New Delhi: Kawasaki has launched the 2027 Vulcan S in India at an ex-showroom price of ₹8.23 lakh, making the middleweight cruiser ₹10,000 more expensive than the outgoing 2026 model. The updated motorcycle gets a modest increase in torque, smaller brake discs and a new colour scheme, while retaining its core engine, chassis and cruiser-focused design.
The 2027 Kawasaki Vulcan S is positioned as a premium middleweight cruiser and continues to offer a low seat height, parallel-twin engine and relaxed riding ergonomics. Deliveries of the updated model are scheduled to begin in mid-September 2026.
Kawasaki Vulcan S gets more torque
The biggest mechanical change on the 2027 Vulcan S is the increase in torque output. The motorcycle continues with the same 649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, but peak torque has increased to 62.4 Nm from 61 Nm on the 2026 model.
Maximum power remains unchanged, with the engine producing around 60 bhp at 7,500 rpm, depending on the specification cited. The engine continues to be paired with a six-speed gearbox.
The additional torque brings the figure back to the level offered by the 2024 version. While the increase is relatively small, it is intended to improve the motorcycle’s response during everyday riding and highway cruising.
Smaller brake discs introduced
One of the more notable changes to the 2027 model is the revised braking hardware.
The front brake disc has been reduced from 300 mm on the 2026 model to 272 mm on the updated motorcycle. At the rear, the disc size has dropped from 250 mm to 216 mm. Dual-channel ABS continues to be offered as standard.
The reduction in rotor size is an unusual change for a model-year update, particularly on a motorcycle weighing more than 200 kg. Its real-world impact on braking performance will ultimately depend on how the revised setup performs in different riding conditions.
Suspension setup remains unchanged
Kawasaki has retained the existing suspension configuration on the 2027 Vulcan S.
The motorcycle continues with a 41 mm front fork offering 130 mm of travel. At the rear, it gets a linkage-type monoshock with 80 mm of travel and adjustable preload.
The Vulcan S also retains its low 705 mm seat height, which is one of the key characteristics of the motorcycle. Ground clearance remains at 130 mm, while the kerb weight is reported at around 235 kg by several sources.
The low seat height can make the motorcycle more approachable for riders who prefer an accessible riding position, although the relatively low ground clearance requires caution over large speed breakers and uneven roads.
New Metallic Carbon Gray colour
Kawasaki has also refreshed the appearance of the Vulcan S for 2027 with a new colour option.
The motorcycle is now available in Metallic Carbon Gray with subtle bluish-green highlights. This replaces the Metallic Flat Spark Black shade offered on the 2026 model.
Apart from the new colour, the motorcycle’s overall styling remains familiar. It continues with the long-and-low cruiser profile, forward-set riding position and distinctive Vulcan S design.
Features remain largely unchanged
The 2027 Vulcan S continues with an analogue-digital instrument cluster and dual-channel ABS. There has been no major expansion of the electronic rider-aid package.
The motorcycle retains its existing suspension and core mechanical components, making the 2027 update more of a model-year refresh than a comprehensive redesign.
The focus has instead been on restoring some torque, revising the braking hardware and giving the cruiser a fresh exterior finish.
Price and competition
Kawasaki has priced the 2027 Vulcan S at ₹8.23 lakh ex-showroom, which represents a ₹10,000 increase over the 2026 model. Deliveries are expected to commence from mid-September.
The Vulcan S occupies a relatively distinctive position in India’s middleweight cruiser market. Its closest established alternative is the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, which is priced substantially lower at ₹4.05 lakh ex-showroom.
The significant price difference means the Kawasaki is aimed at buyers looking for a more premium cruiser package and the brand’s parallel-twin engine rather than simply the most affordable motorcycle in the segment.
2027 Kawasaki Vulcan S: Key specifications
The 2027 Vulcan S continues with its 649cc parallel-twin engine, six-speed gearbox and cruiser-oriented chassis. Its key specifications include a 705 mm seat height, 130 mm ground clearance and dual-channel ABS. The updated engine produces 62.4 Nm of peak torque.
The motorcycle’s changes are therefore relatively limited for the new model year. However, the combination of additional torque, revised brakes and a new colour gives Kawasaki’s middleweight cruiser a refreshed position in the Indian market.