2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic Specifications

Name: 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic
Brand: Kawasaki

Custom / cruiser • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic Overview

For 2010, Kawasaki offers the VN 1700 Classic as a custom / cruiser motorcycle with 1700 cc on tap. The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic is built around a V2, four-stroke engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.5:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 102 x 104 mm. Out on the road, the VN 1700 Classic delivers 55 kW @ 5000 rpm of peak power and 135 Nm @ 2750 of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 185 km/h. In everyday use, the 2010 VN 1700 Classic tips the scales at 349 kg, carries a 20-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 721 mm and spans a 1,666 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 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic spec sheet below.

2010 VN 1700 Classic - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: Peak output on the VN 1700 Classic is 55 kW @ 5000 rpm and 135 Nm @ 2750 of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
Accessible seat height: At just 721 mm, flat-footing at a stop is easy for most riders - a genuine confidence builder for less experienced owners.
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.
Low-maintenance final drive: Belt drive final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

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

Double disc 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 2010 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.

2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic have?

The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic uses a V2, four-stroke engine with 1700 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled, plus cooling fins.

What is the top speed of the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic?

The 2010 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 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic weigh?

The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic weighs 349 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic make?

The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic produces 55 kW @ 5000 rpm of power and 135 Nm @ 2750 of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic?

The 2010 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 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic suitable for shorter riders?

The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic has a seat height of 721 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic have?

The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic uses Double disc at the front and Single disc at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic use?

The 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic runs 130/90-16 front and 170/70-16 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic have?

The 2010 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

Engine

V2, four-stroke

Power

55 kW / 74 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque

135.00 Nm (13.8 kgf-m or 99.6 ft.lbs) @ 2750

Top Speed

185 km/h / 115 mph

Weight

349.0 kg / 769.4 lbs

Fuel Capacity

20 Litres / 5.3 US gal

Full 2010 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic Specifications

Year 2009 - 10

Colours Black

Colours Ebony

Make Model Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic

Ground Clearance (mm) 130 mm

Ground Clearance (in.) 5.1 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 130 mm

Seat Height 721 mm / 28.4 in.

Seat Height 720 mm / 28.3 mm

Wheelbase 1,666 mm / 65.6 in.

Wheelbase 1665 mm / 65.6 in

Ground Clearance 130 mm / 5.1 in

Height 1155 mm / 45.5 in

Height 1,156 mm / 45.5 in.

Length 2500 mm / 98.4 in

Length 2,499 mm / 98.4 in.

Width 1025 mm / 40.4 in

Width 1,026 mm / 40.4 in.

Fuel Capacity 20 Litres / 5.3 US gal

Fuel Capacity 20.06 litres / 5.30 gallons

Wet Weight 349 kg / 769 lbs

Wet Weight 349.0 kg / 769.4 lbs

Top Speed 185 km/h / 115 mph

Max Power 55 kW / 74 hp @ 5000 rpm

Max Torque 135.00 Nm (13.8 kgf-m or 99.6 ft.lbs) @ 2750

Max Torque 135 Nm / 13.7 kgf-m / 99.6 lb-ft @2750 rpm

Bore x Stroke (mm) 102.0 x 104.0 mm

Bore x Stroke (in,) 4.0 x 4.1 inches

Displacement (cc) 1700.00 cc

Stroke 4

Displacement (ci) 103.73 cubic inches

Engine Type V2, four-stroke

Fuel Control SOHC

Engine Type V2

Fuel Control SOHC

Displacement 1700 cc / 103.7 in

Engine Detail Four stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder

Fuel System Injection. Fuel injection 42 mm x 2

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

Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual

Final Drive Belt drive

Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan)

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

Frame Type Double-cradle, steel

Suspension - Front 43 mm Telescopic fork

Suspension - Front 43mm hydraulic fork

Suspension - Rear Swingarm with twin air-assisted 4 way adjustable shocks for rebound and damping

Suspension - Rear Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping

Rake 30.0°

Rake 30°

Steering Angle 35° / 35°

Trail 169 mm / 6.7 in.

Trail 169 mm / 6.65 in

Wheel Travel - Front 140 mm / 5.5 in

Wheel Travel - Front 140 mm / 5.5 in.

Wheel Travel - Rear 80 mm / 3.2 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 79 mm / 3.1 in.

Brakes - Front Double disc

Brakes - Front 2 x 300 m discs, 2 piston calipers, ABS

Brakes - Rear Single disc

Brakes - Rear Single 300mm disc, 2 piston caliper, ABS

Tyres - Front 130/90-16

Tyres - Front 130/90 B16M/C (67H)

Tyres - Rear 170/70-16

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.