Kawasaki VN1700 Classic LT

Kawasaki’s new 2009 Vulcan® 1700 Classic LT is the motorcycle you seek. Building on the innovative Vulcan 1700 Classic, the LT adds just the right amount of accoutrements – a large windshield, leather saddlebags and a backrest – to make any solo or two-up venture around town or on the highway blissful.

The striking, top-grain, reinforced cowhide saddlebags are the core of the Classic LT’s touring package. The leather is carefully selected to minimize flaws and deep-dyed to prevent scraping off the finish. These ideally-sized bags feature a slant-top opening held shut by two 1.5-inch wide leather straps fitted with chrome buckles and stealth quick-release fasteners. Rolled and riveted lid tops along with metal reinforced upper edges on the bags help maintain shape and keep unwanted moisture out of the bags.

Comfortable seats for the rider and passenger are a must on a cruiser able to tackle anything from daily commuting to daytrips with a partner. The Classic LT has the seats along with a classic-style backrest to keep the passenger relaxed and smiling as the miles tick by. Detailed with chrome plated brass studs to match the bags, the classically styled seat and backrest blend attractive visual appearance with comfort.

A large, optically correct, acrylic plastic windshield rounds out the 1700 Classic LT additions. It offers adjustable height and delivers serious wind protection and smooth airflow around the rider and passenger.
 
Its lighter, more compact frame holds a newly designed 1700cc engine based on that of the mighty Vulcan 2000. However, it uses a SOHC rather than push-rod actuated OHV arrangement. This permits fast revving and quick acceleration from the 1700cc engine – delivering superior passing performance at highway speeds. The new engine’s increase in compression, displacement and long-stroke design means significant torque and power gains over its predecessor.

On the technology leading edge, Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle valve system makes its debut on the new Vulcan 1700. Together with the fuel injection system, the electronic throttle valve offers smooth, natural engine response by enabling the ECU to deliver an ultra-precise metering of both fuel and air to the engine. It also provides accurate cold-engine idling speed control, reduces rider fatigue and retains the “natural” throttle feel.

The system utilizes dual sensors; an Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) on the throttle body and a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) on the throttle. Both of these sensors feed data to the ECU, which in turn adjusts the throttle plates with exacting precision. The system is capable of functioning on one set of data alone, offering redundancy in the unlikely event of a sensor failure.

More cutting edge technology is found on the Classic LT’s fuel injection system. Like the systems in use on Kawasaki’s Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles, the 1700’s FI utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three, for less complexity and weight. Besides the obvious advantages of FI like improved fuel economy, the system permits easy hands-off starting. The Classic LT features FI and exhaust tuning to deliver the peak torque and horsepower at lower rpm – ideal for the urban and back road environments, and quick acceleration to highway speeds.

The Vulcan 1700 Classic LT also features a water-cooled alternator with rare-earth metals that produces a staggering 48.5 amps of electrical output; plenty to power navigation systems and other electrical accessories that enrich modern touring.
 
Moving the tourer down the road is a new six-speed transmission featuring overdrive and super strong carbon fiber drive belt. The sixth gear functions as an overdrive gear, contributing to relaxed riding and better fuel economy at highway speeds. The new carbon fiber drive belt has a 40-percent higher tensile strength than current Kevlar units, and allows the Vulcan 1700 to use a thin and light 28mm belt.

However, this is no cold, mechanical techno-marvel. The designers were able to infuse the abundant technology into the new Vulcan 1700 Classic LT with all the charm and visual appeal expected on a Kawasaki light touring cruiser. Meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship of the engine covers, bodywork design and saddlebags result in an eye-pleasing product that turns heads whether parked in front of a café or cruising down the highway.

Designed from the start to be as light and slim as possible, the new single backbone double cradle frame uses the minimal amount of forged parts and metal for a reduction of 4.4 pounds and a rigidity increase of 40-percent. With a shorter seat to steering head distance, the new lightweight chassis is more compact and shorter overall with a correspondingly decreased wheelbase. The easy-to-reach handlebars facilitate better low-speed maneuvering and contribute to greater rider confidence and comfort.

Adding to the light and easy handling of the low weight chassis design are the new suspension components – set to match the Vulcan 1700 Classic LT’s cruiser performance. A simple but elegant rear steel tube swingarm suspension with twin air-assisted shocks provides 3.1 inches of travel, and includes air adjustable spring preload and rebound adjustment. Up front, a large 43mm fork offers precise steering feedback, four-way preload adjustment and 5.5 inches of travel.

The Classic LT rolls on new nine-spoke cast wheels, which use tubeless tires and complement its new muscular styling. Mounted on the attractive wheels are a 130/90 front radial tire and a wide, 170/70 rear radial tire. These aren’t the giant size tires that can "dull" handling, but beefy treads that offer good traction, smooth ride and good style. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers and a single 300mm rear disc brake with a two-piston caliper bring this show to smooth, powerful stops.

A stylish combination of traditional styling, sophisticated technology and touring accessories, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT is ready for your daily commute or a day trip departure.

