India Kawasaki Motors Pvt. Ltd. (IKM) has officially launched the 2027 Vulcan S on Indian shores, starting at an ex-showroom price of INR 8,23,000/-. The updated middleweight cruiser aims to break the traditional cruiser mould by pairing accessible ergonomics and a low-slung stance with the lively dynamics of a sporty parallel-twin. Deliveries are scheduled to get underway from mid-September 2026.
The MY27 Kawasaki Vulcan S is offered in a two-tone Metallic Carbon Gray/Metallic Bluish Green colour scheme, carrying a starting price tag of INR 8,23,000/- (ex-showroom).
Sporty Performance and Powertrain
At the heart of the MY27 Vulcan S sits a proven 649cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 8-valve parallel-twin engine paired with fuel injection. Engineered for approachable, linear performance, it puts down solid grunt in the low-to-mid rev range while retaining a spirited top end for overtakes and motorway cruising.
- Displacement: 649cc
- Maximum Power: 44.7 kW (61 PS) at 7,500 rpm
- Peak Torque: 62.4 Nm (6.4 kgf.m) at 6,600 rpm
- Transmission & Clutch: 6-speed return gearbox with a wet multi-disc clutch
- Dual Throttle Valves: ECU-managed secondary throttle valves regulate intake airflow to prevent sudden jerky responses, optimising throttle linearity and combustion efficiency.
ERGO-FIT Sizing: Tailored Rider Comfort
The Vulcan S’s headline feature remains Kawasaki’s proprietary ERGO-FIT® system, which provides up to 18 configurations across the seat, footpegs, and handlebar to match the rider’s stature:
- Reduced Reach (5’6″ and under): Pulls the handlebar 1 inch closer, slides the seat 2 inches forward with a tapered cut, and moves the footpegs rearward (using accessory shift-linkage rods).
- Mid Reach (5’7″ to 6’0″): Features standard footpeg placement, a neutral handlebar reach, and a tapered sculpted seat designed for an easy reach to the tarmac.
- Extended Reach (6’1″ and taller): Shifts the seat’s hip support back by 1 inch, positions the handlebar outward, and moves the footpegs forward for extended legroom.
Chassis, Suspension, and Handling
The motorcycle uses a visible high-tensile steel pipe perimeter frame developed via 3D analysis, forming an uninterrupted line through the rear suspension to the hub. Its slim profile keeps the knee and ankle grip narrow, complementing a laid-back foot-forward riding posture.
- Wheelbase: 1,575 mm for high-speed stability balanced with agile urban manoeuvrability.
- Front Suspension: Telescopic forks offering 130 mm of wheel travel.
- Rear Suspension: Linkage-equipped horizontal back-link, offset laydown single-shock with 80 mm of wheel travel and 7-position adjustable preload.
- Exhaust Placement: A compact under-engine muffler that lowers the centre of gravity and stays out of the way of the rider’s boots when putting feet down.
- Wheels, Tyres, & Brakes: A 5-spoke pair cast-wheel design wrapped in an 18-inch front and 17-inch rear radial tyre, halted by large-diameter disc brakes.
Styling, Cockpit, and Availability
Cosmetically, the cruiser carries a distinct modern urban look thanks to its original headlight shape, heavily padded sculpted seat, multi-position adjustable clutch and front brake levers, and an easy-to-read cockpit integrating an analogue-style tachometer with a multi-function LCD (complete with a gear position indicator).
