Motorcycle specifications Kawasaki650 VULCAN S 2018 Costume and custom for the ER-6

Shaking up the custom world doesn't happen that often. It can be done violently, as when Harley created the V-rod; or with a mixture of gaiety and freshness, like this new 650 Vulcan S.
But Vulcan is the American name for Kawasaki customs. So it's the green ones that are going to give the small custom bikes a push?! And yet, the VNs are among the most classic machines in their approach to the category: V-twin, cruiser look, American styling. This newcomer pulls out all the roadster stops in a machine that smells of impertinence.

This Vulcan 650 S isn't ugly; it could even be provocative. Right from the start of the headlamp, you can tell that Kawa wants to shake up the segment. The traditional round headlight is out of the question. Instead, we've opted for an olive element, as stylish as a Suzuk' Gladius. Let it go, it's in the back that it hits.

In terms of frame and drivetrain, it smells like a roadster. The side-mounted shock absorber under the seat should already have given you a clue. In fact, it's a characteristic feature of the ER-6 family. Thus, propulsion is provided by the sparkling block that few would have imagined here: a 649 cm3 parallel twin - the same as on the Versys, ER-6n and F. At Kawa, it's been a long time, since the 500 EN, since we've put a mill like this in a custom bike. Revitalized to meet the category's standards, the twin should not be deprived of giving character, and compensating for its "modest" displacement. It's true that we're more used to 883s, 900s or 950s as our introduction to the world of bikers. The twin shrugs it off: it still puts out 61 hp, and claims to have been revised for greater availability at low and mid-range speeds. Torque peaks at 6.4 mkg; a little on the low side, but don't lose sight of the fact that this bike is here to introduce you to the world of Vulcans, not to compete with the behemoths.

A custom with the heart of a roadster, that promises a few thrills. And if you still have any doubts about its provocative nature, the Vulcan 650 S features a chassis derived from the aforementioned ERs. The tubular steel perimeter structure is clearly inspired by the ER-6 Phase II(2009->2011). However, the wheelbase is much longer, at around 170 mm; a custom bike is long, it's low, and it likes to stretch its lines from wheel to wheel.
It also likes low seats. Intended for the general public, beginners, and particularly accessible, the Vulcan perches its seat at just 705 mm. Take a seat while the Kawa harangues you with its comfort features, such as longer amorto travel and 3-position adjustable rider and passenger footrests.
The instrument panel is equally original... for a custom. No simplistic or vintage-inspired meters. Apart from a few minor alterations, the instrumentation is taken from the roadster - we would have appreciated something more distinctive. Braking is provided by a 300 mm front disc with 2-piston caliper, and a 250 mm rear disc bitten by a piston. Very conventional and sufficient, complemented by ABS as standard.

Kawasaki's Vulcan 650 S is a pretty fun custom. It's also the only model in this range in the European catalog, at a contained price. We'll appreciate the machine's daring ingredients, and should be more than satisfied with its urban cruiser-like behavior, probably enhanced by a zest for fun.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos