The 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 provides an enticing combination of superior technology with classic cruiser styling. The Vulcan 1700 is outfitted with plenty of chrome that enhance its striking cruiser looks. The bike combines technology with the character of a V-twin cruiser, resulting in a riding experience that allows the rider to focus on enjoying the rider, rather than managing the bike. With a frame that’s been made lighter and more compact for 2009, the Vulcan 1700 also sports a newly designed 1700cc engine that’s based on that of the Vulcan 2000. The Vulcan 1700’s engine utilizes a single overhead cam in each cylinder head. This helps to boost efficiency and provides for quick acceleration and excellent performance when passing. The engine’s new long-stroke design in addition to an increase in compression and displacement, helps to further increase torque and power. The Vulcan 1700 employs a fuel injection system that utilizes cutting edge technology that includes one sensor, as opposed to the three that many similar systems employ. This makes the 1700s system more simple and lighter in weight. The bike features an exhaust system that’s been tuned to optimize peak torque delivery at lower rpms, which makes the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 ideal for urban and back road environments. A new six-speed transmission with overdrive comes mated to the Vulcan’s V-twin engine. The improved transmission has been designed to contribute to more relaxed riding and better fuel economy when travelling at highway speeds. Torque is transferred from the transmission to the rear wheel via a thin, light carbon belt fiber final drive that offers 40 percent higher tensile strength then Kevlar.
Despite the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700’s numerous technological innovations, it’s not some sterile tech-infused modern marvel with no soul. One of the great things about the complete line of 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 models is how they fuse technology with classic cruiser charm and visual appeal. Kawasaki’s exquisite craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail help ensure that the Vulcan is a head-turning performance machine, that’s as capable as it is comfortable. Designed to be as lightweight as possible, the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 is also highly maneuverable and has the feel of a much smaller bike. This is in part due to suspension components such as the bike’s elegantly simple rear swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks. The whole package rolls on new nine-spoke cast wheels outfitted with tubeless tires that complement the Vulcan’s muscular styling.
There are a number of different versions of the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 including the Vulcan 1700 Voyager, Vulcan 1700 Nomad, and Vulcan 1700 Classic. The Vulcan Nomad edition that comes equipped with color-matched hard saddlebags, a windshield, passenger backrest, and other features designed to facilitate long distance cruising. While the Vulcan Voyager is the official flagship of Kawasaki’s touring motorcycle line, the Vulcan 1700 Nomad is still an exceptional cruiser model in its own right. The bike comes fully outfitted with hard saddlebags that are weatherproofed and enhance rather than detract from the round lines laid out by the bike’s fuel tank. The 1700 Voyager is similarly equipped with long distance touring features. However in this case, they’re even more deluxe with features like cruise control, a 40-watt stereo system that’s intercom headset compatible, iPod/MP3 port, and three power ports on the dash as well as two under the seat. The Voyager, the Nomad, and the Classic are all made to essentially the same specs as the standard 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700. The Classic of course has the most traditional cruiser styling of the line, while the Nomad and Voyager are the most comfortable choices for long distance journeys.