Cruiser · 2025
Expressway-LegalKawasaki Vulcan S 2025 Philippines
₱399,000
41
Expressway Score
649
cc Displacement
61
hp Power
22
km/L Fuel Eff.
Expressway Score
41/100FAIR
Score Breakdown
Overview
The Kawasaki Vulcan S is a modern cruiser powered by the proven 649cc parallel-twin engine borrowed from the Ninja 650 and Z650 platform. In the cruiser segment, it stands out for its sportbike-derived engine that delivers more refined power than traditional V-twin cruisers. Priced at ₱399,000 in the Philippines, it is one of the most affordable middleweight cruisers available. The headline feature is the 705mm seat height — the lowest in the middleweight class — combined with Kawasaki's Ergo-Fit system that adjusts the handlebar reach, seat position, and footpeg placement to suit different rider heights. The Vulcan S targets riders who want cruiser style and low-seat confidence with the reliability of a modern parallel twin. At 649cc, it is fully expressway-legal in the Philippines and classified as a Class 1 toll vehicle.
Expressway Driving Review
The Vulcan S offers a distinctly different expressway experience compared to naked or adventure bikes. The low 705mm seat and forward-mounted controls create a relaxed cruiser riding position with your feet out front, which is comfortable for long highway stints on NLEX or SLEX. The 649cc parallel twin from the Z650 platform delivers 61 hp with smooth, linear power — noticeably smoother than V-twin cruisers from Harley-Davidson or Indian at this price point. Highway cruising at 90-110 kph is the Vulcan S's sweet spot, where the engine settles into a comfortable rhythm with minimal vibration. Wind protection is the biggest weakness — there is no windscreen included from the factory, so sustained speeds above 100 kph result in significant rider fatigue from wind blast. An aftermarket windscreen from Kawasaki Genuine Accessories (around ₱8,000-₱12,000) is strongly recommended for regular expressway use. The 14-liter fuel tank provides approximately 308 km range at 22 km/L, which is adequate for most expressway trips but shorter than adventure-bike alternatives. ABS is standard for confident braking, though the lack of traction control means extra caution is needed on wet expressway surfaces during monsoon season. Overall, the Vulcan S is a capable and comfortable expressway cruiser that rewards a relaxed riding style over aggressive speed.
Safety & Electronics
Kawasaki Vulcan S 2025 Price & Variants
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard | ₱399,000 |
All expressway-legal motorcycles (400cc+) are classified as Class 1 for toll purposes — same rate as cars.
Specifications
- Displacement
- 649 cc
- Power
- 61 hp @ 7,500 rpm
- Torque
- 63 Nm @ 6,600 rpm
- Transmission
- 6-speed
- Fuel Tank
- 14L
- Seat Height
- 705 mm
- Kerb Weight
- 229 kg
- Top Speed
- 185 km/h
Fuel Efficiency
22
km/L Estimated
308
km Range (full tank)
Pros & Cons for Expressway Riding
Pros
- ✓705mm seat height — lowest in the middleweight class
- ✓649cc parallel twin from proven Ninja/Z650 platform
- ✓Affordable cruiser at ₱399K — undercuts most competitors
- ✓ABS standard for expressway braking confidence
- ✓Ergo-Fit adjustable riding position fits different body types
- ✓Smooth parallel twin — less vibration than V-twin cruisers
- ✓Strong Kawasaki dealer network across the Philippines
Cons
- ✗No windscreen included — significant wind exposure on expressways
- ✗No traction control for wet-weather safety
- ✗No cruise control for long NLEX/TPLEX highway rides
- ✗14L tank limits range to ~308 km between fuel stops
- ✗229 kg — heavy for a middleweight, challenging in slow traffic
- ✗Cruiser ergonomics limit cornering clearance on expressway ramps
Other Kawasaki Models
Kawasaki Ninja 400
Sport · 399cc · Score: 42/100
Kawasaki Z900
Naked · 948cc · Score: 50/100
Kawasaki Eliminator
Cruiser · 451cc · Score: 51/100
Kawasaki Z400
Naked · 399cc · Score: 47/100
Kawasaki Ninja 650
Sport · 649cc · Score: 46/100
Kawasaki Z650
Naked · 649cc · Score: 46/100