2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad, 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Nomad
A Muscular Answer to the Call of the Open Road
Embodying classic American style, the Vulcan® 1700 Nomad can be the perfect companion for touring or just cruising down the boulevard. This flexibility means it can be many things to different riders. For some it s a full-blown touring bike, its windshield, hard saddlebags, floorboards, backrest and standard cruise control taking the sting out of long days in the saddle. Strap a sleeping bag to the pillion, jump aboard and let the Nomad s V-twin eat up the miles effortlessly while you soak in the sights and decompress. And with its mix of the latest technology and luxurious two-tone paint adding to its classic style, it s a one-two punch of thrill.
Features
Engine
The Vulcan® 1700 Nomad features a thoroughly modern interpretation of the big-inch V-twin that s forged such a hearty reputation over the decades. This 1,700cc powerplant features liquid cooling, a 52-degree V angle, overhead cams, high compression, a long-stroke design and all the latest technology for prodigious power and torque spread over a shockingly wide rpm range. Redesigned mufflers not only enhance the look, but also give it the deep sound you d expect from a bike like this. There s not only loads of torque down low the range you ll spend most of your time in while aboard but there is also plenty of grunt all the way to 5,000 rpm. Just twist the throttle and the Nomad generates forward thrust without hesitation, providing ample acceleration for spirited riding and waves of low-rpm torque when you re just thump-thumping along in top gear, checking out the scenery and relaxing.

Drivesystem
The Nomad s electronic cruise control system is conveniently operated from the right handlebar, and can be engaged at any speed between 30 and 85 mph in any of the top four gears. The cruise system can be disengaged in any of the following ways: brake lever, clutch lever, rear brake pedal, or manually turning the throttle grip past the closed position. Its six-speed transmission offers positive shifting action and features overdriven 5th and 6th gears, which contribute greatly to a relaxed ride and excellent fuel economy at highway speeds. Power is routed to the rear wheel via a carbon fiber drive belt that has a 40-percent higher tensile strength than current Kevlar belts.
Design
Designed to be as light and slim as possible, the Nomad s single backbone double cradle frame offers a short seat-to-steering head distance, with a correspondingly short wheelbase. That easy-to-reach handlebar facilitates slow-speed maneuvering and helps maximize rider confidence. Adding to the light and easy handling are suspension components that match the Vulcan 1