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Cruisers

2009Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT

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The 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT is a heavyweight cruiser touring bike designed for riders seeking long-distance comfort and classic styling. Its liquid-cooled 1700cc V-twin engine delivers reliable power, while extensive touring amenities make it ideal for extended road trips. Built for cruiser enthusiasts who prioritize stability, low-seat positioning, and American-style aesthetics.

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 365.1 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

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding35%

Daily riding60%

Touring92%

Two-up88%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed long-distance touring and cruising, with strong torque low in the rev range for effortless highway passing rather than outright speed.
Built for: A classic, laid-back V-twin cruiser character with deep torque, a relaxed riding position, and a heavy, stable feel on the open road.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders wanting sharp cornering agility, sporty 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?

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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 Vulcan 1700 Classic LT, 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
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1999 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 102.0 x 104.0 mm
Compression: 9.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1666 mm
Overall length: 2499 mm
Overall width: 1026 mm
Overall height: 1466 mm
Seat height: 721 mm
Wet weight: 365.1 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
Rear brakes: Single disc
Front tyre: 130/90-16
Rear tyre: 170/70-16

Other

Color options: Metallic Nocturne Blue/Pearl Burnish Beige, Metallic Dark Green/Pearl Burnish Beige
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	2011
Capacity	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc
Seat height	721 mm	719 mm	719 mm
Fuel capacity	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 →