The Kawasaki Vulcan S has long been a favourite among riders who want cruiser comfort without the bulk of heavyweight machines. With the launch of the 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S, Kawasaki has refined its mid-size cruiser to meet modern fuel standards while keeping its approachable design and rider-friendly ergonomics intact.
Price and Availability
The 2026 Vulcan S is priced at ₹8.13 lakh (ex-showroom, India), marking a ₹54,000 increase over the 2024 model. While the price hike is notable, Kawasaki has justified it with updates that make the bike future-ready, particularly in terms of fuel compliance.
Design and Styling
The Vulcan S continues to embrace its low-slung cruiser stance, but the 2026 model introduces a fresh Metallic Flat Spark Black colour scheme, replacing the earlier Pearl Matte Sage Green.
Key design highlights:
- Forward-set footpegs for relaxed riding posture.
- Wide handlebars for easy control.
- Low seat height of 705mm, making it accessible to riders of varying heights.
- Minimalist cruiser styling, with subtle curves and a modern edge.
This design ensures the Vulcan S appeals to riders who want a cruiser that looks sleek and contemporary rather than overly traditional.
Engine and Performance
At its heart, the Vulcan S retains the 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, a proven performer across Kawasaki’s 650cc lineup.
Performance details:
- 61hp at 7,500rpm for smooth cruising power.
- 61Nm of torque at 6,600rpm, slightly reduced by 1.4Nm compared to the previous model due to E20 compliance.
- Six-speed gearbox with assist & slipper clutch for smoother shifts.
- E20 fuel compatibility, ensuring readiness for India’s ethanol-blended petrol mandate.
The torque drop is minimal, and riders will still enjoy the Vulcan’s linear power delivery, making it equally suited for city commutes and highway rides.
Features and Hardware
Mechanically, the Vulcan S remains largely unchanged, but that’s not a drawback—it was already well-equipped.
- 41mm telescopic front forks and preload-adjustable rear monoshock for balanced ride quality.
- 300mm front disc and 250mm rear disc brakes, supported by dual-channel ABS for confident stopping power.
- Analogue-digital instrument cluster, blending retro charm with modern functionality.
- Ergo-Fit system, allowing riders to adjust seat, footpeg, and handlebar positions for personalized comfort.
These features make the Vulcan S one of the most versatile cruisers in its segment.
Dimensions and Ergonomics
The Vulcan S is designed to be approachable and comfortable:
- Seat height: 705mm, accessible for shorter riders.
- Ground clearance: 130mm, suitable for Indian road conditions.
- Kerb weight: 235kg, 6kg heavier than the previous model.
Despite the added weight, the Vulcan S remains manageable thanks to its low centre of gravity and balanced chassis.
Market Positioning
The Vulcan S occupies a unique niche in India’s motorcycle market. It’s a mid-size cruiser that blends sporty performance with relaxed ergonomics.
Competitors include:
- Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 (more affordable, but less refined).
- Benelli 502C (similar cruiser appeal, but less powerful).
- Honda Rebel 500 (international rival, not yet in India).
Among these, the Vulcan S stands out for its Kawasaki reliability, refined parallel-twin engine, and customizable ergonomics.
What’s New in 2026?
To summarize the updates:
- E20 fuel compliance for future-ready performance.
- New Metallic Flat Spark Black colour scheme.
- Price increase of ₹54,000.
- Slight torque reduction due to fuel compliance.
- Weight increase of 6kg.
No radical changes, but Kawasaki’s focus is on keeping the Vulcan S compliant and stylish without altering its core identity.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S is not a revolution—it’s a careful evolution. Kawasaki has chosen to refine rather than reinvent, ensuring the Vulcan S remains a strong contender in the mid-size cruiser segment.
For riders who value comfort, accessibility, and modern reliability, the Vulcan S continues to be a compelling choice. It’s a cruiser that doesn’t demand conformity to heavyweight traditions but instead offers a stylish, approachable, and future-ready package.
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