The Kawasaki Vulcan S is a versatile, stylish cruiser that blends performance with cruiser ergonomics, making it an excellent choice for riders of all levels. We put it to the test... Pics: HMC Photography
The Kawasaki Vulcan S isn’t your average LAMS cruiser. It’s a bike that bucks feet forward tradition, offering cruiser vibes with modern engineering and a dose of versatility, whether you’re a newbie looking for your first bike, or a seasoned rider craving something different…
The Vulcan S is a surprise ride… Cruiser ergonomics, sporty nakedbike level handling, a great engine and good looks…
After spending some quality time with it, I reckon Kawasaki has nailed the balance between comfort, performance, and style. The Vulcan S delivers the goods… Here is what I found in my two-weeks on the Pearl Sand Khaki/Ebony LAMS machine. Oh, there is a full power version we will test this year, too!
Let’s start with the look. The Vulcan S might wear a cruiser badge, but it’s far from cookie-cutter. It’s got a low-slung stance, sure, but the sleek lines, sharp angles, and minimalist design give it a modern edge. The headlight’s unconventional shape adds to its unique character, and that teardrop fuel tank flows beautifully into the seat. It’s a bike that’ll turn heads whether you’re rolling through the suburbs or parked up at a café, and many are surprised to discover it is a metric cruiser when they ask…
Under the skin, you’ve got Kawasaki’s trusty 649cc parallel-twin engine, borrowed from the Ninja 650 and retuned for cruiser duties. This liquid-cooled, DOHC powerplant dishes out 35kW and 53Nm of torque in LAMS tune, with plenty of mid-range punch to keep things interesting.
“It’s smooth, predictable, and surprisingly lively for a LAMS cruiser”…
It’s smooth, predictable, and surprisingly lively for a LAMS cruiser. Whether you’re carving up twisty backroads or cruising along the M1 motorway, the Vulcan S feels right at home. The six-speed gearbox is slick, with ratios that make it just as happy at highway speeds as it is pottering around town.
What really sets the Vulcan S apart is Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit system. This is a game-changer for riders of all shapes and sizes. You can adjust the handlebars, footpegs, and seat to suit your body type. Whether you’re tall, short, or somewhere in between, you’ll find a setup that works for you, there are 18 possible configurations, we tested it as it comes from Kawasaki. For new riders, this kind of adaptability takes away the guesswork and makes the Vulcan S a bike you can grow with. It’s a clever touch that shows Kawasaki’s commitment to making this bike as inclusive as possible.
Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit system gives a whopping 18 combinations of riding ergonomics for all shapes and sizes.
THE RIDE
On the road, the Vulcan S is an absolute ripper. It’s not like other cruisers that feel a bit out of their comfort zone when you try to push them. The Vulcan S is balanced, agile, and genuinely fun to ride. The Ninja derived frame, geometry and low centre of gravity make it a breeze to handle, whether you’re threading through Sydney traffic or having a scratch up on the Old Road on a Sunday morning…
The suspension set-up is basic, non-adjustable up front and an adjustable rear shock, but it all soaks up bumps without sacrificing support. The 705mm seat height means most riders can get both feet flat on the ground, adding to the confidence-inspiring package in traffic and when parking.
The brakes do their job well, too. Up front, there’s a 300mm rotor with a two-piston Nissin sliding caliper, while the rear gets a 250mm rotor with a single-piston Nissin caliper. Feel is not what I would call intimate, but it is perfect on initial bite for newer riders, while giving plenty of power when needed with an extra squeeze. ABS comes standard, so you’ve got that extra bit of reassurance when conditions get sketchy. While it’s not sportbike-level stopping power, it’s perfectly suited to the Vulcan S’s cruiser character. The rear brake pedal position is spot-on, too.
The brakes are spot-on for what is needed, offering good power without intimidating bite. The rear is particularly good.
Comfort-wise, Kawasaki has nailed it. The seat is plush and well-sculpted, ideal for long days cruising (if you can handle the headwind), or the commute. We didn’t get the pillion in a million onboard this time. The footpegs are forward, giving that relaxed cruiser stance without feeling like you’re stretching too far. The handlebars are spot-on, a balance between comfort and control. The mirrors are fine.
The dash setup is simple and effective, but a TFT would be nice at the price point. There’s an analog tacho paired with a digital LCD display that shows speed, fuel, trip, and idiot lights. It’s not the most high-tech setup out there, but it’s clear and intuitive. If you’re someone who likes to focus on the ride rather than fiddling with screens, you’ll appreciate the minimalist approach, I guess…
Fuel economy is another big win for the Vulcan S. Kawasaki claims an average of 4.4L/100 kilometres, and our real-world testing backed that up. With its 14-litre tank, you’re looking at a solid range between fuel stops. That’s good news for riders who prefer long stretches of open road without constantly hunting for a servo.
Factor in its adaptability, and it’s easy to see why this bike appeals to such a broad range of riders…
Priced at $12,632 Ride Away ex Sydney, the Vulcan S offers good value. For newbies, the Vulcan S LAMS is an ideal introduction to riding. It’s approachable, forgiving, and confidence-inspiring. For experienced riders, the full power would be a versatile machine that offers a blend of cruiser comfort and sporty handling, with a bit more punch, as I hope we will discover this year when we test it.
It’s a bike that’ll keep you entertained, whether you’re tackling the daily grind or heading out on a Sunday coffee run up the hills, or to the beach. And Kawasaki’s accessory range has you covered, you can check that out here…
Still in stock in AU, the 2024 Kawasaki Vulcan S LAMS is a standout in the middleweight cruiser learner market. It’s practical, fun, and stylish, with enough personality to stand out in a crowded segment, I found it pretty engaging to be honest. For Aussie riders looking for a cruiser that’s as versatile as it is enjoyable, the Vulcan S should be on your list of bikes to test ride.
2024 Kawasaki Vulcan S SE Specifications
Price: $12,632 R/A ex Sydney (click here and enter postcode for R/A price)
Claimed Power: 35kW[46.9hp]@6,600rpm
Claimed Torque: 53Nm[39.1lbs-ft]@5,600rpm
Wet Weight: 226kg
Fuel capacity: 14L
Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, eight-valve parallel twin, 83mm x 60mm, 649cc, 10.8:1, electric start Gearbox: Six-speed, 15/46 final ratio. Clutch: Wet, multi-disc
Chassis: Perimeter, high-tensile steel
Rake: 31° Trail: 120mm
Suspension: 41mm telescopic fork, 130mm travel, offset laydown single-shock, linkage-
equipped, with adjustable preload, 80mm travel
Brakes: 300mm rotor (f), dual-piston caliper, 250mm rotor (r), single-piston caliper
Wheels & Tyres: Cast five-spoke ‘pairs’, 18in (f), 17in (r) , Dunlop Sportmax D220 ST tyres, 120/70 – 17 (f), 160/60 – 17 (r)
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 1,575mm
Seat height: 705mm
Ground clearance: 130mm
Overall width: 880mm
Overall Length: 2,310mm
Overall height: 1,100mm
Instruments & Electronics: LCD dash, ABS, Economic Riding Indicator, Dual Throttle Valves.
The Verdict | Bike Review | Kawasaki Vulcan S LAMS Cruiser Review
Excellent
The latest Kawasaki Vulcan S is a versatile, stylish cruiser that blends modern performance with custom-fit ergonomics, making it an excellent choice for riders of all levels. We put it to the test…
You Might Also Like
