Segment:
Full-size V-twin cruiser / touring motorcycle.
Target Audience:
Touring riders, cruiser enthusiasts seeking comfort and long-distance capability.
Key Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Indian Roadmaster, Yamaha Star Venture.
Engine Configuration:
Liquid-cooled, 52-degree V-twin.
Styling:
Classic cruiser aesthetics with modern touring amenities.
Technology:
Fuel injection, electronic cruise control, ABS (on some variants).
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, valve clearance, timing, lubrication system, cooling system.
Transmission:
Gearbox inspection, clutch operation, transmission fluid, shift mechanism, troubleshooting.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (FI), throttle body, injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator, EVAP system.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, charging system, starting system, ECU diagnostics, sensors.
Chassis Suspension:
Front fork (telescopic), rear suspension (swingarm, monoshock), steering system, bearings.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear), ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid, caliper maintenance, pad replacement.
Bodywork Fittings:
Fairing removal and installation, seating, luggage systems, controls, instrumentation.
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain adjustment, brake bleeding, coolant flush.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, electrical troubleshooting, engine performance issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, reassembly, and repair.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed procedures for major component disassembly and reassembly, including engine and transmission.
Level Of Detail:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Diagnostics:
Includes diagnostic codes, sensor data interpretation, and systematic troubleshooting flows.
Specifications:
Detailed torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical specifications.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, SOHC, four valves per cylinder, V-twin.
Displacement:
1700 cc (103.6 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
102.0 x 104.0 mm
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Lubrication System:
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 93 hp @ 5,200 rpm (at crankshaft)
Torque Est:
Approx. 107 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (at crankshaft)
Fuel Induction:
Fuel Injection with sub-throttle valves
Throttle Control:
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane or higher recommended
Fuel Tank Capacity:
5.0 US gal (19 L)
Transmission Type:
6-speed, constant mesh, return shift
Clutch:
Wet, multiple-disc, manual
Overdrive:
Equipped with overdrive gears for relaxed highway cruising.
Overall Length:
Approx. 103.7 in (2,635 mm)
Overall Width:
Approx. 37.0 in (940 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 57.9 in (1,470 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 64.0 in (1,625 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.7 in (145 mm)
Curb Weight Est:
Approx. 815.8 lbs (370 kg) (depending on equipment)
Payload Capacity Est:
Approx. 370-400 lbs (varies by configuration)
Gvwr Est:
Approx. 1150-1200 lbs
ABS:
Available (Kawasaki Advanced Braking System - KABS)
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes with 4-piston calipers, single rear disc brake with 2-piston caliper.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED tail light, standard turn signals.
Chassis Design:
Steel double-cradle frame for stability and rider comfort.
Wind Protection:
Large fairing with integrated windshield provides significant wind protection.
Audio System:
Integrated fairing speakers, AM/FM tuner, CD player (on some variants), and iPod/MP3 input.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control system for reduced rider fatigue on long trips.
Accessories:
Pre-wired for various accessories, including auxiliary lighting and power outlets.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,700 miles (6,000 km) or 12 months.
Oil Filter Replacement:
Every engine oil change.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years or as needed based on inspection.
Coolant Change:
Every 2 years or 24,000 miles (38,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, SJ, SL or SM; SAE 10W-40 recommended. Kawasaki's KTech 4-stroke motorcycle oil is ideal.
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.7 US qt (3.5 L) without filter change; 4.0 US qt (3.8 L) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Kawasaki All Season Motorcycle Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with demineralized water (50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (recommended)
Common Problems:
Some owners report occasional minor electrical gremlins, particularly related to accessory wiring. Cam chain tensioner noise can develop with high mileage, but is generally not a critical failure. Fueling can be a bit abrupt at low RPM for some riders, addressed by ECU remapping or aftermarket tuning. Normal wear items like brake pads and tires are expected.
Heritage:
Kawasaki has a long-standing reputation for building powerful and reliable motorcycles, particularly in the cruiser and touring segments with its Vulcan line.
Vn1700 Lineage:
The VN1700 platform evolved from earlier Kawasaki Vulcan models, focusing on larger displacement and enhanced touring capabilities. The VN1700 Vulcan Voyager Custom represented a stripped-down, more customizable version of the full-dress Voyager model.
Production Era:
The VN1700 series was produced from the late 2000s into the 2010s, with the 2010 model being part of the initial generation of this displacement.
