Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024 vs. Harley-Davidson Softail Standard FXST 2023

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024

Harley-Davidson Softail Standard FXST 2023

Overview - Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024 vs Harley-Davidson Softail Standard FXST 2023

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024

Harley-Davidson Softail Standard FXST 2023

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024 compared to Harley-Davidson Softail Standard FXST 2023

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024

Harley-Davidson Softail Standard FXST 2023

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024

Harley-Davidson Softail Standard FXST 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	V
Bore	Bore	83 mm	Bore	100 mm
Stroke	Stroke	60 mm	Stroke	111.1 mm
Engine power	Engine power	61 HP	Engine power	87 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	5,020 rpm
Torque	Torque	62.4 Nm	Torque	144 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,600 rpm	Rpm at Torque	3,250 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10.8	Compression Ratio	10
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Ignition	Ignition	Digital	Ignition	Transistor
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Belt
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	2
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	Air
Displacement	Displacement	649 ccm	Displacement	1,745 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Telescopic fork	Front suspension	Telescopic fork

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Perimeter	Frame type	Double cradle
Trail	Trail	120 mm	Trail	157 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Single disk	Type	Single disk
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Four pistons

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Double piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	100 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	90 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	18 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	160 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	80 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	16 inch
Length	Length	2,310 mm	Length	2,320 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,575 mm	Wheelbase	1,630 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	705 mm	Seat Height	680 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	14 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2024

No matter which platform Kawasaki puts the 650 cubic two-cylinder in, the result is always a great motorbike! Even though the engine is unusually rev-happy for a cruiser, it results in a cruiser that actually qualifies as a sports cruiser when paired with the sporty chassis set-up. The only brake is the limited lean angle clearance, but this will not deter lovers of hearty footrest grinding. With such a good bike, we hope that Kawasaki will follow suit - after all, the Vulcan S has been with us almost unchanged since 2015.

powerful engine

chassis tuning with sporty Kawasaki DNA

real cruiser seating position

easy-to-read display

potential in tuning

Appearance a little outdated

moderate wind protection