Man, the Kawasaki Vulcan 2025 is like that laid-back cruiser buddy who’s got a hidden sporty side—smooth for city cruises, punchy for highway overtakes, and customizable to fit you like a glove without the premium drama. Launched in India on October 10, 2024, as the 2025 model with a new Pearl Matte Sage Green color and unchanged pricing, it’s Kawasaki’s approachable mid-size cruiser blending retro bobber vibes with modern tech for new riders or weekend warriors. Priced at Rs. 7.10 lakh ex-showroom (single variant), it’s a steal against the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 or Honda Rebel 500—perfect if you’re upgrading from a 150cc or jumping from a commuter, with a 649cc parallel-twin pumping 59.94 bhp and 62.4 Nm for 0-100 kmph in ~5 seconds, though the 20.58 kmpl thirst might mean extra fuel stops on long hauls.
Retro-Modern Design
This cruiser’s a compact stunner—2,250 mm long, 785 mm wide, 1,100 mm tall, with a 1,510 mm wheelbase that’s nimble for dodging rickshaws or carving gentle curves. At 235 kg kerb and 130 mm ground clearance, it skips speed bumps but hugs tarmac tight. The 2025 amps the bobber look with a round LED headlamp, teardrop tank, and chopped fender in Pearl Matte Sage Green or Metallic Matte Carbon Gray—18-inch front and 16-inch rear alloys with 130/70-18 front and 150/80-16 rear tubeless tires grip like glue. The 705 mm seat height welcomes shorter riders, forward pegs stretch you out comfy—it’s got that classic cruiser stance, wide enough for presence but slim for tight parking without drama.
Rider-Friendly Cockpit
Hop on the solo saddle, and low bars with forward pegs feel like a laid-back throne—no numb legs after hours. The round LCD dash pops speed, tach (bar-style), gear, odometer, trips, fuel, range, mileage, coolant temp, and Bluetooth alerts via Rideology app for calls or messages. LED lights, USB-C port, and hazard lamps add daily smarts—no nav or traction control, but ERGO-FIT tweaks bars, pegs, and seat for your fit. Upright posture nails city crawls or highway chills, though firm twin rear shocks jolt on rough patches—optional split seat boosts pillion comfort.
Parallel-Twin Power Surge
The 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin DOHC engine pumps 59.94 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 62.4 Nm at 6,600 rpm—6-speed gearbox with slip-assist clutch shifts crisp, hitting 0-100 kmph in ~5 seconds and topping 170 kmph. Long-stroke setup dishes low-end torque for 50 kmph city sprints or 100-120 kmph cruises—minor vibes at high revs. ARAI 20.58 kmpl (real-world 18-20) stretches the 14L tank to 250-280 km at Rs. 4-5/km. The 5.8L airbox boosts throttle snap and intake growl, trellis frame with 41mm telescopic forks (120 mm travel) and twin shocks (90 mm) keep handling sharp—firm rear on potholes.
Safety That’s Solid
Nissin dual-channel ABS pairs a 300 mm front disc (dual-piston caliper) and 250 mm rear (single-piston) for smooth, predictable stops with great bite, even in rain—no intrusive feel. The low center of gravity and 235 kg chassis make it a breeze to flick through traffic or corners, beginner-friendly but with sharp turn-in needing a bit of getting used to for pinpoint leans. No traction control, but wide tires and sturdy frame grip like glue—chasing 4-star Global NCAP, tough for urban dings.
Price and Quick Grab
Single STD variant at Rs. 7.10 lakh ex-showroom—on-road Delhi Rs. 7.9-8.2 lakh with taxes. Stock at Kawasaki dealers like JBM Chennai or online via BikeWale, with October festive deals: Rs. 15k-30k exchange bonuses, Rs. 10k cashback on SBI/HDFC/ICICI cards, or EMI from Rs. 14,000/month (10% down, 3-year, 8.5% interest). Maintenance Rs. 8k-12k yearly, backed by 100+ service centers—waits 7-30 days, resale 70% after two years if pampered.
Rider Raves and Drawbacks
Riders praise the low 705 mm seat, torquey twin, and retro style—”Ninja heart with chill vibes,” one Pune biker says. The slip-assist clutch and 20.58 kmpl keep it practical, ERGO-FIT suits all sizes, but gripes include:
- Rs. 7.10 lakh pricier than Super Meteor 650 (Rs. 3.68 lakh).
- Only Metallic Flat Spark Black and Pearl Matte Sage Green—no bold shades.
- Firm rear shocks jolt on India’s rough roads.
- No nav or traction control feels stingy.
- Kawasaki’s service net lags Enfield’s reach, with part delays in sticks.
Comparison with Competitors
- Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 (Rs. 3.68 lakh, 47 bhp): Cheaper, beefier engine, wider service net, but less refined.
- Honda Rebel 500 (Rs. 5.12 lakh, 45.5 bhp): More budget-friendly, heavier (191 kg), fewer features.
- Jawa Perak (Rs. 2.19 lakh, 30.2 bhp): Bargain bobber style, lacks modern LED or tech.
Vulcan S shines on lightweight agility and torque, but price and service reach trail.
Final Thoughts
The Kawasaki Vulcan S 2025, launched October 10, is a slick cruiser with a 649cc twin pumping 59.94 bhp, digital LCD with Rideology app, and dual ABS. Its retro design, 705 mm seat, and 20.58 kmpl make it a blast for urban zips or highway cruises. At Rs. 7.10 lakh, it’s pricey with firm shocks and limited colors—but that Ninja soul and easy handling make it a joy for India’s roads. Swing by a dealer for a spin—your bobber’s ready to roll.
