2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS [Specs, Features, Photos]

The 2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS: The Best Japanese Road Sofa Money Can Buy

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
Photos
Videos
Links

When most people think of big bagger motorcycles, they tend to think of American brands like Harley-Davidson or Indian—but you should never rule out Japenese-made bikes, and there’s no exception for this segment. The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS has been proving that for years, and the 2022 model continues to live up to Team Green’s lofty standards.

With the Vaquero, Kawasaki set out to prove that they could make a big, bad, touring road cruiser just as good as the ones by Harley or Indian, and the results speak for themselves. The Vaq’ is powered by a 1700cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 8-valve V-twin engine that pumps out 81 HP @ 5,000 rpm and 107.6 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750 rpm. You get badass frame-mounted fairings too, which give the bike a Sons of Anarchy look on a Mayans M.C. budget.

That’s not to say it’s a cheap bike by any means—the 2022 Vaquero will run you at least $17,599 USD / $19,999 CAD—it’s just that Kawasaki is great at giving you more bike for less money than most of its cruiser-making competitors. With electronic cruise control, electronic throttle valves, and K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-Braking Technology) ABS, you get a surprising amount of bang for your buck here—not to mention the AM/FM/WB audio system compatible with your iPhone or Sirius XM Radio.

The Vaquero is one of the best all-around large displacement cruisers you can buy in the current lineup of Kawasaki motorcycles (or that of any other brand). This year’s model comes in a stern but sexy Metallic Graphene Steel Gray color scheme.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $17,599 USD / $19,999 CAD

Key Features:
- Frame-mounted fairing
- Electronic cruise control & electronic throttle valves
- K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Co-Active Braking Technology) ABS
- AM/FM/WB audio system compatible with iPhone or Sirius XM radio.

Main Specs

Engine: 1700cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 8-valve V-twin
Power: 81 HP @ 5,000 rpm
Torque: 107.6 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750 rpm
Curb Weight: 844 lbs (383 kg)
Seat Height: 28.7 in (730mm)

Competitors

2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	1700cc, 4-stroke, 52-degree V-twin, liquid-cooled
Power	81Hp
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	Sealed chain
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 Matte Graphenesteel Gray
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 Months
Kawasaki Protection Plus	12, 24, or 36 months

2022 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.

Late-model sport bikes often use large-bore throttle bodies to generate high levels of power. However, with large diameter throttles, when a rider suddenly opens the throttle, the unrestricted torque response can be strong. Dual throttle valve technology was designed to tame engine response while contributing to performance.

On models with dual throttle valves, there are two throttle valves per cylinder: in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency is improved and power is increased.

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.