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2010 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Classic LT
Saddle up and hit the road, the Classic LT is ready to rumble.
Behind every good man there’s a strong woman. Or vice versa? Let’s just say the Vulcan® 1700 Classic is built with two-up cruising in mind, with just the right mix of features – a large windscreen, leather saddlebags and a passenger backrest – to make any road trip an offer your significant other just won’t want to refuse, no matter who’s in control.
A pair of top-grain, reinforced cowhide saddlebags are at the core of the Classic LT’s touring package, with leather carefully selected to minimize flaws and deep-dyed to help protect its finish from minor scrapes. These ideally-sized bags feature a slant-top opening held shut by two 1.5-inch wide leather straps, fitted with chrome buckles and concealed quick-release fasteners. Rolled and riveted lid tops along with metal reinforced upper edges maintain the bags’ shape and help keep unwanted moisture away from your cargo.
Comfortable rider and passenger seats are a must on a cruiser able to tackle anything from daily commuting to day trips with a partner, and the Classic LT’s got them, along with a classic-style backrest to keep the passenger relaxed and smiling as the miles tick by. Detailed with chrome plated brass studs to match the bags, the classically styled seat and backrest blend attractive visual appeal with practical comfort.
A large, optically correct, acrylic windshield rounds out the additional 1700 Classic LT features. It offers adjustable height and delivers serious wind protection for the rider and passenger.
The Classic LT 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 big displacement produce massive amounts of quick-revving horsepower, all of it delivered with a distinct V-twin character.
A 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 Classic LT’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 that has been optimized to deliver peak torque at a lower rpm – ideal for urban and back road environments.
Mated to that rumbling V-twin engine, a six-speed transmission featuring overdriven fifth and sixth gears contributes to a relaxed ride and better fuel economy at highway speeds. The Classic LT transfers torque from the transmission to the rear wheel through a thin and light carbon fiber final drive belt that’s just 28mm wide. Thanks to its carbon fiber construction, the belt offers 40-percent higher tensile strength than a Kevlar unit of the same width.
Designed to be as light and slim as possible, the Classic LT’s single backbone double cradle frame offers a short seat-to-steering head distance, with a correspondingly short wheelbase. Those easy-reach handlebars facilitate slow-speed maneuvering and help maximize rider confidence. Adding to the light and easy handling are suspension components that match the Vulcan 1700 Classic LT’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 LT rolls on nine-spoke cast wheels, which use tubeless tires and complement its open-road character. A 130/90 front radial and a 170/70 rear are mounted on those attractive wheels. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers and a 300mm rear disc brake with a two-piston caliper help bring this stylish machine to sure, powerful stops.
The Vulcan 1700 Classic LT also features a liquid-cooled alternator with rare-earth metals that produces a staggering 46.8 amps of electrical output, providing the 1700 Classic LT with more than enough current to power additional accessories.
Technologically modern though it may be, the Vulcan 1700 Classic LT is still infused with all the charm and visual appeal that’s expected from a Kawasaki cruiser. Careful attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship of the engine covers, bodywork and those beautiful saddlebags add up to a motorcycle that turns heads whether it’s parked in your garage or cruising down the highway.
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Pricing/Color Information
Features
All
New for 2010 - Improved exhaust pipe heat shielding reduces radiant heat felt by the rider
New for 2010 - Improved radiator ducting helps keep heat away from the rider’s right leg
New for 2010 - A 5mm shorter coolant pipe makes it possible to remove the pipe without removing the alternator cover, simplifying oil-screen maintenance
Adjustable Windscreen - Adjustable handlebar-mounted optically correct windscreen is shaped for optimum airflow management without compromising the Vulcan 1700 Classic LT’s cruiser styling
Adjustable Windscreen - Strong chrome plated steel supports
Adjustable Windscreen - Two-position height adjustability accommodates different sized riders
Studded Seats and Passenger Backrest - Studded rider and passenger seats feature a sculpted shape that complements the rich visual tone of the bodywork
Studded Seats and Passenger Backrest - Detailed with ½-inch diameter chrome plated brass studs
Studded Seats and Passenger Backrest - Passenger backrest has strong chrome plated steel supports for a secure feeling and traditional cruiser styling
Saddlebags - Made of reinforced top grain cowhide carefully selected with minimal flaws and deep dyed to resist finish damage due to minor scrapes
Saddlebags - Slant top opening lid, secured with two 1.5-inch wide leather straps with chrome buckles and concealed quick release fasteners
Saddlebags - Dual panel lid construction with embossed Vulcan logo detail
Saddlebags - Metal reinforced upper edge help bags hold their shape
Saddlebags - Rolled and riveted top lid minimizes water intrusion
Saddlebags - Chrome plated brass stud accents match the seats
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin Engine - Liquid cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, fuel-injected 1700cc 52° V-twin engine
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin Engine - Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke helps deliver massive torque, distinctive V-twin feel
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin Engine - Valve system uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods, for quick revability and enhanced mid-high rpm power
