In the array of vehicles compliant to the latest emission norms, Kawasaki has added their cruiser bike, BS6 Kawasaki Vulcan S. The price of the BS6 model has seen a hike of Rs 30,000 as compared to the BS4 variant. The Vulcan S now stands at Rs 5.79 lakh ( ex-showroom).
This BS6 Vulcan S follows similar updates with other products of Kawasaki lineup like the Ninja 650, Z650, Ninja 1000SX and the Versys 650. Except for the Ninja, 1000 SX, all these motorcycles lie in a similar price bracket and carry similar power units. The 650 cc motor has been the first to be upgraded across the platforms. The Vulcan S sets a similar example.
BS6 Kawasaki Vulcan S: About the motorcycle
Engine
Here is where we see the biggest change which is very obviously the BS6 compliance in the new motorcycle. The motorcycle houses a 649cc, liquid-cooled unit which produces 61bhp power at 7500rpm. This unit comes with a six-speed gearbox.
There are no noticeable changes in the power figure. A minor change is in torque output which is downgraded to 62.4Nm from 63Nm, to be clear this won’t bring about noticeable changes in the real-life performance.
Design
The Vulcan S is designed with the characteristics of a typical cruiser motorcycle with low slung seats and relaxed ergonomics which emphasise over comfort on long rides.
There has not been much change in the way it looks but the motorcycle now comes with a new colour scheme. The colour is now limited to only the new Metallic Flat Raw Grainstone scheme which is basically a dual-tone grey-black colour scheme with red highlights on various parts of the bikes including the tank, radiator guard and monoshock as well as rim. The BS4 predecessor was offered in two colour options.
Apart from this Vulcan looks pretty much the same, it misses out on the headlamp treatment which was seen in Z650 and Ninja 650.
Mechanicals and Features
The Vulcan S comes with a 41mm telescopic suspension at the front and an off-set mono-shock suspension at back. A single 300mm disc at the front and a 250 mm disc with ABS at rear forms the braking setup.
The Vulcan S gets a semi-digital instrument cluster with unlike the other offerings which come with fully digital TFT displays. The Vulcan S has an analogue tachometer with digital readouts for speed, odometer, ABS status, trip meter, fuel gauge etc. It also comes with the Kawasaki’s ergo fit under which the position of handlebars and footpegs can be customised as per rider’s choice.
Author's Take
At a premium of around Rs 30,000, the bike hadn't received any new feature other than a BS6 compliant engine which doesn’t justify the added value it demands.
