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Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad
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2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad
- 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad
Born for the open road
Kawasakis new 2009 Vulcan® 1700 Nomad is more than a touring edition of the innovative Vulcan 1700 Classic. This cruising motorcycle is for riders and passengers who yearn for the open road and nights away from home, but also like to ride in comfort. With a large windshield, hard saddlebags, passenger floorboards, a luxury backrest and standard cruise control, the Nomad is designed for miles of adventure solo or two-up.
The new Nomad supplies serious wind protection courtesy of an adjustable handlebar-mounted windscreen. A sub-windshield and deflectors on the Nomad further increase wind protection performance. The sub-windshield covers the area between the windshield and headlight when the windshield is in the raised position, while the fork-mounted deflectors help direct air away from the riders legs.
Visually setting the Nomad apart from its Vulcan 1700 brethren are the color-matched, lockable hard saddlebags. These top-opening side cases each offer a bountiful 8.6 gallons (38L) of sealed storage space for overnight trips. The Nomad also features front and rear guards to help protect the bikes engine and saddlebags in case of a fall. Convenient helmet locks are located on the left- and right-side saddlebag guards.
Comfortable seating for the rider and passenger is a must on a touring bike and the Nomad delivers with plush deluxe seats that are sculpted for all-day comfort. Contributing to long-distance passenger comfort is a luxury backrest with integrated passenger grab bars and floorboards for both the rider and passenger.
The Nomads light, 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 from the 1700cc engine delivering superior passing performance at highway speeds. The new engines increase in compression, displacement and long-stroke design means significant torque and power gains over its predecessor.
This is no V-twin from yesteryear, the Nomads fuel injection system, like those in use on Kawasakis Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles, utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three for less complexity and weight. Besides the obvious advantages of FI like improved fuel economy, the system permits easy hand-off starting.
The Nomads FI and exhaust are tuned to deliver its peak torque and horsepower at higher rpm ideal for its open road operating environment. More touring refinement comes from the clutch, which features six damping springs for three-stage progressive damping to smooth out the shifting and the hit from the big 1700cc engine under hard acceleration.
More cutting edge technology is found in Kawasakis first fully electronic throttle valve system that makes its first appearance on the Nomad. Working together with the fuel injection system, the electronic throttle valve helps the new Vulcan 1700 Nomad to offer a smooth, natural engine response. This helps the ECU to deliver an ultra-precise metering of both fuel and air to the engine. It also provides accurate cold-engine idle speed control, reduces rider fatigue and helps maintain a natural throttle feel.
The system utilizes dual sensors; an Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) on the throttle body and a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) on the throttle. Both of these sensors feed data to the ECU, which in turn adjusts the throttle plates with exacting precision. The system is capable of functioning on one set of data alone, offering redundancy in the unlikely event of a sensor failure.
The Vulcan 1700 Nomad also features a water-cooled alternator with rare-earth magnets that produces a staggering 48.5 amps of electrical output; plenty to power navigation systems and other electrical accessories that enrich modern traveling.
Likewise, no modern motorcycle could call itself a tourer without cruise control, and the Nomad is no exception. The cruise control is conveniently operated from the right side of the handlebar and can be activated between 30 and 85 mph in third gear or above. Disengaging is easily done by using the brake lever, clutch lever, rear brake pedal or manually closing the throttle.
Moving the Nomad down the road is a new six-speed transmission featuring overdrive and super strong carbon fiber drive belt. The sixth gear functions as an overdrive gear, contributing to relaxed riding and better fuel economy at highway speeds. The new carbon fiber drive belt has a 40-percent higher tensile strength than current Kevlar units, and allows it to use a thin and light 28mm belt.
However, this is no cold, mechanical techno-marvel. The designers were able to infuse the abundant technology into the new Vulcan 1700 Nomad with all the charm and visual appeal expected on a Kawasaki light touring 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 uses the minimal amount of forged parts and metal for a reduction of 4.4 pounds and a rigidity increase of 40-percent. With a shorter seat to steering head distance, the new lightweight chassis is more compact and shorter overall with a correspondingly decreased wheelbase. The easy-to-reach handlebars facilitate better low-speed maneuvering and contribute to greater rider confidence and comfort.
Adding to the light and easy handling of the low weight chassis design are the new suspension components set to match the Vulcan 1700 Nomads touring performance. Dual adjustable rear air-shocks provide 3.1 inches of travel, and include air adjustable spring preload and rebound adjustment to ensure a comfortable ride feel with unique settings for the Nomad. Up front, a large 43mm fork offers precise steering feedback, four-way preload adjustment and 5.5 inches of travel.
