Kawasaki VN 1700 Vulcan Nomad

Embodying classic American style, the Vulcan® 1700 Nomad™ can be the perfect companion for touring or just cruising down the boulevard. This flexibility means it can be many things to different riders. For some it’s a full-blown touring bike, its windshield, hard saddlebags, floorboards, backrest and standard cruise control taking the sting out of long days in the saddle. Strap a sleeping bag to the pillion, jump aboard and let the Nomad’s V-twin eat up the miles effortlessly while you soak in the sights and decompress. And with its mix of the latest technology and luxurious two-tone paint adding to its classic style, it’s a one-two punch of thrill.

For others, the Nomad is a more traditional cruiser, a custom-flavored bagger with a look and attitude that tells everyone who’ll listen that it’s as happy cruising downtown as it is running across the county or state – solo or two-up – for the weekend.

The key to the Nomad’s considerable flexibility is its blend of touring-oriented hardware and the uniquely designed Vulcan 1700 platform, which offers a ton of versatility and performance whether in Voyager, Classic or Nomad configuration.

It all starts with that engine, a thoroughly modern interpretation of the big-inch V-twin that’s forged such a hearty reputation over the decades. This 1,700cc powerplant features liquid cooling, a 52-degree V angle, overhead cams, high compression, a long-stroke design and all the latest technology for prodigious power and torque spread over a shockingly wide rpm range. Redesigned mufflers not only enhance the look, but also give it the deep sound you’d expect from a bike like this. There’s not only loads of torque down low – the range you’ll spend most of your time in while aboard – but there is also plenty of grunt all the way to 5,000 rpm. Just twist the throttle and the Nomad generates forward thrust without hesitation, providing ample acceleration for spirited riding and waves of low-rpm torque when you’re just thump-thumping along in top gear, checking out the scenery and relaxing.

More useful technology is found in the Nomad’s fully Electronic Throttle Valve system. Working with the rest of the advanced fuel injection system, the electronic throttle valve enhances engine response without detracting from its distinctive V-twin feel. The system utilizes an Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) and a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). Both units feed data to the ECU, which 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. Besides the obvious FI advantages such as improved fuel economy and automatic adjustment for altitude changes, the system also permits easy hands-off warm-up and idle speed control. The Nomad also features a water-cooled alternator that produces a staggering 46.8 amps of electrical output – plenty to power a selection of electronic accessories to enrich motorcycle travel.

The Nomad’s electronic cruise control system is conveniently operated from the right handlebar, and can be engaged at any speed between 30 and 85 mph in any of the top four gears. The cruise system can be disengaged in any of the following ways: brake lever, clutch lever, rear brake pedal, or manually turning the throttle grip past the “closed” position. Its six-speed transmission offers positive shifting action and features overdriven 5th and 6th gears, which contribute greatly to a relaxed ride and excellent fuel economy at highway speeds. Power is routed to the rear wheel via a carbon fiber drive belt that has a 40-percent higher tensile strength than current Kevlar belts.

Color-matched, lockable hard saddlebags set the Nomad apart from its Vulcan 1700 brethren; these top-opening side cases are beautifully integrated and offer bountiful storage: 10 gallons each (38L) as well as front and rear guards to help protect the bike’s engine and saddlebags in case of a tip-over. (Helmet locks are conveniently located on the left- and right-side saddlebag guards.)

Keeping the rider and passenger comfortable on long rides is a top priority, and the Vulcan 1700 Nomad delivers with deluxe seats sculpted to provide additional support for all-day rides. A special backrest with integrated grab bars and floorboards for both the rider and passenger further contribute to the Nomad’s long-distance abilities.

Vulcan designers were able to infuse abundant technology into the 1700 Nomad without sacrificing any of the charm and visual appeal expected from a Kawasaki touring cruiser. Meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship of the engine covers, bodywork design and side cases result in a motorcycle that turns heads whether parked in front of a café or cruising down the highway.

Designed to be as light and slim as possible, the Nomad’s single backbone double cradle frame offers a short seat-to-steering head distance, with a correspondingly short wheelbase. That easy-to-reach handlebar facilitates slow-speed maneuvering and helps maximize rider confidence. Adding to the light and easy handling are suspension components that match the Vulcan 1700 Nomad’s intended usage. 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 and 5.5 inches of travel.

The Nomad rolls on nine-spoke cast wheels fitted with tubeless tires: a 130/90 front and 170/70 rear are mounted. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers and a 300mm rear disc brake with a two-piston caliper help bring this stylish machine to sure, powerful stops.

