Category:
Full-size touring cruiser motorcycle
Target Audience:
Motorcyclists seeking comfort, long-distance touring capability, and classic cruiser styling.
Direct Competitors:
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Honda Gold Wing, Indian Roadmaster, Victory Vision.
Styling:
Classic cruiser lines, extensive fairings, comfortable seating for rider and passenger, ample luggage capacity.
Performance Focus:
Torquey V-twin engine, comfortable ride for long distances, stable handling.
Utility:
Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to maintain, diagnose, and repair the motorcycle effectively, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.
Engine Mechanical:
Top-end (cylinder head, valves), bottom-end (crankshaft, connecting rods), lubrication system, cooling system (radiator, fans, coolant flow), fuel injection system, exhaust system.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), battery, ECU (Engine Control Unit) functions, sensors (e.g., crankshaft position, camshaft position, throttle position, O2 sensors), wiring diagrams, troubleshooting electrical faults.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox (shifting mechanism, gears), final drive (belt drive inspection, tensioning, replacement), drive belt specific procedures.
Chassis Suspension:
Front fork (disassembly, assembly, oil change, seal replacement), rear shock absorbers (adjustment, replacement), swingarm, bearings, steering head bearings, wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake caliper maintenance, hydraulic system bleeding, brake pad replacement, brake disc inspection and replacement, master cylinder service.
Electrical Systems Ancillary:
Lighting (headlights, tail lights, turn signals), horn, instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer, indicators), battery charging system, fuse box, wiring harness routing and repair.
Bodywork Trim:
Fairing removal and installation, luggage components (saddlebags, tour pack), seat removal, fenders, tank removal.
Maintenance Schedules:
Routine maintenance intervals (e.g., oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, belt inspection), pre-ride inspections, seasonal storage procedures.
Engine Repair:
Valve clearance adjustment, piston and cylinder inspection, crankshaft and connecting rod checks, timing chain inspection and replacement, fuel injector cleaning and servicing, ECU reset procedures.
Transmission Repair:
Clutch plate replacement, transmission gear inspection, shift drum and fork inspection, final drive belt adjustment and replacement.
Suspension Repair:
Front fork seal replacement, front fork oil replenishment, steering head bearing adjustment and replacement, rear shock absorber mounting and adjustment.
Brake Service:
Brake fluid flush and bleeding, brake pad and disc replacement, caliper seal replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting starting and charging issues, diagnosing sensor faults, interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring harness repair.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic charts for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes specifications for component testing, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and sensor data interpretation.
Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve per cylinder, V-twin
Displacement:
1700 cc (103.6 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
102.0 x 104.0 mm
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 80-85 HP @ 5000 RPM (manufacturer data may vary)
Torque Est:
Approx. 105-110 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM (manufacturer data may vary)
Induction:
Fuel injection with sub-throttle valves (Digital Fuel Injection - DFIs)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
System:
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Crash Test Data:
N/A (Motorcycles are not typically subjected to the same crash testing as automobiles).
Braking System:
Dual 300 mm front discs with 4-piston calipers, single 300 mm rear disc with 2-piston caliper. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models/trims.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light and license plate light, auxiliary driving lights (often standard on Nomad).
Frame Construction:
Steel backbone frame for rigidity and vibration damping.
Ergonomics:
Low seat height, forward-mounted footboards, swept-back handlebars for rider comfort and control.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 km (4,600 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
At each engine oil change.
Air Filter Inspection:
Every 7,500 km (4,600 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically around 15,000-24,000 km (9,300-15,000 miles) depending on type.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles).
Final Drive Belt Inspection Tension:
Every 7,500 km (4,600 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
Kawasaki Genuine Motorcycle Oil (or equivalent API SG/SH/SJ/SL/SM or ILSAC GF-2/GF-3/GF-4) SAE 10W-40. Viscosity may vary with ambient temperature.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.8 L (4.0 US qt) without filter change; 4.0 L (4.2 US qt) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Kawasaki Coolant (or equivalent high-quality ethylene glycol-based coolant with distilled water, 50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, front fork seals, drive belt, tires, battery.
Potential Electrical Concerns:
Occasional regulator/rectifier failures reported on some Kawasaki models of this era; checking stator output and battery health is recommended.
Fuel System Maintenance:
Keeping the fuel system clean and using quality fuel can prevent injector clogging and ensure optimal performance.
Kawasaki Motorcycles:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries boasts a long history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for innovation and performance across various segments, including cruisers.
Vulcan Lineage:
The Vulcan 1700 Nomad is part of Kawasaki's long-standing Vulcan cruiser line, evolving from smaller displacement models to larger, more powerful touring-oriented machines.
Nomad Segment:
The 'Nomad' designation historically signifies a touring-focused variant within the Vulcan family, emphasizing comfort and cargo capacity.
Introduction Year:
The Vulcan 1700 platform, including the Nomad, was introduced in 2009 as a replacement for the Vulcan 1600 series.
Key Updates 2009 2010:
Primarily represented a significant engine displacement increase and chassis modernization over its predecessors.
