Cruisers

2012Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad

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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, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 378.3 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%

Cornering35%

City riding30%

Daily riding55%

Touring95%

Two-up90%

Track10%

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?

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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 Nomad, 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 →

Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

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 (36.4 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: 0.1930 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
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump

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
Ground clearance: 140 mm
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.
Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 79 mm
Rake (fork angle): 30.0°
Trail: 178 mm