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Kawasaki

Vulcan S

EN650· 2015-current cruiser Top pick
Price (AUD)
$6.5k–$10kest. Aug 2026
Type
Cruiser
Origin
Japan
Built in
Thailand

Overview

A non-traditional cruiser built around the lively 649cc parallel-twin engine from the Ninja 650. Instead of a lazy V-twin, it likes to be revved. Kawasaki's 'Ergo-Fit' system meant dealers could swap seats, handlebars, and footpeg positions for the original buyer, so used examples may be set up for riders of vastly different heights. From launch it was sold here only as the 35kW LAMS model; Kawasaki Australia added a 45kW Full Power version for the 2022 model year, and both have been sold alongside each other since. The two are visually identical, and — unusually — the Full Power one also computes under the LAMS power-to-weight limit without being LAMS approved. See the problems on that variant.

Engines & variants

649cc parallel twin (LAMS) LAMS approved

Sold as the Vulcan S LAMS. Same 649cc engine as the Full Power model, restricted to 35kW — which is the European A2 licence figure, not a LAMS one. The restriction is not what makes it legal here: at 45kW and 226kg the unrestricted bike already works out at roughly 142-144kW/tonne, under the 150 limit. What makes this the learner bike is that it is the version Kawasaki Australia submitted and the states listed. Verify on your state's current list before buying.

Check it's actually the LAMS one

Compliance-plate model code: EN650B or EN650D

  • 8th character of the VIN must be 2.
  • Both variants are 649cc and visually identical; the Full Power one also computes under the LAMS power-to-weight limit, so the numbers will not save you.
NSW, QLD and VIC learner-approved registers, cross-checked Aug 2026
Engine
649cc liquid-cooled DOHC 8-valve parallel twin, restricted to 35kW
Config
Parallel twin
Capacity
649cc
Power
35kW @ 6600rpm
Torque
53Nm @ 5600rpm
Seat height
705mm
Weight
226kg kerb
Final drive
Chain
Cooling
Liquid
ABS
Standard
Traction control
None
Fuel
14L
Service
12,000km / 12 months
Transmission
6-speed
Valve clearance interval
24,000km
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven

Pros

  • Engine is punchy and revs much freer than typical cruisers
  • Low 705mm seat height makes it highly approachable for learners
  • Handling and ground clearance are excellent for the class
  • 24,000km valve clearance interval, twice the oil-change interval, keeps scheduled servicing costs down

Cons

  • Rear suspension has very limited travel and transfers harsh bumps
  • Parallel twin exhaust note lacks traditional cruiser character
  • Ergo-Fit parts (if the bike doesn't fit you) are expensive to change later

Known problems

low
Harsh rear suspension
The rear shock has short travel and is angled aggressively, meaning sharp bumps bypass the damping and jar the rider's spine. This is a design characteristic rather than a failure.
Fix: Adjust the preload for the rider's weight, or fit an aftermarket shock like a YSS or Hagon.
Any
low
Exhaust system corrosion
The large under-slung exhaust muffler is prone to surface rust and cosmetic degradation, especially on bikes parked outdoors or ridden in the rain.
Fix: Cosmetic issue mostly. Can be treated with high-temp paint or replaced with an aftermarket system.
Any

649cc parallel twin (Full Power)

Engine
649cc liquid-cooled DOHC 8-valve parallel twin, unrestricted
Config
Parallel twin
Capacity
649cc
Power
45kW @ 7500rpm
Torque
63Nm @ 6600rpm
Seat height
705mm
Weight
226kg kerb
Final drive
Chain
Cooling
Liquid
ABS
Standard
Traction control
None
Fuel
14L
Service
12,000km / 12 months
Transmission
6-speed
Valve clearance interval
24,000km
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven

Pros

  • Unrestricted engine pulls strongly to the redline
  • Unintimidating size and weight combined with decent power
  • Same price as the LAMS bike at most dealers, so no premium for the extra 10kW
  • Excellent reliability record

Cons

  • Same harsh rear ride quality as the LAMS version
  • Not learner legal despite being under both LAMS limits on paper — see below
  • Smaller resale pool in Australia than the LAMS version, which sells into the learner market

Known problems

high
Not LAMS approved even though it computes under the cap
At 45kW and 226kg kerb the Full Power Vulcan S works out at roughly 142-144kW/tonne on the legal formula — under the 150 limit — and at 649cc it is under the capacity cap too. It is still not a LAMS motorcycle. Approval is a listing: Kawasaki Australia sells this as the non-LAMS model and it is the 35kW version that appears on the state approved-motorcycle lists. A learner who runs the arithmetic and concludes the bike is legal has it wrong, and since the two models are visually identical there is nothing on the bike to correct them.
Fix: Check the specific bike against your state's approved-motorcycles list rather than calculating it yourself, and confirm the compliance plate with a Kawasaki dealer. On a learner or provisional licence, buy the model sold as 'Vulcan S LAMS'.
Any
low
Harsh rear suspension
The rear shock has short travel and is angled aggressively, meaning sharp bumps bypass the damping and jar the rider's spine.
Fix: Adjust the preload for the rider's weight, or fit an aftermarket shock.
Any

Also worth looking at

Closest in class and capacity to the Kawasaki Vulcan S.

Harley-Davidson Street 500 2015-2020 Cruiser LAMS Honda CMX500 Rebel 2017-2023 Cruiser LAMS Kawasaki Ninja 650 2017-2019 Sport Touring LAMS (some) Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 2019-current Retro LAMS