The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad shares the same features with the standard Kawasaki Vulcan 1700. The bike is powered by a V-Twin, four-stroke, SOHC engine with four valves per cylinder and a 1,700 cc displacement. Power is sent to the ground via a revised six-speed transmission with quieter and more positive shifting action features overdriven 5th and 6th gears.

You also get a convenient electronic cruise control system which can be easily operated from the right handlebar, and can be engaged at any speed between 30 and 85 mph in any of the top four gears.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad rides on a front 43 mm hydraulic fork and a rear swingarm suspension with twin-ski and 4-way rebound damping.

The breaking power is assured by front and rear dual disc brakes grabbed by dual twin-piston brake calipers.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad.

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad
  • Torque: 108 @ 2250
  • Transmission: 6-speed

2013 Mercedes A-Class Sport

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Mercedes A-Class Sport
  • Horsepower: 115
  • Torque: 108 @ 2250
  • Transmission: 6-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press Release

It’s a timeless look, one carved right here in the U.S. during the formative decades of the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. It’s a look that epitomizes classic American styling, and one that meshed perfectly with the open-road mentality and adventurous spirit then spreading across the country.

Makes sense, then, that Kawasaki’s most adventurous and individualistic motorcycle – the 2011 Vulcan® 1700 Nomad™ – embodies such a look, for it’s a wandering, open-road traveler par excellence, a touring-flavored cruiser that can be many things to a wide variety of riders.

For some it’s a full-blown touring bike, its windshield, hard saddlebags, floorboards, backrest and standard cruise control taking the sting out of long days in the saddle. Strap a sleeping bag to the pillion, jump aboard and let the Nomad’s 1700cc liquid-cooled and fuel-injected V-twin eat up the miles effortlessly while you soak in the sights and decompress.

For others, the Nomad is a more traditional cruiser, a custom-flavored bagger with a look and attitude that tells everyone who’ll listen that it’s as happy cruising downtown as it is running across the county or state – solo or two-up – for the weekend.

The key to the Nomad’s considerable flexibility is its blend of touring-oriented hardware and the uniquely designed Vulcan 1700 platform, which offers a ton of versatility and performance whether in Voyager, Classic or Nomad configuration.

It all starts with that engine, a thoroughly modern interpretation of the big-inch V-twin that’s forged such a hearty reputation over the decades. This 1,700cc powerplant features liquid cooling, a 52-degree V angle, overhead cams, high compression, a long-stroke design and all the latest technology for prodigious power and torque spread over a shockingly wide rpm range. Redesigned mufflers not only enhance the look, but also give it the deep sound you’d expect from a bike like this. There’s not only loads of torque down low—the range you’ll spend most of your time in while aboard—but there is also plenty of grunt all the way to 5,000 rpm. Just twist the throttle and the Nomad generates forward thrust without hesitation, providing ample acceleration for spirited riding and waves of low-rpm torque when you’re just thump-thumping along in top gear, checking out the scenery and relaxing.

More useful technology is found in the Nomad’s fully Electronic Throttle Valve system. Working with the rest of the advanced fuel injection system, the electronic throttle valve enhances engine response without detracting from its distinctive V-twin feel. The system utilizes an Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) and a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). Both units feed data to the ECU, which adjusts the throttle plates to tailor intake airflow accordingly. The system offers a natural throttle feel, because the APS is activated by a throttle body pulley connected by cables to the throttle grip. Besides the obvious FI advantages such as improved fuel economy and automatic adjustment for altitude changes, the system also permits easy hands-off warm-up and idle speed control. Newly redesigned mufflers that offer a more tapered, classic look necessitated a slight modification to the intake manifold, which promotes even better throttle response. The Nomad also features a water-cooled alternator that produces a staggering 46.8 amps of electrical output – plenty to power a selection of electronic accessories to enrich motorcycle travel.

The Nomad’s electronic cruise control system is conveniently operated from the right handlebar, and can be engaged at any speed between 30 and 85 mph in any of the top four gears. The cruise system can be disengaged in any of the following ways: brake lever, clutch lever, rear brake pedal, or manually turning the throttle grip past the “closed” position. A revised six-speed transmission with quieter and more positive shifting action features overdriven 5th and 6th gears, which contribute greatly to a relaxed ride and excellent fuel economy at highway speeds. Power is routed to the rear wheel via a carbon fiber drive belt that has a 40-percent higher tensile strength than current Kevlar belts.

Color-matched, lockable hard saddlebags set the Nomad apart from its Vulcan 1700 brethren; these top-opening side cases are beautifully integrated and offer bountiful storage: 10 gallons each (38L) as well as front and rear guards to help protect the bike’s engine and saddlebags in case of a tip-over. (Helmet locks are conveniently located on the left- and right-side saddlebag guards.).

Keeping the rider and passenger comfortable on long rides is a top priority, and the Vulcan 1700 Nomad delivers with deluxe seats sculpted to provide additional support for all-day rides. A special backrest with integrated grab bars and floorboards for both the rider and passenger further contribute to the Nomad’s long-distance abilities.

Vulcan designers were able to infuse abundant technology into the 1700 Nomad without sacrificing any of the charm and visual appeal expected from a Kawasaki touring cruiser. Meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship of the engine covers, bodywork design and side cases result in a motorcycle that turns heads whether parked in front of a café or cruising down the highway.

Designed to be as light and slim as possible, the Nomad’s single backbone double cradle frame offers a short seat-to-steering head distance, with a correspondingly short wheelbase. That easy-to-reach handlebar facilitates slow-speed maneuvering and helps maximize rider confidence. Adding to the light and easy handling are suspension components that match the Vulcan 1700 Nomad’s intended usage. An elegantly simple rear swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks provides 3.1 inches of rear suspension travel, and features air spring preload and four-way rebound adjustment. Up front, a large 43mm fork offers precise steering feedback and 5.5 inches of travel.

The Nomad rolls on nine-spoke cast wheels fitted with tubeless tires: a 130/90 front and 170/70 rear are mounted. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers and a 300mm rear disc brake with a two-piston caliper help bring this stylish machine to sure, powerful stops.