Introduction
Born for the open road
Kawasaki's new 2009 Vulcan® 1700 Nomad™ is more than
a touring edition of the innovative Vulcan 1700 Classic. This
cruising motorcycle is for riders and passengers who yearn for
the open road and nights away from home, but also like to ride
in comfort. With a large windshield, hard saddlebags, passenger
floorboards, a luxury backrest and standard cruise control, the
Nomad is designed for miles of adventure solo or two-up.
The new Nomad supplies serious wind protection courtesy of an
adjustable handlebar-mounted windscreen. A sub-windshield and
deflectors on the Nomad further increase wind protection performance.
The sub-windshield covers the area between the windshield and
headlight when the windshield 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 8.6 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 fall. Convenient helmet locks are located on the
left- and right-side saddlebag guards.
Comfortable seating for the rider and passenger is a must on
a touring bike and the Nomad delivers with plush deluxe seats
that are sculpted for all-day comfort. Contributing to long-distance
passenger comfort is a luxury backrest with integrated passenger
grab bars and floorboards for both the rider and passenger.
The Nomad's light, 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 from the 1700cc engine
delivering superior passing performance at highway speeds. The
new engine's increase in compression, displacement and long-stroke
design means significant torque and power gains over its predecessor.
This is no V-twin from yesteryear, 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. Besides the obvious advantages
of FI like improved fuel economy, the system permits easy hand-off
starting.
The Nomad's FI and exhaust are tuned to deliver its peak torque
and horsepower at higher rpm ideal for its open road operating
environment. More touring refinement comes from the clutch, which
features six damping springs for three-stage progressive damping
to smooth out the shifting and the hit from the big 1700cc engine
under hard acceleration.
More cutting edge technology is found in Kawasaki's first fully
electronic throttle valve system that makes its first appearance
on the Nomad. Working together with the fuel injection system,
the electronic throttle valve helps the new Vulcan 1700 Nomad
to offer a smooth, natural engine response. This helps the ECU
to deliver an ultra-precise metering of both fuel and air to
the engine. It also provides accurate cold-engine idle speed
control, reduces rider fatigue and helps maintain a "natural"
throttle feel.
The system utilizes dual sensors; an Accelerator Position Sensor
(APS) on the throttle body and a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
on the throttle. Both of these sensors feed data to the ECU,
which in turn adjusts the throttle plates with exacting precision.
The system is capable of functioning on one set of data alone,
offering redundancy in the unlikely event of a sensor failure.
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 navigation systems and
other electrical accessories that enrich modern traveling.
Likewise, no modern motorcycle could call itself a "tourer"
without cruise control, and the Nomad is no exception. The cruise
control is conveniently operated from the right side of the handlebar
and can be activated between 30 and 85 mph in third gear or above.
Disengaging is easily done by using the brake lever, clutch lever,
rear brake pedal or manually closing the throttle.
Moving the Nomad down the road is a new six-speed transmission
featuring overdrive and super strong carbon fiber drive belt.
The sixth gear functions as an overdrive gear, contributing to
relaxed riding and better fuel economy at highway speeds. The
new carbon fiber drive belt has a 40-percent higher tensile strength
than current Kevlar units, and allows it to use a thin and light
28mm belt.
However, this is no cold, mechanical techno-marvel. The designers
were able to infuse the abundant technology into the new Vulcan
1700 Nomad with all the charm and visual appeal expected on a
Kawasaki light touring 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 uses the minimal
amount of forged parts and metal for a reduction of 4.4 pounds
and a rigidity increase of 40-percent. With a shorter seat to
steering head distance, the new lightweight chassis is more compact
and shorter overall with a correspondingly decreased wheelbase.
The easy-to-reach handlebars facilitate better low-speed maneuvering
and contribute to greater rider confidence and comfort.
Adding to the light and easy handling of the low weight chassis
design are the new suspension components set to match the
Vulcan 1700 Nomad's touring performance. Dual adjustable rear
air-shocks provide 3.1 inches of travel, and include air adjustable
spring preload and rebound adjustment to ensure a comfortable
ride feel with unique settings for the Nomad. Up front, a large
43mm fork offers precise steering feedback, four-way preload
adjustment and 5.5 inches of travel.
The Nomad rolls on new nine-spoke cast wheels, which use tubeless
tires and complement its new muscular styling. Mounted on the
attractive wheels are a 130/90 front radial tire and a wide,
170/70 rear radial tire. These aren't the giant size tires that
can "dull" handling, but beefy treads that offer good
traction, smooth ride and good style. Dual 300mm front disc brakes
with twin-piston calipers and a single 300mm rear disc brake
with a two-piston caliper bring this show to smooth, powerful
stops.
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Features
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin engine
Liquid cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, fuel-injected 1700cc
V-twin engine as on the Vulcan 1700 Classic
Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke helps deliver high
levels of torque
A large capacity airbox is located on both sides of the
engine
Features dual mufflers, one on each 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 touring-oriented Nomad utilizes a FI and exhaust set
up to deliver its torque and horsepower peak at a higher 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 valve system
enables the ECU to control the volume of intake air (via throttle
valves) and the volume fuel (via fuel injectors) 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 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 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.
Cruise control
Operation of the cruise control is conveniently from the
right handle
Cruise control can be activated between 30mph (47km/h)
and 85mph (137km/h) in 3rd gear or above
Operating the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal
disengages the cruise control as will closing the throttle beyond
the "zero-throttle" position
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
The clutch features six damping springs for three-stage
progressive damping that contributes to smoother feeling under
hard acceleration
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
Settings are specific to the touring needs of the Nomad
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 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 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, 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
Motif from the front fender continues on the rear fender,
which features an elegant LED taillight
Wind Protection
Adjustable handlebar-mounted windscreen offers smooth airflow
and cruiser style
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
comfort
Luxury backrest with integrated passenger grab bars contributes
to passenger comfort
As a final contribution to passenger comfort, the Nomad
features passenger floorboards
Saddlebags
The Nomad features hard, lockable, top-opening saddlebags
that each provide 8.6 gal. (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 case of a fall
Convenient helmet locks located on the left- and right-side
saddlebag guards
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Technical Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled,
SOHC, four valves per cylinder, V-twin
Displacement: 1,700cc / 103.7ci
Bore x Stroke: 102 x 104mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum Torque: 108 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
Cooling: Liquid, plus cooling fins
Induction: Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: Six-speed with overdrive
Final drive: Belt
Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake / Trail: 30° / 6.7 in.
Suspension, Front / Wheel Travel: 45mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.
Suspension, Rear / Wheel Travel: Swingarm with twin air-assisted
shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in.
Front Tire: 130/90x16
Rear Tire: 170/70x16
Brakes, Front Dual 300 mm discs, dual twin-piston calipers
Brakes, Rear: Single 300 mm disc, twin-piston caliper
Overall Length: 98.4 in.
Overall Width: 40.4 in.
Overall Height: 56.7 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.5 in.
Seat Height: 29.5 in.
Wheelbase: 65.5 in.
Curb Weight: 822.5 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gal.
Colors: Metallic Diablo Black
Two-tone: Candy Diamond Red / Pearl Luster Beige
Two-tone: Metallic Nocturne Blue / Pearl Luster Beige
* Price and specifications subject to change
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