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Edition:
Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic - [2013]
This edition of the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2013. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2014 Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja World Champion Edition and the 2014 Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja.This particular Kawasaki VN 1700 has a 1700cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Horizontal In-Line Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.
An alternative Horizontal In-Line engine, Cruiser style motorbike includes the Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura - [1984]
The 2013 VN 1700 shares its Horizontal In-Line engine and Cruiser style configuration with the likes of the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura and the 1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the VN 1700's Cruiser style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Yamaha V-Max 1.7 | 2020cc.2018 Yamaha V-Max 1.7 | 2018cc.
Weighing in at 349 kgs (769 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic in the same weight category as the 2024 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour or the 2024 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour Auto, give or take 50kg.
The 2013 Kawasaki VN 1700 shares the same bhp with the Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025]
In terms of power the 1700cc 8 valve Horizontal In-Line 2 cylinder engine produces 74 bhp (55 kW) @ 5000 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm].
The SOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 99.5 lb-ft (135.0 Nm) @ 750 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2024 Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade [82.5 lb-ft (111.9 Nm) @ 12000 rpm] and the 2024 Honda NT 1100 DCT [77.4 lb-ft (104.9 Nm) @ 6250 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki VN 1700 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1973 Suzuki GT 550 K has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2013 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic.
The 2013 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic has a Power to weight ratio of 212.0 bhp per ton and 285.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2013 VN 1700 competing with the 1973 Suzuki GT 550 K [236.9 bhp\ton] and the 1972 Suzuki GT 550 J - called Indy in the USA [236.9 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki VN 1700 generating around 285.3 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2014 Suzuki GSX 1250 FA [309.9 lb-ft per ton] and the 2013 Suzuki GSX 1250 FA [309.9 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 17.4 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 17.8 secs, this makes the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic similar in acceleration to the 2020 Yamaha XVS 950 V-Star Bolt R Spec (17.4 secs) and the 2020 Honda CB 300 R (17.4 secs). This Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2013 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic and the 1985 Kawasaki ZL 750 Eliminator
When talking about the performance of the 2013 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1985 Kawasaki ZL 750 Eliminator (0 secs) and the 2018 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 (0 secs).
The 2013 version of the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic has a maximum speed of 115mph.
Top Speed of the 2013 VN 1700 equals the 2015 Yamaha XVS 1300 Stryker
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2013 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic then how about a 2015 Yamaha XVS 1300 Stryker (126 mph) and the 2015 Yamaha XVS 1300 V-Star Tourer (126 mph).
