Born for the open road
Kawasaki’s new 2009 Vulcan® 1700 Nomad™ is for riders and passengers who yearn for the open road and nights away from home, but also like to cruise in style. With a large windshield, hard saddlebags, passenger floorboards, a sturdy backrest and standard cruise control, the Nomad is designed for miles of adventure with, or without a passenger.
The new Nomad supplies serious wind protection courtesy of an adjustable handlebar-mounted windscreen. A sub-windshield and fork deflectors further increase the Nomad’s ability to protect the rider and passenger from windblast. The sub-windshield covers the area between the windshield and headlight when the main shield 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 10 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 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 new Vulcan 1700 Nomad delivers with deluxe seats that are 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’s light, compact frame holds a newly designed 1700cc 50° V-twin engine based on that of the Vulcan 2000. However, it uses a single overhead cam in each cylinder head, rather than a push-rod actuated OHV arrangement. This permits higher revs and quick acceleration from the new engine – delivering superior passing performance at highway speeds. The new engine’s long-stroke design plus an increase in compression and displacement help it produce a significant increase in torque and power, all delivered with a distinct V-twin character.
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. Beside the obvious FI advantages like improved fuel economy and automatically adjusting for altitude changes, the system also permits easy hands-off warm-up and idle speed control.
The Nomad’s FI and exhaust are tuned to deliver its peak torque and horsepower at higher rpm – ideal for a machine that will spend much of its time on the open road. Additional touring functionality is provided by its clutch, which features six damping springs and a progressive three-stage engagement for easier shifting under hard acceleration.
More cutting edge technology is found in Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle valve system. Working with the rest of the Nomad’s fuel injection system, the electronic throttle valve helps to enhance the engine’s response without detracting from its distinctive V-twin feel. It also helps the ECU to deliver an ultra-precise metering of intake airflow to the engine and more-accurate idle speed control.
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.
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 a selection of electronic accessories to enrich motorcycle travel.
The new Nomad features an electronic cruise control system which is conveniently operated from the right side of the handlebar and can be engaged at any speed between 30 and 85 mph in any of the top three gears. Conveniently, the cruise control can be disengaged by any of the following methods: brake lever, clutch lever, rear brake pedal, or manually closing the throttle grip past the “closed” position.
A new six-speed transmission featuring overdrive mates to the nomad’s rumbling V-twin engine. The overdrive sixth gear ratio contributes to relaxed riding and better fuel economy at highway speeds. Torque is transferred from the transmission to the rear wheel through a carbon fiber final drive belt. The Nomad is able to use a thin and light 28mm belt, thanks to its carbon fiber construction which has a 40-percent higher tensile strength than current Kevlar belts.
However, this is no cold, mechanical techno-marvel. The designers were able to infuse abundant technology into the new 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 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 offers a weight reduction of 4.4 pounds, coupled with a 40-percent increase in rigidity. With a shorter seat to steering head distance, the new lightweight chassis is more compact and shorter overall, with a corresponding decrease in wheelbase. The easy-to-reach handlebars facilitate better low-speed maneuvering and help maximize rider confidence.
Adding to the light and easy handling of the low weight chassis design are the new suspension components – set to match the 1700 Nomad’s touring performance. Dual adjustable rear air-shocks provide 3.1 inches of travel, and include air spring pressure and four-way rebound adjustments to help the Nomad compensate for variations in passenger and luggage loading. Up front, a large 43mm fork offers precise steering feedback and 5.5 inches of travel.
The Nomad rolls on new nine-spoke cast wheels, which use tubeless tires and complement its open-road character. 130/90 front radial and a 170/70 rear radial tires are mounted on the 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 sure, 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 color option to chose; Metallic Diablo Black or two-tone Candy Diamond Red / Pearl Luster Beige.
Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.
Details & Features
Next Generation FI
- Based on the systems used by the Ninja 650R and Vulcan 900
- Utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three, for reduced complexity and weight
- The touring-oriented Nomad utilizes FI and exhaust systems which are 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
- Displays codes on the instrumentation, which can be read by owner; using accessory manual
Electronic Throttle Valve System
- Kawasaki’s first 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
- The 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 30mph and 85mph
- Pressure on the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal will automatically disengage the cruise control, as will manually rolling-off the throttle
Transmission / Final Drive
- Six-speed transmission
- 6th gear is an overdrive gear for better fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds
- 28mm carbon fiber final drive belt offers a 40 percent increase in tensile strength compared to current Kevlar belts. This allows the Vulcan 1700 to use a slim belt that’s 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
- A more compact package than its predecessors, the new frame features a shorter wheelbase, and shorter distance between the seat and steering head, 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
- 5.5 inches of travel for excellent ride quality
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
- Feature chromed shock covers, contributing the luxurious finish of the rear of the bike
9-Spoke Cast Wheels
- Allow the use of tubeless tires and complement the Nomad’s styling
- 130/90 front and 170/70 rear radial tires
- Tire choice and suspension settings selected to augment the chassis’ light handling characteristics
Brakes
- Dual 300mm front and a single 300mm rear disc are squeezed by two piston calipers. This braking system is tuned to provide sure, powerful stops
V-twin Visual Appeal
- Basic architecture has a significant impact on a V-Twin engine’s 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
- The edges of the cooling 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 to accentuate the gleaming 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
- 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 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
- Design Motif from the front fender continues through the rear fender, which features an elegant LED taillight
- The new Vulcan 1700s are the first Kawasaki cruisers to feature an elegant LED taillight
Wind Protection
- Adjustable handlebar-mounted 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 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 support
- Sturdy backrest with integrated passenger grab bars contributes to passenger confidence
- As a final contribution to passenger comfort, the Nomad features passenger floorboards
Saddlebags
- 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 on the Nomad 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 guardsPowerful 1700cc V-Twin engine
- Liquid cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, fuel-injected 1700cc 50° 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 Nomad, with a distinct V-twin feel
- Valve system is based on the Vulcan 2000, but uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods, for quicker revving and enhanced mid-high rpm power
- Semi-dry sump 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
- Features dual mufflers, one on each side of the bike, to allow maximum clearance for luggage
- Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50-70mph range
Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds-
Specifications
| Engine |
Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 50° V-twin |
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| Displacement |
1,700cc / 103.7ci |
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| Ignition |
TCBI with Digital Advance |
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| Bore x stroke |
102 x 104mm |
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| Maximum Torque |
108 lb-ft @ 2,750rpm |
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| Cooling |
Liquid, plus cooling fins |
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| Ignition |
Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies |
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| Transmission |
Six-speed with overdrive |
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| Frame |
Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone |
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| Rake / trail |
30° / 7.0 in. |
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| Front Suspension / wheel travel |
43mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in. |
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| Rear Suspension / wheel travel |
Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in. |
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| Brakes, front / rear |
Dual 300 mm discs, dual twin-piston calipers / Single 300 mm disc, twin-piston caliper |
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| Colors |
Metallic Diablo Black, Candy Diamond Red / Pearl Luster Beige |
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| Good Times™ Protection Plan |
12, 24, 36 or 48 months |
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* Note: Specifications and pricing are subject to change.
