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Cruisers

2013Kawasaki VN1700 Classic

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The 2013 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic is a heavyweight cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Its massive 1700cc V-twin engine delivers smooth, low-end torque ideal for relaxed riding, while liquid cooling and fuel injection provide dependable performance. Best known for combining retro aesthetics with touring comfort, it appeals to cruiser enthusiasts valuing character and heritage.

Capacity
1700.0 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Wet weight
349.0 kg
Seat height
720 mm
Power
73.8 HP (54.3 kW) @ 5000 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2013 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic

vs the 2012
Spec20122013
Rear suspension Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks 4-way Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks Rebound damping
Front brakes Double disc. Dual twin-piston calipers. K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) ABS. Double disc
Rear brakes Single disc. Twin-piston. K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) ABS. Single disc
Other years 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 41Agility 31Comfort 78Off-road 5Touring 72Road manners 65
Off-road & trail5%
Cornering30%
City riding45%
Daily riding55%
Touring72%
Two-up70%
Track10%
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 us
At 720mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2013 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic, 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 →

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
1700.0 ccm
Power
73.8 HP (54.3 kW) @ 5000 RPM
Torque
135.0 Nm (13.8 kgf-m) @ 2750 RPM
Engine type
V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2115 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
Carrying capacity
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 shocks Rebound damping
Front wheel travel
140 mm
Rear wheel travel
80 mm
Rake (fork angle)
30.0°
Trail
169 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

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 20092011201320152017
Capacity 1700 cc 1700 cc 1700 cc 1700 cc 1700 cc
Seat height 721 mm 721 mm 720 mm 720 mm 720 mm
Fuel capacity 20.1 L 20.1 L 20 L 20 L 20 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki VN1700 Classic?

The 2013 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic has a Capacity of 1700.0 ccm (103.74 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki VN1700 Classic have?

The 2013 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic has a Power of 73.8 HP (54.3 kW) @ 5000 RPM.

How many gears does the Kawasaki VN1700 Classic have?

The 2013 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Kawasaki VN1700 Classic?

The 2013 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 2013 Kawasaki VN1700 Classic has a Wet weight of 349.0 kg (769.4 pounds).

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