This year, we’ve been witness to the introduction of more than a few stunning big-bore naked bikes and touring machines, but now we are seeing yet another category slowly taking shape in the form of middleweight cruisers. And that brings us to the 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S. While the INTERMOT saw Kawasaki’s Versys 650 and Versys 1000 take centrestage, the Vulcan S quietly made its debut at the AIMExpo in Orlando, FL; but that doesn’t mean it’s shy about stealing a few Yamaha Star Bolt customers.

Looking almost like a mini-Diavel, the midsize Kawasaki is said to fit a wide range of riders, short and tall, and is powered by a derivative of the Ninja 650 parallel twin engine, re-tuned for more low- and mid-range torque, and mated to a six-speed transmission. And while it does offer its own stylistic approach, look closely and you’ll be able to spot Ninja 650 parts in the frame and the offset, laid-down rear shock.

Kawasaki also offer standard three-way-adjustable foot pegs that work in conjunction with their optional Ergo-Fit seats and bars. Braking on the 2015 Vulcan S is handled by a single 300mm rotor with a twin-piston caliper up front and a single 250mm rear rotor with a single-piston caliper at the rear.