Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT 2009

By evan on Feb 10, 2009 in Cruiser/Touring, Kawasaki

Cool-Motorcycles reviews Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT 2009

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A classic cruiser that’s ready to travel
Sharing can be half the fun. If you seek an ideal V-twin powered platform for a day on the road with your partner, Kawasaki’s new 2009 Vulcan® 1700 Classic LT is the motorcycle you’ve been waiting for. Building on the innovative Vulcan 1700 Classic, the LT incorporates just the right mix of extra features – large windscreen, leather saddlebags and a passenger backrest – to make any road trip a more attractive proposition.

New top-grain, reinforced cowhide saddlebags are the core of the Classic LT’s touring package. The leather is carefully selected to minimize flaws and deep-dyed to help protect its finish from minor scrapes. These ideally-sized bags feature a slant-top opening held shut by two 1.5-inch wide leather straps that are fitted with chrome buckles and concealed quick-release fasteners. Rolled and riveted lid tops along with metal reinforced upper edges maintain the bag’s shape and help keep unwanted moisture away from your cargo.

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Comfortable rider and passenger seats are a must on a cruiser able to tackle anything from daily commuting to roadtrips with a partner. The Classic LT has the right seats along with a classic-style backrest to keep the passenger relaxed and smiling as the miles tick by. Detailed with chrome plated brass studs to match the bags, the classically styled seat and backrest blend attractive visual appeal with practical comfort.

A large, optically correct, acrylic windshield rounds out the additional 1700 Classic LT features. It offers adjustable height and delivers serious wind protection for the rider and passenger.

The 1700 Classic LT’s lighter, more compact frame holds a newly designed 1700cc engine based on that of the mighty Vulcan 2000. However, it uses a SOHC rather than push-rod actuated OHV arrangement. This permits fast revving and quick acceleration – delivering superior passing performance at highway speeds. The new engine’s increase in compression, displacement and long-stroke design delivers a rumbling V-twin feel with significant torque and power gains over its predecessor.

On the leading edge of technology, Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle valve system makes its debut on the Vulcan 1700 family. Working with the rest of the fuel injection system, the electronic throttle valve helps to enhance the engine’s response without detracting from its distinctive V-twin feel. It also helps the ECU to deliver an ultra-precise metering of intake airflow to the engine and more-accurate idle speed control.

The system utilizes an Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) and a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). Both units feed data to the ECU, which adjusts the throttle plates to tailor intake airflow accordingly. The system offers a natural throttle feel, because the APS is activated by a throttle body pulley that’s connected by cables to the throttle grip.

More cutting edge technology is found in the Classic LT’s new fuel injection system. Like the systems in use on the Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles, the 1700’s fuel injection uses one sensor in place of the usual three, for less complexity and weight. Beside the obvious FI advantages like improved fuel economy and automatically adjusting for altitude changes, the system also permits easy hands-off warm-up and idle speed control. This cruising-oriented machine features FI and exhaust system tuning that has been optimized to deliver peak torque at a lower rpm – ideal for urban and back road environments.

Mated to its rumbling V-twin engine is a new six-speed transmission featuring overdrive. The overdrive sixth gear ratio contributes to relaxed riding and better fuel economy at highway speeds. The Classic LT transfers torque from the transmission to the rear wheel through a thin and light 28mm belt carbon fiber final drive belt. Thanks to its carbon fiber construction, the new belt offers 40-percent higher tensile strength than a Kevlar unit of the same width.

The Vulcan 1700 Classic LT also features a liquid-cooled alternator with rare-earth metals that produces a staggering 48.5 amps of electrical output, providing the 1700 Classic LT with more than enough current to power additional accessories.

However, this is no cold, mechanical techno-marvel. The designers were able to infuse abundant technology into the new Vulcan 1700 Classic LT without sacrificing the charm and visual appeal expected from a Kawasaki cruiser. Meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship of the engine covers, bodywork design and saddlebags result in an eye-pleasing product that turns heads whether parked in front of a café or cruising down the highway.

Designed from the start to be as light and slim as possible, the new single backbone double cradle frame offers a weight reduction of 4.4 pounds, coupled with a 40-percent increase in rigidity. With a shorter seat to steering head distance, the new lightweight chassis is more compact and shorter overall, with a corresponding decrease in wheelbase. The easy-to-reach handlebars facilitate better low-speed maneuvering and help maximize rider confidence.

Adding to its light and easy handling are new suspension components – set to compliment the Classic LT’s operating envelope. An elegantly simple rear swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks provides 3.1 inches of rear suspension travel, and features air spring preload and four-way rebound adjustments. Up front, a large 43mm fork offers precise steering feedback and 5.5 inches of travel.

The Classic LT rolls on new nine-spoke cast wheels, which use tubeless tires and complement its new muscular styling. 130/90 front radial and a 170/70 rear radial tires are mounted on the attractive wheels. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers and a single 300mm rear disc brake with a two-piston caliper help bring this stylish machine to sure, powerful stops.

A stylish combination of traditional layout, sophisticated technology and useful touring accessories, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT is always ready for a group ride or adventurous road trip.

