The four different and yet very similar models can be classified in two categories: first, there are the two Classic models blending in timeless looks with modern technology and powered by the 1700cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52-degree V-twin engine delivering peak torque (108 lb-ft) at just 2,250 rpm. These first two models feature a 6.7 inches trail. And secondly, the Nomad and Voyager models, which are powered by the same engine delivering maximum torque 500 rpms higher on the rev range, while featuring the same 30-degree rake and an appropriate, but different 7 inches trail. Apart from this, dimensions, weight and looks make all the difference between the four models featuring the same powerplant.
All these bikes are fed through a digital fuel injection system with dual 42mm throttle bodies. This, together with exhaust tuning, makes sure the engine delivers loads of torque just above idle, so this is where Kawasaki worked at in order to achieve the torque curve difference that splits the Vulcan 1700 lineup in two. An Electronic Throttle Valve System ensures great engine response and constant acceleration without having a dramatic influence over fuel consumption. The system has an Accelerator Position Sensor and a Throttle Position Sensor which work together for the best throttle response and in the worst case scenario (a sensor failure) will send a signal to the ECU so that riders would find out through the On Board Diagnostics system what’s wrong with their bike. Let’s just hope that you’ll never experience that.
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager
Still, the engine isn’t that much of a blast among cruisers mostly because it features a single cam per cylinder, so Kawi mates it to the six-speed gearbox with overdrive. This way, riders are offered the possibility of reaching a higher top speed without the increased fuel consumption. Relaxed, economic and quiet cruising is what these bikes are all about so apart from the efficient tranny, all models get belt final drive which also requires no maintenance, just regular replacement.
Comfort isn’t to be ignored either and on the Vulcan 1700 series there are no reasons to complain as these come with Dual Adjustable Rear Air-Shocks that adjust spring preload with air and offer 4-way rebound damping adjustments. Up front, the Classic, Classic LT and Nomad models are offered the proper steering feedback through a 43mm telescopic fork, while the Voyager model comes with a 45mm one meeting the same demands as on its lighter siblings.
All models are fitted with all around 300mm disc brakes with twin-piston calipers on the Classic, Classic LT and Nomad, while the much heavier Voyager has four-piston calipers and only two at the rear. Also, this last model is the most sophisticated when it comes to braking performance as Kawasaki uses Advanced Coactive-Braking Technology with optional ABS to put it to a complete and secure stop.
The lowest seat height is that of the Classic and its corresponsive LT model (only 28.3 inches from the ground), but this also implies a ground clearance of only 5.1 inches, so expect a lot of scraping the tarmac with the footrests when approaching corners a little bit too fast and being needed to lean more than the usual. With a seat height of 28.7 inches and a ground clearance of 5.5 inches of the Nomad and 5.3 inches of the Voyager, expect for the same scraping action in this case from much heavier piece of motorcycles, something that would make it even harder on the riders to keep the things under control in tricky situations. Kawi’s only possible explication is that the low seat heights were definite musts and the low ground clearance and the implicit low center of gravity allows for light handling.
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad
Kawasaki introduced the all-new models to offer both diversity and alternatives to some of the most notorious classic and touring motorcycles out there. Now, all models in the Vulcan 1700 lineup come with improved exhaust pipe heat shielding and improved radiator ducting, meaning that riders won’t start boiling when traversing crowded cities. Also, a coolant pipe has been shortened for easier oil-screen maintenance and all four models get cool new color combinations.
Competition
The Honda VTX1800N and VTX1800T as well as the Suzuki Boulevard C109R and Boulevard C109RT stand as Japanese alternatives to the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic and Classic LT. So are the Star Roadliner and Star Stratoliner models,
but this maker also offers the Royal Star Venture against the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager model. The Star is powered by a liquid-cooled 1298cc V-four engine, so competitors come in all shapes and sizes.
In matter of cruiser and tourers, Harley-Davidson is THE leader, but this time we’ll stop at their Ultra Classic Electra Glide model as this is the most appropriate American solution to the same riding demands that the Voyager satisfies. The Electra Glide is powered by Harley’s air-cooled, 96-cubic-inch V-twin fuel-injected motor offering a unique rush thanks to the 92.6 ft-lbs of torque that it develops at 3,500 rpm. Wet weight is 889 lbs which is very close to Kawi’s 886 lbs wet weight for the Standard Voyager and 895 lbs wet weight for the ABS-equipped Voyager model. This Harley-Davidson starts at $20,999, so price is most likely the main reason why people will head to Kawasaki dealerships to check out the new massive tourer.
