Touring Motorcycles

2016Kawasaki VN1700 Classic Tourer

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The 2016 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic Tourer is a big cruiser with a windscreen and hard saddlebags. Its liquid-cooled 1,700cc V-twin makes 72.4 hp and 136 Nm through a six-speed gearbox and belt drive. A low 730 mm seat and a 20-litre tank suit long, relaxed highway touring.

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 360.0 kg
Seat height: 730 mm
Power: 72.4 HP (53.3 kW) @ 5000 RPM

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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 riding35%

Daily riding55%

Touring90%

Two-up80%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed long-distance highway cruising and boulevard riding rather than outright speed or sporty handling.
Built for: A classic American-style V-twin cruiser tourer that delivers strong low-end torque, a relaxed riding position, and unhurried, laid-back power delivery.
Not ideal for: Not suited for riders wanting sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or high-speed sport performance.

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 730mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2016 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic 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: 72.4 HP (53.3 kW) @ 5000 RPM
Torque: 136.0 Nm (13.9 kgf-m) @ 2750 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2011 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 multi-disc, manual

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1665 mm
Overall length: 2500 mm
Overall width: 1025 mm
Overall height: 1465 mm
Seat height: 730 mm
Dry weight: 360.0 kg
Wet weight: 382.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.00 litres
Ground clearance: 140 mm
Oil capacity: 4.00 litres
Carrying capacity: Saddle bags

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: 177 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/titanium
Comments: Windscreen

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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
Dry weight	—	360 kg	360 kg	360 kg	360 kg	349 kg
Seat height	721 mm	730 mm	730 mm	730 mm	730 mm	720 mm
Fuel capacity	20.1 L	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L