Double cradle, steel with box section single-tube
backbone
Front Suspension
43 mm Telescopic fork
Front Wheel Travel
140 mm / 5.5 in
Rear Suspension
Swingarm with twin air-assisted 4 way adjustable
shocks for rebound and damping
Rear Wheel Travel
80 mm / 3.2 in
Front Brakes
2 x 300 mm discs, dual twin piston calipers, ABS
Rear Brakes
Single 300 mm disc, twin piston caliper, ABS
Wheels
Alloy, 10 spokes
Front Tyre
130/90 B16M/C (67H)
Rear Tyre
170/70 B16M/C (75H)
Rake
30°
Steering Angle (left/right)
35° / 35°
Trail
169 mm / 6.65 in
Dimensions
Length 2500 mm / 98.4 in
Width 1025 mm / 40.4 in
Height 1155 mm / 45.5 in
Wheelbase
1665 mm / 65.6 in
Seat Height
720 mm / 28.3 mm
Ground Clearance
130 mm / 5.1 in
Wet Weight
349 kg / 769 lbs
Fuel Capacity
20 Litres / 5.3 US gal
Top Speed
185 km/h / 115 mph
The stunningly beautiful Vulcan® 1700 Classic
cruiser evokes that certain feeling in riders: one that beckons you aboard with
its gorgeous curves and drop-dead custom styling and says “let’s ride.” It’s
beautiful from so many angles – from its raked front end to the fat rear fender
complemented by a fat rear tire – exemplifying classic boulevard styling. And
the deep paintwork, thick chrome and detail touches will rock your world the
first time you lay eyeballs upon it.
But the jewel in the crown is the Classic’s
advanced technology and staggering functionality, led by a 103.7-inch V-twin
engine that throbs with power. This a big-inch cruiser with the type of
top-shelf performance and reliability that totally backs up its bad-ass
boulevard look.
Like its Vulcan 1700 brethren, the Classic’s
V-twin dominates the proceedings with a thoroughly retro look as well as
asphalt-wrinkling output. The heart of the matter is a pair of massive pistons
moving within two liquid-cooled but beautifully finned cylinder blocks arrayed
at 52 degrees for optimum balance and a distinct V-twin thump. Internal
dimensions are thoroughly long-stroke – 102 x 104mm – for mammoth low- and
mid-range power, exactly the sort of big-inch thrust and V-twin feel cruiser
riders crave.
Working with a powerful ECU and a smart fuel
injection system, the electronic throttle valve enhances response without
detracting from the engine’s distinctive V-twin feel, delivering ultra-precise
intake flow to the engine under nearly any conditions.
The system utilizes an Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) and a Throttle Position
Sensor (TPS), which feed data to the ECU that adjusts the throttle plates to
tailor intake airflow accordingly. The system offers a natural throttle feel
because the APS is activated by a throttle body pulley connected by cables to
the throttle grip. The 1700 Classic’s fuel injection uses one sensor in place of
the usual three for simplicity and weight savings. Besides the obvious
advantages of fuel injection, such as improved fuel economy and automatic
altitude mixture adjustment, the system also permits easy hands-off warm-up and
idle speed control. This cruising-oriented machine features FI and exhaust
tuning optimized to deliver peak torque at a lower rpm – ideal for urban or
backroad environments.
A quiet and smooth six-speed transmission
features overdriven fifth and sixth gears that contribute to more relaxed riding
and better fuel economy at highway speeds. The Vulcan 1700 Classic transfers
power from the transmission to the rear wheel through a narrow carbon fiber
final drive belt with 40-percent higher tensile strength than a Kevlar unit of
the same width.
Designed to be as light and slim as possible, the
Classic’s single backbone double cradle frame offers a short seat-to-steering
head distance, with a correspondingly short wheelbase. That easy-reach handlebar
facilitates slow-speed maneuvering and helps maximize rider confidence. Adding
to the light and easy handling are suspension components matched to the Vulcan
1700 Classic’s intended mission. An elegantly simple rear swingarm with twin
air-assisted shocks provides 3.1 inches of rear suspension travel, and features
air spring preload and four-way rebound adjustment. Up front, a large 43mm fork
offers precise steering feedback, a supple ride and 5.5 inches of travel.
The Vulcan 1700 Classic rolls on nine-spoke cast
wheels that run fat, tubeless tires – 130/90 front and 170/70 rear – that
complement its muscular styling. Dual 300mm front disc brakes featuring
twin-piston calipers and a single 300mm rear disc brake with a two-piston
caliper help bring this stylish machine to steady, powerful stops.
Packed with technology and blessed with the sort
of jaw-dropping looks that’ll keep you the envy of your riding buddies, the
Vulcan 1700 Classic is the perfect cruising package. Just try not to drool on
it.
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic ABS
True Classic Cruiser
The Vulcan 1700 Classic ABS represents the latest
evolution of Kawasaki's big bore V-Twin cruisers. The muscular engine utilises
an overhead cam to help boost acceleration, while the long stroke design helps
deliver more torque and horsepower.
The Vulcan 1700 Classic is also fitted with
Kawasaki's first fully electronic throttle valve system that provides better
performance, throttle response and increased fuel mileage. A six speed
transmission with overdrive and carbon fibre drive belt deliver the power to the
rear wheel while a compact chassis and tuned suspension provide light handling.
It's all finished off with bodywork and engine covers that further distinguish
the Vulcan 1700 Classic ABS as Kawasaki's latest big bore cruiser.
