Cruisers
2012Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad
36 fields on record
The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad is a heavyweight cruiser-touring motorcycle designed for riders seeking comfortable long-distance travel with classic styling. Its 1700cc V-twin engine produces robust low-end torque ideal for highway cruising, while the relaxed geometry and touring-specific features make it well-suited for extended journeys. Known for its reliability, smooth liquid-cooled performance, and practical belt-drive transmission, the Nomad caters to experienced riders prioritizing comfort and stability over sportiness.
- Capacity
- 1700.0 ccm
- Engine
- V -Twin twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 378.3 kg
- Seat height
- 729 mm
- Power
- 73.0 HP
What’s new for the 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad
vs the 2011| Spec | 2011 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1700.00 ccm (103.73 cubic inches) | 1700.0 ccm (103.74 cubic inches) |
| Torque | 146.45 Nm (14.9 kgf-m or 108.0 ft.lbs) @ 2750 | 146.5 Nm (14.9 kgf-m or 108.1 ft.lbs) @ 2750 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 long-distance highway touring with a passenger and luggage rather than for sport riding or commuting.
- Built for
- A big-torque, low-revving V-twin cruiser that rewards a relaxed, unhurried riding style and long open roads.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or a lightweight, nimble city runabout.
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) @ 2750 RPM
- Engine type
- V -Twin twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.1930 HP/kg
- 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
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Belt
- Clutch
- Wet multi-disc
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1666 mm
- Overall length
- 2499 mm
- Overall width
- 1026 mm
- Overall height
- 1466 mm
- Seat height
- 729 mm
- Wet weight
- 378.3 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 20.10 litres
- 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
- 178 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 Imperial Red/Metallic Phantom Silver Pearl Boulogne/Metallic Spark Black
- Warranty
- 24
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 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | 1700.00 ccm (103.73 cubic inches) |
| Seat height | 749 mm (29.5 inches) | 729 mm (28.7 inches) | 729 mm (28.7 inches) | 729 mm (28.7 inches) | 730 mm (28.7 inches) | 730 mm (28.7 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) | 20.06 litres (5.30 gallons) |
| Color options | Metallic Diablo Black, Two-tone: Candy Diamond Red / Pearl Luster Beige, Two-tone: Metallic Nocturne Blue / Pearl Luster Beige | Candy Neptune Blue/Metallic Phantom Silver, Ebony/Metallic Moondust Grey | Metallic Imperial Red/Metallic Phantom Silver Pearl Boulogne/Metallic Spark Black | Two-tone: Candy Mystic Blue/Pearl Crystal White, Two-tone: Metallic Titanium/Metallic Spark Black | Metallic Titanium/Metallic Spark Black | Metallic Titanium/Metallic Spark Black |
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 Nomad?
The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad has a Capacity of 1700.0 ccm (103.74 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad have?
The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad has a Power of 73.0 HP.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad have?
The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad?
The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad has a Torque of 146.5 Nm (14.9 kgf-m or 108.1 ft.lbs) @ 2750 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad weigh?
The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad has a Wet weight of 378.3 kg (834.0 pounds).
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