Vehicle Segment:
Full-size, V-twin cruiser touring motorcycle.
Target Audience:
Touring riders, cruiser enthusiasts seeking comfort and long-distance capability.
Key Competitors 2010:
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Honda Gold Wing, Indian Chief Vintage.
Distinctive Features:
Large displacement V-twin engine, comfortable touring ergonomics, integrated audio system, ABS, ample luggage capacity.
Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and technicians to maintain, repair, and optimize the VN1700CAF.
Engine Coverage:
Complete engine overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, and repair.
Transmission Coverage:
Clutch, gearbox operation, maintenance, and repair.
Electrical System Coverage:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting, ignition, lighting, and accessories.
Chassis Coverage:
Frame, suspension (front and rear forks, shock absorbers), steering, and wheel components.
Braking System Coverage:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS module, brake fluid service, and component replacement.
Fuel System Coverage:
Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, and fuel tank maintenance.
Bodywork Coverage:
Fairings, luggage compartments, seating, and trim components.
Estimated Page Count:
500-700 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine Management:
Detailed information on ECU functions, sensor inputs, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Suspension System:
Fork seal replacement, damper adjustments, and rear shock absorber service.
Cooling System:
Coolant type, capacities, bleeding procedures, and radiator service.
Lubrication System:
Oil types, capacities, filter replacement, and oil pressure testing.
Exhaust System:
Component identification, gasket replacement, and mounting procedures.
Tire Wheel Assembly:
Tire specifications, mounting, balancing, and wheel bearing service.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and component inspections.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic fault finding for common and complex issues, including wiring harness diagnosis.
Engine Rebuild:
Disassembly, cleaning, inspection, part replacement (pistons, rings, valves, bearings), and reassembly.
Brake System Service:
Brake pad replacement, caliper service, bleeding procedures (including ABS), and rotor inspection.
Electrical Component Testing:
Testing of ignition coils, sensors, alternators, starters, and lighting circuits.
Suspension Adjustment Overhaul:
Fork oil change, spring preload adjustment, and rear shock service.
Fuel System Cleaning Testing:
Injector cleaning procedures and fuel pressure testing.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including interpreting scan tool data and performing system tests.
Torque Specifications:
All critical torque specifications for fasteners and components.
Special Tool Requirements:
Identifies any special tools required for specific maintenance or repair tasks.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
1700cc (103.6 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
102.0 mm x 104.3 mm (4.02 in x 4.11 in)
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 73 HP @ 5000 RPM (claimed)
Torque Est:
Approx. 100 lb-ft @ 2700 RPM (claimed)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection with dual 36mm throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane or higher recommended
Ignition System:
Digital CDI with electronic ignition advance
Valve Train:
SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Overall Length:
Approx. 2510 mm (98.8 in)
Overall Width:
Approx. 970 mm (38.2 in)
Overall Height:
Approx. 1355 mm (53.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1655 mm (65.2 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 380 kg (837.8 lbs)
Gvwr:
Not specified, but typically includes rider, passenger, and cargo allowances.
Luggage Capacity:
Integrated hard saddlebags and top trunk.
ABS Availability:
Standard on VN1700CAF (ABS variant).
Braking System:
Dual 300mm disc front brakes with 4-piston calipers, Single 300mm disc rear brake with 2-piston caliper. Kawasaki ABS.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, LED tail light, turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel, double-cradle frame for stability.
Windscreen:
Large, adjustable touring windscreen for rider protection.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, SJ, SL or SM, SAE 10W-40 recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 liters (3.7 US qt) (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Kawasaki All-Season Motorcycle Coolant (or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol based) - 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, tires, drive belt.
Potential Electrical Gremlins:
Occasional reports of accessory circuit issues or voltage regulator problems in high-mileage units; covered by detailed diagnostics in manual.
Engine Smoothness:
V-twin vibrations are characteristic; manual provides guidance on engine mounting and balancing for optimal smoothness.
Kawasaki Motorcycles:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has a long history of motorcycle manufacturing, known for performance and reliability.
Vulcan Lineage:
The VN1700 series is an evolution of Kawasaki's successful Vulcan cruiser line, incorporating touring features.
Vn1700 Platform:
Introduced to compete in the large-displacement touring cruiser market.
Production Years:
VN1700 series produced from 2009 to present (with updates).
Industry Awards 2010:
While specific awards for the 2010 model are not definitively listed, the Vulcan 1700 platform generally received positive reviews for its blend of power, comfort, and touring features.
Consumer Satisfaction:
Owners generally report high satisfaction with the VN1700's comfortable ride, ample power, and touring capabilities.