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Cruisers

2009Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad

★ 3.0

43 fields on record

The 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad is a cruiser-touring motorcycle designed for riders seeking long-distance comfort and classic styling. Its 1700cc V-twin engine delivers reliable highway performance with digital fuel injection for smooth power delivery. Known for its spacious riding position, generous storage capacity, and passenger-friendly design, it excels at extended touring while maintaining traditional cruiser aesthetics.

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 373.1 kg
Seat height: 749 mm
Power: 73.0 HP (53.7 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

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 riding30%

Daily riding55%

Touring95%

Two-up90%

Track10%

Best for: Built for long-distance highway touring with a passenger and luggage rather than for sport riding or commuting.
Built for: A big-torque, low-revving V-twin cruiser that rewards a relaxed, unhurried riding style and long open roads.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or a lightweight, nimble city runabout.

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 749mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 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: 73.0 HP (53.7 kW)
EPA Certificate No.: 9KAXC1.70AAA-011
EPA CO Emissions: 6.0 CO g/km
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1957 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
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet multi-disc

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1689 mm
Overall length: 2499 mm
Overall width: 1026 mm
Overall height: 1440 mm
Seat height: 749 mm
Wet weight: 373.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.10 litres
Ground clearance: 140 mm
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Front suspension: 45mm 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: 178 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 300 mm
Front tyre: 130/90-16
Rear tyre: 170/70-16

Other

Color options: Metallic Diablo Black, Two-tone: Candy Diamond Red / Pearl Luster Beige, Two-tone: Metallic Nocturne Blue / Pearl Luster Beige
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

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	2017
Capacity	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc
Seat height	749 mm	729 mm	729 mm	730 mm	730 mm
Fuel capacity	20.1 L	20.1 L	20.1 L	20.1 L	20.1 L

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

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGESOct 2010 · 10V507000

KAWASAKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 VULCAN MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE MAY STALL IF THE RIDER IS COASTING WITH THE CLUTCH PULLED IN DUE TO AN IMPROPER SETTING OF THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU).

Risk: ENGINE STALLING COULD CREATE A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECU WITH ONE CONTAINING REVISED SETTINGS TO ADDRESS THE ENGINE STALLING. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI CONSUMER SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT 1-866-802-9381.

These recalls cover some 2009 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →