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Cruisers

2021Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero

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The 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero is a cruiser-touring machine designed for riders seeking comfortable long-distance travel with classic styling and commanding presence. Powered by a liquid-cooled 1700cc V-twin engine producing 145.9 Nm of torque, it excels at highway cruising with its relaxed riding position and generous fuel capacity. Best known for blending authentic cruiser aesthetics with practical touring capabilities, it appeals to experienced riders wanting accessible, reliable distance riding.

Capacity: 1700.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 406.1 kg
Seat height: 729 mm
Power: 73.0 HP (53.7 kW)

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

What’s new for the 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero

vs the 2020

Spec	2020	2021
Wet weight	379.1 kg (835.8 pounds)	406.1 kg (895.3 pounds)
Front suspension	45mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.	45mm Showa telescopic fork
Rear suspension	Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in.	Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping
Front brakes	Double disc. Two-piston calipers.	Double disc. ABS, dual four-piston calipers, K-ACT II.
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. ABS, twin-piston caliper, K-ACT II

Other years 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding35%

Daily riding55%

Touring88%

Two-up80%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed highway cruising and long-distance touring rather than sport riding, with a torquey big V-twin that favors effortless roll-on power over outright speed.
Built for: A bagger-style cruiser with blacked-out styling, integrated audio, and cruise control that projects a bold, stripped-back highway image.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking agile cornering performance, off-road capability, or a lightweight bike for tight urban maneuvering.

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 729mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero, 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: 73.0 HP (53.7 kW)
Torque: 145.9 Nm (14.9 kgf-m) @ 2750 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1798 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
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1666 mm
Overall length: 2510 mm
Overall width: 970 mm
Overall height: 1290 mm
Seat height: 729 mm
Wet weight: 406.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.10 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm
Carrying capacity: Hard saddle bags
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Front suspension: 45mm Showa telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping
Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 79 mm
Rake (fork angle): 30.0°
Trail: 178 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS, dual four-piston calipers, K-ACT II.
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS, twin-piston caliper, K-ACT II
Rear brakes diameter: 300 mm
ABS: Optional
Front tyre: 130/90-16
Rear tyre: 170/70-16

Other

Color options: Metallic Carbon Gray/Metallic Spark Black
Warranty: 36
Comments: Cruise control. Integrated audio system with SiriusXM ® Radio compatibility

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	2014	2017	2019	2021	2022
Capacity	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc	1700 cc
Seat height	729 mm	729 mm	729 mm	729 mm	729 mm	729 mm
Fuel capacity	20.1 L	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.

Rider Reviews

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MotorcycleDB

The 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero is a powerhouse of a motorcycle with its 1700cc V-twin engine and sleek, modern design. Its comfortable riding position, spacious saddlebags, and advanced technology make it a top choice for long rides and touring. The Vaquero also features a smooth-shifting six-speed transmission, ABS brakes, and adjustable rear air suspension, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. Whether you're cruising down the highway or navigating city streets, the Vulcan 1700 Vaquero offers a reliable and enjoyable riding experience.

Overall, the 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero is a fantastic choice for riders looking for a reliable, powerful, and stylish touring motorcycle. Its advanced features, comfortable ride, and impressive performance make it a top contender in the touring bike market. With its modern design and advanced technology, the Vaquero is sure to turn heads on the road while providing a smooth and enjoyable riding experience for long distances. If you're in the market for a touring motorcycle that offers both power and comfort, the Vulcan 1700 Vaquero is definitely worth considering.

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