At Kawasaki, we don’t believe classic looks and high technology need to be mutually exclusive. As a matter of fact, just the opposite. Witness Exhibit A: The Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Classic combines things like the latest electronic throttle technology feeding a visceral overhead-cam V-twin, with a dose of old-fashioned cruiser simplicity that lets the rider focus on the experience and not the machine, mile after reliable mile.
The Vulcan 1700 Classic 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 large displacement produce massive amounts of quick-revving torque, all of it delivered with a distinct V-twin character.
Kawasaki’s fully electronic throttle valve system feeds that big V-twin exactly what it needs. Working with a powerful ECU and the rest of the fuel injection system, the electronic throttle valve enhances response without detracting from its distinctive V-twin feel--delivering ultra-precise intake flow to the engine under nearly any conditions.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. Like the systems in use on the Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles, the 1700 Classic’s fuel injection uses one sensor in place of the usual three, for less complexity and weight. 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. This cruising-oriented machine features FI and exhaust system tuning optimized to deliver peak torque at a lower rpm—ideal for urban and back road environments.
Mated to this rumbling V-twin, a six-speed transmission with overdriven fifth and sixth gears contributes to relaxed riding and better fuel economy at highway speeds. The Vulcan 1700 Classic transfers torque from the transmission to the rear wheel through a thin and light 28mm carbon fiber final drive belt with 40-percent higher tensile strength than a Kevlar unit of the same width.
Designed to be as light and slim as possible, the Classic’s single backbone double cradle frame offers a short seat-to-steering head distance, with a correspondingly short wheelbase. That easy-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 Classic’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 Vulcan 1700 Classic rolls on nine-spoke cast wheels, which run fat, tubeless tires to complement its muscular styling. A 130/90 front radial and 170/70 rear are mounted on those attractive wheels. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers, and a single 300mm rear disc brake with a two-piston caliper help bring this stylish machine to steady, powerful stops.
Though it’s packed with technological innovations, the Vulcan 1700 Classic remains a warm, organic machine built for the masses, with all the character, charm and visual appeal riders expect from a Kawasaki V-twin. This rolling showcase of classic cruiser styling not only looks good from any angle, but its elegant form is just as pleasing to the touch as it is to the eye.
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 @ 2250
Cooling Liquid, plus cooling fins
Induction Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission Six-speed with overdrive and positive neutral finder
Frame Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake / trail 30° / 6.7 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 45.5 in.
Seat height 28.3 in.
Curb weight 761 lbs.**
Fuel capacity 5.3 gal.
Wheelbase 65.6 in.
Colors 2-tone Metallic Diablo Black/Candy Surf Blue
Warranty 12 months
