Introduction
Purposeful beauty with a traditional
cruiser and high tech blend
Technology is supposed to make life easier, not busier and ever
more complex. Kawasaki's new Vulcan® 1700 Classic cruiser
employs the right amount of technology with a dose of old-fashioned
simplicity to allow the rider to focus on the experience and
not the machine. Its lighter, more compact frame holds a new
engine utilizing a high-tech electronic throttle valve. Transferring
the healthy torque output to the road is a new six-speed transmission
with overdrive and super strong carbon fiber drive belt.
Building upon its Vulcan 1600 roots, the 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 permits faster revving
and helps the Vulcan 1700 to provide quick acceleration and deliver
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.
On the technology front, the new Vulcan 1700 features Kawasaki's
first fully electronic throttle valve system, which together
with the fuel injection system offers smooth, natural engine
response. The electronic throttle valve enables the ECU to deliver
an ultra-precise metering of both fuel and air to the engine.
It also provides accurate cold-engine idling speed control, reduces
rider fatigue and retains the "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.
More cutting edge technology is found on the Vulcan 1700's fuel
injection system. Like the systems in use on Kawasaki's Ninja®
650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles, the 1700's FI 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 hands-off starting. The cruising-oriented
Classic features FI and exhaust tuning to deliver the peak torque
and horsepower at lower rpm ideal for the urban and back
road environments.
Mated to the ground-breaking engine is a new six-speed transmission
featuring overdrive. The sixth gear functions as an overdrive
gear, contributing to relaxed riding and better fuel economy
at highway speeds. Transferring the power from the transmission
to the rear wheel is a carbon fiber final drive belt. With a
40-percent higher tensile strength than current Kevlar units,
the Vulcan 1700 is able 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 Classic with all the charm and visual appeal expected on
a Kawasaki cruiser. This meticulous attention to detail and exquisite
craftsmanship of the engine covers and bodywork design result
in a product that turns heads whether parked in front of a café
or cruising down the highway. This rolling showcase of workmanship
and care not only looks good from any angle, but its elegant
form is as pleasing to the touch as to the eye.
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 Classic's cruiser performance. A simple but elegant
rear steel tube swingarm suspension with twin air-assisted shocks
provides 3.1 inches of travel, and includes air adjustable spring
preload and rebound adjustment. Up front, a large 43mm fork offers
precise steering feedback, four-way preload adjustment 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. 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.
Kawasaki has subtly merged traditional styling with sophisticated
technology in a fashion to appeal to a broad spectrum of riders
with its new Vulcan 1700 Classic cruiser.
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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
high 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 handsome 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
The Vulcan 1700 is also the first Kawasaki cruiser to feature
an elegant LED taillight
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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 @ 2250
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: 43mm 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: 45.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.1 in.
Seat Height: 28.4 in.
Wheelbase: 65.6 in.
Curb Weight: 760.7 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gal.
Colors: Metallic Diablo Black
Two-tone: Luster Beige / Pearl Crystal White
* Price and specifications subject to change
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