If you love cruiser motorcycles and are planning to buy one soon, the Kawasaki Vulcan S 2025 and the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 are two names that will surely catch your attention. Both bikes have strong engines, stylish looks, and comfortable riding positions. But they come with very different price tags and personalities. Let’s take a friendly and simple look at how they compare — so you can figure out which one might suit you best.
Price Comparison
Let’s start with the most practical question — how much do they cost?
The Kawasaki Vulcan S 2025 is priced at around ₹7.10 lakh (ex-showroom). It sits in the premium cruiser category and offers modern design and advanced features.
On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 starts at about ₹3.98 lakh (ex-showroom), almost half the price of the Vulcan. It’s much more affordable and still manages to look and feel like a big cruiser.
So, if your budget is tight, the Super Meteor gives you great value for money, while the Vulcan S offers a more high-end experience for those willing to spend extra.
Engine and Performance
Under the tank, both bikes are powerful in their own ways.
The Kawasaki Vulcan S comes with a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, which produces around 61 PS of power and 62.4 Nm of torque. This setup gives smooth acceleration, quick response, and a more refined feel — perfect for riders who enjoy speed and long highway rides.
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 has a 648cc air-oil-cooled parallel-twin engine, delivering about 47 PS of power and 52.3 Nm of torque. It’s tuned for relaxed cruising rather than high-speed performance. You get a calm, comfortable, and thumping ride — exactly what a classic cruiser should feel like.
So, the Vulcan wins on performance, while the Super Meteor wins on traditional cruiser charm.
Design and Comfort
Both bikes are designed for comfort, but they express it differently.
The Vulcan S has a sleek, modern design with a low-slung seat and sporty cruiser stance. It looks contemporary and slightly aggressive. Kawasaki also gives you adjustable foot pegs and ergonomic seating — great for riders of different heights.
The Super Meteor 650 sticks to a classic design with a teardrop fuel tank, wide handlebars, round headlamp, and lots of chrome. The seat is plush, the riding posture is relaxed, and the overall vibe is retro.
In short, if you prefer modern and sharp styling, go for the Vulcan S. If you love old-school charm and traditional cruiser looks, the Super Meteor will make you smile every time you see it.
Features and Technology
The Vulcan S gets LED lighting, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and dual-channel ABS. Its build quality feels premium, and the bike is known for smooth gear shifts and refined performance.
The Super Meteor 650 also offers LED lights, a neat digital-analog instrument console, Tripper navigation, and dual-channel ABS. It’s not overloaded with tech but gives everything you really need for daily and highway use.
So both bikes are well-equipped, but the Vulcan S edges slightly ahead in terms of technology and refinement, while the Super Meteor gives a balanced mix of modern and classic.
Riding and Handling
The Vulcan S weighs around 229 kg, which is slightly lighter than the Super Meteor. It handles city traffic better and feels stable on highways. Its suspension setup is tuned for comfort but still gives sporty confidence.
The Super Meteor 650 weighs around 241 kg, making it a bit heavier, but that adds to its planted feel on the open road. It’s more about cruising smoothly than corner carving.
If you often ride in cities or mixed traffic, the Vulcan S feels easier to control. If you love long, relaxed weekend rides, the Super Meteor 650 is your partner.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
The Vulcan S delivers around 20–22 km/l, while the Super Meteor 650 gives about 25–27 km/l, depending on riding style. The Royal Enfield will be slightly cheaper to maintain, with more affordable parts and a larger service network across India. Kawasaki, being a premium brand, has higher service costs and fewer service points.
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Which One Should You Choose?
If you want a premium feel, stronger performance, and modern looks, the Kawasaki Vulcan S 2025 is the right choice. It’s great for experienced riders who value refinement and long-distance comfort.
But if you’re after a true cruiser experience, with classic design, easy riding comfort, and great value for money, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is the smarter pick. It’s perfect for riders who want big-bike vibes without spending too much.
FAQs-Kawasaki Vulcan S 2025
Q: Which bike is better for beginners?
The Super Meteor 650 is more beginner-friendly because it’s cheaper, simpler to maintain, and easier to handle at lower speeds.
Q: Which one gives better mileage?
The Super Meteor 650 offers slightly better fuel efficiency than the Vulcan S.
Q: Are both good for long rides?
Yes, both are great cruisers for highway rides. The Vulcan feels more refined, while the Super Meteor is more relaxed and comfortable for casual touring.
Q: What about maintenance costs?
Royal Enfield bikes are generally cheaper to maintain than Kawasaki models. Vulcan S servicing and parts will cost more.
Q: Which one has better resale value?
Both have decent resale value, but Royal Enfield’s brand popularity in India might help it hold value slightly better.
Conclusion
Both the Kawasaki Vulcan S 2025 and Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 are excellent cruisers, but they cater to different riders. The Vulcan is for those who crave performance and premium quality, while the Super Meteor focuses on affordability, comfort, and classic appeal.
In the end, it depends on your budget, riding style, and what you want from your bike. Whether you choose the high-end refinement of the Vulcan or the timeless charm of the Super Meteor, you’re guaranteed to enjoy every ride on these two stylish machines.
