Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero 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

s a trademark of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S.A. and in certain other countries.

iPod®i

®

XM

is a trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc. registe red in the U.S.A. and in certain

other countries.

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

NOTICE

NOTICE is used to address prac­ticesnotrelatedtopersonalin­jury.

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.

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 L OCATIONS......... 14

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

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES

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

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

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

Speedometer and Tachometer ..... 22

Meter Unit Switch ......................... 23

Multifunction Meter ....................... 24

Setting Menu ................................ 30

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

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

Keys ................................................. 36

Ignition Switch/Steering Lock ........... 38

Audio System ................................... 40

Important Notice ........................... 40

Operating Precautions .................. 40

Getting Started ............................. 44

Radio Power On/Off...................... 45

Radio (FM/AM/WX BAND)............ 45

PTT (Push to Talk)........................ 65

Left Handlebar Switches .................. 66

Dimmer Switch ............................. 66

Turn Signal Switch ........................ 67

Horn Button .................................. 67

Audio Control Switches ................ 67

Right Handlebar Switches................ 68

Hazard Switch .............................. 68

Engine Stop Switch ...................... 68

Starter Button ............................... 69

Meter Unit Switch ......................... 69

Electronic Cruise Control ON/OFF

Button........................................ 69

Electronic C ruise Control Switch

(SET/- and RES/+) .................... 69

Electronic Cruise Control System .... 70

Electronic Cruise Control Indicator

Light .......................................... 71

Electronic Cruise Control Set

Indicator Light ............................ 71

Electronic Cruise Control Switch

(SET/- and RES/+) .................... 72

To Set the Electronic Cruise

Control....................................... 72

To Increase the set speed ............ 73

To Decrease the set speed ........... 74

To Cancel the Electronic Cruise

Control....................................... 75

Brake Lever and Clutch Lever

Adjusters....................................... 77

Fuel Tank Cap .................................. 78

Fuel Tank ......................................... 79

Stand................................................ 83

Seat.................................................. 84

Tool Kit ............................................. 86

Helmet-Hooks .................................. 86

Special Warning on the Use of

Fairing Pockets and Saddlebag s .. 87

Fairing Pockets ................................ 89

Saddlebags ...................................... 90

Accessory Connectors ..................... 94

BREAK-IN ........................................... 98

HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE .100

Starting the Engine .......................... 100

Jump Starting ................................... 103

Moving Off........................................ 106

Shifting Gears .................................. 107

Braking............................................. 109

Kawasaki Advanced

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

K-ACT ABS................................... 110

K-ACT ABS Indicator Light ........... 113

Stopping the Engine......................... 114

Stopping the Motorcycle in an

Emergency ................................... 115

Parking............................................. 116

Catalytic Converter........................... 117

Electronic Throttle Valve (ETV)

System.......................................... 119

SAFE OPERATION............................. 120

Safe Riding Technique ..................... 120

Daily Checks .................................... 123

Additional Considerations for High

Speed Operation .......................... 126

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 128

Periodic Maintenance Chart ............. 132

Engine Oil ........................................ 145

Cooling System ................................ 152

Drive Belt.......................................... 158

Spark Plugs...................................... 159

Evaporative Emission Control

System (California model only) .... 160

Valve Clearance ............................... 161

Kawasaki Clean Air System ............. 161

Air Cleaner ....................................... 162

Throttle Control System ................... 164

Idle Speed ........................................ 166

Clutch............................................... 169

Brakes.............................................. 170

Brake Light Switches........................ 175

Rear Shock Absorbers ..................... 177

Wheels ............................................. 183

Battery.............................................. 189

Headlight Beam................................ 196

Fuses ............................................... 197

General Lubrication.......................... 199

Cleaning Your Motorcycle ................ 200

Bolt and Nut Tightening.................... 207

STORAGE........................................... 210

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE............ 213

YOUR WARRANTY/OWNER

SATISFACTION ........................... 214

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS ...... 220

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ..... 221

MAINTENANCE RECORD ................. 222

LOCATION OF LABELS ..................... 227

10 SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length 2 510 mm (98.82 in.)

Overall Width 970 mm (38.19 in.)

