Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad ABS 2013 Owner's manual

Quick Reference Guide

This Quick Reference Guide will
assist you in finding the information
you’re looking for.

A Table of Contents is included after
the Foreword.

GENERAL INFORMATION j

HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE j

SAFE OPERATION j

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT j

STORAGE j

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE j

Whenever you see the symbols
shown below, heed their instructions!
Always follow safe operating a nd main­tenance practices.

DANGER

DANGER indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious in-

jury.

WARNING

WARNING indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious

injury.

NOTICE

NOTICE is used to address prac-

tices not related to personal in-

jury.

NOTE

NOTE indicates information that may

○

help or guide you in the operation or
service of the vehicle.

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehi­cle components contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproduc­tive harm.

NOTICE

THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN
MANUFACTURED FOR USE IN A
REASONABLE AND PRUDENT
MANNER BY A QUALIFIED OP­ERATOR AND AS A VEHICLE
ONLY.

FOREWORD

Congratulations on your purchase of a new Kawasaki Motorcycle. Your new mo­torcycle is the product of Kawasaki’s advanced engineering, exhaustive testing,
and continuous striving for superior reliability, safety a nd performance.

Please read this Owner’s Manual carefully before riding so that you will be
thoroughly familiar with the proper operation of your motorcycle’s controls, its fea­tures, cap ab ilitie s, and limitations. This manual offers many safe rid ing tips, but its
purpose is not to provide instruction in all the techniques and skills required to ride
a motorcycle safely. Kawasaki strongly recommends that all operators of this vehi­cle enroll in a motorcycle rider training program to attain awareness of the mental
and physical requirements necessary for safe motorcycle operation.

To ensure a long, trouble-free life for your motorcycle, give it the proper care and
maintenance described in this manual. For those who would like more detailed in­formation on their Kawasaki Mot orcycle, a Service Manual is a va ilable for purchase
from any authorized Kawasaki motorcycle dealer. The Service Manual contains de­tailed disassembly and maintenance information. Those who plan to do their own
work should, of course, be competent mechanics and possess the special tools
described in the Service Manual.

Keep this Owner’s Manual aboard your motorcycle at all times so that you can
refer to it whenever you need information.

This manual should be considered a permanent part of the motorcycle and should

remain with the motorcycle when it is sold.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without our

prior written permission.

This p ublication includes the la te st information available at the time of pr inting .
However, there may be minor differences between the actual product and illustra­tions and text in this manual.

All products are subject to change without prior notice or obligation.

KAWASAKI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.

Motorcycle & Engine Company

© 2013 Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. Apr. 17, 2013 (1)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPECIFICATIONS............................... 10

Serial Number Locations .................. 14

LOCATION OF PARTS....................... 15

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES

INFORMATION................................ 18

GENERAL INFORMATION................. 21

Meter Instruments ............................ 21

Speedometer ................................ 22

Meter Unit Switch ......................... 22

Multifunction Meter ....................... 22

Setting Menu ................................ 29

Warning/Indicator Lights ............... 32

Service Code ................................ 35

Keys ................................................. 35

Ignition Switch/Steering Lock ........... 37

Left Handlebar Switches .................. 39

Dimmer Switch ............................. 39

Turn Signal Switch ........................ 39

Horn Button .................................. 39

Right Handlebar Switches ................ 40

Hazard Switch .............................. 40

Engine Stop Switch ...................... 40

Starter Button ............................... 41

Meter Unit Switch ......................... 41

Electronic Cruise Control ON/OFF

Button........................................ 41

Electronic C ruise Control Switch

(SET/- and RES/+) .................... 41

Electronic Cruise Control System .... 42

Electronic Cruise Control Indicator

Light .......................................... 43

Electronic Cruise Control Set

Indicator Light............................ 43

Electronic C ruise Control Switch

(SET/- and RES/+) .................... 44

To Set the Electronic Cruise

Control....................................... 44

To Increase the set speed ............ 45

To Decrease the set speed ........... 46

To Cancel the Electronic Cruise

Control....................................... 47

Brake Lever and Clutch Lever

Adjusters....................................... 49

Fuel Tank Cap .................................. 50

Fuel Tank ......................................... 51

Stand................................................ 56

Seat.................................................. 57

Tool Kit ............................................. 59

Windshield........................................ 60

Special Warning on the Use of

Saddlebags................................... 60

Saddlebags ...................................... 62

Helmet Hook .................................... 66

Electric Accessory Connectors ........ 67

BREAK-IN ........................................... 70

HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE .72

Starting the Engine .......................... 72

Jump Starting ................................... 75

Moving Off........................................ 78

Shifting Gears .................................. 79

Braking............................................. 81

Kawasaki Advanced

Coactive-braking Technology
(K-ACT) - Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) for models equipped with