With its combination of traditional styling, sophisticated technology and touring refinement, there’s really nothing else out there quite like the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad. Time to hit the open road…

Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad Features and Benefits

• Powerful 1,700cc liquid-cooled V-twin
• Six-speed transmission for relaxed cruising
• Electronic cruise control maintains speed for more comfort on long trips and works with the electronic throttle valve system for precision
• Optically correct windshield is height adjustable
• Deluxe passenger backrest is standard equipment
• Chrome backrest support features ergonomic passenger grab handles for comfort
• Lockable, color matched, top-opening hard saddlebags are capacious and easy to pack
• Low 28.7-inch seat height enhances the comfortable riding position

Adjustable Windscreen

• Adjustable handlebar-mounted and optically correct windscreen is shaped for optimum airflow management without compromising the Nomad’s cruiser styling
• Strong chrome-plated steel supports
• Two-position height
• Sub-windshield and deflectors further increase wind protection
• The sub-windshield covers the area between the windshield and headlight when the windshield is in the raised position, while fork-mounted deflectors help direct air away from the rider’s legs

Touring Seats and Passenger Backrest

• Sculpted rider and passenger seats offer all-day comfort and support
• Sturdy backrest with integrated passenger grab bars contributes to passenger confidence
• Passenger floorboards add extra comfort to the 2-up equation

Hard, Lockable Side Cases

• The Nomad features hard, lockable, top-opening side cases that each provide 10 gallons (38L) of sealed storage space for overnight touring
• Front and rear guards help protect the bike’s engine and hard side cases in the event of a tip-over
• Helmet locks are conveniently located on the left
• and right-side saddlebag guards

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 helps deliver high levels of torque with a distinct V-twin feel
• Valve system uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods for quicker revving and enhanced mid-high rpm power
• Semi-dry sump design allows a lower crankshaft placement and a longer piston stroke without increasing engine height
• Single-pin crank accentuates the engine’s V-twin character by providing stronger 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 mufflers, one on each side of the bike, allow maximum clearance for luggage
• Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50 to 70 mph range
• Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds

Next-generation Fuel Injection

• Utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three for reduced complexity and weight
• The touring-oriented Nomad utilizes FI and exhaust systems tuned to reach peak torque and horsepower at a higher rpm than the engines used in standard Vulcan 1700 cruisers On Board Diagnostics
• Diagnostic system allows self-testing of the electronic systems on the Vulcan 1700
• System displays codes on the instrumentation, which can be read by owner using accessory manual

On Board Diagnostics

• Diagnostic system allows self-testing of the electronic systems on the Vulcan 1700
• System displays codes on the instrumentation, which can be read by owner using accessory manual

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
• 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 pulley on the throttle body, which 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

Cruise Control

• Cruise control can be engaged and adjusted entirely from the right handlebar
• Cruise control can be activated in 3rd gear or above at any speed between 30 mph and 85 mph
• Pressure on the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal will automatically disengage the cruise control, as will manually rolling off the throttle

Six-speed Transmission / Final Drive

• Six-speed transmission with positive neutral finder
• 5th and 6th are overdrive gears for excellent fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds
• 28mm carbon fiber final drive belt has a tensile strength that’s 40 percent greater compared to current Kevlar belts, allowing the Vulcan 1700 to use a slim belt only 2mm wider than the Kevlar unit on the Vulcan 900
• Belt drive system is quiet, efficient and offers reduced maintenance compared to a chain

Light Handling Chassis

• The frame features a short wheelbase for optimal ergonomics and easy maneuverability
• Lightweight and slim, 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
• This compact design contributes to light handling and facilitates low-speed handling, especially maneuvers such as parking or U-turns

43mm Telescopic Fork

• Provides superb steering feedback
• 5.5 inches of travel for excellent ride quality
• Optimized damping and spring settings for a plush but controlled ride

Dual Adjustable Rear Air Shocks

• Air-adjustable shocks can be tuned to match varying rider and passenger loads
• 4-way rebound damping adjustments help the shocks compensate for changes in spring pressure
• Chrome shock covers contribute to the bike’s overall luxurious finish

9-Spoke Cast Wheels

• Allow the use of tubeless tires, and nicely complement the Nomad’s styling
• 130/90 front and 170/70 rear tires
• Tire choice and suspension settings selected augment the chassis’ light handling characteristics Classic V-twin Styling
• Basic engine architecture positively impacts the V-twin’s overall appearance
• 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
• Cooling fin edges have a special NC treatment that makes them gleam in sunlight
• All the engine’s non-chromed parts have a matte black finish to accentuate the chrome

Classic V-twin Styling

• Basic engine architecture positively impacts the V-twin’s overall appearance
• 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
• Cooling fin edges have a special NC treatment that makes them gleam in sunlight
• All the engine’s non-chromed parts have a matte black finish to accentuate the chrome

Bodywork

• The fuel tank’s hand-sculpted contours employ constantly varying radii, giving the bike a dynamic flowing style which is pleasing both to the eye and to the touch
• Elegantly shaped fuel tank contributes to the Nomad’s curvaceous figure
• Front fender design continues through the rear fender, which features an elegant LED taillight

Instrumentation

• Ignition switch allows on-position key removal, which prevents keys from scratching the instrument cluster or tank while the bike is in operation
• Turning the ignition switch 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