Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021 vs. Indian Chief Dark Horse 2023

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

Indian Chief Dark Horse 2023

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021 compared to Indian Chief Dark Horse 2023

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

Indian Chief Dark Horse 2023

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

Indian Chief Dark Horse 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Bore	Bore	83 mm	Bore	103.2 mm
Stroke	Stroke	60 mm	Stroke	113 mm
Engine power	Engine power	61 HP	Engine power	88 HP
Torque	Torque	62.4 Nm	Torque	162 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,600 rpm	Rpm at Torque	3,200 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10.8	Compression Ratio	11
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Displacement	Displacement	649 ccm	Displacement	1,890 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Telescopic fork	Front suspension	Telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	41 mm	Diameter	132 mm

Suspension Rear

Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Dual Shock
Travel	Travel	80 mm	Travel	75 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload	Adjustment	Preload

Chassis

Trail	Trail	120 mm	Trail	131.5 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Single disk	Type	Single disk
Diameter	Diameter	300 mm	Diameter	300 mm
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Four pistons

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	250 mm	Diameter	300 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Double piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	130 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	60 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	18 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	160 mm	Rear tyre width	180 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	65 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	16 inch
Length	Length	2,310 mm	Length	2,286 mm
Width	Width	880 mm	Width	922 mm
Height	Height	1,100 mm	Height	1,253 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,575 mm	Wheelbase	1,626 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	705 mm	Seat Height	662 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	229 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	304 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	14 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	15.1 l

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

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