With its large windshield, hard saddlebags, passenger floorboards, sturdy backrest and standard cruise control, the Vulcan® 1700 Nomad™ is designed to reel in many comfortable miles of adventure at a time, with or without a passenger, using thoroughly modern hardware belied by its classic American appearance. Get that powerful, fuel-injected overhead-cam V-twin loping, set the cruise, and be prepared to be impressed.
Color-matched, lockable hard saddlebags set the Nomad apart from its Vulcan 1700 brethren; these top-opening side cases offer a bountiful 10 gallons each (38L) of sealed storage space for overnight trips, 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 capabilities.
The Nomad V-twin uses a single overhead cam in each cylinder head, rather than a push-rod overhead-valve arrangement, to boost efficiency and provide quick acceleration and superior passing performance. The engine’s long-stroke design, high compression and big displacement produce massive amounts of quick-revving horsepower, all of it delivered with a distinct V-twin character.More cutting edge technology is found in Kawasaki’s fully electronic throttle valve system. Working with the rest of the Nomad’s fuel injection system, the electronic throttle valve enhances the engine’s 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 that’s connected by cables to the throttle grip. Besides the obvious FI advantages like improved fuel economy and automatic adjustment for altitude changes, the system also permits easy hands-off warm-up and idle speed control.
The Vulcan 1700 Nomad also features a water-cooled alternator with rare-earth magnets 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 control can be disengaged by any of the following methods: brake lever, clutch lever, rear brake pedal, or manually turning the throttle grip past the “closed” position.
A six-speed transmission with overdriven 5th and 6th gears mates to the Nomad’s rumbling V-twin engine, contributing greatly to a relaxed ride and excellent fuel economy at highway speeds. Torque is transferred from the transmission to the rear wheel through a carbon fiber final drive belt which, at only 28mm wide, has a 40-percent higher tensile strength than current Kevlar belts.
The Vulcan’s designers were able to infuse abundant technology into the 1700 Nomad without sacrificing any of the charm and visual appeal that’s 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, which use tubeless tires and complement its open-road character. A 130/90 front radial and a 170/70 rear are mounted on those attractive wheels. 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 stylish combination of traditional styling, sophisticated technology and touring refinement, there’s really nothing else out there quite like the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad.
Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52° V-twin
Displacement 1,700cc / 103.7ci
Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance
Bore x stroke 102 x 104mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Maximum Torque 108 lb-ft @ 2,750rpm
Cooling Liquid, plus cooling fins
Ignition Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Transmission Six-speed with overdrive
Frame 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.
Tire, front 130/90x16
Tire, rear 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.
Colors 2-tone Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Titanium
Warranty 24 months
