2019 Kawasaki Vulcan S CAFE launch in India

2019 Kawasaki Vulcan S CAFE

DESCRIPTION

STYLISH, URBAN MOTORCYCLE FOR NEW RIDERS, FEMALE RIDERS

The Vulcan S Cafe is not your average cruiser. It stands apart, with its Parallel Twin engine, unique frame and suspension layout, and its very non-traditional looks. Designed for independent-minded riders, it does not require the rider to conform to any heard-mentality fashion or lifestyle. Special attention paid to ensuring high levels of fit & comfort, and confidence in riding make the Vulcan an attractive option for new riders and female riders looking for a stylish, accommodating motorcycle. Accessible in all senses of the word, with the Vulcan S Cafe riders can come as they are, and just get on and go.

TREND-SETTING DESIGN

As the kind of bike a rider chooses to ride is often a reflection of the rider’s character, so too the bike’s styling reflects the rider’s tastes. For riders who prefer not follow the crowd, the unique design of the Vulcan S offers a stylish, modern alternative to the traditional cruiser image.

STYLING ELEMENTS

– Curved, flowing style blended with a powerful, long-and-low stance and modern elements creates a unique, eye-catching design. – Inverted triangle headlamp contributes to the Vulcan S’s fresh, unique design. A position lamp is built into the upper portion of the headlamp unit. – Tear drop-style fuel tank adds a cruiser-style touch. – Tail fender shaped to hug the rear wheel as closely as possible, creating a compact cruiser-style design.The design was made possible in part by the offset laydown rear shock. – LED taillight contributes to the compact tail design and adds to the bike’s modern image – Australian models come standard with a solo seat that complements the low rear fender design. – Rounded turn signals fore and aft match the bike’s overall design. – Inner fender unitised with the chain cover contributes to the stylish design. – Metal plates added to various components, including the radiator shrouds, cylinder head cover and swingarm pivot cover, contribute to the high-quality image. – Attention given to detailed parts and care taken to ensure clean welding lines result in a high-quality finish. – Vulcan S Cafe features a tinted wind deflector.

ENGINE

– The Vulcan S’s unique Parallel Twin engine configuration creates an image very different from the traditional cruiser.– Finish on the cylinder head is similar to air-cooled fins, contributing to a tough-looking appearance. – Slim radiator design matches the cruiser-style image.– Attractive bend of the exhaust pipes and an under-engine muffler arrangement contribute to the Vulcan S’s attractive styling. – Dual-wall exhaust pipe design gives the header pipes a fatter appearance for a strong image. – Updates to the catalyser bring the Vulcan S in line with Euro 4 emissions standards.

WHEELS

– Original design of the cast wheels uses 5 spoke pairs to create a cruiser-style image with a strong impact. – 18-inch front wheel is complemented by a 17-inch rear wheel.

INSTRUMENTATION

– Compact, stacked instrument cluster matches the bike’s overall design and features an easy-to-read layout. Analogue-style tachometer and multi-function LCD screen use blue LED backlights for excellent visibility at night. Features include gear position indicator, fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range, average/instant fuel consumption and the Economical Riding Indicator. – Key cylinder is located at the front of the fuel tank, creating a very clean cockpit area. The position also greatly facilitates access and ignition operation.

FRAME

– Elegant pipe perimeter frame is a key component of the Vulcan S’s identity. The bike’s bodywork accentuates the frame, rather than hiding it. – The design of the frame, rear suspension and swingarm create an integrated line running from the front of the bike to the rear hub. – A pipe frame of high-tensile steel gives the bike a lightweight appearance. 3D analysis was used to achieve the target rigidity and stress values. – Offset laydown rear single-shock suspension is a distinctive styling element, contributing the trend-setting design. – The swingarm’s D-shaped crosssection gives it a pipe-like design that matches the frame, and contributes to the high-quality appearance. – The 1,575 mm wheelbase adds to the bike’s cruiser-style long-and-low design.

