Touring Motorcycles

2009Kawasaki VN1700 Classic Tourer

36 fields on record

The 2009 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic Tourer is a massive cruiser designed for riders seeking long-distance comfort on a retro-styled platform. Its 1700cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine delivers strong low-end torque ideal for highway cruising, while the Classic Tourer trim emphasizes touring capability with additional features for extended journeys.

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 365.1 kg
Seat height: 721 mm
Power: 139.0 HP (102.2 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 2009 2010

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering25%

City riding30%

Daily riding55%

Touring90%

Two-up80%

Track5%

Best for: Built for relaxed highway cruising and long-distance touring rather than outright speed or sporty handling.
Built for: A classic, big-torque V-twin cruiser that delivers its power low in the rev range for effortless, laid-back rolling acceleration rather than aggressive thrills.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or lightweight city nimbleness.

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

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 721mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2009 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic Tourer, 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: 139.0 HP (102.2 kW)
Torque: 136.0 Nm (13.9 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3807 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke: 102.0 x 104.0 mm
Compression: 9.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1666 mm
Overall length: 2499 mm
Overall width: 1025 mm
Overall height: 1466 mm
Seat height: 721 mm
Wet weight: 365.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.10 litres
Ground clearance: 140 mm
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Double-cradle, steel
Front suspension: 43mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.
Rear suspension: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in.
Rake (fork angle): 30.0°
Trail: 169 mm