The Kawasaki Vulcan S Café is a unique motorcycle in the American market, blending classic cruiser styling with a sportbike-derived engine for a truly distinctive ride. It’s designed for riders who want the laid-back comfort of a cruiser but also crave agile handling and a peppy engine for a more engaging experience.
Stylish Looks with a Café Racer Edge
The Vulcan S Café stands out from a typical cruiser with its specific styling elements:
- Dark-Tinted Wind Deflector: A key “Café” feature is the small, tinted windscreen that sits above the headlight, giving it a sportier, retro-inspired look.
- Unique Paint Scheme: It often comes in special two-tone or three-tone paint schemes with sporty graphics that differentiate it from the standard Vulcan S.
- Blacked-Out Components: Like many modern cruisers, it features blacked-out engine components, exhaust, and wheels for an aggressive, custom appearance.
- Low Seat Height: The low 27.8-inch seat height makes it very approachable for riders of different sizes, allowing for easy flat-footing at stops.
- Inverted Triangular Headlight: A distinctive headlight design adds to its modern-meets-classic aesthetic.
Nimble Performance with a Sportbike Heart
What truly sets the Vulcan S Café apart is its engine and chassis, which are rooted in Kawasaki’s sportbike heritage:
- 649cc Parallel-Twin Engine: Unlike most cruisers that use V-twin engines, the Vulcan S Café is powered by a liquid-cooled, 649cc parallel-twin engine, directly evolved from the sporty Ninja 650. This engine is tuned for more low and mid-range torque, making it responsive in city traffic and on the highway. It produces about 61 horsepower and 46.3 lb-ft of torque.
- Smooth 6-Speed Transmission: The engine is paired with a smooth 6-speed transmission and a sealed chain final drive.
- Sporty Handling: While it looks like a cruiser, the Vulcan S Café offers surprisingly nimble handling. Its high-tensile steel diamond frame, offset lay-down rear shock with adjustable preload, and 41mm telescopic front fork contribute to good cornering clearance and a more responsive feel than many traditional cruisers. Riders often report it feels lighter and more agile than its 502.7-pound curb weight suggests.
Rider Comfort and ERGO-FIT® System
Kawasaki has gone to great lengths to make the Vulcan S Café comfortable for a wide range of riders through its unique ERGO-FIT® system:
- Adjustable Riding Position: This system allows riders to customize the footpeg position (three settings), seat (various reach options), and handlebar reach (two options), providing up to 18 different configurations. This is a huge benefit for finding a comfortable and confident riding posture, whether you’re taller or shorter.
- Comfortable Ride: The low seat and relaxed ergonomics make it comfortable for daily commuting or extended weekend rides.
Key Features and Technology
The Vulcan S Café includes essential modern features:
- ABS (Anti-lock Brake System): Standard ABS provides added braking confidence and safety in various conditions, with a single 300mm front disc and a single 250mm rear disc.
- Digital Instrumentation: A combination analog and digital instrument cluster provides easy-to-read information like speed, fuel level, and trip data.
- LED Taillight: A modern LED taillight offers good visibility.
Fuel Economy (MPG)
The Kawasaki Vulcan S Café is known for its good fuel efficiency for its class. Riders commonly report getting around 45-60 miles per gallon (MPG), depending on riding style and conditions. With its 3.7-gallon fuel tank, this offers a decent range for your rides.
Price in the U.S.A. (MSRP)
For the 2025 Kawasaki Vulcan S Café ABS, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) typically starts around $8,499.
This price does not include destination charges (often around $450-$650), dealer preparation fees, taxes, title, or registration fees, which will vary by state and dealership. However, sometimes dealerships offer sales or special pricing below MSRP.
The Kawasaki Vulcan S Café is an appealing choice for American riders seeking a cruiser that isn’t afraid to lean into corners and offers a more dynamic riding experience, all while maintaining a comfortable and customizable fit. It’s a versatile motorcycle, great for daily commutes, weekend cruises, and even light touring.