Kawasaki VN 1700 Vulcan Nomad

Born for the open road

Kawasaki’s new Vulcan® 1700 Nomad™ is more than a touring edition of the innovative Vulcan 1700 Classic. This cruising motorcycle is for riders and passengers who yearn for the open road and nights away from home, but also like to ride in comfort. With a large windshield, hard saddlebags, passenger floorboards, a luxury backrest and standard cruise control, the Nomad is designed for miles of adventure – solo or two-up.

The new Nomad supplies serious wind protection courtesy of an adjustable handlebar-mounted windscreen. A sub-windshield and deflectors on the Nomad further increase wind protection performance. The sub-windshield covers the area between the windshield and headlight when the windshield is in the raised position, while the fork-mounted deflectors help direct air away from the rider’s legs.

Visually setting the Nomad apart from its Vulcan 1700 brethren are the color-matched, lockable hard saddlebags. These top-opening side cases each offer a bountiful 8.6 gallons (38L) of sealed storage space for overnight trips. The Nomad also features front and rear guards to help protect the bike’s engine and saddlebags in case of a fall. Convenient helmet locks are located on the left- and right-side saddlebag guards.

Comfortable seating for the rider and passenger is a must on a touring bike and the Nomad delivers with plush deluxe seats that are sculpted for all-day comfort. Contributing to long-distance passenger comfort is a luxury backrest with integrated passenger grab bars and floorboards for both the rider and passenger.
 
The Nomad’s light, 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.

This is no V-twin from yesteryear, the Nomad’s fuel injection system, like those in use on Kawasaki’s Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles, 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 hand-off starting.

The Nomad’s FI and exhaust are tuned to deliver its peak torque and horsepower at higher rpm – ideal for its open road operating environment. More touring refinement comes from the clutch, which features six damping springs for three-stage progressive damping to smooth out the shifting and the hit from the big 1700cc engine under hard acceleration.

More cutting edge technology is found in Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle valve system that makes its first appearance on the Nomad. Working together with the fuel injection system, the electronic throttle valve helps the new Vulcan 1700 Nomad to offer a smooth, natural engine response.  This helps the ECU to deliver an ultra-precise metering of both fuel and air to the engine. It also provides accurate cold-engine idle speed control, reduces rider fatigue and helps maintain a “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.

The Vulcan 1700 Nomad also features a water-cooled alternator with rare-earth magnets that produces a staggering 48.5 amps of electrical output; plenty to power navigation systems and other electrical accessories that enrich modern traveling.
 
Likewise, no modern motorcycle could call itself a “tourer” without cruise control, and the Nomad is no exception. The cruise control is conveniently operated from the right side of the handlebar and can be activated between 30 and 85 mph in third gear or above. Disengaging is easily done by using the brake lever, clutch lever, rear brake pedal or manually closing the throttle.

Moving the Nomad 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 it 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 Nomad 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 Nomad’s touring performance. Dual adjustable rear air-shocks provide 3.1 inches of travel, and include air adjustable spring preload and rebound adjustment to ensure a comfortable ride feel with unique settings for the Nomad. Up front, a large 43mm fork offers precise steering feedback, four-way preload adjustment and 5.5 inches of travel.
 
The Nomad 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 refinement, the most difficult part of the new Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad will be deciding which of the three appealing color options to chose; Metallic Diablo Black, Candy Diamond Red / Pearl Luster Beige or Metallic Nocturne Blue / Pearl Luster Beige.

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, one on each 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 touring-oriented Nomad utilizes a FI and exhaust set up to deliver its torque and horsepower peak at a higher 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 valve system enables the ECU to control the volume of intake air (via throttle valves) and the volume fuel (via fuel injectors) 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 ETV 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.

Cruise control
- Operation of the cruise control is conveniently from the right handle
- Cruise control can be activated between 30mph (47km/h) and 85mph (137km/h) in 3rd gear or above
- Operating the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal disengages the cruise control as will closing the throttle beyond the “zero-throttle” position
 
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
- The clutch features six damping springs for three-stage progressive damping that contributes to smoother feeling under hard acceleration
- 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
- Settings are specific to the touring needs of the Nomad

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 Nomad’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, saddlebag accents and front and rear guards, 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

Wind Protection
- Adjustable handlebar-mounted windscreen offers smooth airflow and cruiser style
- Strong chrome plated steel supports
- Two-position height
- Sub-windshield and deflectors further increase wind protection performance
- The sub-windshield covers the area between the windshield and headlight when the windshield is in the raised position and the fork-mounted deflectors help direct air away from the rider’s legs

Seat and Passenger Backrest
- Rider and passenger seats are sculpted for greater all-day comfort
- Luxury backrest with integrated passenger grab bars contributes to passenger comfort
- As a final contribution to passenger comfort, the Nomad features passenger floorboards

Saddlebags
- The Nomad features hard, lockable, top-opening saddlebags that each provide 8.6 gal. (38L) of sealed storage space for overnight touring
- Front and rear guards on the Nomad help protect the bike’s engine and hard side cases in the case of a fall
- Convenient helmet locks located on the left- and right-side saddlebag guards