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While the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Versys 1000 got their time in the spotlight at INTERMOT earlier this month, Kawasaki released an all-new cruiser called the Vulcan S via a fairly quiet press release. However, that doesn't mean Kawasaki isn't serious about stealing Star Bolt customers.
The 2015 Vulcan S is an all-new motorcycle for 2015, pairing classic Vulcan looks with a version of the Ninja 650 motor to fill out the entry level of the cruiser offerings. While the move is unsurprising, the styling is a bit unexpected, considering the "Sportster look" has become so popular. I actually got a sneak peek at the Vulcan S a few weeks back, and it looks more mini-Diavel than anything else. That will set it apart from the pack. Whether in a good way or not is yet to be seen.
Throughout the press release, Kawasaki focuses on this new Vulcan's appropriateness for a wide variety of riders, which, in non-PR speak, means it's designed for new riders and short riders — which is a good thing.
The Vulcan S uses a derivative of the Ninja 650 twin-cylinder engine, re-tuned for more low- and mid-range torque, and paired with a six-speed transmission to make it easier to pull away from a stop or navigate urban areas. While the Vulcan S definitely has a far different style, you can see the Ninja 650 parts in the frame and the offset, laid-down rear shock.
The slim chassis makes for a narrow-feeling motorcycle that should feel lighter than its 498-pound curb weight would indicate, and the seat is both low (27.8 inches) and tapered at the front, to make putting a leg down incredibly easy. If that doesn't make it inviting enough, Kawasaki Ergo-Fit parts are available to lengthen or shorten the reach to the bars or further raise or lower the seat. The brake lever and clutch are both adjustable to fit a variety of riders, and Kawasaki has even moved the exhaust pipes under the bike, to keep them out of they way of your feet.
Braking is handled by a single 300 mm rotor with a twin-piston caliper up front and a single 250 mm rear rotor with a single-piston caliper at the rear. ABS is available as a $400 addition to the Vulcan's $6,999 MSRP.
Which would you rather have, this or the Star Bolt?
2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS
| 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 |
| 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 inches |
| Rear suspension / wheel travel: | Lay-down offset rear shock with linkage and adjustable preload / 3.2 inches |
| 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 inches |
| Overall width: | 34.7 inches |
| Overall height: | 43.3 inches |
| Ground clearance: | 5.1 inches |
| Seat height: | 27.8 inches |
| Wheelbase: | 62 inches |
| Curb weight: | 498.3 pounds (wet) |
| Fuel capacity: | 3.7 gallons |
| Colors: | Candy Lime Green, Pearl Crystal White or Flat Ebony |
| MSRP Standard: | $7,399 |
| Warranty: | 12-month limited warranty |
