KAWASAKI VN1700 Classic (2011-2012) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Kawasaki Vulcan was a range of touring or custom motorcycles in Kawasaki's range, comprising several models with different engine displacements ranging from 125 to 2,053cc and differentiated by size and accessories.

In 2011, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Kawasaki VN1700 Classic, a cruiser motorcycle that debuted in 2009 alongside several models, including the Classic LT, Nomad, Voyager, and, since 2011, the Vaquero.

Compared to the previous model, the 2011 VN1700 Classic had the same standard features, such as a round headlight up front, a wide handlebar, a teardrop-shaped tank, a two-piece dual seat, a dual exhaust system, and nine-spoke alloy wheels.

The 2011 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic had its heartbeat set by a 1,700cc four-stroke V-twin liquid-cooled engine fed by an electronically controlled fuel injection system, delivering 74 hp with a peak force at 5,000 rpm and 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) torque at 2,750 rpm.

The power produced by the engine was transferred to a six-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-disc clutch and sent to the rear wheel through a low-maintenance final belt drive.

Suspension-wise, the Classic LT cruiser packed a 43 mm telescopic fork on the front and dual side-mounted air-assisted four-way adjustable shocks on the rear, delivering optimum suspension performance and handling.

As for the braking power, the bike's wheels were fitted with two 300 mm discs on the front and a 300 mm disc on the rear coupled to dual-piston calipers both front and back.