The Nomad rolls on new nine-spoke cast wheels, which use tubeless tires and complement its new muscular styling. Mounted on the attractive wheels are a 130/90 front radial tire and a wide, 170/70 rear radial tire. These arent the giant size tires that can "dull" handling, but beefy treads that offer good traction, smooth ride and good style. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers and a single 300mm rear disc brake with a two-piston caliper bring this show to smooth, powerful stops.
Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.
Features
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin engine
Liquid cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, fuel-injected 1700cc V-twin engine
as on the Vulcan 1700 Classic
Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke helps deliver high levels of
torque
A large capacity airbox is located on both sides of the engine
Features dual mufflers, one on each side of the bike
Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50-70mph (80-113km/h)
range
Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating
overtaking at highway speeds
Next Generation FI
Based on systems already on Ninja 650R and Vulcan 900
Utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three, for less complexity
and weight
The touring-oriented Nomad utilizes a FI and exhaust set up to deliver
its torque and horsepower peak at a higher rpm
On Board Diagnostics
Diagnostic system allows self testing of the electronic systems on
the Vulcan 1700
Displays codes on the instrumentation, which can be read by owner;
using accessory manual
Electronic Throttle Valve System
Kawasakis first fully electronic throttle valve system enables
the ECU to control the volume of intake air (via throttle valves) and the
volume fuel (via fuel injectors) delivered to the engine. Ideal fuel injection
and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response
Control of both fuel injection and airflow enables precise cold-engine
idling speed control
From the riders perspective, the ETV works like a standard cable-operated
throttle - the throttle grip is still connected to cables, so the feel at
the grip is the same
Twisting the throttle turns a throttle pulley on the throttle body
actuating the Accelerator Position Sensor (APS), located on the throttle body,
to send a signal to the ECU, which then actuates the throttle valves via a
DC motor. Throttle position is confirmed to the ECU by Throttle Position Sensor
(TPS)
APS and TPS send two sets of signals to the ECU for system redundancy
in the unlikely event of a sensor failure.
Cruise control
Operation of the cruise control is conveniently from the right handle
Cruise control can be activated between 30mph (47km/h) and 85mph (137km/h)
in 3rd gear or above
Operating the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal disengages
the cruise control as will closing the throttle beyond the zero-throttle
position
Transmission / Final Drive
Six-speed transmission
6th gear is an overdrive gear, contributing to stress-free riding and
better fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds
The clutch features six damping springs for three-stage progressive
damping that contributes to smoother feeling under hard acceleration
28mm carbon fiber final drive belt has a 40 percent higher tensile
strength than current Kevlar units nearly twice its width and allows the Vulcan
1700 to use a slim belt only 2mm wider than that on the Vulcan 900
The drive belt is quiet and efficient and helps reduce maintenance
chores
Lightweight handling chassis
A more compact package than its predecessors, the new frame features
a shorter wheelbase, and shorter distance between the seat and frame head
pipe, for improved rider ergonomics and easier maneuverability
Designed to be as light and slim as possible, the frame minimizes the
number of forged parts and trims any unnecessary metal. The only forged parts
are areas that require additional strength - the down-tube joint, engine brackets,
side-stand bracket, and rear fender/shock absorber bracket
The new frame is 4.4 pounds lighter than its predecessors, and has
a 40% increase in rigidity
The compact design contributes to light handling and facilitates handling
at low speeds, especially when executing precise slow speed maneuvers like
parking or making U-turns
43mm Telescopic Fork
Provides superb steering feedback and excellent ride quality
Features 4-way preload adjustment
Dual Adjustable Rear Air-Shocks
Feature Air adjustable spring preload to match the load
4-way rebound damping for a smooth and comfortable ride
Settings are specific to the touring needs of the Nomad
9-Spoke Cast Wheels
Allows the use of tubeless tire and complement its new muscular styling
130/90 front and 170/70 rear radial tires offer good traction, smooth
ride and classy style
Tire choice and suspension settings augment the light handling characteristics
Brakes
Dual 300mm front disc brakes and single 300mm rear disc brake, both
with twin-piston calipers provide smooth, powerful stops
V-twin Visual Appeal
Basic engine structure has a great impact on a V-Twin engines
appearance.
The line created by the top of the airbox and the cylinder heads forms
a curved lined that continues to flow through the bike.
Deeply chromed engine covers have curved upper surfaces. Their three-dimensional
form adds volume and gives a quality appearance.
