The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad looks like a blast from the past, featuring a classic style combined with a lot of vintage elements. However, under the classic skin you’ll find a lot of contemporary technologies such as ABS, electronic cruise control or fully electronic throttle actuation system. The bike is also fitted with air-adjustable rear shocks, coactive-braking, adjustable windscreen and lockable saddlebags.

At the heart of the 2104 Vulcan 1700 Nomad lies a modern 1,700cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52-degree v-twin engine that puts out 108 Lb-Ft of torque at 2,750rpm. The engine is kept in leash by a six speed transmission and is fed by a 5.3 gallons fuel tank.

Once on board you are met by spacious touring seats, comfy handlebars and ergonomically placed foot pegs.

The 2014 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad ABS is available in two-tone Flat Ebony / Pearl Flat Crystal White with a starting price of $17,499.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2014 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad.

kawasaki-vulcan-1700-nomad

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: kawasaki-vulcan-1700-nomad

2014 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad
  • Engine/Motor: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52-degree V-twin
  • Torque: 108
  • Transmission: 6-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Overview

Traditional Styling with Contemporary Technology

The Vulcan® 1700 Nomad™ ABS may look like it rolled out of the history books, but at it’s heart, the Nomad is a thoroughly modern motorcycle. Outfitted with a full-sized windshield, hard saddlebags, floorboards, backrest and standard cruise control, this Vulcan has everything needed to both stand out on the boulevard and follow the front wheel towards distant horizons. The low-slung seat makes maneuvering a breeze at the local bike night while the shape and padding of the saddle and pillion keep the rider and passenger comfortable during long days on the open road. Through it all, the pulse of the 1700cc V-twin wraps itself around your soul, enticing you to keep on riding long after the sunset has stopped reflecting in the Nomad’s silky two-tone paint.

In addition to good looks, the Nomad touring cruiser has the technological chops to support its “been there done that” attitude. The powerful engine is as comfortable loafing along the boulevard as it is cruising across state lines. All that is required to motivate this classically-styled bagger is a twist of the throttle. The state-of-the-art digital fuel injection and two big pistons take care of the rest.

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®, Vaquero® or Nomad configuration.

2014 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad ABS Key Features:

- Height adjustable, full-sized, windshield provides classic style and optically correct view

- Weatherproof, lockable, color matched, top-opening hard saddlebags offer ample, easy to pack storage

- Deluxe passenger backrest with stylish chrome bracket and ergonomic grab handles for passenger comfort

- Powerful 1,700cc single crankpin V-twin offers great sound and impressive torque

- Kawasaki’s sophisticated K-ACT ABS system builds rider confidence by helping execute controlled, balanced braking

- Six-speed transmission for effortless acceleration and relaxed cruising at highway speeds

- Electronic cruise control maintains speed, reducing rider fatigue on long trips, and interfaces with the electronic throttle valve system for smooth operation

- Low 28.7-inch seat height enhances rider comfort and confidence

- Includes a 24 month limited factory warranty. Optional supplementary plans offer a maximum of 48 additional months of Kawasaki’s Protection Plus™ coverage—bumping the total possible warranty to an amazing SIX YEARS!

Adjustable Windscreen

- Handlebar-mounted and optically correct, the adjustable windscreen is shaped for optimum airflow management without compromising the Nomad’s cruiser styling

- Strong, chrome-plated steel supports

- Two-position height

- Sub-windshield and deflectors further increase wind protection

- The sub-windshield covers the area between the windshield and headlight when the windshield is in the raised position, while fork-mounted deflectors help direct air away from the rider’s legs

Touring Seats and Passenger Backrest

- Sculpted rider and passenger seats offer all-day comfort and support

- Sturdy backrest with integrated passenger grab bars contributes to passenger confidence

- Passenger floorboards add extra comfort to the 2-up equation

Powerful 1700cc V-twin Engine

- Liquid-cooled, four valves per cylinder, fuel-injected 1,700cc 52-degree V-twin engine

- Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke helps deliver high levels of torque with a distinct V-twin feel

- Valve system uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods for quicker revving and enhanced mid-high rpm power

- Semi-dry sump design allows a lower crankshaft placement and a longer piston stroke without increasing engine height

--pin crank accentuates the engine’s V-twin character by providing stronger power pulses

- large-capacity airbox is located on both sides of the engine

--diameter iridium sparkplugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for high combustion efficiency, especially during low-load operation

- mufflers, one on each side of the bike, allow maximum clearance for luggage

- Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50 to 70 mph range

- Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds

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

- 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

- 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

Cruise Control

- Cruise control can be engaged and adjusted entirely from the right handlebar

- Cruise control can be activated in 3rd gear or above at any speed between 30 mph and 85 mph

- Pressure on the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal will automatically disengage the cruise control, as will manually rolling off the throttle

Kawasaki Advance Coactive-braking Technology (K-ACT II) ABS

- Nomad ABS features Kawasaki’s sophisticated K-ACT II system, which helps riders to execute controlled, balanced braking. Designed to complement the riders’ brake inputs, the system distributes the ideal amount of brake pressure to maximize braking efficiency

- For increased controllability in tight corners and when executing U-turns, K-ACT’s coactive function does not engage when braking is initiated at speeds below 12 mph

- ABS function is disengaged at speeds below 4 mph

- Dual 300mm front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and a two-piston rear disc brake for sure, powerful stops

Specifications

Engine type

Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52-degree V-twin

Displacement

1,700cc / 103.7ci

Bore x Stroke

102 x 104mm

Compression ratio

9.5:1

Maximum Torque

108 lb-ft @ 2,750rpm

Cooling System

Liquid, plus cooling fins

Fuel Injection

Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies

Ignition

TCBI with Digital Advance

Transmission

Six-speed with overdrive and positive neutral finder

Final Drive

Belt

Frame Type

Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone

Rake/Trail

30° / 7.0 in.

Front Suspension / wheel travel

43mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.

Rear Suspension / wheel travel

Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in.

Front Tire Size

130/90x16

Rear Tire Size

170/70x16

Brakes, front / rear

Dual 300 mm discs, dual twin-piston calipers with Kawasaki Advanced Coactive Braking Technology (K-ACT II) ABS system / Single 300 mm disc, twin-piston caliper with Kawasaki Advanced Coactive Braking Technology (K-ACT II) ABS system

Overall length

98.4 in.

Overall width

40.4 in.

Overall height

57.7 in.

Ground Clearance

5.5 in.

Seat height

28.7 in.

Curb weight

834 lbs.**

Fuel capacity

5.3 gal.

Wheelbase

65.6 in.

Color Choices

Two-tone Flat Ebony / Pearl Flat Crystal White

Warranty

24 months

Good Times™ Protection Plan

12, 24, 36 or 48 months

Price

$17,499


Verdict

Kawasaki struggled a lot before they’ve managed to penetrate the world of high end cruisers and all its efforts were rewarded with the success of the Vulcan 1700 series that consists of three models namely the Nomad, Vaquero and Voyager. Compared to its other two siblings the Nomad has a more serene character being comfortable, reliable and practical.

Its engine is fairly smooth and delivers plenty of power dealing great with highway traffic or twisty roads. Given the sporty DNA of any Kawasaki motorcycle, the Nomad handles pretty well on a large variety of roads despite its aggressive rake angle and the 65.6 inch wheelbase. The brakes are also fairly reliable and you won’t have any complaints about the ergonomics either.