The 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Café Cruisers was intended to stand out thanks to its distinctive engine, frame, suspension, and unconventional cruiser aesthetics. In addition, it was designed to be highly comfortable and appropriate, which helps instill confidence in the rider and attracts new riders to the Vulcan S.
Unlike any other, the 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Café Cruisers is built to transport riders into a sporty world. This bike takes any experience to the next level by combining a powerful 649cc engine with vintage styling and an aggressive ride. With the Vulcan S, every ride is enabled with more confidence, whether riding to work or on a day trip.
Don’t be your typical cruiser, Vulcan Ace. The Vulcan S stands out thanks to its parallel-twin engine, distinctive frame and suspension setup, and design for independent riders. It also doesn’t force riders to follow old fashion trends or herd mentality. The new Vulcan S is welcoming and approachable, encouraging you to go your way!
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Café Cruisers – Features and Specs
Engine
Smooth and responsive performance is provided by this DOHC, 8-valve, liquid-cooled, 649cc parallel-twin with fuel injection, especially in the low and mid-rpm ranges. Reengineered for more rider-friendly power features, the Ninja 650 engine will inspire confidence in new riders.
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Smooth acceleration, a pleasant pull during acceleration, and a smooth stop-start are all features of the Vulcan S. Powerful acceleration helps pass and merge on highways. The easy-to-use engine character is due to the smooth acceleration and good pulling feel provided by long-type intake funnels, camshaft profiles, and intake porting.
The crankshaft design further enhances the engine’s easy-to-use character, making it very smooth when turning on and off the throttle, making it easy to pull away from a stop. Soft power delivery is achieved by removing the peaks and troughs from the torque curve through the connector tube connecting the header pipes.
Strong torque in the low-to-mid rpm range results from the under-engine muffler design, which helps control the engine at low speeds. The compact design of the parallel-twin engine contributes to the bike’s overall modest and compact size like in 2022 Kawasaki Vulcan S Café. A balance shaft and 180-degree crankshaft combine to provide incredibly smooth engine operation.
The engine is concise from front to rear due to the triangular crank and transmission shaft layout, the semi-dry sump (KP) oil system reduces the overall height of the engine, and the aluminum cylinders are plated with chrome composite (KP). narrow pitch) helps to minimize engine width.
Positive Neutral Finder
Stop and shift the shift pedal out of first gear to select neutral. Exclusive to Kawasaki. Digital Fuel Injection (KP): Fuel injection settings help the engine accelerate while providing a smoother low-end response. Dual 38mm Keihin throttle bodies feature sub-throttle valves (KP) that offer a soft, responsive throttle response and excellent power output.
The ECU regulates the sub-throttles behind the main throttle valves to ensure smooth throttle response for the EFI system. The combination of exhaust catalysts and precise fuel injection dramatically reduces emissions. Fine atomizing fuel injectors produce a fine fuel mist for better acceleration, combustion, and fuel economy.
Chassis
The small size of the engine contributes to the lightweight and slimness of the chassis. A comfortably low seat height and a slim profile that makes it easy to reach the ground go hand in hand with light, effortless handling. The Vulcan S is one of the most beginner-friendly bikes on the market due to its low overall weight, which is noticeable when the bike is lifted from its side stand.
Frame
The smaller engine makes using a sleek, simple frame possible, resulting in a slimmer design on the feet and knees—the frame’s perfect stiffness balance results in excellent handling characteristics, achieved through 3D analysis. The offset single-shock rear suspension design allows batteries to be placed with the shock, not under it, and it is made of high tensile steel for strength and lightweight.
This tasteful layout allows for both a slim design and high seat height. The exhaust is placed as low as possible under the engine, the chassis remains slim, and its path to the ground is unobstructed.
A single beam made of interlocking C-section pieces is used in place of seat rails, making the Vulcan S extremely maneuverable whether riding, pushing from a parking space, or walking beside the bike. The slim backbone-style rear frame design allows all components to be positioned close to the bike centerline.
The more comfortable seat construction is made possible by the thin design. An integral part of the thin chassis design is the swingarm pivot plates. The swingarm bolt travels through two sleeves supporting the rear frame’s bottom portion at the swingarm pivot.
It makes it possible for the rider’s feet to be closer together, which makes it easier to reach the ground. The bike’s exceptional handling and stability are attributed to the rigid engine mount, a compression element in the frame that helps achieve the ideal stiffness balance.
Light, natural handling is facilitated by the frame design. The relatively high footprint prevents easy contact with the ground, allowing for stress-free cornering—an optimized wheelbase balances light handling and a better riding experience.