K-ACT ABS................................... 82

K-ACT ABS Indicator Light ........... 85

Stopping the Engine ......................... 86

Stopping the Motorcycle in an

Emergency ................................... 87

Parking............................................. 88

Catalytic Converter........................... 89

Electronic Throttle Valve (ETV)

System.......................................... 91

SAFE OPERATION............................. 92

Safe Riding Technique ..................... 92

Daily Checks .................................... 95

Additional Considerations for High

Speed Operation .......................... 97

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 99

Periodic Maintenance Chart............. 104

Engine Oil ........................................ 116

Cooling System ................................ 123

Drive Belt.......................................... 129

Spark Plugs...................................... 130

Evaporative Emission Control

System (California model only) .... 131

Valve Clearance ............................... 132

Kawasaki Clean Air System ............. 132

Air Cleaner ....................................... 133

Throttle Control System ................... 135

Idle Speed ........................................ 137

Clutch............................................... 140

Brakes.............................................. 141

Brake Light Switches........................ 146

Rear Shock Absorbers ..................... 148

Wheels ............................................. 153

Battery.............................................. 159

Headlight Beam................................ 165

Fuses ............................................... 167

General Lubrication.......................... 168

Cleaning Your Motorcycle ................ 170

Bolt and Nut Tightening.................... 177

STORAGE........................................... 180

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE............ 183

YOUR WARRANTY/OWNER

SATISFACTION .............................. 184

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS ...... 190

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ..... 191

MAINTENANCE RECORD ................. 192

LOCATION OF LABELS ..................... 198

10 SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length 2 500 mm (98.43 in.)

Overall Width 1 025 mm (40.35 in.)

Overall Height 1 465 mm (57.68 in.)

Wheelbase

Road Clearance 140 mm (5.51 in.)

Curb Mass:

VN1700C 378 kg (833 lb)

VN1700D

ENGINE

Type

Displacement

Bore x Stroke 102 × 104 mm (4.0 2 × 4.09 in.)

Compression Ratio

Fuel System

1 665 mm (65.55 in.)

382kg(842lb)

SOHC, V-type 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled

1 700 cm³ (103.7 cu in.)

9.5 : 1

Electric starter

SPECIFICATIONS 11

Cylinder Numbering Method

Firing Order

Front to rear, 1-2

2-1

Fuel System Digital fuel injection system (DFI)

Ignition System Battery and coil (transistorized ignition)

Ignition Timing

0° BTDC @950 r/min (rpm) ∼

(Electronically adva nce d) 40° BTDC @3 000 r/min (rpm)

Spark Plug NGK ILZKAR7B11

Lubrication System Forced lubrication (semi-dry sump)

Engine Oil:

Type

Viscosity

Capacity

API SG, SH, SJ, SL or SM with JASO MA, MA1 or MA2

SAE 10W-40

5.0 L (5.3 US qt)

Coolant Capacity 2.4 L (2.5 US qt)

TRANSMISSION

Transmission Type

Clutch Type

6-speed, constant mesh, return shift

Wet, multi disc

12 SPECIFICATIONS

Driving System

Primary Reduction Ratio

Final Reduction Ratio

Overall D rive Ratio 2.746 @Top gear

Gear Ratio:

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

FRAME

Castor 30°

Trail

Tire Size:

Front

Rear

Belt

1.515 (50/33)

2.250 (72/32)

2.933 (44/15)

1.900 (38/20)

1.407 (38/27)

1.143 (32/28)

0.967 (29/30)

0.806 (29/36)

169 mm (6.65 in.)

