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2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Classic
The stunningly beautiful Vulcan® 1700 Classic cruiser evokes that certain feeling in riders: one that beckons you aboard with its gorgeous curves and drop-dead custom styling and says “let’s ride.” It’s beautiful from so many angles – from its raked front end to the fat rear fender complemented by a fat rear tire – exemplifying classic boulevard styling. And the deep paintwork, thick chrome and detail touches will rock your world the first time you lay eyeballs upon it.
Pricing/Color Information
Features
All
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 1700CC 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 Chasis: • 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
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Classic
Specifications
Engine
- 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
- Ignition
- TCBI with Digital Advance
- Fuel Capacity
- 5.3 gal.
Transmission
- Transmission
- Six-speed with overdrive and positive neutral finder
- Induction
- Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Chassis
- Frame
- Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
- 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
- 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. (includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90-percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied))
- Trail
- 6.7 in.
General Information
- Warranty
- 12 months; Good Times™ Protection Plan: 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
- Rake
- 30°


