Vehicle Segment:
Full-size cruiser touring motorcycle
Target Demographic:
Riders seeking comfortable, long-distance touring capability with classic styling and V-twin power
Key Competitors Era:
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide/Road King, Honda Gold Wing (older generations), Indian Roadmaster (emerging)
Engine Configuration:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Transmission Type:
6-speed constant mesh
Touring Amenities:
Large fairing with windshield, ample saddlebags, comfortable seating for rider and passenger, often optional passenger backrest and audio system
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly/disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (EFI), throttle body, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control (EVAP)
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU (Engine Control Unit) related ignition timing
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gearbox assembly/disassembly, shift mechanism, final drive (belt drive system)
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator/stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals), instrumentation, horn, ECU diagnostics
Braking System:
Hydraulic brake systems (front and rear calipers, master cylinders, brake lines), brake pad replacement, brake fluid bleeding, ABS (if equipped)
Suspension System:
Front fork (telescopic, cartridge/air assist if applicable), rear shock absorber(s), swingarm, linkage components
Steering System:
Handlebars, steering stem, steering bearings
Chassis And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal/installation, seat, fuel tank, fairings, luggage systems (touring specific)
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), ECU data reading (via compatible tools)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug inspection/replacement, drive belt inspection/tensioning
Repair:
Component repair and replacement, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhauls, suspension fork servicing, brake system repairs
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems
Adjustments:
Carburetor/throttle body synchronization, clutch adjustment, chain/belt tension adjustment (if applicable to specific models/years), suspension adjustments
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance, in-depth diagnostics, component-level repair, and full engine/transmission overhauls
Target Audience:
Professional motorcycle technicians and experienced DIY mechanics
Engine Type:
V-twin, four-stroke
Displacement:
1700 cc (103.7 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
102.0 x 104.0 mm
Valve Train:
SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated (note: SOHC with pushrod actuation is uncommon, typically overhead cams are belt/chain driven. Re-checking this specific model spec. *Correction*: VN1700 series utilizes SOHC with rockers, but not pushrods in the traditional Harley sense. It's a more modern valve actuation.)
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1 (typical, confirm with manual)
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Lubrication System:
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Horsepower:
Approx. 72 hp @ 5,000 rpm (typical, refer to manual for exact figure)
Torque:
Approx. 100 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (typical, refer to manual for exact figure)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sub-Throttle System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Fuel Tank Capacity:
5.3 US gallons (20 Liters)
Overall Length:
Approx. 99.4 in. (2525 mm)
Overall Width:
Approx. 39.2 in. (995 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 57.7 in. (1465 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 64.0 in. (1625 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.5 in. (140 mm)
Seat Height:
Approx. 28.7 in. (730 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 723 lbs (328 kg)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 791 lbs (359 kg) with all necessary operating consumables (oil, full fuel tank, etc.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Refer to VIN plate and manual
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles are not rated by traditional automotive safety agencies like NHTSA in the same manner)
ABS:
Available on some models/trims (K-ACT - Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-Braking Technology)
Braking System Type:
Hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight/brake light
Frame Construction:
Steel, double-cradle frame
Audio System:
Optional factory-installed audio system, typically with AM/FM radio and iPod/MP3 connectivity on higher trims or as an accessory. May include handlebar controls.
Cruise Control:
Available on some VN1700 models, providing enhanced touring comfort. (Check specific model/trim for availability).
ABS:
As mentioned, K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-Braking Technology) was an option, providing linked ABS for enhanced braking control.
Diagnostic Port:
Standard diagnostic connector for ECU access, allowing for fault code reading and data logging with appropriate tools.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,700 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical, confirm with manual)
Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change (typical)
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) (typical, confirm with manual)
Drive Belt Inspection:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) for tension and condition (typical, confirm with manual)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (typical, confirm with manual)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, SJ or higher, SAE 10W-40 motorcycle specific lubricant (confirm viscosity for ambient temperature ranges in manual)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.9 US qt (3.7 L) with filter change (typical, confirm with manual)
Coolant Type:
Permanent antifreeze (ethylene glycol based) with corrosion inhibitor, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual (specific gear oil or dedicated transmission fluid)
Cam Chain Tensioner:
Some VN1700 models (early production) may exhibit issues with automatic cam chain tensioners, leading to rattling noise. Aftermarket manual tensioners or replacement units are available.
Fuel Injector Cleaning:
Periodic cleaning of fuel injectors may be beneficial for optimal performance, especially after long periods of disuse or with lower quality fuel.
Electrical Connectors:
As with many motorcycles, checking and dielectric greasing electrical connectors periodically can prevent corrosion and intermittent issues.
Kawasaki Motorcycles:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Motorcycle & Engine division has a long history of innovation in motorcycle design, from early models to modern performance bikes and cruisers.
Vn Series Cruisers:
The VN series (Vulcan) has been Kawasaki's staple cruiser line, evolving from smaller displacement models to large V-twins. The VN1700 platform introduced advanced features and touring capability.
Classic Tourer Variant:
The Classic Tourer variant builds upon the Classic chassis, adding a substantial fairing, saddlebags, and other amenities for long-distance riding, distinguishing it from the Classic, Classic LT, and Voyager models within the VN1700 family.
Production Period Vn1700:
VN1700 models were produced starting from the late 2000s, with the VN1700 Classic Tourer being a key offering in that period.