130/90B16M/C 67H

170/70B16M/C 75H

SPECIFICATIONS 13

Rim Size:

Front

Rear

Fuel Tank Capacity 20 L (5.3 US gal)

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Battery 12 V 18 Ah

Headlight

Tail/Brake Light

J16M/C × MT3.50

J16M/C × MT4.50

12 V 60/55 W

LED

Even if one of LED (Light Emitting Diode) tail/brake lights dose not go on, consult
with an authorized Kawasaki dealer.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

14 SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS

Serial Number Locations

The engine and frame serial numbe rs are u se d t o re g ister the motorcycle. T hey
are the only means of identifying your particular machine from others of the same
model type. These serial nu mbers may be needed by your dealer when orderin g
parts. In the event of theft, the investigating authorities will require both numbers
as well as the m odel type and any peculiar features of your machine that can help
them id entify it.

Frame No.

A. Frame Number

Engine No.

A. Engine Number

LOCATION OF PARTS

LOCATION OF PARTS 15

1. Clutch Lever

2. Clutch Lever Adjuster

3. Clutch Fluid Reservoir

4. Front Brake Fluid Reservoir

5. Brake Lever Adjuster

6. Front Brake Lever

7. T hrot tle Grip

8. L e ft Handlebar Switches

9. Ig nition Switch/Steering Lock

10. M eter Instruments

11. Fuel Tank Cap

12. Right Handlebar S witches

16 LOCATION OF PARTS

13. Headlight

14. Turn Signal Lights

15. Air Cleaner Element

16. Fuse Box

17. B attery

18. Rear Shock Absorber

19. Tail/Brake Light

20. Licence Plate Light

21. Front Fork

22. Brake Disc

23. Brake Caliper

24. Shift Pedal

25. Side Stand

26. C oolant Reserve Tank

27. D rive Belt

28. H elmet Hook

29. Muffler

30. Saddlebag

LOCATION OF PARTS 17

31. Passen ger ’s Seat

32. Tool Kit

33. Rider’s Seat

34. Fuel Tank

35. Fuel Tank Cap

36. Spark Plugs

37. R ear B rake Light
Switch

38. Rear Brake Pedal

39. Rear Brake Fluid
Reservoir

18 LOADING AND ACC ESSORIES INFORMATION

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION

WARNING

Incorrect loading, improper in­stallation or use of accessories,
or modification of your motorcy­cle may result in an unsafe riding
condition. Before you ride the
motorcycle,makesureitisnot
overloaded and that you have
followed these instructions.

With the exception of genuine
Kawasaki Parts and Accessories,
Kawasaki has no control o ver the
design or application of accessories.
In some cases, improper installation
or use of accessories, or motorcycle
modification, will void the motorcycle
warranty. In selecting and using acces­sories, and in loading the motorcycle,

you are personally responsible for your
own safety and the safety of other per­sons involved .

NOTE

Kawasaki Parts and Accessories

○

have been specially designed for
use on Kawasaki motorcycles. We
strongly recommend that all parts
andaccessoriesyouaddtoyour
motorcycle be genuine Kawasaki
components.

Because a motorcycle is sensitive to
changes in weight and aerodynamic
forces, you must take extreme care in
carrying cargo, passengers and/or in
fitting of additional accessories. The
following general guidelines have been

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION 19

prepared to assist you in making your
determinations.

1. Any passenger should be thor­oughly familiar with motorcycle op­eration. The passenger can affect
control of the motorcycle by im­proper positioning during cornering
and sudden movements. It is impor­tant that the passenger sit still while
the motorcycle is in motion and not
interfere with the operation of the
motorcycle. Do not carry animals
on your motorcycle.

2. You should instruct any passenger
before riding to keep his feet on the
passenger footpegs and hold on to
the operator or grab rail. Do not
carry a passenger unless he or she
is tall enough to reach the footpegs
and footpegs are provided.

3. All baggage should be carried as
low as possible to reduce the effect
on the motorcycle center of gravity.

Baggage weight should also be dis­tributed equally on both sides of the
motorcycle. Avoid carrying baggage
that extends beyond the rear of the
motorcycle.

4. Baggage should be securely at­tached. Make sure that the baggage
will not move around while you are
riding. Recheck baggage security
as often as possible (not while the
motorcycle is in motion) and adjust
as necessary.

5. Do not carry heavy or bulky items on
a luggage rack. They are designed
for light items, and overloading can
affect handling due to changes in
weight distribution and aerodynamic
forces.

