2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT

The 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT improved with exhaust pipe heat shielding reduces radiant heat felt by the rider. Improved radiator ducting helps keep heat away from the rider’s right leg. A 5mm shorter coolant pipe makes it possible to remove the pipe without removing the alternator cover, simplifying oil-screen maintenance with Adjustable Windscreen : Adjustable handlebar-mounted optically correct windscreen is shaped for optimum airflow management without compromising the Vulcan 1700 Classic LT’s cruiser styling. Strong chrome plated steel supports. Two-position height adjustability accommodates different sized riders. Studded Seats and Passenger Backrest, Studded rider and passenger seats feature a sculpted shape that complements the rich visual tone of the bodywork, Detailed with ½-inch diameter chrome plated brass studs, Passenger backrest has strong chrome plated steel supports for a secure feeling and traditional cruiser styling. Saddlebags: Made of reinforced top grain cowhide carefully selected with minimal flaws and deep dyed to resist finish damage due to minor scrapes, Slant top opening lid, secured with two 1.5-inch wide leather straps with chrome buckles and concealed quick release fasteners, Dual panel lid construction with embossed Vulcan logo detail, Metal reinforced upper edge help bags hold their shape, Rolled and riveted top lid minimizes water intrusion, Chrome plated brass stud accents match the seats. Powerful 1700cc V-Twin engine: Liquid cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, fuel-injected 1700cc 52° V-twin engine, Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke helps deliver massive torque, distinctive V-twin feel, Valve system uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods, for quick revability and enhanced mid-high rpm power, Semi-dry sump allows a low crankshaft placement and a long piston stroke without increasing engine height, Single-pin crank accentuates the engine’s V-twin character by providing strong 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, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds.

Next Generation FI from 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT

Based on the systems used by the Ninja 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles. Utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three, for simplicity and light weight. The Vulcan 1700 takes advantage of FI and exhaust tuning optimized for maximum performance in the low-mid-rpm range, giving it plenty of grunt on the boulevard. Electronic Throttle Valve System. 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 from the accessory manual

Six-Speed Transmission / Final Drive

5th and 6th are overdrive gears, contributing to stress-free riding and 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 use of a belt only 2mm wider than the Kevlar belt on Vulcan 900, Belt drive system is quiet, efficient and offers reduced maintenance compared to a chain

Light Handling Chassis

Compact frame features a short wheelbase, and short distance between the seat and steering head, for great ergonomics and easy maneuverability, 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 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 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 twin-piston calipers. This braking system is tuned to provide sure, powerful stops

Classic V-twin Appeal

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, LED taillight offers elegant design and excellent long-term durability. Instrumentation: 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 complements the rich visual tone of the bodywork

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT -  Specifications
USA MSRP: $14,199 USD

Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52° V-twin
Displacement: 1,700cc / 103.7ci
Bore x Stroke: 102 x 104mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum Torque: 108 lb-ft @ 2,250 rpm
Cooling: Liquid, plus cooling fins
Induction: Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: Six-speed with overdrive
Final drive: Belt
Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake / Trail: 30° / 6.7 in.
Suspension, Front / Wheel Travel: 43mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.
Suspension, Rear / Wheel Travel: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1in.
Front Tire: 130/90x16
Rear Tire: 170/70x16
Brakes, Front - Dual 300 mm discs, dual twin-piston calipers
Brakes, Rear: Single 300 mm disc, twin-piston caliper
Overall Length: 98.4 in.
Overall Width: 40.4 in.
Overall Height: 57.7 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.1 in.
Seat Height: 28.3 in.
Wheelbase: 65.6 in.
Curb Weight: 798 lbs.**
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gal.
Colors: Metallic Imperial Red/Metallic Titanium
MSRP: $14,199
Warranty: 24 Months

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