KAWASAKI

Vulcan S-Custom Versatility
Testing a "custom" bike always involves some initial adaptation, or rather, we have to change the "chip". The driving position is distinctive, especially when the bumpers are in front of the bike, usually the distance to the ground is relatively low, which facilitates the maneuvers stopped but limits the inclination in a curve and the arms are placed high due to the adoption of guiadores also higher. However, Vulcan surprised us positively because, almost immediately, we forgot that we were driving a "custom" cruiser.The designation "Vulcan" has been used by Kawasaki since 1984 to identify the cruisers of its custom range, almost always with V-Twin engines, from 125 cc to 2,000 cc, with the designation VN.



Vulcan S is, however, a 649 cc twin-cylinder, delivering 61 hp at 7,500 rpm and a torque of 63 Nm at 6600 rpm, liquid cooling with DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder, fuel injection with double throttle system, and was first launched in 2014, initially with two versions, version S and S with ABS, and from 2017 appeared two other versions, SE Special Edition and S Café, the latter with elements in a more Café Racer style and following the market trends.The Vulcan S is an agile motorcycle, aesthetically appealing and well designed, has a low center of gravity that gives it greater stability, thanks also to the height of the seat about 700 mm from the ground, which endows Vulcan with a wide range stature of potential users.
The position is comfortable thanks to the ergonomics of your seat but the feet, in the front, require some initial adjustment. However, the footrests can be adjusted in 3 different positions, which facilitates adaptation to the physiognomy of the driver. 


The position of the arms though high is quite natural without being strenuous. The maneuvers at low speed, and in the middle of the traffic, are done with a lot of balance and agility although the angle of the direction is markedly open, well in the custom style.The first time we had contact with a Vulcan it belonged to a friend who told us at the time that it was already the second that acquired and that was his motorcycle of choice. This clearly defines Vulcan's user-friendliness, whether it is easy to drive, versatility and performance.


And in the performance and performance the bi-cylindrical 650 Vulcan also defines the versatility of this custom. An elastic motor, reaching rotation up there, not common in a custom, quiet and with a low torque also respectable what makes its use very fun.Excellent brakes despite having only a 300mm front disc with a 2-piston caliper and a precise "bite" and controlled dosing, providing a very effective and ABS-assisted braking front and rear.


At the level of suspensions we highlight the good performance of the front telescopic suspension, which despite not having tuning, nevertheless brings a good factory commitment. The rear shock absorber is placed sideways and has a 7-position preload adjustment. Of course the fact that the rear stroke is short and only 80mm, limited by the low height of the bike, it also penalizes the performance of the rear damping, which is why we must avoid roads in very bad condition, a reality that will force us to more cautious, if we are to preserve our vertebral integrity.


The fuel tank of the Vulcan S has 14 liters, a reality that guarantees an autonomy far above what is usual in a motorcycle of this segment. The information panel is simple but modern and easy to read with a very original design and well framed with the style of the bike and where the analogue information is complemented by the LCD panel that concentrates the rest of the information needed. At the same time there is an indicator of "economic driving" very useful for those who want to save or increase their driving autonomy.


In conclusion, we liked the aesthetics and flowing lines of the Vulcan S, the cared finishes that it presents, characteristic of the Kawasaki, its resourcefulness in intense traffic or in open road, of the unusual elasticity of its bi-cylindrical motor, that define clearly a more versatile and comprehensive Vulcan positioning, appealing to a diverse audience of both sexes and age groups. A timeless style without being too radical and betting on versatility and ease of use that fully justify all the success that Vulcan has had in our Market.



Datasheet
Brand Name: Kawasaki
Model: Vulcan S 2018
MOTOR
Type
double cylinder, refrig. liquid, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve
Displacement
649 cc
Max Power
61 hp @ 7500 rpm (available from A2)
Max.
63 Nm @ 6600 rpm
Clutch
multidisc in oil bath, mechanics
food
Electronic injection, double butterfly valve
Velvet Box
6 Speeds

CHASSIS AND SUSPENSIONS
Frame
High strength steel tubular
Front Suspension
Telescopic 41mm non-adjustable stroke 130mm
Rear Suspension
Spring preload adjustable damper 7 pos. 80mm stroke



Pedro Rocha, de Portugal