6. Do not install accessories or carry
baggage that impairs the perfor­mance of the motorcycle. Make
sure that you have not adversely
affected any lighting components,

20 LOADING AND ACC ESSORIES INFORMATION

road clearance, banking capability
(i.e., lean angle), control operation,
wheel travel, front fork movement,
or any other aspect of the motorcy­cle’s operation.

7. Weight attached to the handlebar or
front fork will increase the mass of
thesteeringassemblyandcanre­sult in an unsafe riding condition.

8. Fairings, windshields, backrests,
and other large items have the ca­pability of adversely affecting stabil­ity and handling of the motorcycle,
not only because of their weight, but
also due to the aerodynamic forces
acting on these surfaces while the
motorcycle is in operation. Poorly
designed or installed items can re­sult in an unsafe riding condition.

9. This motorcy cle was n ot intended
to be equipped with a sidecar or to

be used to tow any trailer or other
vehicle. Kawasaki does not manu­facture sidecars or trailers for mo­torcycles and cannot predict the ef­fects of such accessories on han­dling or stability, but can only warn
thattheeffectscanbeadverseand
that Kawasaki cannot assume re­sponsibility for the results of such
unintended use of the motorcycle.
Furthermore, any adverse effects on
motorcycle components caused by
the use of such accessories will not
be remedied under warranty.

Maximum Load

Weight of rider, passenger, baggage,
and accessories must not exceed 180 kg
(397 lb).

Meter Instruments

A. Multifunction Meter
B. K-ACT ABS Indicator Light

(only on K-ACT ABS

models)
C. Speedometer
D. Fuel Level Warning

Indicator Light
E. Left Turn Sig nal Indicator

Light
F. Neutral Indicator Light
G. Right Turn Signa l Indicator

Light
H. High Beam Indicator Light
I. Electronic Cruise Contro l

Indicator Light
J. Electronic Cruise Control

Set Indicator Light
K. Warning Indicator Light

GENERAL INFORMATION 21

GENERAL INFORMATION

22 GENERAL INFORMATION

Speedometer

The speedometer needle momentar­ily deflects to the far end (and then re­turns to the zero position) when the
ignition key is turned to “ON”. This
checks the operation of the meter nee­dle. So if it does not operate correctly,
have the function checked by an autho­rized Kawasaki dealer.

The speedometer shows the speed
of the vehicle.

Meter Unit Switch

Meter unit switch is located on the
right handlebar switches. Select the
meter unit switch function by pushing
the knob of the meter unit swit ch.
“Push S button” means to push the
knob.
“Push the MODE-A switch” means to
pushtheknobtotheleft.
“Push the MODE-B switch” means to
push the knob to the right.

A. Meter Unit Switch
B. “S” Button
C. “MODE-A” Switch
D. “MODE-B” Switch
E. Knob

Multifunction Meter

The multifunction meter displays
the following functions: fuel gauge,
oil pressure warning symbol, coolant
temperature warning symbol, fuel in­jection warning symbol, odometer, trip

GENERAL INFORMATION 23

meters (TRIP A, TRIP B), clock, cruis­ing range, average mileage and gear
positions. When the ignition key is
turned to “ON”, all the LCD segments
are displayed for three seconds, then,
depending on the m ode selected, the
clock or meters operate normally.

A. Fuel Gauge
B. Warning Symbols Indicator
C. Odometer/Trip Meters (TRIP A, TRIP B)
D. Clock/Cruising Range/Average Mileage
E. Gear Position

Pushing the “MODE-A” switch shifts
the display in the lower digital meter
through the following three modes:
clock, average mileage and cruising
range.

A. Clock
B. Average Mileage
C. Cruising Range
D. Push the “MODE-A” Switch

24 GENERAL INFORMATION

Pushing the “MODE-B” switch shifts
the display in the upper digital meter
through the following three modes:
odometer, trip meter A and trip meter
B.

A. Odometer (ODO)
B. Trip Meter A (TRIP A)
C. Trip Meter B (TRIP B)
D. Push the “MODE-B” Switch

Fuel Gauge-

The fuel in the fuel tank is shown
by the number of segments displayed.
When the fuel tank is full, all the seg­ments are displayed. As the fuel level
in the tank goes down, the segments
disappear one by one from F (full) to
E (empty). When the lowest segment

and “FUEL” flash and the fuel level
warning indicator light goes on, approx­imately 4.0 L (1.1 US gal) of usable fuel
remain. Refuel at the earliest opportu­nity when they are displayed.

