It’s a timeless look, one carved right here in the U.S. during the formative decades of the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. It’s a look that epitomizes classic American styling, and one that meshed perfectly with the open-road mentality and adventurous spirit then spreading across the country.
Makes sense, then, that Kawasaki’s most adventurous and individualistic motorcycle – the 2011 Vulcan® 1700 Nomad™ – embodies such a look, for it’s a wandering, open-road traveler par excellence, a touring-flavored cruiser that can be many things to a wide variety of 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 1700cc liquid-cooled and fuel-injected V-twin eat up the miles effortlessly while you soak in the sights and decompress.
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. Newly redesigned mufflers that offer a more tapered, classic look necessitated a slight modification to the intake manifold, which promotes even better throttle response. 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. A revised six-speed transmission with quieter and more positive shifting action 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.
Engine
Newly designed engine is tuned to two performance variations. Both variations (one for touring, one for cruising) offer both significant torque and power gains over their predecessors, as well as superior passing performance. All models feature Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle valve system, which together with the fuel injection system offers smooth, natural engine response. Another change from the previous series is the new 6-speed transmission featuring an overdrive gear.
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin engine
Long-stroke, liquid cooled, SOHC, 8-valve 1,700 cc V-Twin engine was designed to deliver high levels of torque. Bore and stroke measure 102 x 104 mm. Torque is approximately 15% greater than that of the VN1600D.
Valve system uses a SOHC arrangement instead of OHV for more direct engine feel and easier merging onto freeways.
Large capacity airboxes are located on either side of the engine.
Semi-dry sump (like that on the VN2000) allowed the crankshaft to be lowered, enabling a longer stroke without increasing engine height.
Both pistons are connected to a single crankpin. Primary balance is satisfied care of two counter-balance shafts.
Small-diameter iridium spark plugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for high combustion efficiency, especially at low-load operation (near idling).
Belt final drive is quiet and efficient and helps reduce maintenance chores. Using carbon fibre instead of Kevlar as a tensile material, the belt offers high strength (tensile strength is increased by 40%) with a slim size and light weight. Belt width (28 mm) is more comparable to that of the VN900 models (26 mm) than that of the VN2000 (40 mm).
Engine tuning variations
Two series of engines were designed for the new VN1700 models: one for the touring-oriented VN1700 Nomad (and VN1700 Voyager), and one for the cruising-oriented VN1700 Classic and VN1700 Classic LT.
The difference was achieved through different FI settings and muffler systems. The result is that peak torque (up about 15% from the VN1600 Nomad) and peak horsepower (up about 20% from the VN1600 Nomad) occur at different rpm: cruising-oriented models are tuned such that peak performance occurs at lower rpm.
VN1700 Voyager / VN1700 Nomad VN1700 Classic/LT
Max torque @ 2,750 rpm @ 2,250 rpm
Max power @ 5,000 rpm @ 4,500 rpm
All models feature dual mufflers with the same base construction as those on the VN2000. However, the VN1700 Nomad (like the VN1700 Voyager) features twin mufflers (one on each side), where the VN1700 Classic and VN1700 Classic LT feature dual mufflers on the right side of the bike.
The clutch on the VN1700 Nomad and VN1700 Voyager models features six damping springs for 3-stage progressive damping that contributes to smoother feeling when getting back on the gas.
Superior passing performance
Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 80-113 km/h (50-70 mph) range. Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds.
ETV (Electronic Throttle Valve) System
Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of both 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.
The simple system makes it easy to incorporate other systems, like cruise control (please see below).
Twisting the throttle grip actuates a throttle pulley on the throttle body. The Accelerator Position Sensor (APS), also located on the throttle body, sends 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).
Redundancy in the system (APS and TPS each send two sets of signals to the ECU) ensures some control is maintained in case of failure.
Because the throttle grip is connected to cables, the feel at the grip is like a standard cable-operated throttle.
Transmission6-speed transmission with overdrive
6th gear is an overdrive gear, contributing to stress-free riding and better fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds.