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic Features and
Benefits
• Liquid-cooled 1,700cc V-twin engine produces
massive torque
• Fuel injection system optimized for power in the low
• to mid-rpm range
• Compact frame for easy maneuverability and handling
• Electronic throttle valve system helps produce smooth power
• Adjustable rear suspension
• 9-spoke cast wheels add to the classic V-twin look and feel
• Instrumentation includes digital LCD screen that displays a wealth of
information
Powerful 1,700cc V-twin engine
• Liquid cooled, four valves per cylinder,
fuel-injected 1,700cc 52-degree V-twin engine
• Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke dimensions help deliver massive torque
and distinctive V-twin feel
• Valve system uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods for
quick revability and enhanced mid
• to high-rpm power
• Semi-dry sump allows low crankshaft placement and long stroke without
increasing engine height
• Single-pin crank accentuates the engine’s V-twin character by providing strong
power pulses
• Large capacity airbox is located on both sides of the engine
• Small-diameter iridium sparkplugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for
high combustion efficiency, especially during low-load operation
• Dual staggered mufflers offer a rich sound and stylish appearance
• Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50 to 70 mph range
• Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly, facilitating overtaking at
highway speed
Fuel Injection
• The Vulcan 1700 takes advantage of FI and
exhaust tuning optimized for maximum performance in the low
• to mid-rpm range, giving it plenty of grunt on the boulevard
• Utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three for simplicity and light
weight
• Based on the systems used by the Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles
Electronic Throttle Valve System
• Fully electronic throttle actuation system
enables the ECU to control the volume of intake air (via throttle valve angle)
and fuel (via fuel injector timing) delivered to the engine
• Optimized fuel injector timing and throttle valve position results in
accurate, powerful engine response
• Control of both fuel injection and airflow provides easy starting and precise
cold-engine idle speed control
• The ETV works like a standard cable-operated throttle; the throttle grip is
connected to cables, so the feel at the grip for the rider is the same
• Twisting the throttle turns a pulley on the throttle body that triggers the
Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) to send a signal to the ECU, which then
modulates the throttle valves via a DC motor
• Accurate throttle position is relayed to the ECU by a Throttle Position Sensor
(TPS)
• APS and TPS send two sets of signals to the ECU for system redundancy in the
unlikely event of a sensor failure
On Board Diagnostics
• Diagnostic system allows self testing of the
electronic systems on the Vulcan 1700
• Displays codes on the instrumentation that can be read by owner from the
accessory manual
Six-speed Transmission / Final Drive
• 5th and 6th gear are overdrive ratios,
contributing to stress-free riding and better fuel economy when cruising at
highway speeds
• 28mm carbon fiber final drive belt offers a 40 percent increase in tensile
strength compared to current Kevlar belts. This allows the Vulcan 1700 to use a
belt only 2mm wider than the Kevlar belt on the Vulcan 900
• Belt drive system is quiet, efficient and offers reduced maintenance compared
to a chain
Light Handling Chassis
• Compact frame features a shorter wheelbase and
short distance between the seat and steering head for an ideal ergonomic layout
and easy maneuverability
• Light and as slim as possible, the frame minimizes the number of forged parts
and trims any unnecessary metal. The only forged parts are areas that require
additional strength – the down-tube joint, engine brackets, side-stand bracket,
and rear fender/shock absorber bracket
• The compact design contributes to light handling and facilitates
maneuverability at low speeds, especially when executing precise slow-speed
maneuvers like parking or making U-turns
43mm Telescopic Fork
• Provides superb steering feedback
• 5.5 inches of travel for excellent ride quality
Dual Adjustable Rear Air Shocks
• Air-adjustable spring preload can be tuned to
match varying rider and passenger loads
• 4-way rebound damping adjustments help the shocks compensate for changes in
spring pressure
• Chromed shock covers contribute to the bike’s luxurious finish
9-Spoke Cast Wheels
• Allow the use of tubeless tires and complement
the Vulcan 1700’s muscular styling
• 130/90 front and 170/70 rear tires
• Tire choice and suspension settings selected to augment the chassis’ light
handling characteristics
Brakes
• Dual 300mm front and a single 300mm rear disc
are squeezed by twin-piston calipers. This braking system is tuned to provide
sure, powerful stops
Classic V-twin Appeal
• The line created by the top of the airbox and
the cylinder heads forms a curved shape that continues to flow through the bike
• Deeply chromed engine covers have curved upper surfaces. Their
three-dimensional form adds volume and gives a high quality appearance
• The edges of the cooling fins receive a special NC treatment that makes them
gleam in sunlight
• All the non-chromed engine parts have a matte black finish that further
accentuates the gleaming chrome
Bodywork
• The fuel tank’s hand-sculpted contours employ a
constantly varying radius, giving the bike a dynamic flowing style that’s
pleasing both to the eye and the touch
• The elegantly shaped fuel tank contributes to the Vulcan 1700’s curvaceous
figure
• LED taillight looks elegant and provides years of trouble-free service
Instrumentation
• Ignition switch allows on-position key removal,
preventing keys from scratching the instrument cluster or tank while the bike is
in operation
• Turning the ignition switch collar to the “OFF” position turns the engine off
and necessitates re-insertion of the key to restart
• Multi-function LCD displays on the tank-mounted instrument cluster are
controlled by switches on the right handlebar. Features include a gear-position
indicator, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining mileage
range and average fuel consumption
• Liberal use of chrome on the engine, fender brackets, light stays, and rear
shock covers contrast nicely with the bodywork’s deep, lustrous paint
• The sculpted shape of the seat complements the rich visual tone of the
bodywork