Suspension
Suspension settings for front and rear prioritize ride comfort. Attachment to an offset laydown single-shock rear suspension allows for a longer stroke, which improves ride comfort. The rear shock has seven levels of adjustable preload to accommodate rider size and cargo. This feature allows for a larger volume silencer under the engine. The new rear suspension arrangement also contributes to the compact design of the bike.
Brakes
The brakes offer sufficient stopping power. A two-piston caliper grips the large 300mm front disc, while a single-piston caliper grips the 250mm rear disc. In some situations, the available anti-lock brake system (ABS) assists braking.
Fit and Comfort
One of the most critical components of a comfortable motorcycle ride is the low seat height of 27.8 inches, which makes it easier for riders to keep their feet on the ground when stopped.
Slim chassis layout
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Café Cruisers slim, spine-style rear frame facilitates easy ground clearance. The parallel-twin engine allows for a narrow space between the rider’s legs as there are no cylinders, as in a typical V-twin cruiser.
ERGO-Fit adjustability
There are three ways to place the footpegs: mid-reach, one inch forward, or one inch back. (When changing position from standard, replacement shift linkage rods, sold separately, are required.)
The Ergo Fit Shortened Reach Assist Handlebar’s handle grip is 1.7 inches closer to the rider. Three separate Ergo-Fit support seats allow riders to customize their posture: shorter riders can use a low-reach position, which brings them closer to the tank and controls.
Average-sized riders can use the normal mid-reach position. Taller riders can use the extended reach position, which provides more seating space. Clutch and brake levers can easily be changed to suit the rider’s preferred grip size.
Comfort
Wide surface and high hip support provided by thick padding in the seat ensure ample comfort for short journeys and city rides. Rubber mounting on the seat bracket reduces vibration transmitted through the seat.
The handlebars are rubberized to reduce vibration transmitted through the handle grip, and rider footpegs are rubberized to reduce vibration further. The footpegs are positioned for foot-forward control, resulting in a comfortable cruiser-style riding position.
Comfort is essential when choosing a motorcycle, especially for a novice rider. The 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Café Cruisers was built to fit various rider heights, from short to tall. Apart from the comfortable riding position, users can tailor their bikes to their exact size with the help of several accessory parts, adjustable footpegs, and levers.
Trend-Setting Design
A sleek, contemporary alternative to the classic cruiser image, the 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Café Cruisers’s distinctive look caters to riders who want to avoid following the herd.
Styling Elements
A distinctive and striking look is achieved by combining a flowing, curved silhouette with modern features and a commanding, low posture. The contemporary, unique look of the Vulcan S is enhanced by its inverted triangle headlamps.
The tapered handlebar’s large center section adds to the handlebar area’s robust look. A teardrop-shaped petrol tank gives a cruiser vibe—a compact cruiser-style design achieved by shaping the rear fender to hug the wheel as tightly as possible. An offset let-down rear shock played a role in making the design workable.
LED tail light enhances the contemporary look of the bike and its compact appearance. A solo seat complements the low rear fender design. The high-quality image is improved by adding metal trim to several components, including the swingarm pivot cover, cylinder head cover, and radiator shroud.
Wheels
The original design’s five-spoke pair of cast wheels created a powerful, cruiser-style visual. Instrumentation: The bike’s easy-to-read layout and compact, stacked instrument cluster complete its look. A multi-function dual-window LCD panel with white LED backlights and an analog-style tachometer provides excellent night vision.
The instrument display’s gear indicator helps the rider stay informed of the gear position at a glance. The front of the fuel tank houses the critical cylinder, keeping the cockpit area clean. Additionally, the position makes access and ignition operation much more accessible.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Café Cruisers – Price
The new 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Café Cruisers is available at $8,099 only.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S Café Cruisers – Technical Specifications
Engine
Type | 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4 Valve Cylinder Head, Parallel Twin |
Displacement | 649 cc |
Bore & Stroke | 83.0 x 60.0 mm |
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. |
Suspension Wheel and Brakes
Front Wheel Travel | 5.1 in. |
Rear Wheel Travel | 3.2 in. |
Front Tire Size | 120/70-18 |
Rear Tire Size | 160/60-17 |
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 |
Dimension
Wheelbase | 62.0 in. |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 3.7 gal. |
Seat Height | 27.8 in. |
Curb Weight | 491.7 / 502.7 (CAFE) lb. |
Others
Warranty | 12 months |
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ | 12, 24, 36 or 48 months |