Cruisers

2012Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero

45 fields on record

The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero is a cruiser-touring bike designed for riders seeking comfortable long-distance rides with classic styling. Its 1700cc V-twin engine delivers strong torque for highway cruising, while the liquid-cooled, fuel-injected powerplant ensures reliable performance across varying conditions. Known for its relaxed riding position and touring capability, it suits experienced cruiser enthusiasts prioritizing comfort and highway stability.

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)

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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?

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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 2012 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)
CO2 Emissions: 152 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: CKAXC1.70AAA-007-R02
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 6.47 L/100km (1521.8 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 6.0 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
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