Cruisers

2015Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad

44 fields on record

The 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad is a full-featured cruiser designed for long-distance touring and comfortable highway riding. Its spacious windscreen, saddlebags, and accessible 730mm seat height make it ideal for riders seeking stability and practicality on extended journeys. Known for its powerful 1700cc engine and impressive carrying capacity, the Nomad delivers classic cruiser character with modern touring convenience.

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 378.3 kg
Seat height: 730 mm
Power: 73.0 HP (53.3 kW) @ 5000 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad

vs the 2014

Spec	2014	2015
Power	73.0 HP (53.7 kW)	73.0 HP (53.3 kW) @ 5000 RPM
Seat height	720 mm (28.3 inches)	730 mm (28.7 inches)
Front suspension	43mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.	43mm hydraulic fork
Rear suspension	Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in.	Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping
Front brakes	Double disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.	Double disc. Two-piston calipers. ABS.
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. ABS

Other years 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 730mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2015 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 →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Power: 73.0 HP (53.3 kW) @ 5000 RPM
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
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: 730 mm
Wet weight: 378.3 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.10 litres
Ground clearance: 140 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: 43mm 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