The edges of the fins receive a special NC treatment that makes them
gleam in sunlight
All the non-chromed parts of the engine have a matt black finish that
further accentuates the chromed parts
Bodywork
The fuel tanks hand-sculpted contours employ constantly varying
radii, giving the bike a dynamism that is pleasing both to the eye and to
the touch
Its lines flowing through the rest of the bike, the elegantly shaped
fuel tank contributes to the Nomads curvaceous figure
Ignition switch allows on-position key removal; preventing key bunches
from scratching the instrument cluster or tank while the bike is in operation
Turning the ignition switch collar to the OFF position
turns the engine off and necessitates re-insertion of the key to restart
Multi-function LCD displays on the tank-mounted instrument cluster
are controlled by switches on the right handle. Features include a gear position
indicator, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range
and average fuel consumption
Liberal use of chrome on the engine, fender brackets, light stays,
saddlebag accents and front and rear guards, contrasts nicely with the bodyworks
deep, lustrous paint
Simple design of the seat cover balances rich visual tone of the bodywork
Motif from the front fender continues on the rear fender, which features
an elegant LED taillight
Wind Protection
Adjustable handlebar-mounted windscreen offers smooth airflow and cruiser
style
Strong chrome plated steel supports
Two-position height
Sub-windshield and deflectors further increase wind protection performance
The sub-windshield covers the area between the windshield and headlight
when the windshield is in the raised position and the fork-mounted deflectors
help direct air away from the riders legs
Seat and Passenger Backrest
Rider and passenger seats are sculpted for greater all-day comfort
Luxury backrest with integrated passenger grab bars contributes to
passenger comfort
As a final contribution to passenger comfort, the Nomad features passenger
floorboards
Saddlebags
The Nomad features hard, lockable, top-opening saddlebags that each
provide 8.6 gal. (38L) of sealed storage space for overnight touring
Front and rear guards on the Nomad help protect the bikes engine
and hard side cases in the case of a fall
Convenient helmet locks located on the left- and right-side saddlebag
guards
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad - USA Specifications
MSRP: $TBD USD
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valves per cylinder, V-twin
Displacement: 1,700cc / 103.7ci
Bore x Stroke: 102 x 104mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum Torque: 108 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
Cooling: Liquid, plus cooling fins
Induction: Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: Six-speed with overdrive
Final drive: Belt
Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake / Trail: 30° / 6.7 in.
Suspension, Front / Wheel Travel: 45mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.
Suspension, Rear / Wheel Travel: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with
4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in.
Front Tire: 130/90x16
Rear Tire: 170/70x16
Brakes, Front Dual 300 mm discs, dual twin-piston calipers
Brakes, Rear: Single 300 mm disc, twin-piston caliper
Overall Length: 98.4 in.
Overall Width: 40.4 in.
Overall Height: 56.7 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.5 in.
Seat Height: 29.5 in.
Wheelbase: 65.5 in.
Curb Weight: 822.5 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gal.
Colors: Metallic Diablo Black
Two-tone: Candy Diamond Red / Pearl Luster Beige
Two-tone: Metallic Nocturne Blue / Pearl Luster Beige
MSRP Standard/ Two-tone: TBD
Warranty: 24 Months
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad - Canada Specifications
MSRP $TBA CDN
EngineType Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke V-Twin
Displacement 1,700 cm3
Bore and Stroke 102 x 104 mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Valve system SOHC, 8 valves
Fuel system Fuel injection:f42 mm x 2
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
DrivetrainTransmission 6-speed, return
Final drive Belt
Primary reduction ratio 1.515 (50/33)
Gear ratios: 1st 3.077 (40/13)
2nd 1.900 (38/20)
3rd 1.407 (38/27)
4th 1.143 (32/28)
5th 0.967 (29/30)
6th 0.806 (29/36)
Final reduction ratio 2.250 (72/32)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
FrameType Double-cradle, steel
Wheel travel: front 140 mm
Wheel travel: rear 80 mm
Tyre: front 130/90B16M/C 67H
Tyre: rear 170/70B16M/C 75H
Caster (rake) 30º
Trail 177 mm
Steering angle (left/right) 35º / 35º
SuspensionFront: type 43 mm telescopic fork
Rear: type Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks
Rear: rebound damping 4-way
BrakesFront: type Dual 300 mm discs
Front: caliper Dual twin-piston
Rear: type Single 300 mm disc
Rear: caliper Twin-piston
DimensionsOverall length 2,500 mm
Overall width 955 mm
Overall height 1,465 mm
Wheelbase 1,665 mm
Ground clearance 140 mm
Seat height TBA
Curb mass 373 kg
Fuel capacity 20 litres
PerformanceMaximum power 61 kW {82 PS} / 5,000 rpm
Maximum torque 146 N·m {14.9 kg·m} / 2,750 rpm
DetailsColours Metallic Diablo Black, Candy Diamond Red
Warranty 24 months
Good Times Protection Plan 24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins
after the standard limited warranty expires)
MSRP TBA
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad - UK Specifications
MSRP: £TBA
This model is not available in the UK
*Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.
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