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Powerful 1700CC V-Twin Engine

Liquid cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, fuel-injected 1700cc 50° V-twin engine
Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke helps deliver high levels of torque
approximately 15 percent greater than that of the Vulcan 1600, with a distinct V-twin feel
Valve system is based on the Vulcan 2000, but uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods, for quicker revving and enhanced mid-high rpm power
Semi-dry sump allows a lower crankshaft placement and a longer piston stroke without increasing engine height
Single-pin crank accentuates the engine’s V-twin character by providing stronger power-pulses
Large capacity airbox is located on both sides of the engine
Small-diameter iridium sparkplugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for high combustion efficiency, especially during low-load operation
Dual right side mufflers offer a rich sound and stylish appearance
Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50-70mph range
Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds

Next Generation FI

Based on the systems used by the Ninja 650R and Vulcan 900
Utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three, for reduced complexity and weight
The Vulcan 1700 takes advantage of FI and exhaust tuning that is optimized for maximum performance in the low-mid-rpm range, giving it plenty of grunt on the boulevard

On Board Diagnostics

Diagnostic system allows self testing of the electronic systems on the Vulcan 1700
Displays codes on the instrumentation, which can be read by owner; using accessory manual

Transmission / Final Drive

Six-speed transmission
6th gear is an overdrive gear, contributing to stress-free riding and better fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds
28mm carbon fiber final drive belt offers a 40 percent increase in tensile strength compared to current Kevlar belts. This allows the Vulcan 1700 to use a slim belt that’s only 2mm wider than the Kevlar unit on the Vulcan 900
Belt drive system is quiet, efficient and offers reduced maintenance compared to a chain

Light Handling Chassis

A more compact package than its predecessors, the new frame features a shorter wheelbase, and shorter distance between the seat and steering head, for improved rider ergonomics and easier maneuverability
Designed to be as light and slim as possible, the frame minimizes the number of forged parts and trims any unnecessary metal. The only forged parts are areas that require additional strength
the down-tube joint, engine brackets, side-stand bracket, and rear fender/shock absorber bracket
The new frame is 4.4 pounds lighter than its predecessors, and has a 40% increase in rigidity
The compact design contributes to light handling and facilitates handling at low speeds, especially when executing precise slow speed maneuvers like parking or making U-turns

43MM Telescopic Fork

Provides superb steering feedback
5.5 inches of travel for excellent ride quality

Dual Adjustable Rear Air-Shocks

Air adjustable spring preload can be tuned to match varying rider and passenger loads
4-way rebound damping adjustments help the shocks compensate for changes in spring pressure
Feature chromed shock covers, contributing the luxurious finish of the rear of the bike

9-Spoke Cast Wheels

Allow the use of tubeless tires and complement the Classic LT’s muscular new styling
130/90 front and 170/70 rear radial tires
Tire choice and suspension settings selected to augment the chassis’ light handling characteristics

Brakes

Dual 300mm front and a single 300mm rear disc are squeezed by two piston calipers. This braking system is tuned to provide sure, powerful stops

V-Twin Visual Appeal

Basic architecture has a significant impact on a V-Twin engine’s appearance
The line created by the top of the airbox and the cylinder heads forms a curved shape that continues to flow through the bike
Deeply chromed engine covers have curved upper surfaces. Their three-dimensional form adds volume and gives a high quality appearance
The edges of the cooling fins receive a special NC treatment that makes them gleam in sunlight
All the non-chromed parts of the engine have a matt black finish that to accentuate the gleaming chrome

Bodywork

The fuel tank’s hand-sculpted contours employ a constantly varying radius, giving the bike a dynamic flowing style which is pleasing both to the eye and to the touch
Its lines flowing through the rest of the bike, the elegantly shaped fuel tank contributes to the Classic LT’s curvaceous figure
Ignition switch allows on-position key removal; preventing key bunches from scratching the instrument cluster or tank while the bike is in operation
Turning the ignition switch to the “OFF” position turns the engine off and necessitates re-insertion of the key to restart
Multi-function LCD displays on the tank-mounted instrument cluster are controlled by switches on the right handlebar. Features include a gear position indicator, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range and average fuel consumption
Liberal use of chrome on the engine, fender brackets, light stays, and rear shock covers contrast nicely with the bodywork’s deep, lustrous paint
Simple design of the seat cover compliments the rich visual tone of the bodywork

Windscreen

Thick, optically correct acrylic windscreen is shaped for optimum airflow management without compromising the Classic LT’s cruiser styling
Chrome plated steel supports provide two mounting points to set windshield height according to rider preference

Seat And Passenger Backrest

Detailed with ½-inch diameter chrome plated brass studs
Tombstone shaped passenger backrest has strong chrome plated steel supports offer a secure feeling and traditional cruiser styling
The sculpted shape of the seat compliments the rich visual tone of the bodywork

Saddlebags

Made of reinforced top grain cowhide carefully selected with minimal flaws and deep dyed to resist finish damage due to minor scrapes
Slant top opening lid, secured with two 1.5-inch wide leather straps with chrome buckles and concealed quick release fasteners
Dual panel lid construction with embossed Vulcan logo detail
Metal reinforced upper edge help bags hold their shape
Rolled and riveted top lid minimizes water intrusion
Chrome plated brass stud accents match the seats

Specifications

Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 50° V-twin
Displacement: 1,700cc / 103.7ci
Bore x stroke: 102 x 104mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum Torque: 108 lb-ft @ 2250
Final Drive: Belt
Cooling: Liquid, plus cooling fins
Induction: Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: Six-speed with overdrive
Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake / trail: 30° / 6.7 in.
Front Suspension / wheel travel: 43mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.
Rear Suspension / wheel travel: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in.
Tire, front: 130/90×16
Tire, rear: 170/70×16
Brakes, front / rear: Dual 300 mm discs, dual twin-piston calipers / Single 300 mm disc, twin-piston caliper
Overall length: 98.4 in.
Overall width: 40.4 in.
Overall height: 57.7 in.
Seat height: 28.3 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.1 in.
Curb weight: 798.2 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Wheelbase: 65.6 in.
Colors: Metallic Nocturne Blue / Pearl Burnish Beige, Metallic Dark Green / Pearl Burnish Beige
Warranty: 24 months
Good Times™ Protection Plan: 12, 24, 36 or 48 months