Kawasaki Vulcan S vs Kawasaki Vulcan® S Base (2026)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Kawasaki Vulcan Sstacks up against the Kawasaki Vulcan® S Base. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecKawasaki Vulcan SKawasaki Vulcan® S Base
Model year20262026
Price$7,999$7,649
Engine649 cc649 cc
Horsepower61 hp
Torque63 Nm
Weight228 kg209 kg
Seat height705 mm706 mm
Fuel capacity14.0 L14.0 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed manualManual, 6 speed, Chain
Front brakesSingle 300mm discHydraulic Disc
Rear brakesSingle 250mm discHydraulic Disc
Tires120/70-18 front, 160/60-17 rearDunlop® Sportmax D220: 120/70R 18 (59H) / Dunlop® Sportmax D220: 160/60R 17 (69H)

Kawasaki Vulcan S vs Kawasaki Vulcan® S Base — which should you buy?

Picking between the Kawasaki Vulcan S and the Kawasaki Vulcan® S Base usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Kawasaki Vulcan S brings 61 hp in a 228 kg package, while the Kawasaki Vulcan® S Base counters with its own power figure at 209 kg. On price, the Kawasaki Vulcan® S Base has the lower MSRP.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: