A classic cruiser that’s ready to travel
Sharing can be half the fun. If you seek an ideal V-twin powered platform for a day on the road with your partner, Kawasaki’s new 2009 Vulcan® 1700 Classic LT is the motorcycle you’ve been waiting for. Building on the innovative Vulcan 1700 Classic, the LT incorporates just the right mix of extra features – large windscreen, leather saddlebags and a passenger backrest – to make any road trip a more attractive proposition.
New top-grain, reinforced cowhide saddlebags are the core of the Classic LT’s touring package. The leather is carefully selected to minimize flaws and deep-dyed to help protect its finish from minor scrapes. These ideally-sized bags feature a slant-top opening held shut by two 1.5-inch wide leather straps that are fitted with chrome buckles and concealed quick-release fasteners. Rolled and riveted lid tops along with metal reinforced upper edges maintain the bag’s shape and help keep unwanted moisture away from your cargo.
Comfortable rider and passenger seats are a must on a cruiser able to tackle anything from daily commuting to roadtrips with a partner. The Classic LT has the right seats along with a classic-style backrest to keep the passenger relaxed and smiling as the miles tick by. Detailed with chrome plated brass studs to match the bags, the classically styled seat and backrest blend attractive visual appeal with practical comfort.
A large, optically correct, acrylic windshield rounds out the additional 1700 Classic LT features. It offers adjustable height and delivers serious wind protection for the rider and passenger.
The 1700 Classic LT’s lighter, more compact frame holds a newly designed 1700cc engine based on that of the mighty Vulcan 2000. However, it uses a SOHC rather than push-rod actuated OHV arrangement. This permits fast revving and quick acceleration – delivering superior passing performance at highway speeds. The new engine’s increase in compression, displacement and long-stroke design delivers a rumbling V-twin feel with significant torque and power gains over its predecessor.
On the leading edge of technology, Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle valve system makes its debut on the Vulcan 1700 family. Working with the rest of the fuel injection system, the electronic throttle valve helps to enhance the engine’s response without detracting from its distinctive V-twin feel. It also helps the ECU to deliver an ultra-precise metering of intake airflow to the engine and more-accurate idle speed control.
The system utilizes an Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) and a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). Both units feed data to the ECU, which adjusts the throttle plates to tailor intake airflow accordingly. The system offers a natural throttle feel, because the APS is activated by a throttle body pulley that’s connected by cables to the throttle grip.
More cutting edge technology is found in the Classic LT’s new fuel injection system. Like the systems in use on the Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles, the 1700’s fuel injection uses one sensor in place of the usual three, for less complexity and weight. Beside the obvious FI advantages like improved fuel economy and automatically adjusting for altitude changes, the system also permits easy hands-off warm-up and idle speed control. This cruising-oriented machine features FI and exhaust system tuning that has been optimized to deliver peak torque at a lower rpm – ideal for urban and back road environments.
Mated to its rumbling V-twin engine is a new six-speed transmission featuring overdrive. The overdrive sixth gear ratio contributes to relaxed riding and better fuel economy at highway speeds. The Classic LT transfers torque from the transmission to the rear wheel through a thin and light 28mm belt carbon fiber final drive belt. Thanks to its carbon fiber construction, the new belt offers 40-percent higher tensile strength than a Kevlar unit of the same width.
The Vulcan 1700 Classic LT also features a liquid-cooled alternator with rare-earth metals that produces a staggering 48.5 amps of electrical output, providing the 1700 Classic LT with more than enough current to power additional accessories.
However, this is no cold, mechanical techno-marvel. The designers were able to infuse abundant technology into the new Vulcan 1700 Classic LT without sacrificing the charm and visual appeal expected from a Kawasaki cruiser. Meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship of the engine covers, bodywork design and saddlebags result in an eye-pleasing product that turns heads whether parked in front of a café or cruising down the highway.
Designed from the start to be as light and slim as possible, the new single backbone double cradle frame offers a weight reduction of 4.4 pounds, coupled with a 40-percent increase in rigidity. With a shorter seat to steering head distance, the new lightweight chassis is more compact and shorter overall, with a corresponding decrease in wheelbase. The easy-to-reach handlebars facilitate better low-speed maneuvering and help maximize rider confidence.
Adding to its light and easy handling are new suspension components – set to compliment the Classic LT’s operating envelope. An elegantly simple rear swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks provides 3.1 inches of rear suspension travel, and features air spring preload and four-way rebound adjustments. Up front, a large 43mm fork offers precise steering feedback and 5.5 inches of travel.
The Classic LT rolls on new nine-spoke cast wheels, which use tubeless tires and complement its new muscular styling. 130/90 front radial and a 170/70 rear radial tires are mounted on the attractive wheels. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers and a single 300mm rear disc brake with a two-piston caliper help bring this stylish machine to sure, powerful stops.
A stylish combination of traditional layout, sophisticated technology and useful touring accessories, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT is always ready for a group ride or adventurous road trip.
Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.
