2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS [Specs, Features, Photos]

The 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS: The Ultimate Japanese Bagger

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
Photos
Videos
Links

The 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS is designed with exactly one thing in mind: Elegant day-touring. Powered by a 1,700cc liquid cooled V-twin, 81 HP and 108 lb-ft of torque allow for easy highway rides with the grunt to get you out of any potential situation smoothly. While not as continent-crushing as its brother, the 1700 Voyager, if you do want to take it on longer cruises, it will simply eat up the miles that you feed it.

Since this is a Japanese motorcycle, it comes with everything you’d expect it to, especially being a Kawasaki. Electronic cruise control, built in hard-case saddlebags, dual-zone ABS with unified braking, wide-band radio built in along with AM/FM and optional satellite radio. The seat is plush and comfortable, and the handlebars are raked back perfectly for long distances to be ridden over without any back pain. There are fewer fairings and wind deflectors on the Vaquero than on the Voyager, however for some, that is exactly what they want.

The 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS starts at $16,999 USD / $19,799 CAD.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $16,999 USD / $19,799 CAD
Key Features:
- Built in hard-case saddlebags
- Electronic cruise control
- Standard dual-zone ABS with unified braking

Main Specs

Engine Type: 1,700cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC 8-valve V-twin
Horsepower: 81 HP
Torque: 108 lb-ft
Wet Weight: 844 lbs (383 kg) with saddlebags empty
Seat Height: 28.7 inches (7300 mm)

Competitors

2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	1,700cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC 8-valve V-twin
Power	81 hp
Bore x Stroke	102.0 x 104.0mm
Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Fuel System	DFI 42mm Throttle Bodies (2)
Starter	Electric
Lubrication
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
Transmission	6-speed with overdrive and positive neutral finder
Final Drive	Carbon fiber-reinforced belt
CHASSIS
Suspension Front	45mm Showa telescopic fork/5.5 in
Suspension Rear	Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping/3.1 in
Brakes Front	Dual 300mm discs, dual four-piston calipers, K-ACT II ABS
Brakes Rear	Single 300mm disc, twin-piston caliper, K-ACT II ABS
Tires Front	130/90-16
Tires Rear	170/70-16
Fuel Tank Capacity	5.3 gal
Color	Metallic Carbon Gray/Metallic Spark Black
ELECTRICAL
Ignition	TCBI w/ Electronic Advance
Spark Plugs
Headlight	LED
Tail Light	LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	98.8 in
Overall Width	38.2 in
Overall Height	50.8 in
Wheelbase	65.6 in
Ground Clearance	5.7 in
Seat Height	28.7 in
Curb Weight	844.5 lb
WARRANTY
Warranty	12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus	12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months

2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS Features

Electronic Cruise Control allows a desired speed (engine rpm) to be maintained with the simple press of a button. Once activated, the rider does not have to constantly apply the throttle. This reduces stress on the right hand when traveling long distances, enabling relaxed cruising and contributing to a high level of riding comfort.

Kawasaki’s fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of both the fuel (via fuel injectors) and the air (via throttle valves) delivered to the engine. Ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response and the ideal engine output. The system also makes a significant contribution to reduced emissions.

Electronic throttle valves also enable more precise control of electronic engine management systems like S-KTRC and KTRC, and allow the implementation of electronic systems like KLCM, Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, and Electronic Cruise Control.

At its heart, K-ACT ABS is an advanced anti-lock braking system, designed to keep tires from locking up during braking. But K-ACT ABS was designed to be used on touring models weighing in excess of 300 kg (661 lb) – and that is before adding a passenger and luggage.

Complementing its standard ABS function, K-ACT ABS links the front and rear brakes. It monitors the brake force the rider is exerting at both the front and rear, and takes into consideration vehicle speed to ensure highly effective braking while maintaining chassis stability.

For example, let’s say the rider pulls on the front brake lever. To keep the bike from pitching forward, the ABS ECU actuates the rear brake (via fluid pumps) to ensure that front-rear balance is maintained. Should the rider push the rear brake pedal, the system actuates the front brake as well to distribute the load more evenly so that the rear wheel does not lock up. Based on the vehicle speed, K-ACT decides the optimum hydraulic pressure to send to each caliper, ensuring that even with a heavy motorcycle, stable braking performance is possible.