Touring Motorcycles

2016Kawasaki VN1700 Light Tourer

42 fields on record

The 2016 Kawasaki VN 1700 Light Tourer is a cruiser designed for riders seeking manageable long-distance touring with classic style. Its 1700cc engine, comfortable seating, and equipped windscreen make it ideal for touring enthusiasts who prefer lighter handling than full-sized baggers. The bike excels at weekend getaways and highway cruising while maintaining nimble maneuverability.

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

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

What’s new for the 2016 Kawasaki VN1700 Light Tourer

vs the 2015

Spec	2015	2016
Rear suspension	Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks 4-way	Swingarm with twin air-assisted adjustable shocks. Rebound damping: 4-way
Front brakes	Double disc	Double disc. Dual twin-piston
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Twin-piston

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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

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 2016 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: 74.0 HP (54.0 kW) @ 5000 RPM
Torque: 136.0 Nm (13.9 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: 1465 mm
Seat height: 720 mm
Wet weight: 349.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.00 litres
Ground clearance: 140 mm
Carrying capacity: Leather saddle bags.
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 adjustable shocks. Rebound damping: 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
Comments: Windscreen.

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