Product description
Ship of the Desert... Mountains, Forests and Boulevards.
With its large windshield, hard saddlebags, passenger floorboards, sturdy backrest and standard cruise control, the Vulcan® 1700 Nomad™ is designed to reel in many comfortable miles of adventure at a time, with or without a passenger, using thoroughly modern hardware belied by its classic American appearance. Get that powerful, fuel-injected overhead-cam V-twin loping, set the cruise, and be prepared to be impressed.
Color-matched, lockable hard saddlebags set the Nomad apart from its Vulcan 1700 brethren; these top-opening side cases offer a bountiful 10 gallons each (38L) of sealed storage space for overnight trips, as well as front and rear guards to help protect the bikes engine and saddlebags in case of a tip-over. (Helmet locks are conveniently located on the left- and right-side saddlebag guards.)
Keeping the rider and passenger comfortable on long rides is a top priority, and the Vulcan 1700 Nomad delivers with deluxe seats sculpted to provide additional support for all-day rides. A special backrest with integrated grab bars and floorboards for both the rider and passenger further contribute to the Nomads long-distance capabilities.
The Nomad V-twin uses a single overhead cam in each cylinder head, rather than a push-rod overhead-valve arrangement, to boost efficiency and provide quick acceleration and superior passing performance. The engines long-stroke design, high compression and big displacement produce massive amounts of quick-revving horsepower, all of it delivered with a distinct V-twin character.
More cutting edge technology is found in Kawasakis fully electronic throttle valve system. Working with the rest of the Nomads fuel injection system, the electronic throttle valve enhances the engines response without detracting from its distinctive V-twin feel. 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 thats connected by cables to the throttle grip. Besides the obvious FI advantages like improved fuel economy and automatic adjustment for altitude changes, the system also permits easy hands-off warm-up and idle speed control.
The Vulcan 1700 Nomad also features a water-cooled alternator with rare-earth magnets that produces a staggering 46.8 amps of electrical output; plenty to power a selection of electronic accessories to enrich motorcycle travel.
The Nomads electronic cruise control system is conveniently operated from the right handlebar, and can be engaged at any speed between 30 and 85 mph in any of the top four gears. The cruise control can be disengaged by any of the following methods: brake lever, clutch lever, rear brake pedal, or manually turning the throttle grip past the closed position.
A six-speed transmission with overdriven 5th and 6th gears mates to the Nomads rumbling V-twin engine, contributing greatly to a relaxed ride and excellent fuel economy at highway speeds. Torque is transferred from the transmission to the rear wheel through a carbon fiber final drive belt which, at only 28mm wide, has a 40-percent higher tensile strength than current Kevlar belts.
The Vulcans designers were able to infuse abundant technology into the 1700 Nomad without sacrificing any of the charm and visual appeal thats expected from a Kawasaki touring cruiser. Meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship of the engine covers, bodywork design and side cases result in a motorcycle that turns heads whether parked in front of a caf or cruising down the highway.
Designed to be as light and slim as possible, the Nomads single backbone double cradle frame offers a short seat-to-steering head distance, with a correspondingly short wheelbase. That easy-to-reach handlebar facilitates slow-speed maneuvering and helps maximize rider confidence. Adding to the light and easy handling are suspension components that match the Vulcan 1700 Nomads 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 adjustment. Up front, a large 43mm fork offers precise steering feedback and 5.5 inches of travel.
The Nomad rolls on nine-spoke cast wheels, which use tubeless tires and complement its open-road character. A 130/90 front radial and a 170/70 rear are mounted on those attractive wheels. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers and a 300mm rear disc brake with a two-piston caliper help bring this stylish machine to sure, powerful stops.
With its stylish combination of traditional styling, sophisticated technology and touring refinement, theres really nothing else out there quite like the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad.
Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.
SpecificationsEngine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52 V-twin
Displacement: 1,700cc / 103.7ci
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Bore x stroke: 102 x 104mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum Torque: 108 lb-ft @ 2,750rpm
Cooling: Liquid, plus cooling fins
Ignition: Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Transmission: Six-speed with overdrive
Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake / trail: 30 / 7.0 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: 130/90x16
Tire, rear: 170/70x16
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: 28.7 in.
Curb weight: 834 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Wheelbase: 65.6 in.
Colors: 2-tone Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Titanium
Warranty: 24 months
New for 2010Improved exhaust pipe heat shielding reduces radiant heat felt by the rider
Improved radiator ducting helps keep heat away from the riders right leg
A 5mm shorter coolant pipe makes it possible to remove the pipe without removing the alternator cover, simplifying oil-screen maintenance
Adjustable WindscreenAdjustable handlebar-mounted optically correct windscreen is shaped for optimum airflow management without compromising the Nomads cruiser styling
Strong chrome plated steel supports
Two-position height
Sub-windshield and deflectors further increase wind protection performance
The sub-windshield covers the area between the windshield and headlight when the windshield is in the raised position and the fork-mounted deflectors help direct air away from the riders legs
Touring Seats and Passenger BackrestRider and passenger seats are sculpted for greater all-day support
Sturdy backrest with integrated passenger grab bars contributes to passenger confidence
As a final contribution to passenger comfort, the Nomad features passenger floorboards
Hard, Lockable Side CasesThe Nomad features hard, lockable, top-opening side cases that each provide 10 gallons (38L) of sealed storage space for overnight touring
Front and rear guards on the Nomad help protect the bikes engine and hard side cases in the event of a tip-over
Helmet locks are conveniently located on the left
and right-side saddlebag guards
Powerful 1700CC V-Twin EngineLiquid cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, fuel-injected 1700cc 52 V-twin engine
Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke helps deliver high levels of torque 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 engines 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
Features dual mufflers, one on each side of the bike, to allow maximum clearance for luggage
Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50-70 mph range
Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds
Next Generation FIBased on the systems used by the Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles
Utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three, for reduced complexity and weight
The touring-oriented Nomad utilizes FI and exhaust systems which are tuned to reach peak torque and horsepower at a higher rpm than the engines used in standard Vulcan 1700 cruisers
On Board DiagnosticsDiagnostic 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
Electronic Throttle Valve SystemFully 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 riders 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
Cruise ControlThe cruise control can be engaged and adjusted entirely from the right handlebar
Cruise control can be activated in 3rd gear or above at any speed between 30mph and 85mph
Pressure on the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal will automatically disengage the cruise control, as will manually rolling-off the throttle
Six-Speed Transmission/Final DriveSix-speed transmission with positive neutral finder
5th and 6th are overdrive gears for excellent 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, allowing the Vulcan 1700 to use a slim belt 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 ChassisThe frame features a short wheelbase, for great rider ergonomics and easy maneuverability
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 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 ForkProvides superb steering feedback
5.5 inches of travel for excellent ride quality
Dual Adjustable Rear Air-ShocksAir adjustable shocks 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 WheelsAllow the use of tubeless tires and complement the Nomads styling
130/90 front and 170/70 rear radial tires
Tire choice and suspension settings selected to augment the chassis light handling characteristics
Classic V-Twin StylingBasic architecture has a significant impact on a V-Twin engines 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
BodyworkThe fuel tanks hand-sculpted contours employ constantly varying radii, 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 Nomads curvaceous figure
Design Motif from the front fender continues through the rear fender, which features an elegant LED taillight
InstrumentationIgnition 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 handle. 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, saddlebag accents and front and rear guards, contrasts nicely with the bodyworks deep, lustrous paint
Simple design of the seat cover balances rich visual tone of the bodywork
NOTES:
Curb weight includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90-percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
