2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Classic

43 mm Telescopic Fork

• Provides superb steering feedback
• 5.5 inches of travel for excellent ride quality

6-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
• 28 mm 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 2 mm wider than the Kevlar belt on the Vulcan 900
• Belt drive system is quiet, efficient and offers reduced maintenance compared to a chain

9-spoke Cast Wheels

• Tire choice and suspension settings selected to augment the chassis’ light handling characteristics
• 130/90 front and 170/70 rear tires
• Allow the use of tubeless tires and complement the Vulcan 1700’s muscular styling

Bodywork

• The elegantly shaped fuel tank contributes to the Vulcan 1700’s curvaceous figure
• 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
• LED taillight looks elegant and provides years of trouble-free service

Brakes

• Dual 300 mm front and a single 300 mm rear disc are squeezed by twin-piston calipers; this braking system is tuned to provide sure, powerful stops

Classic V-twin Appeal

• The edges of the cooling fins receive a special NC treatment that makes them gleam in sunlight
• 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
• All the non-chromed engine parts have a matte black finish that further accentuates the gleaming chrome

Dual Adjustable Rear Air Shocks

• 4-way rebound damping adjustments help the shocks compensate for changes in spring pressure
• Chromed shock covers contribute to the bike’s luxurious finish
• Air-adjustable spring preload can be tuned to match varying rider and passenger loads

Electronic Throttle Valve System

• 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
• Optimized fuel injector timing and throttle valve position results in accurate, powerful engine response
• 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
• APS and TPS send two sets of signals to the ECU for system redundancy in the unlikely event of a sensor failure
• 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
• Accurate throttle position is relayed to the ECU by a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
• Control of both fuel injection and airflow provides easy starting and precise cold-engine idle speed control

Fuel Injection

• Utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three for simplicity and light weight
• 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
• Based on the systems used by the Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles

Instrumentation

• Liberal use of chrome on the engine, fender brackets, light stays, and rear shock covers contrast nicely with the bodywork’s deep, lustrous paint
• 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
• Turning the ignition switch collar to the “OFF” position turns the engine off and necessitates re-insertion of the key to restart
• Ignition switch allows on-position key removal, preventing keys from scratching the instrument cluster or tank while the bike is in operation
• The sculpted shape of the seat complements the rich visual tone of the bodywork

Key Features

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

Light Handling Chassis

• 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
• 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

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

Powerful 1,700 cc V-twin Engine

• Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly, facilitating overtaking at highway speed
• Single-pin crank accentuates the engine’s V-twin character by providing strong power pulses
• Small-diameter iridium spark plugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for high combustion efficiency, especially during low-load operation
• Valve system uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods for quick revability and enhanced mid- to high-rpm power
• Large capacity airbox is located on both sides of the engine
• Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50 to 70 mph range
• Semi-dry sump allows low crankshaft placement and long stroke without increasing engine height
• Long-stroke 102 x 104 mm bore and stroke dimensions help deliver massive torque and distinctive V-twin feel
• Liquid-cooled, four valves per cylinder, fuel-injected 1,700 cc 52-degree V-twin engine
• Dual staggered mufflers offer a rich sound and stylish appearance