2010 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide
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Exterior
Style is important as well and Kawasaki approaches a different one for each of the Vulcan 1700 models.
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic
To begin with, the 2010 Vulcan 1700 Classic is the simplest of them all. With timeless cruiser lines characterizing it from the start and to the rear, it’s no doubt that Kawasaki did use the Vulcan 1500 heritage, but in a rather refined manner. Chrome is present in abundance, from the tank mounted instruments and to the slash-cut exhaust pipes. The cast wheels feature nine spokes and the 1700cc V-twin motor shines brightly in between them. Available in Metallic Diablo Black/Candy Surf Blue, this thing is ready to hit the Boulevards and create the impression of being a much more expensive motorcycle thanks to the impeccable fit and finish.
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT
The 2010 Vulcan 1700 Classic LT adds a height adjustable windscreen, seat and passenger backrest as well as a pair of spacious leather saddlebags on top of the classic cruiser looks and transforms into a touring motorcycle. The two-tone color scheme available for this model (Metallic Imperial Red/Metallic Titanium) is also supposed to set it apart from the simple model that inspired its creation.
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad
Replacing the leather saddlebags with a pair of hard, lockable, top-opening ones determines Kawasaki to call practically the same touring motorcycle “Nomad” and paint it Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Titanium.
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager
The most imposing among them all is the 2010 Vulcan 1700 Voyager, which stands out thanks to a large old school front fairing which’s lines are defined by the big chromed headlamp and the twin fog lights inspired by the auto industry (or should have I said Harley-Davidson?). Behind the big windscreen, riders are spoiled by old style analog instrumentation featuring speedometer, tachometer and coolant temperature gauge. There is also an LCD display and an iPod as the audio system.
This thing is built for the long haul and the 13.2 gallons trunk and 10 gallons side cases show it best. The bucket-style seat is nice too, but present on all previously mentioned models. Still, the passenger gets sofa-like accommodation on the Voyager as that big trunk also plays the role of a backrest. Colors available for the most radical Vulcan 1700 out there are Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Imperial Red Metallic Midnight Sapphire Blue/Metallic Moondust Gray Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Imperial Red (Vulcan Voyager ABS).
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic
"The power delivery from the new 1700cc long stroke mill was definitely sufficient. It makes excellent power from just off idle up to around 3500 RPMs. From there to the 6,000 RPM redline, the engine still pulled, but it felt restrained or choked off. I have a feeling adding an aftermarket intake would go a long way towards curing that issue." – motorcycledaily
"The engines in both the Nomad and Voyager are tuned to provide more torque at higher rpm, with the full 108 lb-ft delivered at 2750 rpm. At the throttle, you feel the motorcycle builds power a tad slower than the Classic or Classic LT, which are tuned so that peak torque comes on at 2250 rpm." – motorcycle-usa
"Changes to the drive train are also big improvements over the 1600s. The first is a six-speed transmission with a true overdrive top gear. The second is that the shaft drive has been ditched for a belt. Previously, belts had to be very wide to handle the power of big bikes. Kawasaki has developed a carbon fiber-based belt that is only 28mm wide (just over one inch)." – motorcyclecruiser
"The big Vulc is no less impressive at higher speeds, responding relatively crisply to a shove on the bars. It’s no ZX-10R, of course, but it reacts willingly to a rider’s inputs. As with any cruiser, especially those with floorboards, twisty-road fun is limited by the amount of cornering clearance.” – motorcycle
"In the power department, our seat-of-the-pants impressions place the Voyager ahead of the H-D Ultra Classic Electra Glide we tested in the May issue." – cycleworld
Price
The cheapest motorcycle among the four is the Classic which starts at $12,999. This is followed by the corresponsive LT model that comes with an MSRP of $ 14,199 and the Nomad starting at $15,199. With the base MSRP starting at $17,299 for the ABS-free model and at $18,399 for the ABS-equipped model, the Venture model is also the most expensive in its lineup, but not in its class.
Conclusion
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad
For the category that they are positioned in and for what they offer, the slightly revised 2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 models are pretty good deals without which we could have indeed ride peacefully, but which also rummage our thoughts now that we know about the top quality involved. So, should have Kawi simply concentrated on improving the ZX-14 or was the 1700cc cruisers/tourers lineup a must as well?
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Engine and Transmission
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager
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