When vehicle stands with Side
Stand, Fuel Gauge cannot show the
amount of fuel in the fuel tank exactly.
Stand upright the vehicle to check the
fuel level.

A. Fuel Level Warning Indicator Light
B. Flash

GENERAL INFORMATION 25

Odometer (ODO)-

Pushthe“MODE-B”switchtodisplay

•

the OD O .

The ODO shows the total distance in

•

kilometers (km) or miles (mile) that
the motorcycle has run. This meter
cannot be reset.

NOTE

The data are maintained even if the

○

battery is disconnected.
When the figures come to 999999,

○

the display is locked.
The measurement unit of the odome-

○

ter can be changed by referring to the
“Setting Menu” in this section.

Trip Meters (TRIP A, TRIP B) –

The trip meters show the dista nc e in

•

kilometers (km) or miles (mile) trav­eled since the y were last reset to
zero.

TRIP A: 0.0 ∼ 9999.9
TRIP B: 0.0 ∼ 999.9

26 GENERAL INFORMATION

Push the “MODE-B” switch to display

•

the TRIP A or TRIP B.

A. Trip A
B. Trip B

To reset the trip meter

Push the “MODE-B” switch to display

•

the TRIP A or TRIP B.
Push the “MODE-B” switch and hold

•

it there.

After two seconds, the display turns

•

to 0.0 and then starts counting when
the motorcycle is operated. The me­ter counts until it is reset.

NOTE

The data are maintained by the back

○

-up power even if the ignition key is
turned to “OFF”.
When the trip meter display reac he s

○

9999.9(TRIPA)or999.9(TRIPB)
while running, the meter is res et to

0.0 and continues counting.
When the battery is disconnected,

○

the meter display is reset to 0.0.
The measurement unit of the trip me-

○

ters can be changed by referring to
the “Setting Menu” in this section.

GENERAL INFORMATION 27

Gear Position Indicator-

The gear position indicator shows the
corresponding gear position where the
transmission is s hifted.

1: When the transmission is in 1st

gear, “1” is displayed.

2: When the tran s mission is in 2nd

gear, “2” is displayed.

3: When the transmission is in 3rd

gear, “3” is displayed.

4: When the transmission is in 4th

gear, “4” is displayed.

5:

When the transmission is in 5th
gear, "5” is displayed.

OD: When the transmission is in Over

Drive gear, "OD” is disp layed.

Clock -

The hour adjusting mode and minute
adjusting mode can be shifted by refer­ring to the “Setting Menu” in this sec­tion.

Average Mileage (AVERAGE)-

This display shows the average
mileage by numerical value and in­dicates the average fuel consumption
counted from the start of measuring to
the present time.

Pushthe“MODE-A”switchtodisplay

•

the average mileage.

28 GENERAL INFORMATION

NOTE

The data are maintained by backup

○

power even if the ignition key is
turned off.
The measurement unit of mileage

○

canbechangedbyreferringtothe
“Setting Menu” item in this section.
Push the “MODE-A” switch for more

○

than two seconds while the average
mileage is displayed, and the aver­age mileage is reset to “– –. –”.

Cruising Range (RANGE)-

This display shows the cruising range

by numerical value and indicates the

cruising range from the remaining fuel
in the fuel tank. This cruising range
display is renewed every 10 seconds.

Push the “MODE-A” switch to display

•

the cruising range.

GENERAL INFORMATION 29

When the fuel warning message

•

"FUEL" flashes in the upper digital
meter, the cruising range value also
flashes "---".

A.“---”Flashes
B. “FUEL” Flashes

NOTE

The measurement unit of the cruising

○

range can be changed by referring to
the “Setting Menu” in this section.

The display range for cruising range

○

is 0 ~ 999.

Setting Menu

Push the “S” button for more than two

•

seconds.

The clock adjusting mode, distance

•

unit setting mode, and idle adjusting
mode can be shifted by pushing the
“S” button.

A. Clock A djusting Mode
B. Distance Unit Setting Mode
C. Idle Speed Adjusting Mode
D. Push “S” Button