2013 Model Information

MODEL NAME: Nomad 1700 ABSMODEL CODE: VN1700DDF

NOMAD V-TWIN TOURER

Cruise control, large windscreen, hard panniers, passenger floorboards and luxury backrest enablecomfortable two-up touring. The Nomad is ideal for overnight rides with a passenger.

The Nomad’s engine is based on that of the mighty VN2000. The Nomad engine has been designed for touring and offers significant torque and power gains over the earlier 1600 Nomad, as well as superior passing performance.

The Nomad also features Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle valve system, which together with the fuelinjection system offers smooth, natural engine response.Another change from the VN1600 series is the 6-speed transmission featuring an overdrive gear.

ETV (Electronic Throttle Valve) SystemKawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of both the fuel (via fuel injectors) and the air (via throttle valves) 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.

The simple system makes it easy to incorporate other systems, like cruise control (please see below).

Twisting the throttle grip actuates a throttle pulley on the throttle body. The Accelerator Position Sensor (APS), also located on the throttle body, sends 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).

Redundancy in the system (APS and TPS each send two sets of signals to the ECU) ensures some control is maintained in case of failure.

Because the throttle grip is connected to cables, the feel at the grip is like a standard cable-operated throttle.

Cruise control

operation of the cruise control is conveniently from the right handlebar switch.

Cruise control can be activated between 47 km/h and 137 km/h in 3rd gear or above.

Operating the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal causes the cruise control to be disengaged. Closing the throttle beyond the “zero-throttle” position is another instinctive way to disengage the cruise control.

POWERFUL 1700CC V-TWIN ENGINELong-stroke, liquid cooled, SOHC, 8-valve 1,700 cc V-Twin engine was

designed to deliver high levels of torque. Bore and stroke measure 102 x 104 mm.

Valve system is based on that of the VN2000, but uses a SOHC arrangement instead of OHV for more direct engine feel and easier merging onto freeways.

Large capacity airboxes are located on either side of the engine.

Semi-dry sump (like that on the VN2000) allowed the crankshaft to be lowered, enabling a longer stroke without increasing engine height.

Both pistons are connected to a single crankpin. Primary balance is satisfied care of two counter-balance shafts.

Small-diameter iridium spark plugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for high combustion efficiency, especially at low-load operation (near idling).

Belt final drive is quiet and efficient and helps reduce maintenance chores. Using carbon fibre instead of Kevlar as a tensile material, the belt offers high strength (tensile strength is increased by 40%) with a slim size and light weight. Belt width (28 mm) is more comparable to that of the VN900 models (26 mm) than that of the VN2000 (40 mm).

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The Nomad features dual mufflers (one on each side) with the same base construction as those on the VN2000.Superior passing performance

Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 80-113 km/h range. Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds.

LIGHT-HANDLING CHASSISDesigned from the start to be as light and slim as

possible, the frame minimises the number of forged parts and trims any unnecessary weight. The only forged parts (the down-tube joint, engine brackets, side-stand bracket, rear fender/shock absorber bracket) are areas that require additional strength. The frame is lighter than that of the VN1600A, with greater torsional rigidity.

More compact in design, the VN1700 has a shorter wheelbase than both the VN2000 and VN1600. The compact design contributes to light handling.

Shorter distance between the seat and frame head pipe facilitates handling at low speeds, especially when executing U-turns.

Tyre choice and suspension settings also contribute to the light handling.

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HThe Vulcan 1700 Nomad features wind protection care of an adjustable handlebar-mounted windscreen.

HSub-windscreen and deflectors on the Nomad further increase wind protection performance. The sub-windscreen covers the area between the windscreen and headlamp when the windscreen is in the raised position. The fork-mounted deflectors help direct air away from the rider’s legs. HThe Nomad features hard, lockable panniers (same as those on the VN1700 Voyager). The top-opening panniers each provide 38 litres of sealed storage space for overnight touring.HThe rider seat of the VN1700C is the same as that on the VN1700 Voyager; passenger seat is also sculpted for greater all-day comfort.HAlso contributing to passenger comfort, the Nomad features a luxury backrest with integrated passenger grab bars.HAs a final contribution to passenger comfort, the Nomad features passenger floorboards instead of footpegs.

OTHER FEATURESHDual adjustable rear air-shocks ensure a comfortable ride feel. They also feature chromed shock covers, contributing to the luxurious finish of the rear of the bike.HFront and rear guards on the Nomad help protect the bike’s engine and panniers in the caseof a stationary fall. Convenient helmet locks located on the left and right-side pannier guards.HIgnition switch allows on-position key removal, preventing key bunches from damaging the instrumentcluster 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.HMulti-function LCD displays on the tank-mounted instrument cluster are controlled by switcheson the right handle. Features include a gear position indicator (new for Kawasaki cruisers), fuel gauge, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range and average fuel consumption. HPushing the “S” switch to the left (“MODE-A”) toggles the lower display between “CLOCK”, “RANGE” (remaining cruising range) and “AVERAGE” (average fuel consumption). Pushing the “S” switch to the right (“MODE-B”) toggles the upper display from “ODO” to “TRIP-A” to “TRIP-B” and back.HThe elegantly shaped fuel tank tapers at the rear, contributing to the VN1700’s curvaceous figure, its lines flowing through the rest of the bike. The fuel tank’s curves have constantly varying radii, giving the bike a dynamism that is both powerful and sexy. Its hand-sculpted contours are pleasing both to the eye and to the touch.H Liberal use of chrome contrasts nicely with the bodywork’s deep, lustrous paint. In addition to the engine, the fender brackets, light stays, pannier accents are all chromed. HThe VN1700 is the first Kawasaki Cruiser to feature an elegant LED taillight.

SPECIFICATIONS VN1700DDF

ENGINEType Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke V-TwinDisplacement 1,700 ccBore and Stroke 102 x 104 mmValve system SOHC, 8 valvesCompression Ratio 9.5:1Fuel system Fuel Injection:32 mm x 4 (Keihin) with oval sub-throttlesIgnition DigitalStarting ElectricLubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump

DRIVETRAINTransmission 6-speed, returnClutch Wet multi-disc, manualFinal drive Belt

FRAMEType Double cradle steelCaster (rake) 30 degreesTrail 169 mmTyre: front 130/90B16M/C 67H

rear 170/70B16M/C 75H

SUSPENSIONFront: Type 43 mm telescopic forkRear: Type Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks. 4-way rebound damping

BRAKESFront: Type Dual 300 mm discsCaliper Dual 2-pistonRear: Type Single 300 mm discCaliper Twin-piston

DIMENSIONSOverall length 2,500 mmOverall width 1,025 mmOverall height 1,465 mmWheelbase 1,665 mmSeat height 750 mmCurb Mass 373 kgFuel capacity 20 litres

PERFORMANCEMaximum power 61 kW {82 PS}/ 5,000 rpm Maximum torque 146 N·m {14.9 kgf·m}/ 2,750 rpm

The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions.We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated, colours and specifications may vary to meet individual markets.

Kawasaki Motorcycle Distributors.PO Box 20-1075, Auckland International Airport.

www.kawasaki.co.nz