Kawasaki’s mid-capacity cruiser range gets some livery updates for the 2026 season to keep these popular machines at the forefront of their style sector.
The three machines – one Vulcan and two Eliminators – are attractive to many types of rider including those with European A2 licences looking to migrate up from a smaller capacity machine. But that is only one area where Kawasaki cruisers score as a growing number of older and more experienced riders are finding that the 500cc to 650cc arena caters perfectly for not just their performance expectations but also the size and weight of these machines means they are eminently manageable.
With its water-cooled 649cc parallel twin engine, the Vulcan S has, over a number of years, carved itself a reputation for style, performance and durability. The combination of a sleek 18 inch front wheel and traditional wide rear 17 inch item is allied to effective cruiser styling and a relaxed ergonomic riding position that can be revised due to the use of Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit accessory items covering both handlebar position and reach to the foot controls. Retaining its ever popular Metallic Flat Spark Black option for the ’26 model year, the Vulcan S can now also be optioned in a Metallic Graphite Gray/ Metallic Flat Spark Black livery.
Kawasaki dealer showrooms will also display two versions of the recently launched Eliminator 500 in 2026, those being the standard machine and the SE version. With their trellis type chassis and newly developed parallel twin, fuel-injected engines, the Eliminators have opened up cruiser style motorcycling to riders who had previously aspired to such a machine and either did not feel there was a model that suited their requirements or was beyond their budget.
At a maximum of 33.4 kW {45 PS}, these machines comfortably comply with EU A2 category licencing laws yet boast a finely balanced power to weight ratio that delivers Kawasaki’s traditional “fun to ride” character. While both machines share an advanced specification including digital instrumentation and a combination of 18 inch front and 16 inch rear wheels, the SE model also boasts a headlamp cowl and a convenient USB-C socket as standard fitment.
In terms of colours, the standard machine will still be available in Metallic Flat Spark Black while a new second colour of Metallic Imperial Red/Ebony will be offered. For the SE model the new colour for 2026 will be Metallic Matte Carbon Gray/Flat Ebony. Whatever the option chosen, Vulcan and Eliminator riders in 2026 can rest assured their choice of boulevard cruiser is already endorsed by an enthusiastic and loyal community of Kawasaki Cruiser owners.
The Vulcan S will be available from October, with prices starting from £7,199. The Eliminator 500 range will be available from January, with the standard model costing £5,999 and the SE version £6,399.
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