Overall Height 1 290 mm (50.79 in.)

Wheelbase

Road Clearance 145 mm (5.71 in.)

Curb Mass:

VN1700J

VN1700K

ENGINE

Type

Displacement

Bore x Stroke 102 × 104 mm (4.02 × 4.09 in.)

Compression Ratio

Starting System

1 665 mm (65.55 in.)

379kg(836lb)

383kg(845lb)

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

Front to rear, 1-2

Method

Firing Order

2-1

Fuel System FI (Fuel Injection)

Ignition System Battery and coil (transistorized ignition)

Ignition Timing

0° BTDC @950 r/min (rpm) ∼

(Electronically advanc ed) 40° BTDC @3 000 r/min (rpm)

Spark Plugs NGK ILZKAR7B11

Lubrication System Forced lubr ication (semi-dry sump)

Engine Oil:

Type

Viscosity

Capacity

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

SAE 10W-40

5.0L(5.3USqt)

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 Drive Ratio 2.746 @Top gear

Gear Ratio:

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

FRAME

Caster 30°

Trail

Tire Size:

Front

Rear

Belt drive

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)

177 mm (7.0 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 numbers ma y be n ee ded by your dealer when ordering
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 Fluid
Reservoir

3. Front Speakers

4. Meter Unit

5. Audio Unit

6. B rake Fluid Reservoir
(Front)

7. Front Brake Lever

8. T hrottle Grip

9. R igh t Handlebar
Switches

10. Fairing Pockets

11. Fuel Tank Cap

12. Ignition Switch

13. Left Handlebar
Switches

16 LOCATION OF PARTS

1. Headlight

2. Air Cleaner Element

3. Fuse Box

4. Battery

5. Tail/Brake Light

6. Antenna

7. Licence Plate Light

8. Turn Signal Light

9. Drive Belt

10. Coolant Reserve Tank

11. Side S tan d

12. Shift Pedal

13. B rake Caliper

14. B rake Disc

15. F ron t Fork

LOCATION OF PARTS 17

1. Saddlebag

2. Rear Shock Absorber

3. Tool Kit

4. Seat

5. Fuel Tank

6. D e flector

7. B rake Fluid Reservoir
(Rear)

8. R ear Brake Pedal

9. Re ar Brake Light
Switch

10. Spark Plugs

11. Muffler

18 LOADING AND ACCESSORIES 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 A ccess ories ,
Kawasaki has no control o ver the
design or application of a ccessories.
In some cases, improper installation
or use of accessories, or motorcycle
modification, will void the motorcycle
warranty, can negatively affect per­formance, and can even be illegal.

In selecting and using a ccessories,
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 the fitting of additional accessories.

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION 19

The following general guidelines have
been 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 seat strap. 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.

20 LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION

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,
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, deflector, backrests, and
other large items have the cap ability
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

installeditemscanresultinanun­safe riding condition.

9. This motorcycle was not 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

GENERAL INFORMATION 21

GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Speedometer
B. Fuel Level Warning

Indicator Light

C. Left Turn Signal

Indicator Light

D. Neutral Indicator

Light

E. Right Turn Signal

Indicator Light

F. High Beam Indicator

Light
G. Tachometer
H. Fuel Level Gauge

I. K -ACT ABS Indicator

Light (only on

equipped model)

J. Ele ctron ic Cruise

Control Indicator

Light

K. Electronic Cruise

Control Set Indicator
Light

L. Warning Indicator

Light

M. Multifunction Meter

N. Coolant Temperature

Gauge

22 GENERAL INFORMATION

Speedometer and Tachometer

The needle of the speedometer and
tachometer momentarily sweeps from
the minimum to maximum and back
to minimum when the ignition key is
turned to “ON”. This checks the opera­tion of the meter needles. So if they do
not operate correctly, have the function
checked by an authorized Kawasaki
dealer.

The speedometer shows the speed
of the vehicle.

The tachometer shows the engine
speed in revolutions per minute (r/min,
rpm). On the right side of the tachome­ter face is a portion called the “red
zone”. Engine r/ min (rpm ) in the
red zone is above maximum recom­mended engine speed and is also
above the range for good performance.

