Purposeful beauty with a traditional cruiser values

Technology is supposed to make life easier, not busier and ever more complex. Kawasaki’s new Vulcan® 1700 Classic cruiser combines just the right amount of technology with a visceral V-twin character and a dose of old-fashioned simplicity which allows the rider to focus on the experience and not the machine. Its lighter, more compact frame holds a new long-stroke 50° V-twin engine utilizing overhead cams and a high-tech electronic throttle valve. A new six-speed transmission and a super strong carbon fiber drive belt help transfer the engine’s healthy power pulses to the road.

The Vulcan 1700 features a newly designed 1700cc engine based on the mighty Vulcan 2000. However, it uses a single overhead cam in each cylinder head rather than a push-rod actuated OHV arrangement. This boosts efficiency and helps the Vulcan 1700 to provide quick acceleration and superior passing performance. 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.

On the technology front, the new Vulcan 1700 features Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle valve system. Working with the rest of the 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.

More cutting edge technology is found in the Vulcan 1700’s new fuel injection system. Like the systems in use on the Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles, the 1700’s fuel injection uses 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. This cruising-oriented machine features FI and exhaust system tuning that has been optimized to deliver peak torque at a lower rpm – ideal for urban and back road environments.
Mated to its rumbling V-twin engine is a new six-speed transmission featuring overdrive. The overdrive sixth gear ratio contributes to relaxed riding and better fuel economy at highway speeds. The Vulcan 1700 transfers torque from the transmission to the rear wheel through a thin and light 28mm belt carbon fiber final drive belt. Thanks to its carbon fiber construction, the new belt offers 40-percent higher tensile strength than a Kevlar unit of the same width.

It contains abundant technological innovations, yet the Vulcan 1700 isn’t a cold techno-marvel, because the designers were able to infuse the 1700 with technology, without sacrificing any of the character, charm or visual appeal that riders expect from a V-twin cruiser. The meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship of the engine and bodywork result in a product that turns heads whether parked in front of a café or cruising down the boulevard. 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.

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 are the new suspension components – set to 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 adjustments. Up front, a large 43mm fork offers precise steering feedback and 5.5 inches of travel.

The Vulcan 1700 rolls on new nine-spoke cast wheels, which use tubeless tires and complement its new muscular styling. 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.

Kawasaki has subtly merged traditional styling with sophisticated technology in  such a way as to appeal to a broad spectrum of V-twin enthusiasts with its new Vulcan 1700 Classic cruiser.

Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.




Details & Features

Powerful 1700cc V-Twin engine
- Liquid cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, fuel-injected 1700cc 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
- Valve system is based on the Vulcan 2000, but uses a SOHC arrangement instead of OHV for more direct engine feel and quicker revving
- Semi-dry sump allows a lower crankshaft placement and a longer piston stroke without increasing engine height
- Single-pin crank provides the desirable power-pulse feel
- Twin counter-balancers handle smoothing the engine pulses
- A 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 at low-load operation (near idling)
- Features dual mufflers on the right side of the bike
- Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50-70mph (80-113km/h) range
- Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds