A classic cruiser that’s ready to travel
Sharing can be half the fun. If you seek an ideal V-twin powered platform for a day on the road with your partner, Kawasaki’s new 2009 Vulcan® 1700 Classic LT is the motorcycle you’ve been waiting for. Building on the innovative Vulcan 1700 Classic, the LT incorporates just the right mix of extra features – large windscreen, leather saddlebags and a passenger backrest – to make any road trip a more attractive proposition.
New top-grain, reinforced cowhide saddlebags are the core of the Classic LT’s touring package. The leather is carefully selected to minimize flaws and deep-dyed to help protect its finish from minor scrapes. These ideally-sized bags feature a slant-top opening held shut by two 1.5-inch wide leather straps that are fitted with chrome buckles and concealed quick-release fasteners. Rolled and riveted lid tops along with metal reinforced upper edges maintain the bag’s shape and help keep unwanted moisture away from your cargo.
Comfortable rider and passenger seats are a must on a cruiser able to tackle anything from daily commuting to roadtrips with a partner. The Classic LT has the right seats along with a classic-style backrest to keep the passenger relaxed and smiling as the miles tick by. Detailed with chrome plated brass studs to match the bags, the classically styled seat and backrest blend attractive visual appeal with practical comfort.
A large, optically correct, acrylic windshield rounds out the additional 1700 Classic LT features. It offers adjustable height and delivers serious wind protection for the rider and passenger.
The 1700 Classic LT’s lighter, more compact frame holds a newly designed 1700cc engine based on that of the mighty Vulcan 2000. However, it uses a SOHC rather than push-rod actuated OHV arrangement. This permits fast revving and quick acceleration – delivering superior passing performance at highway speeds. The new engine’s increase in compression, displacement and long-stroke design delivers a rumbling V-twin feel with significant torque and power gains over its predecessor.
On the leading edge of technology, Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle valve system makes its debut on the Vulcan 1700 family. 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 Classic LT’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 Classic LT 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.
The Vulcan 1700 Classic LT also features a liquid-cooled alternator with rare-earth metals that produces a staggering 48.5 amps of electrical output, providing the 1700 Classic LT with more than enough current to power additional accessories.
However, this is no cold, mechanical techno-marvel. The designers were able to infuse abundant technology into the new Vulcan 1700 Classic LT without sacrificing the charm and visual appeal expected from a Kawasaki cruiser. Meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship of the engine covers, bodywork design and saddlebags 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 its light and easy handling are new suspension components – set to compliment the Classic LT’s operating envelope. 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 Classic LT 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.
A stylish combination of traditional layout, sophisticated technology and useful touring accessories, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT is always ready for a group ride or adventurous road trip.
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
Next Generation FI
- Based on systems already on Ninja 650R and Vulcan 900
- Utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three, for less complexity and weight
- The cruising-oriented Classic utilizes a FI and exhaust set up to deliver its peak torque and peak horsepower at lower rpm
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 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
- From the rider’s perspective, the electronic throttle valve 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 throttle pulley on the throttle body actuating the Accelerator Position Sensor (APS), located on the throttle body, to send 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) APS and TPS send two sets of signals to the ECU for system redundancy in the unlikely event of a sensor failure.
Transmission / Final Drive
- Six-speed transmission
- 6th gear is an overdrive gear, contributing to stress-free riding and better fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds
- 28mm carbon fiber final drive belt has a 40 percent higher tensile strength than current Kevlar units nearly twice its width and allows the Vulcan 1700 to use a slim belt only 2mm wider than that on the Vulcan 900
- The drive belt is quiet and efficient and helps reduce maintenance chores
Lightweight handling chassis
- A more compact package than its predecessors, the new frame features a shorter wheelbase, and shorter distance between the seat and frame head pipe, 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 and excellent ride quality
- Features 4-way preload adjustment
Dual Adjustable Rear Air-Shocks
- Feature Air adjustable spring preload to match the load
- 4-way rebound damping for a smooth and comfortable ride
- Feature chromed shock covers, contributing the luxurious finish of the rear of the bike
9-Spoke Cast Wheels
- Allows the use of tubeless tire and complement its new muscular styling
- 130/90 front and 170/70 rear radial tires offer good traction, smooth ride and classy style
- Tire choice and suspension settings augment the light handling characteristics
Brakes
- Dual 300mm front disc brakes and single 300mm rear disc brake, both with twin-piston calipers provide smooth, powerful stops
V-twin Visual Appeal
- Basic engine structure has a great impact on a V-Twin engine’s appearance.
- The line created by the top of the airbox and the cylinder heads forms a curved lined that continues to flow through the bike.
- Deeply chromed engine covers have curved upper surfaces. Their three-dimensional form adds volume and gives a quality appearance.
- The edges of the 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 further accentuates the chromed parts
Bodywork
- The fuel tank’s hand-sculpted contours employ constantly varying radii, giving the bike a dynamism that 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 Vulcan 1700’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 collar 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, and rear shock cover contrasts nicely with the bodywork’s deep, lustrous paint
- Simple design of the seat cover balances rich visual tone of the bodywork
- Motif from the front fender continues on the rear fender, which features an elegant LED taillight
Windscreen
- Thick, optically correct acrylic plastic windscreen is shaped for smooth airflow and cruiser style
- Strong chrome plated steel supports
- Two-position height
Seat and Passenger Backrest
- Detailed with ½-inch diameter chrome plated brass studs
- Strong chrome plated steel supports
Saddlebags
- Made of reinforced top grain cowhide carefully selected with minimal flaws and deep dyed to prevent scrapping off the finish
- Slant top opening lid, secured with two 1.5-inch wide leather straps with chrome buckles and quick release stealth fasteners
- Dual panel lid construction with embossed Vulcan logo detail
- Metal reinforced upper edge so bags hold their shape
- Rolled and riveted top lid minimizes water entry
- One-half inch diameter chrome plated brass stud accents match the seats
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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| Bore x stroke |
102 x 104mm |
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| Maximum Torque |
108 lb-ft @ 2250 |
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| Cooling |
Liquid, plus cooling fins |
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| Induction |
Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies |
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| Ignition |
TCBI with Digital Advance |
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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° / 6.7 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 Nocturne Blue / Pearl Burnish Beige, Metallic Dark Green / Pearl Burnish 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.
