Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe: Spec, Features, Background, Performance & More

Over the decades, the biker culture has gained immense popularity in the United States of America. With a growing acceptance of motorcycles in society, the younger generation has a newfound passion for motorcycling and touring. It is a great recreational activity. Those who love the wilderness escape the concrete jungle on their bikes and enjoy solitude in beautiful settings. Many bike enthusiasts hop on their bikes and hit the scenic roads to unwind after a hectic week of work.

Moreover, motorcycling is now seen as an environment-friendly and affordable way of commuting.

The motorcycling companies like Kawasaki are responding to this “motorcycling revolution” by producing high-performance cruisers at an economical price.

In an attempt to meet the requirements of its passionate bikers, Kawasaki introduced the Vulcan S Cafe Cruiser lineup in 2017. These bikes were fuel-efficient, had massive engine power, and a standard ABS system to allow a safe yet fast and exhilarating riding experience. The aggressive styling of these bikes charmed onlookers. And all these features were made available at less than $10,000.

Consequently, the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe was met with huge success. Much to the relief of Kawasaki fans, the production of these motorcycles continued and the latest 2022 model has graced retail floors.

Read on to find out all the necessary information about the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe cruiser, including its detailed specification, prominent features, colors, price, and Kawasaki aftermarket parts.

Launched in 1984, Kawasaki has spent 30 years perfecting its Vulcan cruisers. In 2015, the motorcycle company launched a lighter range of cruisers, designated the Vulcan S lineup. These bikes were available in two variants: the ABS and non-ABS trim.

In 2017, Kawasaki introduced the Vulcan S Cafe bikes to appeal to a broader audience. The Vulcan S Cafe bikes had a single variant that featured an in-built standard ABS system, a unique tank badge, dark-tinted wind deflector, and sporty stripes.

The three-tone paint is the newest development featured in the 2022 Vulcan S Cafe models. Ironically, the 2022 Vulcan S Cafe lacked the standard ABS system.

Both lineups share the same 649 cc engine derived from the Kawasaki-Ninja 650 motorcycle. If you observe the technical specifications of the Vulcan S and Vulcan S Cafe, you would realize that the bikes have a similar mechanical build, but have a different cosmetic design.

Here is a quick overview of all the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe models.

At first glance, the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe looks like a sports bike. It lacks passenger footpegs and features a leather-textured solo seat. The two-tone or three-tone paint (in 2022 Vulcan S Cafe bikes), high-tensile steel frame, and dark-tinted wind deflector set it apart from other cruisers. The bike is lightweight at 498 lbs. The low seat height and ABS system (in previous models) make it a beginner-friendly cruiser.

The front suspension is a 41 mm telescopic fork that offers 5.1 in of wheel travel. The rear suspension of the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe is an off-set laydown shock with a seven-position preload adjustment system and offers 3.2 in of wheel travel.

At the heart of the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe, there is a 649 cc engine that produces peak torque at all rpm ranges. The four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine is derived from the Kawasaki Ninja 650 motorcycle. Running with double overhead cams (DOHC), the engine produces a horsepower of 61.0 hp at 7500 rpm.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe engine features an advanced fuel injection system with dual throttle valves. The DFI fuel injection system with 38 mm throttle bodies and sub-throttle valves enhances engine performance by supplying a precise amount of air/fuel mixture. Due to the efficient fuel system, the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe riders enjoy an excellent fuel economy.

Much to the relief of riders, the Kawasaki Vulcan S engine does not produce harsh, teeth-chattering vibrations at highway speeds. Hence, owners can easily go for a long trip on this bike.

With its sporty nature, the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe is a pleasure to ride. The lightweight engine and cable-operated clutch offer effortless handling. The Kawasaki handlebars allow convenient steering when turning corners. Twist the throttle for a boost of linear engine power. The six-speed transmission shifts easily without missing any gears and directs the engine power to a chained final drive which then turns the rear wheel.

The suspension offered is a bit rigid but adds to the sporty nature of the bike.

The Vulcan S Cafe cruisers meet the road with their 120/70 x 18 front tire and 160/60 x 17 rear tire. The wheels offer great traction and keep the bike from drifting in rainy or snowy conditions.

