Kawasaki has launched the 2026 Vulcan S in India at an ex-showroom price of Rs 8.13 lakh. The middleweight cruiser continues largely unchanged, with the most important update being E20 fuel compatibility, making it compliant with the latest emission norms.
Powering the Kawasaki Vulcan S 2026 is the familiar 649cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. It produces 61hp at 7,500rpm, while torque now stands at 61Nm at 6,600rpm, down slightly compared to the previous model. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and is known for its smooth and relaxed performance, which suits the cruiser character of the motorcycle.
In terms of hardware, nothing has changed. The bike continues to use a 41mm telescopic fork at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. Braking is handled by a 300mm front disc and a 250mm rear disc, supported by dual-channel ABS. The Vulcan S retains its low 705mm seat height, making it accessible to a wide range of riders, while ground clearance stands at 130mm. Kerb weight has gone up by around 6kg, with the bike now weighing 235kg.
For 2026, Kawasaki has introduced a new Metallic Flat Spark Black colour, replacing the earlier Pearl Matte Sage Green shade. Apart from this cosmetic update and E20 compliance, the motorcycle remains the same.
In the Indian market, the Kawasaki Vulcan S cruiser does not have a direct rival. However, buyers may also consider the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, which offers a similar engine layout at a much lower starting price of Rs 3.99 lakh. That said, the Vulcan S continues to appeal to riders looking for a refined, premium Japanese cruiser experience.
