Kawasaki has launched the 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S in India at an ex-showroom price of ₹8.13 lakh. The latest version of the cruiser does not bring major design or mechanical changes, but it now meets the latest E20 fuel compatibility norms, making it future-ready.
Along with the updated fuel compliance, Kawasaki has also introduced a new black colour option for the 2026 model year.
Engine, Performance and Mechanical Details
The 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S continues to be powered by the same 649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine. The motor produces 61hp at 7,500rpm, while torque output now stands at 61Nm at 6,600rpm, which is slightly lower than before.
The biggest update is the engine’s E20 fuel compatibility, allowing it to run on petrol blended with up to 20 percent ethanol, in line with upcoming emission and fuel regulations in India.
Suspension hardware remains unchanged, with a 41mm telescopic fork at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are handled by a 300mm front disc and a 250mm rear disc, supported by dual-channel ABS.
Weight, Dimensions and New Colour Option
In terms of dimensions, the Vulcan S retains its 705mm seat height and 130mm ground clearance, making it relatively accessible for a large-capacity cruiser. However, the bike is now 6kg heavier, with a kerb weight of 235kg.
For 2026, Kawasaki has replaced the earlier Pearl Matte Sage Green shade with a new Metallic Flat Spark Black colour, giving the cruiser a cleaner and more aggressive look.
Rivals and Market Position
At ₹8.13 lakh, the Kawasaki Vulcan S continues to sit in a niche space with no direct rivals in its segment. The closest alternative in terms of engine size and cruiser styling is the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, which is significantly more affordable, starting at ₹3.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
