Cruisers

2012Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic

47 fields on record

The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic is a traditional cruiser that delivers authentic retro styling with modern reliability. Its liquid-cooled 1700cc V-twin engine produces impressive low-end torque, making it ideal for riders seeking comfortable highway cruising and classic aesthetics. Known for its timeless design and proven dependability, this cruiser appeals to enthusiasts who value heritage and performance in equal measure.

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 345.2 kg
Seat height: 719 mm
Power: 73.0 HP (53.7 kW)

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

Other years 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding40%

Daily riding60%

Touring80%

Two-up75%

Track5%

Best for: Built for relaxed highway cruising and boulevard riding rather than outright speed or sport handling.
Built for: A classic, torque-rich V-twin cruiser that rewards a laid-back riding style with strong low-end pull and a commanding, traditional presence.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking agile cornering, off-road capability, or a lightweight, flickable machine.

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 719mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 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 →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Range and running costs

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Power: 73.0 HP (53.7 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 155 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: CKAXC1.70AAB-004
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 6.60 L/100km (35.6 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 6.2 CO g/km
Torque: 146.5 Nm (14.9 kgf-m) @ 2250 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: TCBI with Digital Advance
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
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: 1666 mm
Overall length: 2499 mm
Overall width: 1026 mm
Overall height: 1156 mm
Seat height: 719 mm
Wet weight: 345.2 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.10 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Front suspension: 43mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.
Rear suspension: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in.
Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 79 mm
Rake (fork angle): 30.0°
Trail: 170 mm