Introduction
Retro and Techno come together
to create one Timeless Cruiser
At Kawasaki, we don't believe classic looks and high technology
need to be mutually exclusive. As a matter of fact, just the
opposite. Witness Exhibit A: The Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Classic
combines things like the latest electronic throttle technology
feeding a visceral overhead-cam V-twin, with a dose of old-fashioned
cruiser simplicity that lets the rider focus on the experience
and not the machine, mile after reliable mile.
The Vulcan 1700 Classic V-twin uses a single overhead cam in
each cylinder head, rather than a push-rod overhead-valve arrangement,
to boost efficiency and provide quick acceleration and superior
passing performance. The engine's long-stroke design, high compression
and large displacement produce massive amounts of quick-revving
torque, all of it delivered with a distinct V-twin character.
Kawasaki's fully electronic throttle valve system feeds that
big V-twin exactly what it needs. Working with a powerful ECU
and the rest of the fuel injection system, the electronic throttle
valve enhances response without detracting from its distinctive
V-twin feel--delivering ultra-precise intake flow to the engine
under nearly any conditions.
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. Like the systems in use on the
Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles, the 1700 Classic's
fuel injection uses one sensor in place of the usual three, for
less complexity and weight. Besides the obvious FI advantages
like improved fuel economy and automatic adjustment 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 optimized to deliver peak torque at a lower
rpm-ideal for urban and back road environments.
Mated to this rumbling V-twin, a six-speed transmission with
overdriven fifth and sixth gears contributes to relaxed riding
and better fuel economy at highway speeds. The Vulcan 1700 Classic
transfers torque from the transmission to the rear wheel through
a thin and light 28mm carbon fiber final drive belt with 40-percent
higher tensile strength than a Kevlar unit of the same width.
Designed to be as light and slim as possible, the Classic's single
backbone double cradle frame offers a short seat-to-steering
head distance, with a correspondingly short wheelbase. That easy-reach
handlebar facilitates slow-speed maneuvering and helps maximize
rider confidence. Adding to the light and easy handling are suspension
components that 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 adjustment. Up front, a large
43mm fork offers precise steering feedback and 5.5 inches of
travel.
The Vulcan 1700 Classic rolls on nine-spoke cast wheels, which
run fat, tubeless tires to complement its muscular styling. A
130/90 front radial and 170/70 rear are mounted on those 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 steady, powerful stops.
Though it's packed with technological innovations, the Vulcan
1700 Classic remains a warm, organic machine built for the masses,
with all the character, charm and visual appeal riders expect
from a Kawasaki V-twin. 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.
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Features
New for 2010:
- Improved exhaust pipe heat shielding reduces radiant heat felt
by the rider
- Improved radiator ducting helps keep heat away from the rider's
right leg
- A 5mm shorter coolant pipe makes it possible to remove the
pipe without removing the alternator cover, simplifying oil-screen
maintenance
- New, two-tone color combination
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin engine
- Liquid cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, fuel-injected 1700cc 52°
V-twin engine
- Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke helps deliver massive
torque, distinctive V-twin feel
- Valve system uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead
of pushrods, for quick revability and enhanced mid-high rpm power
- Semi-dry sump allows low crankshaft placement and long stroke
without increasing engine height
- Single-pin crank accentuates the engine's V-twin character
by providing strong 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
- Dual staggered mufflers offer a rich sound and stylish appearance
- Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50-70mph
range
- Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly, facilitating
overtaking at highway speeds
Fuel Injection
- The Vulcan 1700 takes advantage of FI and exhaust tuning optimized
for maximum performance in the low-mid-rpm range, giving it plenty
of grunt on the boulevard
- Utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three, for simplicity
and light weight
- Based on the systems used by the Ninja 650R and Vulcan 900
motorcycles
Electronic Throttle Valve System
- 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
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 from the accessory manual
Six-Speed Transmission / Final Drive
- 5th and 6th gear are overdrive gears, contributing to stress-free
riding and 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, only 2mm wider than the Kevlar
belt on the Vulcan 900
- Belt drive system is quiet, efficient and offers reduced maintenance
compared to a chain
Light Handling Chassis
- Compact frame features a shorter wheelbase, and short distance
between the seat and steering head, for an ideal ergonomic layout
and easy maneuverability
- Light and as 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 compact design contributes to light handling and facilitates
maneuverability 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 spring preload can be tuned to match varying
rider and passenger loads
- 4-way rebound damping adjustments help the shocks compensate
for changes in spring pressure
- Chromed shock covers contribute to the bike's luxurious finish
9-Spoke Cast Wheels
- Allow the use of tubeless tires and complement the Vulcan 1700's
muscular 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 twin-piston calipers. This braking system is tuned to provide
sure, powerful stops
Classic V-twin Appeal
- 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 matte black
finish that further accentuates the gleaming chrome
Bodywork
- The fuel tank's hand-sculpted contours employ a constantly
varying radius, 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 Vulcan 1700's curvaceous
figure
- LED taillight looks elegant and provides years of trouble-free
service
Instrumentation
- 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 handlebar. Features
include a gear position indicator, fuel gauge, clock, odometer,
dual trip meters, remaining mileage range and average fuel consumption
- Liberal use of chrome on the engine, fender brackets, light
stays, and rear shock covers contrast nicely with the bodywork's
deep, lustrous paint
- The sculpted shape of the seat complements the rich visual
tone of the bodywork
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Technical Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled,
SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52° V-twin
Displacement: 1,700cc / 103.7ci
Bore x Stroke: 102 x 104mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum Torque: 108 lb-ft @ 2,250 rpm
Cooling: Liquid, plus cooling fins
Induction: Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: Six-speed with overdrive and positive neutral finder
Final drive: Carbon Fiber 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 300mm discs, dual twin-piston calipers
Brakes, Rear: Single 300mm 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: 28.3 in.
Wheelbase: 65.6 in.
Curb Weight: 761 lbs.**
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gal.
Colors: 2-tone Metallic Diablo Black/Candy Surf Blue
MSRP: $12,999
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