45 mm Telescopic Fork

• Optimized damping and spring settings for a plush but controlled ride
• 5.5 inches of travel for excellent ride quality
• Provides superb steering feedback

6-speed Transmission / Final Drive

• Belt drive system is quiet, efficient and offers reduced maintenance compared to a chain
• Carbon fiber-reinforced final drive belt offers a 40 percent increase in tensile strength compared to current Kevlar belts
• 5th and 6th are overdrive gears for excellent fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds
• Durable and easy-shifting 6-speed transmission with positive neutral finder

9-spoke Cast Aluminum Wheels

• Tire choice and suspension settings augment the chassis’ light handling characteristics
• Fat and long-wearing 130/90 front and 170/70 rear tires
• Light and strong wheels allow the use of tubeless tires, while flat black paint nicely complements the Vaquero’s styling treatment

Chassis

• The Vaquero frame minimizes the number of forged parts and trims any unnecessary metal to help keep weight in check. The only forged parts are areas that require additional strength: the down-tube joint, engine brackets, side-stand bracket and rear fender / shock absorber bracket.
• The strong steel frame allows a relatively short wheelbase for optimal ergonomics and easy maneuverability

Classic Custom Dashboard / Advanced Audio

• Turning the ignition switch collar to the ACC position allows accessories to be used while the engine is off; turning it to the “OFF” position turns the engine off and necessitates re-insertion of the key to restart
• Ignition switch allows key removal in the on position, which prevents keys from damaging the black finish tank cover during operation
• The audio system (and your iPod, which plugs easily into the left fairing pocket) can be operated by switches on the left handlebar
• Audio system with twin speakers features radio (FM/AM/WX) and compatibility with optional iPod®, XM tuner or CB radio units
• Analog displays include speedometer, tachometer and coolant temperature gauge
• Multi-function LCD display in the center of the instrument console is controlled by switches on the right handlebar. Features include a gear position indicator, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range and average fuel consumption.
• The radio / stereo unit features a classically custom look from the 1960's
• Instrument layout and large round dials give the Vaquero’s console a custom look with a retro flavor

Comfort

• Dual adjustable rear air-shocks use settings optimized for a compliant ride and higher-load carrying when needed
• Upright riding position and rubber-topped floorboards contribute to substantial riding comfort
• Scooped shape allows an easy reach to the ground
• Sculpted seat blends a stylish shape with ideal foam density for all-day comfort

Convenient Storage

• Dual under-seat helmet holders
• Up front, lockable glove boxes provide a handy place for storing smaller items
• Their flowing, rounded shape is an attractive alternative to the square, boxy luggage found on other bagger models
• Vaquero features hard, lockable and sealed, side-opening side cases that provide nearly 10 gallons of storage space each for overnight touring

Digital Fuel Injection

• The touring-oriented Vaquero utilizes DFI® and an exhaust system tuned to reach peak torque and horsepower at a higher rpm than the engines used in standard Vulcan 1700 cruisers

Dual Air-adjustable Rear Shocks

• 4-way rebound damping adjustability helps the shocks compensate for changes in spring pressure
• Air-adjustable shocks can be tuned to match varying rider and passenger loads

Electronic Cruise Control System

• Pressure on the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal automatically disengages the cruise control, as does manually rolling off the throttle
• Cruise system can be activated in 3rd gear or above at any speed between 30 mph and 85 mph
• Cruise control can be engaged and adjusted entirely from the right handlebar
• System maintains a desired speed even on uphill climbs

Electronic Throttle Valve System

• APS and TPS send 2 sets of signals to the ECU for system redundancy in the unlikely event of a sensor failure
• Accurate throttle position is relayed to the ECU by a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
• Twisting 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
• From the rider’s perspective, the ETV system works like a standard cable-operated throttle; the throttle grip remains connected to cables, so the feel at the grip is the same
• Control of both injection and airflow provides easy starting and precise cold-engine idle speed control
• Optimized injector timing and throttle valve position results in accurate, powerful engine response
• 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

Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-Braking Technology (K-ACT II) ABS

• Dual 300 mm front disc brakes with 4-piston calipers and a 2-piston rear disc brake for sure, powerful stops
• ABS function is disengaged at speeds below 4 mph
• For increased controllability in tight corners and when executing U-turns, K-ACT II’s coactive function does not engage when braking is initiated at speeds below 12 mph
• Low battery mode maintains ABS function while reducing signal frequency to conserve power when needed
• Vaquero 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.

