Market Segment:
Large-displacement cruiser motorcycle, positioned as a comfortable touring machine with classic styling.
Competitors:
Honda Shadow Aero, Yamaha V-Star 1300 Tourer, Indian Chief Vintage, Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic.
Touring Amenities:
Includes large windshield, comfortable seating, saddlebags, and passenger backrest as standard or optional equipment on the Tourer model.
Engine Design:
V-twin engine known for its torque delivery and classic cruiser sound.
Primary Purpose:
To provide detailed technical instructions for the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of the Kawasaki Classic Tourer 1700 VN1700 motorcycle.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures for the 1700cc V-twin engine. Includes cylinder head, valves, camshafts, pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods, lubrication system, and cooling system.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system diagnostics, cleaning, calibration, throttle body servicing, fuel pump and regulator testing, injector replacement.
Ignition System:
Ignition coil testing, spark plug specifications, ECU control of ignition timing.
Transmission:
Clutch inspection and adjustment, gear shift mechanism, transmission lubrication, disassembly and reassembly of the transmission internals.
Drivetrain:
Final drive (belt drive) inspection, tension adjustment, belt replacement, wheel bearing maintenance.
Suspension:
Front fork disassembly, inspection, seal replacement, fluid specifications, and oil level adjustments. Rear shock absorber inspection and replacement.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system diagnostics, caliper overhaul, brake pad replacement, brake fluid bleeding and replacement, master cylinder inspection.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams for all electrical components, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator/stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor operation, lighting system, horn, instrumentation, and accessory circuits.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing maintenance and adjustment, swingarm bearing inspection, wheel hub service.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing removal and installation, luggage system (touring components) servicing, seat removal, fuel tank mounting and removal.
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive diagnostic charts and procedures for common malfunctions and fault finding across all vehicle systems.
Preventative Maintenance:
Detailed steps for routine inspections, lubrication, filter replacements, fluid changes, and adjustments as per recommended service intervals.
Major Repairs:
Complete overhaul procedures for the engine, transmission, and other major mechanical components, including torque specifications and tolerances.
Diagnostics:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for identifying the root cause of problems, often involving multimeter usage, visual inspection, and diagnostic code interpretation (if applicable).
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing individual parts such as brake pads, spark plugs, air filters, oil filters, bearings, seals, and cables.
Adjustments:
Procedures for adjusting clutch, throttle cables, brake levers, suspension preload, and drive belt tension.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific maintenance and repair tasks.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic rider maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 8-valve, V-twin
Displacement:
1700cc (1699cc)
Bore X Stroke:
102.0 mm x 104.0 mm
Valve Train:
Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approximately 93 HP (at crankshaft, may vary by region/spec)
Torque:
Approximately 107 lb-ft (at crankshaft, may vary by region/spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection with Dual 43mm Throttle Bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Oil Type Recommendation:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or SH (or equivalent) motorcycle-specific oil
Oil Capacity W Filter:
Approx. 3.9 US qt (3.7 L)
Coolant Type:
Kawasaki All-Season Motorcycle Coolant (50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and deionized water)
Oil Filter Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Inspect every 3,750 miles (6,000 km), clean or replace as needed. Replace at 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Drive Belt Inspection Adjustment:
Inspect and adjust tension every 3,750 miles (6,000 km).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 12,000 miles (20,000 km) or 2 years, whichever comes first.
Coolant Flush:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 2 years, whichever comes first.
Typical Considerations:
Potential for clutch drag, occasional electrical connector corrosion in harsh environments, drive belt wear, and fuel injector cleaning maintenance. These are general considerations for motorcycles of this type and age and are addressed within the service manual.
Kawasaki Cruiser Legacy:
Kawasaki has a long-standing history in the cruiser market, building on its reputation for reliable and powerful V-twin engines, exemplified by models like the Vulcan series.
Vn1700 Introduction:
The VN1700 platform was introduced to offer a larger displacement, more comfortable, and feature-rich cruiser option to compete with established players in the touring cruiser segment.
Classic Tourer Variant:
The Classic Tourer variant specifically adds touring-oriented amenities like a larger fairing, saddlebags, and a passenger backrest, distinguishing it from the standard Classic or Nomad models.
Manufacturing Origin:
Typically manufactured in Japan or through Kawasaki's global production facilities.
