First ride: Kawasaki Vulcan S

For many years the Yamaha XVS650 has stood atop the totem pole as the top selling learner-approved (LAMS) cruiser in Australia, as well as regularly sitting in the top three across the board. Arguably, it's a good motorcycle, but admittedly it didn’t really have any direct competitors until now.

In 2015 we have seen the release of two brand new models with the XVS650 firmly in their sights: the Harley-Davidson 500 (review here) and the Kawasaki Vulcan S. While Kawasaki is not new to the learner market -- having flooded it with other models -- it has never offered a cruiser.

VULCAN S IN BIKE SHOWROOM

At 649cc Kawasaki is nearly taking full advantage of the engine size that the company can legally fit in a learner-approved motorcycle (limit 660cc). The compact liquid-cooled, eight-valve parallel twin produces a claimed 48hp (35kW) at 6000rpm and a very healthy 53Nm at 5600rpm, which puts it at the upper end of the power spectrum for learner motorcycles.
Twist the light-action throttle and the engine is surprisingly lively. There is a solid mid-range punch from 4000-7000rpm and the engine will rev out to round 10,000rpm -- but there isn't a lot to be gained venturing there. Fuelling is good throughout the entire rev range and on-off throttle is jerk-free. The flywheel seems to be quite heavy which helps keep the Vulcan firing at very low RPM – a major plus to help supress stalls for new riders or riders coming to grips with clutch work.

The six-speed gearbox is well polished and doesn’t have the same cheap and notchy feel that other LAMS bikes have. There is a wide spread of ratios that are well spaced and will see the revs hovering around 5400rpm at highway-speeds in top gear. This is right where maximum torque is made, so there is enough boogie left for top-cog highway overtakes. The adjustable clutch lever is light and smooth in its actuation, and matched with the heavy flywheel and torquey engine the motorcycle is unintimidating.

The suspension is quite basic: upfront there's a 41mm non-adjustable fork, while the rear laydown single-shock has adjustable preload only. While it's basic, that doesn’t mean it's not doing its job. Matched with the light, high-tensile steel frame, the Vulcan S has a very confidence-inspiring neutral feel.

The majority of the claimed 226kg curb mass is situated very low, thanks to the underslung exhaust, low battery location and engine position in the frame. This makes the Vulcan’s slow-speed manoeuvrability a cinch and even feet-up U-turns are a breeze. The 35 degrees of steering angle allows plenty of turn in slow-speed traffic situations.

Once the speeds rise the Vulcan S retains its composure with the only limiting factor being ground clearance – which for a cruiser still isn't too bad. Touch down tends to only happen above legal speeds. Once you initiate a turn the Vulcan S responds with precision and holds its line well. There is no wallowing mid-corner and the motorcycle remains balanced.

The only letdown would have to be the front braking package. The front is equipped with a 300mm single-disc that is clamped by a dual-piston caliper. The adjustable front lever offers good feel but lacks power, making you call on the rear 250mm disc and single-piston caliper more often than not. Anti-lock braking is standard, which I believe all learner-motorcycles should have.

One thing the engineers had in mind when designing this motorcycle was adjustability for all different shapes and rider heights, and when new to the genre one of the most important aspects is feeling comfortable.

The footpeg position has three levels of fore-and-aft adjustability, and if you still require more fine-tuning Kawasaki offers different handlebars and seats.

My test unit was 'tuned' for a medium-sized rider, and at 182cm it was pretty much on the money. The seating position and reach to the controls guided me into a natural seating position that I could happily hold for many miles. At 705mm the seat height is extremely low, which accommodates pretty much every one.

In terms of styling, the Vulcan S definitely has a presence about it. Kawasaki fitted all the bells and whistles on Bikesales' machine, including a windscreen, panniers and fog lamps. While they serve a purpose, they do take away from the Vulcan’s masculine lines. Without anything fitted it looks sleek, mean and has a sort of Harley-Davidson V-Rod image about it, which I like.

The dash is a stacked design and includes an analogue-style tachometer and a blue-lit LCD screen. Information available to the rider includes fuel gauge, clock, odometer, remaining range and average fuel consumption. A gear indicator is an option (fitted to test bike), but should really be standard.

There is a wealth of other accessories including a luggage rack, passenger seat, various chrome covers and DC socket. The genuine panniers were fitted to our Vulcan offer a healthy amount of storage and feature a nifty mounting system. The panniers are held on by quick-release Dzus fasteners, meaning no tools are needed other than two minutes of your time to remove them.

At $10,999 rideaway it's no bargain basement LAMS motorcycle, but that price does include 12 months' free comprehensive insurance – which softens the blow considerably, as insurance for new riders can be a major expense. There are two colours to choose from, Royal Purple and Pearl White, the latter the pick in my opinion.

The Vulcan S gives new riders what they all want, or should want: confidence. The parallel twin engine offers enough character and mumbo to get the blood flowing, but delivers smooth and reassuring power. The chassis is slim, solid and light, and it produces a confidence-inspiring ride from slow speeds all the way to highway speeds.

If you are looking for a LAMS cruiser the Vulcan S is well worth a look.

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 48hp (35kW) at 6600rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 53Nm at 5600rpm
Economy: 4.8 litres/100km (measured)

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Steel perimeter
Front suspension: 41mm telescopic fork, 130mm travel
Rear suspension: Offset laydown monoshock, adjustable preload, 80mm travel
Front brakes: 300mm disc with twin-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single 250mm disc with single-piston caliper
Tyres: Dunlop Sportmax 120/70-18 front, 160/60-17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed curb weight: 226kg
Rake: 31 degrees
Trail: 120mm
Seat height: 705mm
Wheelbase: 1575mm
Fuel capacity: 14 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $10,999
Colours: White or purple
Bike supplied by: Kawasaki Australia, www.kawasaki.com.au
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres