199 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine Type 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4 Valve Cylinder Head, Parallel Twin
Displacement 649cc
Bore & Stroke 83.0 x 60.0mm
Maximum Torque 46.3 lb-ft @ 6,600 rpm
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Fuel Injection DFI with Keihin 38mm Throttle Bodies (2)
Transmission 6-Speed with Positive Neutral Finder
Final Drive Sealed Chain
Rake/Trail 25.0°/3.9 in.
Front Wheel Travel 5.1 in.
Rear Wheel Travel 3.2 in.
Front Tire Size 120/70-18
Rear Tire Size 160/60-17
Wheelbase 62.0 in.
Front Suspension 41mm Hydraulic Telescopic Fork
Rear Suspension Offset Laydown Single Shock with Linkage and Adjustable Preload
Front Brake Type Single 300mm Petal Disc with 2-Piston Caliper
Rear Brake Type Single 250mm Petal Disc
Fuel Tank Capacity 3.7 gal.
Seat Height 27.8 in.
Dry Weight ❖ N/A
Curb Weight = 491.7 / 498.3 (ABS) / 502.7 (CAFE) lb.
Warranty 12 months
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
(Specifications subject to change without notice.)
❖ = Does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, fuel and tool kit (if supplied).
= = Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
2025 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
POWER
| POWER | |
| Engine | 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 649cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 83.0 x 60.0mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Maximum Torque | 46.3 lb-ft @ 6,600 rpm |
| Fuel System | DFI® with 38mm throttle bodies (2), with sub-throttle valves |
| Ignition | TCBI with Electronic Advance |
| Transmission | 6-speed with positive neutral finder |
| Final Drive | Sealed chain |
| Electronic Rider Aids | Economical Riding Indicator, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) |
PERFORMANCE
| 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 (and ABS) |
| Rear Brakes | Single 250mm disc with single-piston caliper (and ABS) |
DETAILS
| 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 | 498.3 lb* (ABS), 491.7 lb* (non-ABS) |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.7 gal |
| Wheelbase | 62.0 in |
| Special Features | ERGO-FIT® |
| Color Choices | Metallic Matte Graphite Gray/Metallic Matte Carbon Gray, Metallic Flat Spark Black |
2025 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS – 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
104 g/km
Power down kit 35 kW
Available
Maximum torque
62.4 N•m {6.4 kgf•m} /
Transmission
6-speed, return
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).
