Cruisers

2014Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS SE

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The 2014 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS SE is a heavyweight cruiser touring bike ideal for riders seeking comfortable long-distance travel. Powered by a 1700cc V-twin engine delivering strong low-end torque, it combines classic styling with modern amenities including ABS and fuel injection. Best known for its relaxed ergonomics and highway-focused performance, it suits experienced cruiser enthusiasts prioritizing comfort and reliability.

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 383.1 kg
Seat height: 729 mm
Power: 73.0 HP (53.7 kW)

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

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding40%

Daily riding60%

Touring85%

Two-up75%

Track10%

Best for: Built as a power-cruiser bagger for confident highway cruising and long-distance boulevard touring rather than outright performance.
Built for: A big-torque V-twin cruiser with muscular low-end pull, relaxed ergonomics, and integrated luggage and audio for stylish open-road travel.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders wanting agile cornering, off-road capability, or a lightweight commuter for tight urban traffic.

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 2014 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS SE, 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)
Torque: 146.5 Nm (14.9 kgf-m) @ 2750 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1906 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
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Semi-dry sump

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: 383.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.10 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm
Carrying capacity: Saddle bags
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Front suspension: 45mm hydraulic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping
Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 79 mm
Rake (fork angle): 30.0°
Trail: 178 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 300 mm
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 130/90-16
Rear tyre: 170/70-16

Other

Color options: Candy Burnt Orange
Warranty: 36
Comments: Electronic cruise control. Feature-rich, AM/FM/WB audio system with iPod and XM radio compatibility.

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

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 2014 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 →