NOTICE

Engine r/min (rpm) should not
be allowed to enter the red zone;
operation in the red zone will
overstress the engine and may
cause serious engine damage.

Fuel Level Gauge

The fuel level gauge shows the
amount of fuel in the fuel tank. When
the needle comes near the E (empty)
position, refuel at the earliest oppor­tunity. When vehicle stands with Side
Stand, Fuel Level Indicator Light/Fuel
Level Gauge cannot show the amount
of fuel in the fuel tank exactly. Stand
upright the vehicle to check the fuel
level.

NOTE

If the motorcycle is held horizontal

○

while refueling, the fuel level gauge

GENERAL INFORMATION 23

may not show the rightmost needle
on the gauge.

Coolant Temperature Gauge

This gauge shows the temperature of
coolant. Ordinarily, the needle should
stay within the white zone. If the needle
reaches the red zone, stop the engine
and check the coolant level in the re­serve tank after the engine cools down.

NOTICE

Do not let the engine continue

running when the coolant tem-

perature gauge shows “H”. Pro-

longed engine operation will

result in severe engine damage

from overheating.

Meter Unit Sw itch

Meter unit switch is loc ated on the
right handlebar switches. Select the

meter unit switch function by pushing
the knob of the meter unit switch.
“Push the S button” means to push the
knob.
“Push the MODE-A switch” means to
push the knob to the left.
“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

24 GENERAL INFORMATION

Multifunction Meter

The multifunction meter displays the
following functions: oil pressure warn­ing symbol, battery warning symbol,
fuel injection warning symbol, o dome­ter, trip meters (TRIP A, TRIP B), clock,
average mileage, cruising range, idle
speed and gear positions. When the ig­nition key is turned to “ON”, all the LCD
segments are displayed for three sec­onds, then, depending on the mode se­lected, the clock or meters operate nor­mally.

A. Gear Position
B. Odometer/Trip Meters (TRIP A, TRIP B)
C. Cruising Range/Average Mileage/Idle

Speed
D. Clock
E. Warning Symbols Indicato r

GENERAL INFORMATION 25

Pushing the “MODE-A” switch shifts
the display in the multifunction meter
through the following two modes: cruis­ing range and average mileage.

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

Odometer (ODO)-

Pushthe“MODE-B”switchtodisplay

•

the ODO.

26 GENERAL INFORMATION

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 ev en 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 distance in

•

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

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

Push the “MODE-B” switch to display

•

the TRIP A o r TRIP B.

A. Trip A
B. Trip B

GENERAL INFORMATION 27

Pushthe“MODE-B”switchtodisplay

•

theTRIPAorTRIPB.
Push the “MODE-B” switch and hold

•

it there.
After two seconds, the display turns

•

to 0.0 and then starts counting when
themotorcycleisoperated. Theme­ter counts until it is reset.

NOTE

Thedataaremaintainedbytheback

○

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

○

9999.9 (TRIP A) or 999.9 (TRIP B)
while running, the meter is reset to

0.0 and continues counting.
When the battery is disconnected,

○

the meter display is reset to 0.0.
Themeasurementunitofthetripme-

○

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

Gear Position Indicator-

The gear position indicator shows the
corresponding gear position where the
transmission is shifted.

A. Gear Position Indicator

1: When the transmission is in 1st

gear, “1” is displayed.

2: When the transmission is in 2nd

gear, “2” is displayed.

3: When the transmission is in 3rd

gear, “3” is displayed.

28 GENERAL INFORMATION

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 displayed.

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 th e start of m ea su ring to
the present time.

Push the “MODE-A” switch to display

•

the average mileage.

NOTE

The data are maintained by backup

○

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

○

can be changed by referring to the
“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 “– –. –”.

GENERAL INFORMATION 29

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.

Pushthe“MODE-A”switchtodisplay

•

the cruising range.

When the fuel warning message

•

“FUEL” blinks in the digital meter, the
cruising range value also blinks “- -

-”.

A.“---”Blinks
B. “FUEL” Blinks

NOTE

The measurement unit of the cruising

○

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