Category:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 series owners seeking comprehensive maintenance and repair information.
Competitors:
Harley-Davidson, Honda (Shadow/Valkyrie), Yamaha (Star/Roadliner), Indian Motorcycles.
Differentiation:
Offers a large displacement V-twin engine with modern fuel injection and reliable Japanese engineering, often at a competitive price point.
Engine Layout:
V-twin, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Drive System:
Belt drive for low maintenance and smooth power delivery.
Styling:
Classic cruiser styling with modern amenities, often featuring significant chrome accents.
Engine:
Complete engine assembly, internal components, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, ignition system.
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox, final drive (belt drive system).
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front forks, rear shock absorber), steering, wheels, tires, brakes (front and rear).
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, ignition, lighting, instrumentation, starter motor, wiring diagrams.
Bodywork:
Fairings, body panels, fenders, seats, luggage systems (if applicable to DAF designation).
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Fault finding procedures, error codes, diagnostic charts.
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (exact count not specified but typical for a full factory service manual).
Type:
Official Factory Service Repair Manual
Language:
English (standard for factory manuals unless otherwise specified)
Engine Management:
ECU functions, sensor inputs/outputs, fuel injection mapping, ignition timing control.
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter system, evaporative emission control (EVAP), oxygen sensors.
Cooling System:
Radiator, cooling fan, thermostat, coolant flow, pressure testing.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil passages, oil pressure checks.
Braking System:
Hydraulic lines, brake calipers, master cylinders, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, ABS (if equipped).
Suspension System:
Front fork oil type and level, rear shock absorber adjustment and service, steering head bearing maintenance.
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, ECU controlled ignition timing.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body cleaning and adjustment.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing, multimeter usage for troubleshooting.
Clutch System:
Clutch fluid, hydraulic clutch operation, clutch plate replacement.
Final Drive:
Belt tension adjustment, belt inspection, pulley maintenance.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter service, spark plug replacement, brake pad inspection.
Major Engine Repair:
Top-end rebuild (cylinder head, valves), bottom-end rebuild (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons).
Transmission Service:
Clutch disc replacement, gearbox component inspection and replacement.
Suspension Overhaul:
Front fork seal replacement, rear shock absorber service.
Brake System Repair:
Brake caliper rebuilding, master cylinder replacement, hydraulic line replacement, brake bleeding.
Electrical Component Replacement:
Starter motor, alternator, ignition coils, sensors.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
System-specific diagnostic charts, common fault symptom identification.
Bodywork Repair:
Panel removal and installation, fairing repair.
Torque Specifications:
All critical fastener torque values for engine, chassis, and bodywork.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds).
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced (includes detailed troubleshooting guides for electrical and mechanical issues).
Repair Level:
Full workshop level (suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts).
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, SOHC, V-twin
Displacement:
1700 cc (103.6 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
102.0 x 104.0 mm
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 93 HP @ 5,000 RPM (Manufacturer claim, may vary slightly by market)
Torque:
Approx. 114 lb-ft @ 3,500 RPM (Manufacturer claim, may vary slightly by market)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection, Dual 36mm throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane or higher recommended
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 5.1 gallons (19.3 Liters)
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-40 API SG or higher motorcycle oil (specific grade may be in manual)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 US quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change (refer to manual for exact capacity).
Crash Safety:
Motorcycles are not rated by typical automotive crash safety organizations (NHTSA, IIHS). Safety is primarily rider dependent.
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) may be an option on certain DAF variants.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame for rigidity and stability.
Ergonomics:
Cruiser riding position designed for comfort on longer rides.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,700 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months (refer to manual for precise interval).
Air Filter Inspection:
Every 3,700 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months; clean or replace as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months.
Drive Belt Inspection:
Inspect at 3,700 miles (6,000 km) and every subsequent 3,700 miles (6,000 km). Check for tension and wear.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage).
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-40 API SG or higher motorcycle oil (Kawasaki recommends KAWASAKI's own brand, but any compliant oil is acceptable).
Coolant:
Permanent type antifreeze (50% mixture with distilled water), preferably Kawasaki Coolant (KAC 220).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Clutch Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid (same as brake system).
Final Drive Oil:
Kawasaki Motorcycle Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or equivalent.
Common Wear Items:
Belt drive wear, clutch wear, brake pad wear, suspension components (seals, bushings).
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many complex machines, occasional sensor issues or wiring harness problems can occur, often well-documented in service manuals for troubleshooting.
Fuel System Maintenance:
Periodic cleaning of throttle bodies and injectors might be beneficial for optimal performance.
Kawasaki Motorcycles:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for innovation and performance across various categories.
Vulcan Lineage:
The Vulcan line has been Kawasaki's flagship cruiser offering for decades, evolving through various displacements and styles. The VN1700 platform, introduced in the late 2000s, represented a significant step up in displacement and features for the brand's large cruiser segment.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primary manufacturing for major components and assembly).
Model Variants:
The VN1700 platform typically includes models like the Classic, Classic Tourer, Voyager (full dresser touring), and Nomad (bagger/tourer). The 'DAF' designation likely refers to one of these specific configurations.