FIT & COMFORT

Feeling comfortable—especially for a new rider—is one of the key factors when choosing a motorcycle. The Vulcan S was designed to be accommodating for a wide range of riders from short to tall. Complementing the relaxed riding position, adjustable footpegs and levers, and a number of accessory components allow riders to custom-fit their bike to suit size and preference.

LOW SEAT HEIGHT

– Being able to easily put your feet on the ground when stopped is one of the most important factors in feeling comfortable on a motorcycle. At 705 mm, the Vulcan S’s low seat is very accommodating

SLIM CHASSIS DESIGN

– Compared to a V-Twin engine usually seen in cruisers, the Vulcan S’s Parallel Twin engine enables a slimmer space between the rider’s legs. – Slim, backbone-style rear frame contributes to the easy reach to the ground. Please also see Slim, light-handling chassis below.

CUSTOM FIT ADJUSTABILITY

– Footpeg position is adjustable with three positions available: STD, 25 mm forward, 25 mm back. (*Alternate shift linkage rods, sold separately, are necessary when changing the position from standard.) – An accessory handlebar positions the handle grips 44 mm closer to the rider. – Accessory reduced-reach seat that positions the rider 53 mm closer to the tank and controls accommodates shorter riders.– Accessory comfort seat offers a more spacious seating position for taller/larger riders. – Brake and clutch levers can be adjusted to suit the rider’s hand size and preference.

COMFORT

– Seat design with thick, 62 mm padding offers a wide surface and excellent hip support, ensuring ample comfort for city riding and short tours. The seat bracket is rubber-mounted, reducing vibration transferred through the seat. – Footpegs are positioned for foot-forward control, creating a relaxed cruiser-style riding position. – Handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce vibration transmitted through the handle grips. – Rider footpeg stays are rubber-mounted, and the footpegs are rubber-coated to further reduce vibration.

ACCESSORIES

In addition to the accessories mentioned above, numerous other accessories allow riders to add comfort for longer rides (windshields, DC socket), carry luggage (luggage racks, saddlebags) oraccommodate passengers (passenger seat, footpegs, backrest). – DC socket – Leather saddlebags – Solo luggage rack– Passenger seat – Comfort seat, rear – Passenger footpegs – Passenger backrest – Helmet lock

Other accessories allow riders to customise the look of their ride. – Light bar with sub lamps – Chrome handlebars (standard, close-position) – Exhaust pipe cover – Muffler body cover

CONFIDENCE IN RIDING

Both the engine and chassis were designed to offer new riders confidence. The compact Parallel Twin engine has a very accommodating character, delivering feel good power while being easy to control. The chassis is slim and lightweight, thanks in part to the compact design of the engine. Light, easy handling is complemented by a reassuring low seat height and a slim design that makes it easy to reach the ground. The low overall weight is apparent as soon as you lift the bike off its side stand, making the Vulcan S one of the most accessible bikes for new riders available.

The 2019MY Vulcan S Cafe model features premium paint and graphics, the new colour is New York Orange and features contrasting black graphics, colour coded frame and radiator covers, wheel rim stripes and a detailed outer clutch cover.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE

– Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649 cm3 Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The engine was tuned for rider-friendly power characteristics that will inspire confidence in new riders. The Vulcan S offers smooth starts from a standstill, smooth acceleration, and a satisfying pull when accelerating. The strong acceleration facilitates highway merging and passing. – Particular attention paid to the intake ports and camshaft profiles, and long-type intake funnels result in strong low-mid rpm performance, contributing to the smooth acceleration and good pull feeling. – Large-bore ø38 mm throttle bodies feature sub-throttles for high power output with smooth, sensitive throttle response. – Crankshaft design includes a heavier flywheel mass. This contributes to the easy-to-control engine character: the engine is smooth when rolling off the throttle, and it is difficult to stall, which facilitates pulling away from a stop. – Under-engine muffler design contributes to strong torque in the low-mid rpm range. This facilitates control at lower rpm and contributes to the enjoyment of the Vulcan S. Muffler internal construction and catalyser layout ensure clean emissions that will pass stringent Euro 4 regulations. – Lightweight drive chain offers less mechanical loss and lower weight than a belt drive.

