Cruisers
2012Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic
38 fields on record
The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic is a traditional cruiser that delivers authentic retro styling with modern reliability. Its liquid-cooled 1700cc V-twin engine produces impressive low-end torque, making it ideal for riders seeking comfortable highway cruising and classic aesthetics. Known for its timeless design and proven dependability, this cruiser appeals to enthusiasts who value heritage and performance in equal measure.
- Capacity
- 1700.0 ccm
- Engine
- V -Twin twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 345.2 kg
- Seat height
- 719 mm
- Power
- 73.0 HP
What’s new for the 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic
vs the 2011| Spec | 2011 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1700.00 ccm (103.73 cubic inches) | 1700.0 ccm (103.74 cubic inches) |
| Torque | 146.44 Nm (14.9 kgf-m or 108.0 ft.lbs) @ 2250 | 146.5 Nm (14.9 kgf-m or 108.1 ft.lbs) @ 2250 RPM |
| Fuel capacity | 20.06 litres (5.30 gallons) | 20.10 litres (5.31 US gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1,666 mm (65.6 inches) | 1666 mm (65.6 inches) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- 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 usEngine
- Capacity
- 1700.0 ccm
- Power
- 73.0 HP
- Torque
- 146.5 Nm (14.9 kgf-m) @ 2250 RPM
- Engine type
- V -Twin twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2115 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
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
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
- 719 mm
- Wet weight
- 345.2 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 / 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
- 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
- Ebony
- Warranty
- 12
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 | 1700.00 ccm (103.73 cubic inches) | 1700.00 ccm (103.73 cubic inches) | 1700.00 ccm (103.73 cubic inches) | 1700.00 ccm (103.73 cubic inches) | 1700.00 ccm (103.73 cubic inches) |
| Seat height | 721 mm (28.4 inches) | 719 mm (28.3 inches) | 719 mm (28.3 inches) | 719 mm (28.3 inches) | 719 mm (28.3 inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 20.06 litres (5.30 gallons) | 20.06 litres (5.30 gallons) | 20.06 litres (5.30 gallons) | 20.06 litres (5.30 gallons) | 20.06 litres (5.30 gallons) |
| Color options | Metallic Diablo Black, Two-tone: Luster Beige/Pearl Crystal White | 2-tone Metallic Diablo Black/Candy Surf Blue | Ebony | Ebony | Ebony |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic?
The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic has a Capacity of 1700.0 ccm (103.74 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic have?
The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic has a Power of 73.0 HP.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic have?
The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic?
The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic has a Torque of 146.5 Nm (14.9 kgf-m or 108.1 ft.lbs) @ 2250 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic weigh?
The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic has a Wet weight of 345.2 kg (761.0 pounds).
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