| VN1700 Classic tourer / VN1700 Nomad | VN1700 Voyager |
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| Powerful 1700cc V-Twin engine |
| Liquid cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, fuel-injected 1700cc 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 |
| Valve system is based on the Vulcan 2000, but uses a SOHC arrangement instead of OHV for more direct engine feel and quicker revving |
| Semi-dry sump allows a lower crankshaft placement and a longer piston stroke without increasing engine height |
| Single-pin crank provides the desirable power-pulse feel |
| Twin counter-balancers handle smoothing the engine pulses |
| A 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 at low-load operation (near idling) |
| Features dual mufflers, one on each side of the bike |
| Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50-70mph (80-113km/h) range |
| Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds |
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| Next Generation FI |
| Based on systems already on Ninja 650R and Vulcan 900 |
| Utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three, for less complexity and weight |
| The touring-oriented Nomad utilizes a FI and exhaust set up to deliver its torque and horsepower peak at a higher rpm | The touring-oriented Voyager utilizes a FI and exhaust set up to deliver its torque and horsepower peak at a higher rpm |
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| Electronic Throttle Valve System |
| 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 |
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| Electronic Throttle Valve System |
| Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of intake air (via throttle valves) and fuel (via fuel injectors) delivered to the engine. Ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response |
| Control of both fuel injection and airflow enables precise cold-engine idling 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 throttle pulley on the throttle body actuating the Accelerator Position Sensor (APS), located on the throttle body, to send a signal to the ECU, which then actuates the throttle valves via a DC motor. Throttle position is confirmed to the ECU by 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. |
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| Cruise control |
| Operation of the cruise control is conveniently from the right handle |
| Cruise control can be activated between 30mph (47km/h) and 85mph (137km/h) in 3rd gear or above |
| Operating the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal disengages the cruise control as will closing the throttle beyond the “zero-throttle” position |
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| 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 |
| The clutch features six damping springs for three-stage progressive damping that contributes to smoother feeling under hard acceleration |
| 28mm carbon fiber final drive belt has a 40 percent higher tensile strength than current Kevlar units nearly twice its width and allows the Vulcan 1700 to use a slim belt only 2mm wider than that on the Vulcan 900 |
| The drive belt is quiet and efficient and helps reduce maintenance chores |
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| Light handling chassis |
| A more compact package than its predecessors, the new frame features a shorter wheelbase, and shorter distance between the seat and frame head pipe, 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 |
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| 43mm Telescopic Fork | 45mm Telescopic Fork |
| Provides superb steering feedback and excellent ride quality | Provides superb steering feedback and excellent ride quality |
| Features 4-way preload adjustment | Features 4-way preload adjustment |
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| Dual Adjustable Rear Air-Shocks |
| Feature Air adjustable spring preload to match the load |
| 4-way rebound damping for a smooth and comfortable ride |
| Settings are specific to the touring needs of the Nomad | Settings are specific to the touring needs of the Voyager |
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| 9-Spoke Cast Wheels |
| Allows the use of tubeless tire and complement its new muscular styling |
| 130/90 front and 170/70 rear radial tires offer good traction, smooth ride and classy style |
| Tire choice and suspension settings augment the light handling characteristics |
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| V-twin Visual Appeal |
| Basic engine structure has a great impact on a V-Twin engine’s appearance. |
| The line created by the top of the airbox and the cylinder heads forms a curved lined that continues to flow through the bike. |
| Deeply chromed engine covers have curved upper surfaces. Their three-dimensional form adds volume and gives a quality appearance. |
| The edges of the 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 further accentuates the chromed parts |
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| Bodywork |