COMPACT ENGINE DESIGN

The Vulcan S’s 649 cm3 liquid-cooled power unit is loaded with innovative technology that enabled its compact design to be realised: – Triangular layout of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine very short front-to-back. – Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”-style package that both allows a compact layout and facilitates transmission maintenance chores. – Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height. – Plated, linerless cylinder is lightweight, and the narrow cylinder pitch reduces engine width. – Under-engine muffler improves mass centralisation and lowers the bike’s centre of gravity.

SLIM, LIGHT-HANDLING CHASSIS

Together with the compact engine and backbone-style rear frame, the frame’s design realises a package that is slim, low, lightweight and compact. – The compact engine allows use of a slim, minimalist frame, resulting in a design that is narrow at the knees and feet. – 3D analysis was used to achieve the ideal stiffness balance for the frame, contributing to the superb handling characteristics. – The frame is constructed of high-tensile steel, contributing to light weight. – The layout of the offset single-shock rear suspension allows the battery to be located beside the shock instead of beneath it. This elegant arrangement allows a lower seat height as well as a slim design. – As much as possible, the exhaust was kept under the engine, ensuring a slim chassis and an unobstructed reach to the ground. – The Vulcan S’s low weight and low centre of gravity make it highly manoeuvrable, whether riding, paddling in a parking lot, or walking beside the bike. – Slim backbone-style rear frame design allows all components to be positioned close to the bike centreline. – Instead of using seat rails, a single beam (formed from interlocked C-section pieces) is used. The slim design enables a more comfortable seat construction. – Separate pivot plates contibute to the slim chassis design. At the swingarm pivot, the lower part of rear frame is supported by two sleeves through which the swingarm bolt passes. This enables a narrower design between the rider’s feet, facilitating the reach to the ground.– Separate sub-frames provide support for the rear fender. – Rigid-mount engine is a stressed member, contributing to the frame’s idealised rigidity balance, and to the bike’s excellent handling and stability.– Frame geometry (caster is 31o, trail is 120 mm) was set for easy-tocontrol, light, natural handling. – Footpegs are positioned such that they do not touch down easily, enabling stress-free cornering. – Wheelbase of 1,575 mm was chosen for a balance of light handling and superior riding stability. – The same characteristics that make it fun to ride (light handling and relaxed, rider-friendly ergonomics), also make the Vulcan S ideal for new riders.

SUSPENSION

– Both front and rear suspension settings prioritise ride comfort. – Telescopic front fork contributes to the bike’s easy-to-control, light and natural handling. – Offset laydown single-shock rear suspension is equipped with linkage to enable a longer stroke for increased ride comfort. – The rear suspension arrangement also contributes to the bike’s compact design, freeing up space for a large-volume silencer under the engine. – Rear shock features adjustable preload, with 7 positions to suit rider size and payload.

BRAKES

– Large ø300 mm front disc is slowed by a two-piston caliper. – At the rear, a ø250 mm disc is gripped by singlepiston caliper. – The brakes provide ample stopping power, while offering easy control for new riders. – Customers looking for an added degree of reassuring braking performance can also choose models with front and rear ABS (available in certain markets). – The compact ABS unit contributes to the lightweight chassis, and is conveniently tucked away under the rear shock, which ensures a slim construction beneath the seat.

WHEELS/TYRES

– Wheel sizes (18-inch for the front, 17-inch for the rear) are closer to those found on a sport bike than a typical cruiser model (which often have much larger front wheels). The smaller front wheel contributes to the Vulcan S’s natural, light handling. – Tyres were selected to offer a balance of light handling and a powerful image. Sizes measure 120/70R18 in the front, 160/60R17 in the rear.

LONG RANGE

– With its 14 litre fuel tank capacity and the Parallel Twin engine’s good fuel economy, the long range offered by the Vulcan S means riders can go longer between fill-ups—convenient in town, and reassuring when out on a daytrip.