Cruise control (Vulcan 1700 Nomad only)
Operation of the cruise control is conveniently from the right handle.
Cruise control can be activated between 47 km/h (30 mph) and 137 km/h (85 mph) in 3rd gear or above.
Operating the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal causes the cruise control to be disengaged. Closing the throttle beyond the “zero-throttle” position is another instinctive way to disengage the cruise control.
Chassis
With VN1700 series models featuring a more compact package than their predecessors, the new frame was designed for light weight and light handling.
Light handling
Designed from the start to be as light and slim as possible, the frame minimises the number of forged parts and trims any unnecessary meat. The only forged parts (the down-tube joint, engine brackets, side-stand bracket, rear fender/shock absorber bracket) are areas that require additional strength. The new frame is lighter than that of the VN1600A, with greater torsional rigidity.
More compact in design, the VN1700 has a shorter wheelbase than both the VN2000 and VN1600. The compact design contributes to light handling.
Shorter distance between the seat and frame head pipe facilitates handling at low speeds, especially when executing U-turns.
Tire choice and suspension settings also contribute to the light handling.
Chassis variations
The VN1700 Nomad and VN1700 Classic LT add wind protection care of adjustable handlebar-mounted windscreens.
Sub-windscreen and deflectors on the VN1700 Nomad further increase wind protection performance. The sub-windscreen covers the area between the windscreen and headlamp when the windscreen is in the raised position. The fork-mounted deflectors help direct air away from the rider’s legs.
The VN1700 Nomad features hard, lockable panniers (same as those on the VN1700 Voyager). The top-opening panniers provide 38 litres of sealed storage space for overnight touring.
On the VN1700 Classic LT, studded leather saddlebags (like those on the VN900D) offer convenient storage space.
Rider and passenger seats differ between the touring-oriented VN1700 Nomad and cruising-oriented VN1700 Classic/Classic LT. The rider seat of the VN1700 Nomad is the same as that on the VN1700 Voyager; passenger seat is also sculpted for greater all-day comfort. Seats on the VN1700 Classic and VN1700 Classic LT are the same except for the studs.
Also contributing to passenger comfort, the VN1700 Nomad features a luxury backrest with integrated passenger grab bars. On the VN1700 Classic LT, a studded tombstone-shaped backrest provides passenger back support.
As a final contribution to passenger comfort, the VN1700 Nomad features passenger floorboards instead of the footpegs featured on the VN1700 Classic/Classic LT.
Dual adjustable rear air-shocks ensure a comfortable ride feel. Settings are different between the VN1700 Nomad and VN1700 Classic/Classic LT. VN1700 Classic/Classic LT also feature chromed shock covers, contributing the luxurious finish of the rear of the bike.
Front and rear guards on the VN1700 Nomad help protect the bike’s engine and panniers in the case of a stationary fall. Convenient helmet locks located on the left- and right-side pannier guards.
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52° V-twin
Displacement: 1,700cc / 103.7ci
Bore x Stroke: 102 x 104mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum Torque: 108 lb-ft @ 2,750rpm
Cooling System: Liquid, plus cooling fins
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Induction: Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Final Drive: Belt
Frame Type: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake/Trail: 30° / 7.0 in.
Front Suspension / wheel travel: 43mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.
Rear Suspension / wheel travel: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in.
Front Tire Size: 130/90x16
Rear Tire Size: 170/70x16
Brakes, front / rear: Dual 300 mm discs, dual twin-piston calipers / Single 300 mm disc, twin-piston caliper
Overall length: 98.4 in.
Overall width: 40.4 in.
Overall height: 57.7 in.
Seat height: 28.7 in.
Curb weight: 834 lbs.**
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Wheelbase: 65.6 in.
Color Choices: Candy Neptune Blue / Metallic Phantom Silver, Ebony / Metallic Moondust Grey
Warranty: 24 months
Good Times™ Protection Plan: 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