| | Muscular front fairing is reminiscent of classic American muscle cars in its sculpted, flowing design. |
| | Chromed headlamp cover and twin fog lights contribute to the muscle car theme |
| The fuel tank’s hand-sculpted contours employ constantly varying radii, giving the bike a dynamism that 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 Voyager’s curvaceous figure |
| Liberal use of chrome on the engine, fender brackets, light stays, saddlebag accents and front and rear guards, contrasts nicely with the bodywork’s deep, lustrous paint | Liberal use of chrome contrasts nicely with the bodywork’s deep, lustrous paint. The engine, front and rear guards, accents on the panniers and trunk and the trunk brackets are fully chromed |
| Motif from the front fender continues on the rear fender, which features an elegant LED taillight |
| | Front and rear guards help protect the bike’s bodywork in case of a fall |
| | Dual 35W fog lights have a dedicated On/Off switch and can be adjusted vertically |
| | In addition to the taillight on the rear fender, the Voyager also has a large, highly visible LED taillight mounted on the rear of the trunk that contributes to its appearance |
| 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 handle. Features include a gear position indicator, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range and average fuel consumption | |
| Simple design of the seat cover balances rich visual tone of the bodywork | |
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| | Classic Retro Dashboard |
| | Instrument layout and large round dials give the Voyager’s console a classic automotive elegance, that is reinforced by the font used on the instrumentation |
| | Even the radio has a classic look, reminiscent of the 1960s |
| | Multi-function LCD display in the center of the instrument console is 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 |
| | Analog displays include speedometer, tachometer and coolant temperature gauge |
| | Audio system with twin speakers features radio (FM/AM/WX) and compatibility with an iPod, XM tuner or CB radio unit |
| | The audio system (and iPod) can be operated by switches on the left handlebar |
| | Ignition switch allows on-position key removal; preventing key bunches from damaging the luxurious chrome finish around the ignition area while the bike is in operation |
| | Turning the ignition switch collar to the ACC” position allows accessories to be used while the engine is off and turning it to the “OFF” position turns the engine off and necessitates re-insertion of the key to restart |
| | A number of features facilitate long-distance touring and rider and passenger comfort |
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| Wind Protection |
| Adjustable handlebar-mounted windscreen offers smooth airflow and cruiser style | Large windshield and front cowling protect rider and passenger from wind and elements |
| | With the front cowling mounted to the frame, any wind buffeting is transferred to the bike rather than the handlebars, contributing to reduced rider fatigue on long trips |
| Sub-windshield and deflectors further increase wind protection performance | Leg shields have air vents that allow airflow to the legs to be adjusted |
| Strong chrome plated steel supports | |
| Two-position height | |
| 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 rider’s legs | |
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| Seat and Passenger Backrest | |
| Rider and passenger seats are sculpted for greater all-day comfort | |
| Luxury backrest with integrated passenger grab bars contributes to passenger comfort | |
| As a final contribution to passenger comfort, the Nomad features passenger floorboards | |
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| Saddlebags | |
| The Nomad features hard, lockable, top-opening saddlebags that each provide 8.6 gal. (38L) of sealed storage space for overnight touring | |
| Front and rear guards on the Nomad help protect the bike’s engine and hard side cases in the case of a fall | |
| Convenient helmet locks located on the left- and right-side saddlebag guards | |
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| | Ample storage |
| | 13.2 Gal (50L) lockable trunk is large enough to fit two full-face helmets |
| | Top-opening panniers are also sealed and lockable, with a volume of 8.6 gal (38L) each |
| | Up front, lockable glove boxes provide a handy place for storing small items and accessories. An iPod jack (optional connector required) is located in the left-side glove boxComfort |
| | Sculpted seat designed for both comfort and easy reach to the ground |
| | Upright riding position and floorboard contribute to all-day touring comfort |
| | Roomy passenger seat is complemented by padding on the trunk that provides back and arm support |
| | Rear floorboards contribute to passenger comfort |
| | Dual adjustable rear air-shocks ensure a comfortable ride feel |
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| | Long range |
| | 5.3 gallon fuel tank offers a substantial range, helping to minimize fuel stops when out on the open road |
