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

In 2012, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Kawasaki VN1700 Classic, a cruising motorcycle that debuted in 2009 and packed the same visual, technical, and performance specifications as the previous model without any modifications.

The Kawasaki Vulcan was a series of custom or touring motorcycles that debuted in 1984 with the VN700A as their first cruiser machine powered by their first V-twin engine. The models used the "VN" designation and were mainly powered by V-twin engines with displacement ranging from 125 to 2,053cc.

The 2012 Classic version was the base model, while other versions were available, including the Classic LT, Nomad, Voyager, and Vaquero. The bikes were differentiated by accessories and appearances.

The 2012 motorcycle had standard features, such as a round headlight with a chromed housing up front, a pulled-back handlebar, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a two-piece dual seat, a dual chromed exhaust system, and nine-spoke lightweight alloy wheels.

In the performance department, the 2012 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic had its soul brought to life by a 1,700cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine fed by a fuel injection system, boasting 74 hp with a peak force at 5,000 rpm and 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) torque at 2,750 rpm.

On the front end, the bike packed a 43 mm telescopic fork and two 300 mm discs with dual-piston calipers, while the rear end packed two side-mounted four-way adjustable shocks and a 300 mm disc with a two-piston caliper, delivering optimum suspension performance and braking power.