Category:
Cruiser Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Motorcyclists seeking a comfortable and capable touring machine with a large displacement engine, suitable for long-distance rides.
Competitors Segment:
Other large-displacement V-twin cruisers and touring bikes from manufacturers like Harley-Davidson (e.g., Road King, Street Glide), Honda (e.g., Gold Wing F6B, Fury), Indian (e.g., Chieftain, Roadmaster).
Engine Type:
V-twin cruiser styling with modern liquid-cooling and fuel injection.
Touring Amenities:
Standard hard saddlebags, large windshield, comfortable seating for rider and passenger, providing practicality for touring.
Ride Comfort:
Designed for long-distance comfort with ample legroom, ergonomic controls, and adjustable suspension.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance, diagnose issues, and complete repairs, saving time and money while ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the motorcycle.
Value Proposition:
A comprehensive, authoritative resource for maintaining and repairing the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad, providing expert guidance akin to a dealership service department.
Engine:
Complete engine service, inspection, disassembly, assembly, tuning, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection, ignition system, emission control systems.
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox, internal components, shift mechanism, maintenance, repair, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Final drive (belt drive system), inspection, adjustment, replacement.
Suspension:
Front fork service, rear shock absorber inspection and adjustment, seals, springs, fluid types.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, hydraulic components, calipers, master cylinders, brake pads, rotors, bleeding procedures, fluid specifications (DOT 4).
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, diagnostic codes (if applicable).
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, throttle body, fuel filter, pressure specifications.
Cooling System:
Radiator, cooling fan, coolant types, capacities, flush and refill procedures.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, mufflers, catalytic converter inspection.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, swingarm maintenance.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairings, saddlebags, windshield, seat, body panel removal and installation, cosmetic repairs.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug inspection/replacement, brake pad inspection/replacement, chain/belt adjustment, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problems and solutions, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and adjustment.
Technical Specifications:
Torque values for all fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic data, electrical specifications.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all systems, color-coded for clarity.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, SOHC, V-twin
Displacement:
1700 cc (103.6 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
102.0 mm x 104.0 mm (4.02 in x 4.09 in)
Valve Train:
SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Hp:
Approximately 90 HP @ 5200 RPM (at crankshaft)
Torque Lb-Ft:
Approximately 106 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM (at crankshaft)
Fuel Delivery:
Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) with dual 36mm throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum
Fuel Tank Capacity:
5.5 US gal (20.8 L)
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SG, JASO MA
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approximately 4.0 US qt (3.8 L)
Coolant Type:
Kawasaki Genuine Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with demineralized water (50/50 mix)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 2.3 US qt (2.2 L)
Engine Oil And Filter:
Every 3,700 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 3,700 miles (6,000 km), clean or replace as needed. Replace at 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed. Replacement typically every 15,000-20,000 miles.
Belt Drive:
Inspect tension and condition every 3,700 miles (6,000 km). Clean and lubricate belt pivot points annually.
Brake Fluid:
Replace every 2 years or 24,000 miles (38,000 km), whichever comes first.
Coolant:
Flush and replace every 2 years or 24,000 miles (38,000 km), whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 10W-40 API SG, JASO MA
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Cooling Fluid Specification:
50/50 mix of ethylene glycol-based coolant and demineralized water
Common Wear Items:
Tires, brake pads, clutch plates, belt drive components are typical wear items on high-mileage motorcycles.
Specific Potential Issues:
While generally reliable, some owners may report issues with the fuel pump relay or starter solenoid under heavy use. Suspension seals can wear over time. Regular maintenance as per the manual is key to preventing most issues.