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2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic Overview
For 2009, Kawasaki offers the VN 1700 Classic as a custom / cruiser motorcycle with 1700 cc on tap. The 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic is built around a V2 engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.5:1. Out on the road, the VN 1700 Classic delivers 55 kW @ 5000 rpm of peak power and 135 Nm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 185 km/h. In everyday use, the 2009 VN 1700 Classic tips the scales at 349 kg, carries a 20-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 720 mm and spans a 1665 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 48.4 kg heavier than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic spec sheet below.
2009 VN 1700 Classic - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: Peak output on the VN 1700 Classic is 55 kW @ 5000 rpm and 135 Nm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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🔧
Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
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📏
Accessible seat height: At just 720 mm, flat-footing at a stop is easy for most riders - a genuine confidence builder for less experienced owners.
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⛽
Large fuel range: With a 20-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
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⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Belt drive final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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ℹ️
Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the VN 1700 Classic - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
With Liquid cooled, plus cooling fins, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the VN 1700 Classic comes from fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Valve clearance checks
Valve clearances on SOHC-equipped engines like the VN 1700 Classic's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.
Brake disc and pad wear
2 x 300 m discs, 2 piston calipers, ABS up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by 43 mm Telescopic fork up front and Swingarm with twin air-assisted 4 way adjustable shocks for rebound and damping at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Belt final drive keeps day-to-day maintenance minimal on the VN 1700 Classic - just periodic tension and wear checks rather than the regular cleaning a chain demands.
Frame & chassis check
The Double cradle, steel with box section single-tube backbone chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The VN 1700 Classic's 349 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
VN 1700 Classic - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept VN 1700 Classic settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a VN 1700 Classic's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the VN 1700 Classic's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
Valve clearance service
There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a VN 1700 Classic's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.
2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic have?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic uses a V2 engine with 1700 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled, plus cooling fins.
What is the top speed of the 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic has a factory-quoted top speed of 185 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic weigh?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic weighs 349 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic make?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic produces 55 kW @ 5000 rpm of power and 135 Nm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic has a 20-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 333-400 km between stops.
Is the 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic suitable for shorter riders?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic has a seat height of 720 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic have?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic uses 2 x 300 m discs, 2 piston calipers, ABS at the front and Single 300mm disc, 2 piston caliper, ABS at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic use?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic runs 130/90 B16M/C front and 170/70 B16M/C rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic have?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic Spec Evolution
The Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic was produced across 6 model years (2010-2017). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2010 |
2012 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
| Wet Weight |
349 kg / 769 lbs |
349.0 kg / 769.4 lbs |
349.0 kg / 769.4 lbs |
349.0 kg / 769.4 lbs |
349.0 kg / 769.4 lbs |
349.0 kg / 769.4 lbs |
| Engine Detail |
Four stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder |
Fuel injection: 42 mm x 2 |
Four stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder |
- |
- |
- |
| Engine Type |
V2 |
V2, four-stroke |
V2, four-stroke |
V2, four-stroke |
V2, four-stroke |
V2, four-stroke |
| Seat Height |
721 mm / 28.4 in. |
720 mm / 28.3 in. |
720 mm / 28.3 mm |
720 mm / 28.3 in. |
720 mm / 28.3 in. |
720 mm / 28.3 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
20 Litres / 5.3 US gal |
20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons |
20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons |
20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons |
20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons |
20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons |
| Fuel Control |
SOHC |
SOHC |
SOHC |
Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
| Frame Type |
Double-cradle, steel |
Double cradle, steel with box section single-tube backbone |
Double cradle, steel with box section single-tube backbone |
Double-cradle, steel |
Double-cradle, steel |
Double-cradle, steel |
| Wheelbase |
1,666 mm / 65.6 in. |
1665 mm / 65.6 in |
1,665 mm / 65.6 in. |
1,665 mm / 65.6 in. |
1,665 mm / 65.6 in. |
1,665 mm / 65.6 in. |
Key Specifications
Power
55 kW / 74 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque
135 Nm / 13.7 kgf-m / 99.6 lb-ft @2750 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h / 115 mph
Fuel Capacity
20 Litres / 5.3 US gal
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Full 2009 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic Specifications
Year
2009 - 10
Colours
Black
Make Model
Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic
Ground Clearance (mm)
130 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
5.1 inches
Seat Height
720 mm / 28.3 mm
Wheelbase
1665 mm / 65.6 in
Ground Clearance
130 mm / 5.1 in
Height
1155 mm / 45.5 in
Length
2500 mm / 98.4 in
Width
1025 mm / 40.4 in
Fuel Capacity
20 Litres / 5.3 US gal
Wet Weight
349 kg / 769 lbs
Stroke
4
Fuel Control
SOHC
Engine Type
V2
Displacement
1700 cc / 103.7 in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel System
Injection. Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke
102 x 104 mm
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled, plus cooling fins
Engine Lubrication
Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
Exhaust
Twin, stacked
Fuel Induction
Electronic fuel injection, 42 mm dia. x 2
Ignition
TCDI with digital advance
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Wet, multi-disc, manual, electronic cruise control
Final Drive
Belt drive
Final Drive Ratio
2.250:1
Gear Ratios
1st 3.077 / 2nd 1.900 / 3rd 1.407 / 4th 1.143 / 5th 0.967 / 6th 0.806:1
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Double cradle, steel with box section single-tube backbone
Suspension - Front
43 mm Telescopic fork
Suspension - Rear
Swingarm with twin air-assisted 4 way adjustable shocks for rebound and damping
Rake
30°
Steering Angle
35° / 35°
Trail
169 mm / 6.65 in
Wheel Travel - Front
140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
80 mm / 3.2 in
Brakes - Front
2 x 300 m discs, 2 piston calipers, ABS
Brakes - Rear
Single 300mm disc, 2 piston caliper, ABS
Tyres - Front
130/90 B16M/C (67H)
Tyres - Rear
170/70 B16M/C (75H)
Wheels
Alloy, 10 spokes
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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