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2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe Shows Room for More Improvements

House Akashi reveals the 2016 Vulcan S Cafe, a new trim that is so far available in the US, but which could represent the kickstart of a very interesting movement, in case the maker plans to develop the idea.
2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe 15 photos
Photo: Kawasaki
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Kawasaki introduced the Vulcan S last year, and we thought it would be yet another modest motorcycle with a dull existence. That was until we met the Vulcan S in the flesh at EICMA and were surprised to see that the bike could indeed accommodate larger riders, too.

The Ergo-Fit options Kawasaki offers provide riders with three-way adjustable ergonomics. The customers can choose three positions for the foot controls, and can also choose seat shapes and dimensions, as well as the handlebar position.

The Cafe moniker is maybe a bit too much

You'll most likely agree with us in saying that a little paint and a small windscreen are insufficient details to add proper "cafe" vibe to a motorcycle. So we'd rather say that this "cafe" thing is, at least for the moment, a marketing move.

It introduces a more familiar feeling for a cruiser that refuses to be like other cruisers out there. The Vulcan S is powered by the 649cc parallel twin of the ER-6 series, doesn't show off chrome or other bling, and the options list doesn't include the classic tassels, and leather accessories.

Some even say that the altogether matte paint is ruined by the Kawasaki green accents and green suspension spring wreck the looks of the Vulcan S. Frankly, we got along with what the bike stands for, as it represents a very interesting digression from the traditional small/middleweight cruiser segment.

The Cafe version of the Vulcan S could, however, be used as a solid base for creating more spectacular machines. Kawasaki could find that creating a Vulcan S with a more pronounced retro vibe could turn out to be very lucrative.

On the tech side, the Vulcan S Cafe experienced no changes. The liquid-cooled injected parallel twin delivers just north of 61 horsepower at 7,500rpm, and 46.3 lb-ft (62.8 Nm) at 6,600 rpm, and it is mated to a chain-drive 6-speed gearbox. ABS is optional in the States but mandatory in Europe.

What if Kawasaki followed Yamaha's retro bike recipe? It could play out interestingly...

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