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Head to head

Kawasaki Vulcan S vs Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S and Royal Enfield Meteor 350 are among the most cross-shopped cruiser bikes of 2026. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 undercuts the Kawasaki Vulcan S by about $2,751, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Vulcan S leads on power with 61 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Kawasaki Vulcan S
Our pick
7.6

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Vulcan S
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
7.6

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

The verdict

The Kawasaki Vulcan S edges it overall at 7.6/10, but the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

A2-legal, 20 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Kawasaki Vulcan S

61 hp and 0.27 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Our 7.6/10 at $4,899, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

191 kg with an 765 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Price & rating
Price$7,650$4,899
KickTheStand score7.6 / 107.6 / 10
Performance
Engine649cc twin349cc single
Power61 hp20 hp
Torque63 Nm27 Nm
Power-to-weight0.27 hp/kg0.10 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm telescopic fork41mm telescopic fork
Rear suspensionOffset laydown monoshockTwin shocks
Front brakesSingle 300mm discSingle 300mm disc, ByBre
Rear brakesSingle 250mm discSingle 270mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight229 kg191 kg
Seat height705 mm765 mm
Fuel capacity14 L15 L
Suitability
ClassCruiserCruiser
A2 licenceYesYes
Good for beginnersYesYes
Best forcommuting, cruising, learningcruising, learning, commuting

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Kawasaki Vulcan S vs Royal Enfield Meteor 350: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Kawasaki Vulcan S or the Royal Enfield Meteor 350?

The Kawasaki Vulcan S makes the most power at 61 hp and 63 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Kawasaki Vulcan S or the Royal Enfield Meteor 350?

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $4,899.

Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Vulcan S or the Royal Enfield Meteor 350?

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is the lightest at 191 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Kawasaki Vulcan S or the Royal Enfield Meteor 350?

For a new rider we'd point to the Royal Enfield Meteor 350: A2-legal, 20 hp and 191 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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