Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition 2018 — Specifications

Who would have bet that a roadster parallel-twin could slip into a custom's costume without losing its soul? At Kawasaki, someone had the nerve to take the proven ER-6 engine and slide it into a chassis with low, stretched lines. The gamble was risky in a world where custom still rhymes with V-twin and American tradition. Yet the 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition proves that boldness can pay off, provided you don't go looking for what it isn't.

The heart of the machine is that 649 cc parallel-twin producing 61 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 62.8 Nm of torque at 6,600 rpm. Modest figures on paper, but more than enough to get the 229 kg dry weight moving with a touch of character. The engine pulls cleanly, without surging, and the six-speed gearbox shifts smoothly through its gates. It's a far cry from the cavernous rumble of a Harley Sportster or the punch of a Honda Rebel 500, but the Kawa mill makes up for it with its reliability and mid-range availability. For an A2 license holder or someone getting back in the saddle after a long break, it's a reassuring companion. The seat perched just 705 mm off the ground seals the deal for shorter riders, and Kawasaki's proprietary Ergo-Fit system lets you adjust the riding position to suit the rider's build.

Let's talk about what sets this Special Edition apart from the standard model. Don't look for any mechanical changes — there aren't any. The premium is purely cosmetic: a volcanic orange livery dressing the 14-liter tank, radiator shrouds, and fenders, accented by racing stripe-style side bands. The result has real character and stands out from the usual dark hues of the segment. One regret, though: the colored shock spring seen on previous editions has disappeared. That detail added a welcome touch of cheekiness to a machine that plays the unapologetic fun card. For those wanting to push customization further, Kawasaki also offers a Café variant fitted with a small flyscreen that noticeably alters the silhouette.

On the chassis side, the perimeter steel frame and 41 mm fork deliver sound handling in both urban and open-road riding. The offset rear monoshock, with its 80 mm of travel, stays firm without being uncomfortable on shorter rides. Braking duties fall to a single 300 mm front disc and 250 mm rear disc — adequate for daily use, but lacking bite for anyone riding with a heavier right hand. The absence of ABS as standard in some markets remains a sore point against a Yamaha XV950 or Honda CMX500 Rebel, which tick that safety box at a comparable price. At €7,849, the Vulcan S Special Edition sits mid-pack in the segment without offering any real price advantage over its direct rivals.

At the end of the day, this Kawasaki Vulcan S Special Edition is aimed at those who want the look of a custom without the constraints of a heavyweight or the maintenance bill of a big V-twin. It doesn't pretend to compete with large-displacement cruisers, and that's precisely its strength. Its accessible engine, low riding position, and compact dimensions make it a relevant gateway into the custom world, with just enough visual personality to avoid blending in with everything else on the dealership lot.