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Edition:
Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic LT - [2011]
This edition of the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic LT is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2011. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2012 Buell-EBR 1190RS V-Twin and the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja Emerson Fittipaldi Limited Editi.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 2011 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 362 kgs (798 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic LT 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 2011 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 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 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 Suzuki GSX-S 1000 GX- GX+ [78.1 lb-ft (106.0 Nm) @ 9250 rpm] and the 2024 Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade SP [82.5 lb-ft (111.9 Nm) @ 12500 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 1968 Norton Mercury 650 has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2011 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic LT.
The 2011 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic LT has a Power to weight ratio of 204.4 bhp per ton and 275.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2011 VN 1700 competing with the 1968 Norton Mercury 650 [229.2 bhp\ton] and the 2003 Honda VTX 1300 R [229.1 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 275.1 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 1997 Kawasaki ZRX 1100 DOHC [299.5 lb-ft per ton] and the 2018 Honda CRF 1000 L Africa Twin DCT [298.3 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 18.1 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 18.5 secs, this makes the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic LT similar in acceleration to the 2019 Kawasaki VN 1700 Vulcan Vaquero (18.1 secs) and the 2017 Kawasaki VN 1700 Vulcan Vaquero ABS (18.1 secs). This Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic LT 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 2011 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic LT and the 1983 Yamaha XJ 400 Z
When talking about the performance of the 2011 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic LT 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 1983 Yamaha XJ 400 Z (0 secs) and the 1996 Suzuki GSX 400 S Impulse (0 secs).
The 2011 version of the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic LT has a maximum speed of 0mph.
Top Speed of the 2011 VN 1700 equals the 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2011 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic LT then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).
Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing F6B
Engine Capacity: 1832 cc
Top Speed: 140 mph
Quarter Mile: 13.1 secs @ 0 mph
