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Cruisers

2009Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic

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The 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic is a heavyweight cruiser designed for riders seeking authentic American-style cruising with modern reliability. Its 1700cc V-twin engine delivers strong torque for comfortable highway riding and commanding presence. Known for traditional styling, quality construction, and accessible ergonomics, it appeals to cruiser enthusiasts prioritizing comfort and character over sport performance.

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 345.0 kg
Seat height: 721 mm
Power: 73.0 HP (53.7 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

Other years 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding40%

Daily riding60%

Touring80%

Two-up75%

Track5%

Best for: Built for relaxed highway cruising and boulevard riding rather than outright speed or sport handling.
Built for: A classic, torque-rich V-twin cruiser that rewards a laid-back riding style with strong low-end pull and a commanding, traditional presence.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking agile cornering, off-road capability, or a lightweight, flickable machine.

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 721mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 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: 73.0 HP (53.7 kW)
EPA Certificate No.: 9KAXC1.70AAB-014
EPA CO Emissions: 6.2 CO g/km
Torque: 146.4 Nm (14.9 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2116 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 102.0 x 104.0 mm
Compression: 9.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
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: 1666 mm
Overall length: 2499 mm
Overall width: 1026 mm
Overall height: 1156 mm
Seat height: 721 mm
Wet weight: 345.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.10 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Front suspension: 43mm hydraulic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping
Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 79 mm
Rake (fork angle): 30.0°
Trail: 170 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 300 mm
Front tyre: 130/90-16
Rear tyre: 170/70-16

Other

Color options: Metallic Diablo Black, Two-tone: Luster Beige/Pearl Crystal White
Fuel Tank Material: M

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2009	2010	2012	2013	2014
Capacity	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc
Seat height	721 mm	719 mm	719 mm	719 mm	719 mm
Fuel capacity	20.1 L	20.1 L	20.1 L	20.1 L	20.1 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 open recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGESOct 2010 · 10V507000

KAWASAKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 VULCAN MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE MAY STALL IF THE RIDER IS COASTING WITH THE CLUTCH PULLED IN DUE TO AN IMPROPER SETTING OF THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU).

Risk: ENGINE STALLING COULD CREATE A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECU WITH ONE CONTAINING REVISED SETTINGS TO ADDRESS THE ENGINE STALLING. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI CONSUMER SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT 1-866-802-9381.

Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →