Cool-Motorcycles reviews Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic 2009

Purposeful beauty with a traditional cruiser values
Technology is supposed to make life easier, not busier and ever more complex. Kawasaki’s new Vulcan® 1700 Classic cruiser combines just the right amount of technology with a visceral V-twin character and a dose of old-fashioned simplicity which allows the rider to focus on the experience and not the machine. Its lighter, more compact frame holds a new long-stroke 50° V-twin engine utilizing overhead cams and a high-tech electronic throttle valve. A new six-speed transmission and a super strong carbon fiber drive belt help transfer the engine’s healthy power pulses to the road.

The Vulcan 1700 features a newly designed 1700cc engine based on the mighty Vulcan 2000. However, it uses a single overhead cam in each cylinder head rather than a push-rod actuated OHV arrangement. This boosts efficiency and helps the Vulcan 1700 to provide quick acceleration and superior passing performance. The new engine’s long-stroke design plus an increase in compression and displacement help it produce a significant increase in torque and power, all delivered with a distinct V-twin character.

On the technology front, the new Vulcan 1700 features Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle valve system. 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 Vulcan 1700’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 Vulcan 1700 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.

It contains abundant technological innovations, yet the Vulcan 1700 isn’t a cold techno-marvel, because the designers were able to infuse the 1700 with technology, without sacrificing any of the character, charm or visual appeal that riders expect from a V-twin cruiser. The meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship of the engine and bodywork result in a product that turns heads whether parked in front of a café or cruising down the boulevard. This rolling showcase of classic cruiser styling not only looks good from any angle, but its elegant form is just as pleasing to the touch as it is to the eye.

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 the light and easy handling are the new suspension components – set to match the Vulcan 1700 Classic’s intended usage. 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 Vulcan 1700 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.

Kawasaki has subtly merged traditional styling with sophisticated technology in  such a way as to appeal to a broad spectrum of V-twin enthusiasts with its new Vulcan 1700 Classic cruiser.

FEATURES

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 staggered 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

Electronic Throttle Valve System

• Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of intake air (via throttle valve angle) and fuel (via fuel injector timing) delivered to the engine
• Optimized fuel injector timing and throttle valve position results in accurate, powerful engine response
• Control of both fuel injection and airflow provides easy starting and precise cold-engine idle speed control
• From the rider’s perspective, the ETV works like a standard cable-operated throttle
• the throttle grip is still connected to cables, so the feel at the grip is the same
• Twisting the throttle turns a pulley on the throttle body which triggers the Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) to send a signal to the ECU, which then modulates the throttle valves via a DC motor
• Accurate throttle position is relayed to the ECU by a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
• APS and TPS send two sets of signals to the ECU for system redundancy in the unlikely event of a sensor failure

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 belt 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
• Chromed shock covers contribute to the bike’s luxurious finish

9-Spoke Cast Wheels

• Allow the use of tubeless tires and complement the Vulcan 1700’s new muscular 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 matte black finish that further accentuates 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 Vulcan 1700’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 collar 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
• The sculpted shape of the seat compliments the rich visual tone of the bodywork
• The new Vulcan 1700s are the first Kawasaki cruisers to feature an elegant LED taillight

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
• 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: 45.5 in.
• Seat height: 28.3 in.
• Curb weight: 760.7 lbs.
• Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
• Wheelbase: 65.6 in.
• Colors: Metallic Diablo Black
• Warranty: 12 months
• Good Times™ Protection Plan: 12, 24, 36 or 48 months

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Cool-Motorcycles reviews Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic 2009