Features

Powerful 1700cc V-Twin engine
- Liquid cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, fuel-injected 1700cc V-twin engine
- Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke helps deliver high levels of torque - approximately 15 percent greater than that of the Vulcan 1600
- Valve system is based on the Vulcan 2000, but uses a SOHC arrangement instead of OHV for more direct engine feel and quicker revving
- Semi-dry sump allows a lower crankshaft placement and a longer piston stroke without increasing engine height
- Single-pin crank provides the desirable power-pulse feel
- Twin counter-balancers handle smoothing the engine pulses
- A 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 at low-load operation (near idling)
- Features dual mufflers on the right side of the bike
- Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50-70mph (80-113km/h) range
- Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds

Next Generation FI
- Based on systems already on Ninja 650R and Vulcan 900
- Utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three, for less complexity and weight
- The cruising-oriented Classic utilizes a FI and exhaust set up to deliver its peak torque and peak horsepower at lower rpm

On Board Diagnostics
- Diagnostic system allows self testing of the electronic systems on the Vulcan 1700
- Displays codes on the instrumentation, which can be read by owner; using accessory manual

Electronic Throttle Valve System
- Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of the fuel (via fuel injectors) and the air (via throttle valves) delivered to the engine. Ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response
- Control of both fuel injection and airflow enables precise cold-engine idling speed control
- From the rider’s perspective, the electronic throttle valve works like a standard cable-operated throttle - the throttle grip is still connected to cables, so the feel at the grip is the same
- Twisting the throttle turns a throttle pulley on the throttle body actuating the Accelerator Position Sensor (APS), located on the throttle body, to send a signal to the ECU, which then actuates the throttle valves via a DC motor. Throttle position is confirmed to the ECU by 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.

Transmission / Final Drive
- Six-speed transmission
- 6th gear is an overdrive gear, contributing to stress-free riding and better fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds
- 28mm carbon fiber final drive belt has a 40 percent higher tensile strength than current Kevlar units nearly twice its width and allows the Vulcan 1700 to use a slim belt only 2mm wider than that on the Vulcan 900
- The drive belt is quiet and efficient and helps reduce maintenance chores

 Lightweight handling chassis
- A more compact package than its predecessors, the new frame features a shorter wheelbase, and shorter distance between the seat and frame head pipe, for improved rider ergonomics and easier maneuverability
- Designed to be as light and 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 new frame is 4.4 pounds lighter than its predecessors, and has a 40% increase in rigidity
- The compact design contributes to light handling and facilitates handling at low speeds, especially when executing precise slow speed maneuvers like parking or making U-turns

43mm Telescopic Fork
- Provides superb steering feedback and excellent ride quality
- Features 4-way preload adjustment

Dual Adjustable Rear Air-Shocks
- Feature Air adjustable spring preload to match the load
- 4-way rebound damping for a smooth and comfortable ride
- Feature chromed shock covers, contributing the luxurious finish of the rear of the bike

9-Spoke Cast Wheels
- Allows the use of tubeless tire and complement its new muscular styling
- 130/90 front and 170/70 rear radial tires offer good traction, smooth ride and classy style
- Tire choice and suspension settings augment the light handling characteristics

Brakes
- Dual 300mm front disc brakes and single 300mm rear disc brake, both with twin-piston calipers provide smooth, powerful stops

V-twin Visual Appeal
- Basic engine structure has a great impact on a V-Twin engine’s appearance.
- The line created by the top of the airbox and the cylinder heads forms a curved lined that continues to flow through the bike.
- Deeply chromed engine covers have curved upper surfaces. Their three-dimensional form adds volume and gives a quality appearance.
- The edges of the fins receive a special NC treatment that makes them gleam in sunlight
- All the non-chromed parts of the engine have a matt black finish that further accentuates the chromed parts

Bodywork
- The fuel tank’s hand-sculpted contours employ constantly varying radii, giving the bike a dynamism that is pleasing both to the eye and to the touch
- Its lines flowing through the rest of the bike, the elegantly shaped fuel tank contributes to the Vulcan 1700’s curvaceous figure
- Ignition switch allows on-position key removal; preventing key bunches 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 handle. Features include a gear position indicator, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range and average fuel consumption
- Liberal use of chrome on the engine, fender brackets, light stays, and rear shock cover contrasts nicely with the bodywork’s deep, lustrous paint
- Simple design of the seat cover balances rich visual tone of the bodywork
- Motif from the front fender continues on the rear fender, which features an elegant LED taillight

Windscreen
- Thick, optically correct acrylic plastic windscreen is shaped for smooth airflow and cruiser style
- Strong chrome plated steel supports
- Two-position height

Seat and Passenger Backrest
- Detailed with ½-inch diameter chrome plated brass studs
- Strong chrome plated steel supports

Saddlebags
- Made of reinforced top grain cowhide carefully selected with minimal flaws and deep dyed to prevent scrapping off the finish
- Slant top opening lid, secured with two 1.5-inch wide leather straps with chrome buckles and quick release stealth fasteners
- Dual panel lid construction with embossed Vulcan logo detail
- Metal reinforced upper edge so bags hold their shape
- Rolled and riveted top lid minimizes water entry
- One-half inch diameter chrome plated brass stud accents match the seats

Source Kawasaki.com