2012Kawasaki VN1700 Classic

41 fields on record

The 2012 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic is a heavyweight cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Its 1700cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine delivers strong low-end torque ideal for comfortable highway cruising. This model is best known for combining retro aesthetics with contemporary technology and fuel injection efficiency.

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 349.0 kg
Seat height: 720 mm
Power: 73.8 HP (54.3 kW) @ 5000 RPM

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What’s new for the 2012 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Front suspension	43mm hydraulic fork	43 mm telescopic fork
Rear suspension	Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping	Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks 4-way
Front brakes	Double disc	Double disc. Dual twin-piston calipers. K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) ABS.
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Twin-piston. K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) ABS.

Other years 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding40%

Daily riding60%

Touring70%

Two-up65%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed boulevard cruising and laid-back highway travel rather than outright speed or sporty handling.
Built for: A classic-styled big-inch V-twin cruiser that delivers strong low-end torque, a relaxed riding position, and a traditional, unhurried feel.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking agile cornering, sport-bike acceleration, or any kind of off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 720mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Power: 73.8 HP (54.3 kW) @ 5000 RPM
Torque: 135.0 Nm (13.8 kgf-m) @ 2750 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2115 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke: 102.0 x 104.0 mm
Compression: 9.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Digital
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1665 mm
Overall length: 2500 mm
Overall width: 1025 mm
Overall height: 1155 mm
Seat height: 720 mm
Wet weight: 349.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.00 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Double-cradle, steel
Front suspension: 43 mm telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks 4-way
Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 80 mm
Rake (fork angle): 30.0°
Trail: 169 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. Dual twin-piston calipers. K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) ABS.
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Twin-piston. K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) ABS.
Rear brakes diameter: 300 mm
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 130/90-B16
Rear tyre: 170/70-B16