Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic, 2012

 

Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic, 2012

Features and Benefits

Key Features

• • Liquid-cooled 1,700cc V-twin engine produces massive torque
• • Fuel injection system optimized for power in the low
• • to mid-rpm range
• • Compact frame for easy maneuverability and handling
• • Electronic throttle valve system helps produce smooth power
• • Adjustable rear suspension
• • 9-spoke cast wheels add to the classic V-twin look and feel
• • Instrumentation includes digital LCD screen that displays a wealth of information

Powerful 1,700cc V-twin engine

• • Liquid cooled, four valves per cylinder, fuel-injected 1,700cc 52-degree V-twin engine
• • Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke dimensions help deliver massive torque and distinctive V-twin feel
• • Valve system uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods for quick revability and enhanced mid
• • to 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 to 70 mph range
• • Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly, facilitating overtaking at highway speed

Fuel Injection

• • The Vulcan 1700 takes advantage of FI and exhaust tuning optimized for maximum performance in the low
• • to 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
• • The ETV works like a standard cable-operated throttle; the throttle grip is connected to cables, so the feel at the grip for the rider is the same
• • Twisting the throttle turns a pulley on the throttle body that 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 that can be read by owner from the accessory manual

Six-speed Transmission / Final Drive

• • 5th and 6th gear are overdrive ratios, 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 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 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 engine parts 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 that’s pleasing both to the eye and the touch
• • 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 keys 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

USA Specifications
US MSRP Price: $11,499 USD

• Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valves per cylinder, 52-degree 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 System 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
• Frame Type Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
• Rake/Trail 30° / 6.7 in.
• Front Suspension / wheel travel 43mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.
• Rear Suspension / wheel travel Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in.
• Front Tire Size 130/90x16
• Rear Tire Size 170/70x16
• Brakes, front / rear Dual 300 mm discs, dual twin-piston calipers / 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 28.3 in.
• Wheelbase 65.6 in.
• Curb weight 761 lbs.
• Fuel capacity 5.3 gal.
• Color Choices Ebony
• Warranty 12 months