Touring Motorcycles

2011Kawasaki VN1700 Light Tourer

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The 2011 Kawasaki VN 1700 Light Tourer is a cruiser-touring hybrid designed for riders seeking a manageable alternative to heavier touring bikes. Its 1700cc V-twin engine delivers smooth, accessible performance with strong low-end torque ideal for long-distance cruising. Known for combining classic cruiser styling with practical touring capabilities, it suits riders prioritizing comfort and control over raw power.

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 341.0 kg
Seat height: 720 mm
Power: 73.8 HP (54.3 kW) @ 5000 RPM

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Other years 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering40%

City riding35%

Daily riding55%

Touring88%

Two-up75%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed highway cruising and light touring duty, with saddlebags and a windscreen for covering long distances comfortably.
Built for: A laid-back V-twin cruiser-tourer that favors torquey, unhurried riding over sharp performance, rewarding smooth throttle inputs and a relaxed pace.
Not ideal for: Not a good match for riders wanting sporty cornering ability, off-road capability, or a lightweight, flickable machine for tight city streets.

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 720mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2011 Kawasaki VN1700 Light Tourer, 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: 73.8 HP (54.3 kW) @ 5000 RPM
Torque: 135.0 Nm (13.8 kgf-m) @ 2750 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2164 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 102.0 x 104.0 mm
Compression: 9.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Digital
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet mDouble disk, manual

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1665 mm
Overall length: 2500 mm
Overall width: 1025 mm
Overall height: 1155 mm
Seat height: 720 mm
Dry weight: 341.0 kg
Wet weight: 349.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.00 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Double-cradle
Front suspension: 43 mm telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks 4-way
Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 80 mm
Rake (fork angle): 30.0°
Trail: 169 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-B16
Rear tyre: 170/70-B16

Other

Color options: Black

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	2012	2014	2015	2016
Capacity	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc
Dry weight	341 kg	341 kg	341 kg	—	—
Seat height	720 mm	720 mm	720 mm	720 mm	720 mm
Fuel capacity	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L