2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S

Authentically styled cruisers that don’t sacrifice ride quality for looks.

Vulcan S ABS CafeKawasaki

Kawasaki’s Vulcan S is a definite outlier in the cruiser world, given its blend of sporty and classic styling, along with a unique adjustability that aims to accommodate riders of different sizes. That’s enhanced by the fact that it comes in three versions too. All three—the base S, the S ABS, and the S Cafe—are powered by the same 649cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin engine, and each one also offers the trick Ergo-Fit system, which allows for up to 18 adjustments just by moving the seat, footpegs, and handlebar into different positions. Choose from the base model Vulcan S, the better-equipped Vulcan S ABS, or the more stylish Vulcan S ABS Cafe, which gets three-tone paint, special badging and striping, and a dark-tinted windshield deflector.

Regardless of which trim you choose, the Vulcan S delivers a thoroughly modern ride that works better than the throwback styling would suggest.

2020 Kawasaki Vulcan SKawasaki

2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S, Comparisons, And Competition

Thanks to its retuned Ninja 650R powerplant, we found the Vulcan S motor was “super peppy” and retains much of its sporty character, with smooth operation and few vibrations. The ABS feature is available as standard on the S ABS and Cafe models and we’d recommend it. Although the light-handling Vulcan S is cut from a different cloth, you could say it plays in the same arena as Honda’s CTX700N and the Harley-Davidson Street 750.

2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S Updates For 2020

For 2020, all Kawasaki Vulcan S models remain mechanically unchanged, but all three trims get new paint options. All prices are unchanged from 2019, starting at a user-friendly $7,099 for the base model.

2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABSKawasaki

2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S Claimed Specifications

Price $7,099–$8,099
Engine Liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel twin
Displacement 649cc
Bore x Stroke 83.0 x 60.0mm
Tested Horsepower 53.5 hp @ 7,150 rpm
Tested Torque 42.7 lb.-ft. @ 5,650 rpm
Transmission 6-speed
Final Drive Chain
Seat Height 27.8 in.
Rake 31.8°
Trail 4.7 in.
Front Suspension 41mm telescopic fork, 5.1-in. travel
Rear Suspension Preload adjustable; 3.1-in. travel
Front Tire 120/70-18
Rear Tire 160/60-17
Wheelbase 62.0 in.
Fuel Capacity 3.7 gal.
Curb Weight 498 lb.