The Vulcan S Cafe front brake is a single 300 mm disc with a twin-piston caliper. The rear 250 mm single comes with a single-piston caliper. All the Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe motorcycles feature a standard ABS system, except for the 2022 models.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe features a 27.8-inch low-slung seat. The seat height allows flat-footing in parking lots, traffic, and other situations when the bike is at a standstill. The tall handlebars and footpegs offer a comfortable riding position. The ideally positioned riding comfort trio improves control over the bike. The riders feel zero strain when steering the bike through crowded streets because of the lightweight handlebars.

Kawasaki extends the convenience of customizing the seat, handlebars, and footpeg position to suit a rider’s stature and riding comfort. Three different configurations are available including:

• Reduced reach for shorter riders (less than 5 ft 6 in)
• Middle reach for average riders (5 ft 7 in and above)
• Extended reach for tall riders (6 ft and above)

The Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe cruiser features an electronic engine management control for greater fuel efficiency. In addition to this system, the bike comes with an economical riding indicator that tracks fuel consumption, speed throttle use, gear selection, and other riding conditions. When fuel efficiency is high, the ECO mark appears. This helps the rider to understand and maintain the riding conditions in which he can increase the cruising range and fuel efficiency.

All Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe models come with a 12-month limited warranty. Moreover, riders can also purchase extended insurance for a period of 12, 24, 36, or 48 months through the Kawasaki Protection Plan. Though Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe cruisers are low-maintenance and reliable, having an extra insurance plan will help in case the bike suffers an unexpected mechanical breakdown.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe is a fuel-efficient bike and has a mileage-friendly economical riding indicator to reduce fuel consumption. The engine utilizes a fuel injection system that allows the bike to get an average mileage of 53.7 mpg.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe has a long teardrop-shaped fuel tank that can hold up to 3.7 gallons of fuel. On a full tank, the bike weighs about 496.1 lbs. With this curb weight, the bike is slightly heavy for beginners but most manage due to the effortless handling of the bike.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe can achieve a top speed of 117 mph. The strong brakes inspire enough confidence in riders that they achieve this speed without fear.

Kawasaki launched its Vulcan S bikes in 2015 and the Vulcan S Cafe bikes in 2017. The technical specifications and the engineering concept are the same. There are only a few cosmetic changes. All Vulcan S Cafe models have a built-in standard ABS system, except for the 2022 model. The Vulcan S models have an ABS and a non-ABS variant.

Moreover, the Cafe S bikes feature a windshield and different paintwork. The 2022 Vulcan S Cafe has a beautiful three-tone paint job that makes it unique from its Vulcan S counterparts.

All models of the Kawasaki Vulcan S cruisers from 2017 to 2021 come with a standard anti-lock braking system. But the latest 2022 Vulcan S Cafe model lacks the ABS system.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe is a modern cruiser with a sporty zeal. It offers a top speed of 117 mph, with many young bike enthusiasts finding this motorcycle as a perfect touring partner. A few tweaks and custom add-ons have helped them to convert this cruiser into a tourer.

If you own a Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe and want to take it out for a camping trip, we only have encouraging words for you. Depending on your preferred level of comfort, you can tour on any bike, including the Vulcan S Cafe. Here’s how to prepare your Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe for the uncharted roads and scenic camping sites.

First things first, you cannot travel to the wilderness or the mountains empty-handed. You need your luggage with you. Adding suitable motorcycle luggage racks and luggage bags is indispensable. There are different types of Kawasaki saddlebags available on the market that you can choose from. These saddlebags will not only carry your luggage, but they will also protect your belongings from falling, harsh elements, and theft. High-quality saddlebags are a lifetime investment, especially if you buy from a well-reputed brand such as VikingBags. With saddlebags mounted, your bike would look stunning and travel-ready.

The Ergo-Fit Technology offers ultimate riding comfort. Moreover, the built-in tinted wind deflector offers ample wind protection. Therefore, you don’t need to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

However, if you want to enhance your level of comfort, adding a well-padded backrest should be your go-to. On the other hand, you can add motorcycle fairings to reduce air drag and deflect harsh wind. In case you are taking out your brand new Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe, we suggest you bolt down a set of crash bars to protect your bike from damage. With these changes, you are all set to have an adventure-packed vacation.