2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S is Sleek, Sporty and Superb
In an age where vehicles come larded with crap like driver assist technology, electric steering and fake exhaust noise — things, that, in the end ultimately take away control from the driver — it’s a relief to ride a motorcycle like the Kawasaki Vulcan S.
The low slung, super slim cruiser is just the sort of ride for those who like to keep things basic. You fill it up with gas. You change the oil regularly. You ride it to Timbuktu and back.
Kawasaki has been making cruisers like the Vulcan for over three decades now. And, over the last 20 years, I’ve put countless miles on a number of them: LTs, Drifters and the 1600 Mean Streak, whose V-Twin engines offer a good kick and a mean growl but I can honestly say I’m over them now.
They are good bikes and they’ve all offered sturdy, solid dependable rides.
But the new 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S has quickly raced to the front of the pack and is by far my favorite, one of the most innovative additions to the motorcycle cruiser market of late. The new Vulcan S is in a word awesome — a truly fantastic bike for beginners and experienced riders alike.
For one, there’s the attractive design. The wheels are a five-spoke with twin spokes with an 18” front tire and a 17” rear. The main headlight is an inverted triangle and reminds me of Iron Man’s arc reactor.
The black metal mirrors match the black frame, making for an elegant look. And the exhaust muffler, with its stacked muzzled twin pipes, resembles the fat barrel of an assault rifle.
But even more important than how it looks, is how it fits — and the bike fits riders like a glove. Handlebars, seat and foot-pegs are fully adjustable for all types of riders.
In addition, the solo saddle is low and the foot pegs are positioned comfortably forward, which allows for a more natural riding position for both short and tall riders. (I’m 6 ft. tall and weigh 200 pounds and felt surprising comfortable on a bike that is only 3.5 ft. tall.)
Plus, the long, low design makes it an extremely capable commuter bike on the freeway, as well as simply good fun for riding around town.
And, of course, there’s the technical stuff: the digital speedometer and tachometer are easy to read. The liquid-cooled 649cc parallel twin engine with fuel injection is a real champ and you’d swear you were riding a bigger motorcycle.
Plus, the gas gauge estimates how many miles you have left on a 3.7-gallon teardrop tank. (I averaged around 140 miles between fill-ups.)
Best of all is the Positive Neutral Finder, which makes it easy to find neutral when stopped. This is something all bikes should come with as standard equipment.
The Vulcan S is a solid highway bike — it excels at speeds over 55 mph. But it’s not a speed demon. It’s basically the same powerful engine you’d find in the speedier Ninja model, just tuned for a more casual riding experience.
That doesn’t mean it’s a boring ride. The Vulcan S is an extremely responsive machine and the engine and six-speed transmission transitions smoothly between gears.
The parallel twin layout allowed engineers to route the exhaust under the engine and away from your feet. This slimmed the bike down, which allows you to lean hard and twist easily through winding canyon roads.
But above all, the Vulcan S inspires confidence. There is its power and its handling, but also bonuses like the anti-lock braking (ABS) technology, which helps you stop on a dime if the need should arise and it does from time to time.
The bike is available in Candy Lime Green as well as Pearl Crystal White and Flat Ebony with choice, green pinstriped, blacked out wheels.
I never wanted to own a white motorcycle before I saw the Vulcan S in Pearl Crystal White and was sold.
Check out more photos and video of the 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S in the galleries above and below.
2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS Specifications
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”
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Lay-down offset rear shock with linkage and adjustable preload / 3.2”
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”
Overall width: 34.7”
Overall height: 43.3”
Ground clearance: 5.1”
Seat height: 27.8”
Wheelbase: 62”
Curb weight: 498.3 lb
Fuel capacity: 3.7 gallons
Colors: Candy Lime Green, Pearl Crystal White or Flat Ebony
MSRP Standard: $7,399
Warranty: 12 month Limited Warranty