Cruisers
2016Kawasaki VN1700 Classic
40 fields on record
The 2016 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic is a heavyweight cruiser designed for riders seeking authentic American-style cruising with comfortable ergonomics and commanding presence. Known for its fuel-efficient V-twin engine, generous 20-liter fuel capacity, and low 720mm seat height, it excels at long-distance touring and laid-back highway riding. The bike combines classic styling with modern braking technology and adjustable suspension for dependable everyday performance.
- Capacity
- 1700.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 349.0 kg
- Seat height
- 720 mm
- Power
- 74.0 HP (54.0 kW) @ 5000 RPM
What’s new for the 2016 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic
vs the 2015| Spec | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc | Double disc. Dual twin-piston |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Single disc. Twin-piston |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for relaxed, torque-driven boulevard cruising and long straight-road touring rather than outright speed or cornering thrills.
- Built for
- A classic American-style V-twin cruiser that rewards a laid-back riding style, emphasizing deep torque, stable straight-line cruising, and old-school styling over sharp handling.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking agile cornering, off-road capability, or a lightweight, quick-flicking city commuter.
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 usEngine
- Capacity
- 1700.0 ccm
- Power
- 74.0 HP (54.0 kW) @ 5000 RPM
- Torque
- 135.0 Nm (13.8 kgf-m) @ 2750 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2120 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
- Digital
- 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, manual
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1665 mm
- Overall length
- 2500 mm
- Overall width
- 1025 mm
- Overall height
- 1155 mm
- Seat height
- 720 mm
- Wet weight
- 349.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 20.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 130 mm
- Dry weight
- Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Double-cradle, steel
- 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. Dual twin-piston
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Twin-piston
- Rear brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Front tyre
- 130/90-B16
- Rear tyre
- 170/70-B16
Other
- Color options
- Ebony
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 | 2009 | 2011 | 2013 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1700 cc | 1700 cc | 1700 cc | 1700 cc | 1700 cc | 1700 cc |
| Seat height | 721 mm | 721 mm | 720 mm | 720 mm | 720 mm | 720 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 20.1 L | 20.1 L | 20 L | 20 L | 20 L | 20 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki VN1700 Classic?
The 2016 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic has a Capacity of 1700.0 ccm (103.74 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki VN1700 Classic have?
The 2016 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic has a Power of 74.0 HP (54.0 kW) @ 5000 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki VN1700 Classic have?
The 2016 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki VN1700 Classic?
The 2016 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic has a Torque of 135.0 Nm (13.8 kgf-m or 99.6 ft.lbs) @ 2750 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki VN1700 Classic weigh?
The 2016 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic has a Wet weight of 349.0 kg (769.4 pounds).
Shop this bike
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