2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Vaquero™

45 mm Telescopic Fork

• Provides superb steering feedback
• 5.5 in. of travel for excellent ride quality
• Optimized damping and spring settings for a plush but controlled ride

6-speed Transmission / Final Drive

• Belt drive system is quiet, efficient and offers reduced maintenance compared to a chain
• 5th and 6th are overdrive gears for excellent fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds
• Carbon fiber-reinforced final drive belt offers a 40 percent increase in tensile strength compared to current Kevlar belts
• Durable and easy-shifting 6-speed transmission with positive neutral finder

9-spoke Cast Aluminum Wheels

• Fat and long-wearing 130/90 front and 170/70 rear tires
• Light and strong wheels allow the use of tubeless tires, while flat Black paint nicely complements the Vaquero’s styling treatment
• Tire choice and suspension settings augment the chassis’ light handling characteristics

Classic Custom Dashboard / Advanced Audio

• The radio / stereo unit features a classically custom look from the 1960's
• The audio system (and your iPod, which plugs easily into the left fairing pocket) can be operated by switches on the left handlebar
• Instrument layout and large round dials give the Vaquero’s console a custom look with a retro flavor
• Analog displays include speedometer, tachometer and coolant temperature gauge
• Multi-function LCD display in the center of the instrument console is controlled by switches on the right handlebar. Features include a gear position indicator, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range and average fuel consumption
• Ignition switch allows key removal in the on position, which prevents keys from damaging the Black finish tank cover during operation
• Turning the ignition switch collar to the ACC position allows accessories to be used while the engine is off; turning it to the “OFF” position turns the engine off and necessitates re-insertion of the key to restart
• Audio system with twin speakers features radio (FM/AM/WX) and compatibility with optional iPod®, XM tuner, or CB radio units

Comfort

• Scooped shape allows an easy reach to the ground
• Dual adjustable rear air-shocks use settings optimized for a compliant ride and higher-load carrying when needed
• Sculpted seat blends a stylish shape with ideal foam density for all-day comfort
• Upright riding position and rubber-topped floorboards contribute to substantial riding comfort

Convenient Storage

• Up front, lockable glove boxes provide a handy place for storing smaller items
• Dual under-seat helmet holders
• Their flowing, rounded shape is an attractive alternative to the square, boxy luggage found on other bagger models
• The Vaquero features hard, lockable and sealed top-opening side cases that provide nearly 10 gal. of storage space each for overnight touring

Dual Air-adjustable Rear Shocks

• 4-way rebound damping adjustability helps the shocks compensate for changes in spring pressure
• Air-adjustable shocks can be tuned to match varying rider and passenger loads

Electronic Cruise Control System

• Cruise system can be activated in 3rd gear or above at any speed between 30 and 85 mph
• System maintains a desired speed even on uphill climbs
• Cruise control can be engaged and adjusted entirely from the right handlebar
• Pressure on the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal automatically disengages the cruise control, as does manually rolling off the throttle

Electronic Throttle Valve System

• Control of both injection and airflow provides easy starting and precise cold-engine idle speed control
• APS and TPS send 2 sets of signals to the ECU for system redundancy in the unlikely event of a sensor failure
• Accurate throttle position is relayed to the ECU by a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
• From the rider’s perspective, the ETV system works like a standard cable-operated throttle; the throttle grip remains connected to cables, so the feel at the grip is the same
• Optimized 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
• 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

Light Handling Chassis

• Lightweight and slim, the Vaquero 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.
• This compact design contributes to light handling and facilitates low-speed handling, especially maneuvers such as parking or U-turns
• The strong steel frame allows a relatively short wheelbase for optimal ergonomics and easy maneuverability

Long Range

• 5.3-gal. fuel tank offers a substantial range, helping to minimize fuel stops when out on the open road

New for 2011

• The Vulcan® 1700 Vaquero is an all-new motorcycle for 2011

Next-generation Fuel Injection

• Based on the systems used by the Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles
• Utilizes 1 sensor in place of the usual 3 for reduced complexity and weight

On Board Diagnostics

• Diagnostic system allows self testing of the electronic systems on the Vulcan 1700
• System displays codes on the instrumentation, which can be read by owner

Powerful 1,700 cc V-twin Engine

• Small-diameter iridium sparkplugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for high combustion efficiency, especially during low-load operation
• Liquid-cooled, 4-valves per cylinder, fuel-injected 1,700 cc, 52-degree, V-twin engine
• Engine tuning, combined with long-stroke design, offers superior acceleration in the 50 - 70 mph range
• Even in overdrive (5th and 6th gear) the engine pulls strongly, which makes highway passing easier
• Single-pin crankshaft accentuates the engine’s V-twin character by providing strong power pulses
• Large-capacity airbox is located on both sides of the engine
• Semi-dry sump design allows lower crankshaft positioning and a longer piston stroke without increasing engine height
• Long-stroke 102 x 104 mm bore and stroke dimensions deliver high torque levels with a distinct V-twin feel
• Valve-actuation system is based on the Vulcan 2000’s, but uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods for quicker revving and enhanced mid-high rpm power

Styling and Bodywork

• Many of the parts are original designs, which add to the factory-custom look and feel of the Vaquero. These include the engine shrouds, rear fender, 1-piece side covers, saddlebags, fairing, and seat.
• Newly designed mufflers are tapered at their ends for a thoroughly retro look
• Gloss and matte finishes on the engine highlight aesthetics even further
• Cut-down fairing looks like a true custom piece, right down to the abbreviated smoked windscreen and headlight cover
• Basic engine architecture supports the Vaquero’s factory-custom look, while its blacked-out color with machined and bare-aluminum accents sets off the bike’s color scheme
• Louvre-style fog lamp covers can be replaced with accessory lamps
• Hand-formed body-part shapes create a highly customized appearance
• LED taillight is attractive and highly conspicuous when lit for added safety
• Sculpted, custom-look seat looks good and cradles the rider for maximum comfort
• Sculpted strut covers seamlessly fill the space between the rear fender and saddlebags

Wind Protection

• With the fairing mounted to the frame, any wind buffeting is transferred to the bike rather than the handlebar, helping to enhance highway stability and reduce rider fatigue
• Large, wide fairing with abbreviated windscreen and integrated lowers provides substantial wind and weather protection for riders