Key Features

• Stylish, frame-mounted fairing keeps steering feel light by directing aerodynamic forces into the chassis
• Twin tapered mufflers maximize saddlebag capacity and improve the engine’s power delivery
• Feature-rich, AM/FM/WB audio system with iPod and XM radio compatibility is standard equipment
• Electronic cruise control maintains speed and reduces rider fatigue on long trips
• Kawasaki’s sophisticated K-ACT II ABS system builds rider confidence by helping execute controlled, balanced braking
• Electronic throttle actuation system combines optimized injector timing for throttle valve position, delivering accurate, powerful engine performance
• 6-speed transmission for effortless acceleration and relaxed cruising at highway speeds
• Powerful 1,700 cc V-twin delivers impressive levels of torque and immediate passing power
• “Muscle car” inspired instrumentation delivers essential information with style
• Sporty, 1-piece saddle with low seat height emphasizes the classic, long, low “bagger” look
• Blacked-out looks accentuate the lines and body shapes through the use of varied surface texture and subtle, contrasting highlights

Long Range

• 5.3 gallon fuel tank offers a substantial range, helping to minimize fuel stops when out on the open road

On Board Diagnostics

• System displays codes on the instrumentation, which can be read by owner
• Diagnostic system allows self-testing of the electronic systems on the Vulcan 1700

Optional Accessories

• A large number of genuine Kawasaki accessories are available, including iPod connector, XM radio module, K.Q.R. quick-release passenger backrest, standard gel-seat, dual gel-saddle, saddlebag liners, auxiliary lights, DC power sockets, GPS mount, billet handlebar clamps, engine cover trim, saddlebag top rails, custom cover and more. See your Kawasaki dealer for more information.

Powerful 1,700 cc V-twin engine

• Even in overdrive (5th and 6th gear) the engine pulls strongly, making highway passing easier
• Engine tuning, combined with long-stroke design, offers superior acceleration in the 50 - 70 mph range
• Small-diameter iridium sparkplugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for high combustion efficiency, especially during low-load operation
• Large-capacity airbox is located on both sides of the engine
• Single-pin crankshaft accentuates the engine’s V-twin character by providing strong power pulses
• Semi-dry sump design allows lower crankshaft positioning and a longer piston stroke without increasing engine height
• Valve-actuation system uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods for quicker revving and enhanced mid-high rpm power
• Long-stroke 102 x 104 mm bore and stroke dimensions deliver high torque levels with a powerful and distinct V-twin feel
• Fuel-injected, 52 degree, 1,700 cc V-twin is liquid-cooled and features 4 valves per cylinder

Styling and Bodywork

• LED taillight is attractive and highly conspicuous when lit for added safety
• Sculpted, custom-look seat looks good and cradles the rider for maximum comfort
• Mufflers are tapered at their ends for a thoroughly retro look
• Sculpted strut covers seamlessly fill the space between the rear fender and saddlebags
• Cut-down fairing looks like a true custom piece, right down to the abbreviated smoked windscreen and headlight cover
• Many of the parts are exclusive to the Vaquero, which add to its factory-custom look and feel. These include the engine shrouds, rear fender, 1-piece side covers, saddlebags, fairing and seat.
• Hand-formed body shapes create a highly customized appearance
• Gloss and matte finishes on the engine highlight aesthetics even further
• Basic engine architecture supports the Vaquero’s factory-custom look, while its blacked-out color with machined and bare-aluminum accents sets off the bike’s color scheme

Wind Protection

• With the fairing mounted to the frame, any wind buffeting is transferred to the bike rather than the handlebar, helping to enhance highway stability and reduce rider fatigue
• Large, wide fairing with abbreviated windscreen and integrated lowers provides substantial wind and weather protection for riders