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin Engine - Semi-dry sump allows a low crankshaft placement and a long piston stroke without increasing engine height
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin Engine - Single-pin crank accentuates the engine’s V-twin character by providing strong power-pulses
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin Engine - Large capacity airbox is located on both sides of the engine
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin Engine - Small-diameter iridium sparkplugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for high combustion efficiency, especially during low-load operation
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin Engine - Dual staggered mufflers offer a rich sound and stylish appearance
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin Engine - Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50-70mph range
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin Engine - Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds
Next Generation FI - Based on the systems used by the Ninja 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles
Next Generation FI - Utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three, for simplicity and light weight
Next Generation FI - 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
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
Electronic Throttle Valve System - Optimized fuel injector timing and throttle valve position results in accurate, powerful engine response
Electronic Throttle Valve System - Control of both fuel injection and airflow provides easy starting and precise cold-engine idle speed control
Electronic Throttle Valve System - From the rider’s perspective, the ETV works like a standard cable-operated throttle
Electronic Throttle Valve System - the throttle grip is still connected to cables, so the feel at the grip is the same
Electronic Throttle Valve System - 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
Electronic Throttle Valve System - Accurate throttle position is relayed to the ECU by a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
Electronic Throttle Valve System - 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
On Board Diagnostics - Displays codes on the instrumentation, which can be read by owner from the accessory manual
Six-Speed Transmission / Final Drive - 5th and 6th are overdrive gears, contributing to stress-free riding and excellent fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds
Six-Speed Transmission / Final Drive - 28mm carbon fiber final drive belt offers a 40 percent increase in tensile strength compared to current Kevlar belts, allowing use of a belt only 2mm wider than the Kevlar belt on Vulcan 900
Six-Speed Transmission / Final Drive - Belt drive system is quiet, efficient and offers reduced maintenance compared to a chain
Light Handling Chassis - Compact frame features a short wheelbase, and short distance between the seat and steering head, for great ergonomics and easy maneuverability
Light Handling Chassis - 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
Light Handling Chassis - the down-tube joint, engine brackets, side-stand bracket, and rear fender/shock absorber bracket
Light Handling Chassis - 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
43mm Telescopic Fork - 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
Dual Adjustable Rear Air-Shocks - 4-way rebound damping adjustments help the shocks compensate for changes in spring pressure
Dual Adjustable Rear Air-Shocks - 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
9-Spoke Cast Wheels - 130/90 front and 170/70 rear radial tires
9-Spoke Cast Wheels - 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
Classical 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
Classical V-Twin Appeal - Deeply chromed engine covers have curved upper surfaces. Their three-dimensional form adds volume and gives a high quality appearance
Classical V-Twin Appeal - The edges of the cooling fins receive a special NC treatment that makes them gleam in sunlight
Classical V-Twin Appeal - 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
Bodywork - Its lines flowing through the rest of the bike, the elegantly shaped fuel tank contributes to the Vulcan 1700’s curvaceous figure
Bodywork - LED taillight offers elegant design and excellent long-term durability
Instrumentation - Ignition switch allows on-position key removal; preventing key bunches from scratching the instrument cluster or tank while the bike is in operation
Instrumentation - Turning the ignition switch collar to the “OFF” position turns the engine off and necessitates re-insertion of the key to restart
Instrumentation - 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 range and average fuel consumption
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
Instrumentation - The sculpted shape of the seat complements the rich visual tone of the bodywork
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Classic LT
Specifications
Engine
- 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
- Cooling
- Liquid, plus cooling fins
- Fuel Capacity
- 5.3 gal.
- Maximum Torque
- 108 lb-ft @ 2250
Transmission
- Final Drive
- Belt
- Induction
- Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
- Ignition
- TCBI with Digital Advance
- Transmission
- Six-speed with overdrive
Chassis
- Suspension Front
- 43mm hydraulic fork
- Wheel Travel, Front
- 5.5 in.
- Suspension Rear
- Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping
- Wheel Travel, Rear
- 3.1 in.
- Tires Front
- 130/90x16
- Tires Rear
- 170/70x16
- Brake Front
- Dual 300 mm discs, dual twin-piston calipers
- Brake Rear
- Single 300 mm disc, twin-piston caliper
Dimensions
- Ground Clearance
- 5.1 in.
- Wheelbase
- 65.6 in.
- Seat Height
- 28.3 in.
- Length
- 98.4 in.
- Width
- 40.4 in.
- Height
- 57.7 in.
- Curb Weight
- 798 lbs.
- Rake (Caster Angle)
- 30°
- Trail
- 6.7 in.
General Information
- Frame
- Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
- Warranty
- 24 Months
Colors
- Colors
- Metallic Imperial Red/Metallic Titanium
Photos