2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S Launch Price Rs 8.13 Lakh – New Colour, Rs 54,000 Price Hike

Image: 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S Launch Price Rs 8.13 Lakh – New Colour, Rs 54,000 Price Hike – Performance Comparison and Specifications

After a quiet few years on Indian showrooms, the Kawasaki Vulcan S is finally back with a fresh colour, a handful of tech upgrades, and a price tag that nudges it past the Rs 8‑lakh mark. If you’ve been eyeing this cruiser‑sport hybrid as an alternative to the Honda Rebel 500 or the Yamaha RE Super Meteor 650, the 2026 edition brings enough new DNA to merit a second look. Below we break down the design changes, feature list, engine specs, and, of course, the new pricing – all with a focus on what matters most to Indian riders.

Why the Vulcan S Matters in the Indian Market

Since its debut in 2018, the Vulcan S has carved a niche among riders who crave the relaxed ergonomics of a cruiser but still want the nimble handling of a middle‑weight sport bike. Its adjustable foot‑peg system, low seat height, and lightweight chassis make it especially appealing in congested city traffic, while the twin‑cylinder engine delivers enough torque for weekend highway runs. In a market dominated by single‑cylinder rebels and larger‑displacement cruisers, the Vulcan S sits comfortably in the sweet spot of 500‑650cc segment.

New Colour and Design Tweaks for 2026

Kawasaki has introduced a fresh “Midnight Blue” finish that adds a sleek, modern vibe to the already muscular bodywork. Apart from the paint job, the bike receives a few ergonomic refinements – a slightly lowered handlebar and a re‑shaped seat cushion for better long‑haul comfort.

Dimension	Metric	Imperial
Overall Length	2,085 mm	82.1 in
Overall Width	795 mm	31.3 in
Seat Height	770 mm	30.3 in
Wheelbase	1,470 mm	57.9 in
Ground Clearance	155 mm	6.1 in

The dimensions remain largely unchanged from the 2024 model, meaning existing owners won’t need to relearn the bike’s balance. What does change is the visual impact – the new colour highlights the muscular fuel tank and the signature Kawasaki “K” logo.

Feature Upgrade – What’s New?

Beyond aesthetics, Kawasaki has added a few rider‑focused accessories that edge the Vulcan S closer to its more expensive rivals.

Feature	2024 Model	2026 Model
LED Headlamp	Standard LED	Full‑LED with adaptive flash
Instrument Cluster	Analog‑digital hybrid	Full‑color TFT, optional Bluetooth
ABS	Single‑channel	Dual‑channel (front & rear)
Traction Control	Not available	Optional Kawasaki Traction Control (KTC)
Smart Key	Key‑only	Keyless entry & push‑start

While the bike still lacks advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS) like lane‑keep assist, the addition of dual‑channel ABS and optional traction control brings it closer to the safety standards expected of newer motorcycles in India.

Engine & Performance – The Heart of the Bike

The 2026 Vulcan S continues to use Kawasaki’s proven 649cc parallel‑twin engine, now tuned for a slightly richer mid‑range torque curve to improve city riding.

Spec	Value	Notes
Engine Type	Liquid‑cooled, 4‑stroke, DOHC	Parallel twin
Displacement	649 cc	≈ 39.6 cu in
Maximum Power	71 PS @ 8,500 rpm	≈ 70 hp
Maximum Torque	68 Nm @ 6,500 rpm	Improved low‑end pull
Fuel System	Electronic fuel injection (EFI)	Throttle‑by‑wire
Transmission	6‑speed, chain drive	Close‑ratio gearing
Emission Standard	BS‑VI	Compliant with Indian norms

Even though the engine is not a turbo‑petrol unit, the refined tuning gives the Vulcan S a smoother power delivery, which translates into less fatigue on stop‑and‑go traffic – a real boon for Delhi‑area commuters.

Pricing Details and How It Stacks Up

The headline figure for the 2026 model is Rs 8.13 lakh (ex‑showroom, Delhi). That represents a Rs 54,000 increase over the 2025 price, largely attributed to the new colour, dual‑channel ABS, and the optional tech pack.

Variant	2025 Price	2026 Price
Standard (Single‑channel ABS)	Rs 7.58 lakh	Rs 8.13 lakh
Premium (Dual‑channel ABS + KTC)	Rs 8.20 lakh	Rs 8.75 lakh
Special Edition (Midnight Blue + Bluetooth)	Rs 8.40 lakh	Rs 8.95 lakh

When you compare it with the Honda Rebel 500 (≈ Rs 7.50 lakh) and the Yamaha RE Super Meteor 650 (≈ Rs 9.20 lakh), the Vulcan S lands squarely in the middle, offering more premium features than the Rebel but still under the Meteor’s price point.

What the Price Hike Means for Buyers

For first‑time cruiser buyers, the Rs 54,000 jump might feel significant, but it’s important to view it as an investment in safety and technology. Dual‑channel ABS alone can save a rider from costly accidents, especially on wet Indian roads. Moreover, the optional Bluetooth‑enabled TFT display adds navigation and ride‑recording capabilities that were previously only available on higher‑priced sport bikes.

Dealers are also expected to offer attractive financing schemes and exchange‑in‑old‑bike discounts, which can soften the impact of the price increase. If you already own a 2023‑2024 model, Kawasaki’s loyalty program may allow you to upgrade to the new colour and tech pack at a reduced marginal cost.

Conclusion

The 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan S arrives as a more polished, safer, and slightly more expensive cruiser‑sport hybrid. Its new Midnight Blue paint, dual‑channel ABS, and optional traction control give it a genuine edge over the Honda Rebel 500, while still undercutting the Yamaha RE Super Meteor 650 in price. If you value a bike that can handle daily traffic, weekend highway cruising, and occasional spirited rides, the Vulcan S’s Rs 8.13 lakh price tag is a reasonable trade‑off for the added technology and refined ergonomics.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on how much you value safety features and modern connectivity. For many Indian riders, the answer will be a resounding ‘yes’ – making the 2026 Vulcan S a compelling choice in the crowded mid‑size cruiser market.

Source: RushLane

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the 2026 Vulcan S compare to the 2025 model?

The core engine remains the same, but the 2026 version adds a new colour, dual‑channel ABS, optional traction control, and a full‑color TFT display, pushing the price up by Rs 54,000.

2. Is the bike equipped with ADAS?

No, the Vulcan S does not feature full ADAS suites like lane‑keep assist, but the dual‑channel ABS and optional traction control provide essential safety assistance.

3. Can I get a turbo‑petrol version of the Vulcan S?

Kawasaki has not announced any turbo‑petrol variant for the Indian market. The current 649 cc parallel‑twin remains naturally aspirated.

4. What financing options are available?

Most major banks and Kawasaki’s own finance arm offer up to 80% loan coverage with tenures of up to 5 years, often with zero‑down‑payment schemes.

5. Does the bike have a warranty?

Yes, Kawasaki provides a 2‑year or 20,000 km warranty, whichever comes first, covering engine and major components.

6. How fuel‑efficient is the new Vulcan S?

Expect a combined mileage of around 35‑38 km/l under Indian riding conditions, thanks to the fuel‑injection system and refined tuning.

7. Is the 2026 model available in other colours?

Alongside the new Midnight Blue, Kawasaki continues to offer the classic Pearl White and Matte Black options.

8. What is the nearest service network?

Kawasaki has an expanding dealer network across major Indian cities; you can locate the nearest service centre via the official Kawasaki India website.