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Cruisers

2011Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero

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The 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero is a cruiser built for riders seeking classic styling with modern performance. Powered by a 1700cc V-twin engine delivering 146 Nm of torque, it excels at comfortable highway cruising and relaxed riding. Best known for its retro design, low seat height, and accessible handling, the Vaquero appeals to both experienced cruiser enthusiasts and those transitioning to larger displacement bikes.

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 379.1 kg
Seat height: 729 mm
Power: 73.0 HP (53.7 kW)

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

Other years 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding35%

Daily riding55%

Touring88%

Two-up80%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed highway cruising and long-distance touring rather than sport riding, with a torquey big V-twin that favors effortless roll-on power over outright speed.
Built for: A bagger-style cruiser with blacked-out styling, integrated audio, and cruise control that projects a bold, stripped-back highway image.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking agile cornering performance, off-road capability, or a lightweight bike for tight urban maneuvering.

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 729mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero, 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.: BKAXC1.70AAA-013
EPA CO Emissions: 5.8 CO g/km
Torque: 146.5 Nm (14.9 kgf-m) @ 2750 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1926 HP/kg (wet)
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

Transmission

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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1666 mm
Overall length: 2510 mm
Overall width: 970 mm
Overall height: 1290 mm
Seat height: 729 mm
Wet weight: 379.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.10 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Front suspension: 45mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.
Rear suspension: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in.
Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 79 mm
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: Ebony, Candy Fire Red
Warranty: 36
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

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	2011	2014	2017	2019	2022
Capacity	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc
Seat height	729 mm	729 mm	729 mm	729 mm	729 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 recall may apply

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCHSep 2015 · 15V550000

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain model year 2009-2015 Vulcan 1700 Voyager and 2011-2015 Vulcan 1700 Vaquero motorcycles manufactured February 2, 2009, to March 20, 2015. In the affected vehicles, an ignition wire may chafe due to contact with the fuel tank, resulting in a short circuit and possible engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will install additional shielding and padding to prevent the ignition wire from shorting. Any igniton switch that has damaged wires will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2015. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381. Kawasaki's number for this recall is MC15-10.

These recalls cover some 2011 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →