1700 Safety & Recall Information

[Sin City Stan]

I got a letter from Kawasaki today. A Safety & recall notice. Before even opening it I'm already upset. Brand new and I have to take it to a dealer to fix something or another.

The letter stated;

Thank you for purchasing the Vulcan 1700 featured the most advanced and sophisticated long stroke, liquid-cooled V-twin engine in Kawasaki history. (sounds like a commercial so far)

Reason for This Notice:
This letter was sent to notify you that a specific starting procedure is required on all Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 motorcycles to insure optimum idling performance. Our records indicate that you have purchased one of these units.

Starting Procedure:
1. check that the engine stop switch is in the RUN position.
2. Insert the ignition key and turn the ignition switch ON.
3. Shift the transmission into neutral and check the neutral indicator.
4. Without operating the throttle, push the starter button.
5. Let the engine idle for 12 seconds before riding off. Do not operate the throttle during this 12 second period.

Note
This procedure supplements the procedure in the owner's manual.

Blah, Blah, Blah.

So, all you people who start it and roar off in 11.9 seconds. STOP IT!! :-)

[ringadingh]

To me thats not really a recall notice, they are just making you aware of following a certain procedure. Its a lot better than what it could have been.

[chainsaw]

I guess they think were stupid.

[dogdoc]

Im good with my '05.

[paul]

Doesn't everybody else start theirs in gear and hop on before it picks up too much speed? Or is it just me? ???

[socwkbiker]

Originally Posted by Doc (Lonewolf)

Im good with my '05.

Very insightful

[Cajunrider]

I wonder if somebody trashed one revving a cold, freshly started engine??

[Blue Rebel]

"Ride it, Like you Stole it".

[flatlander]

Very interesting, I've not received my letter yet but while visiting with my dealer and shop foreman the dealer mentioned to him to make sure he started it without touching the throttle and let it warm up before using the throttle. I guess they got the memo before I did.
I'll be taking mine in for it's first service next Wednesday before taking a 1500 mile trip during Memorial day weekend.
How are your breaking yours in. I've read the owners manual and I've read the thread about "drive it like ya stole it", I'm leary of that approach but do feel I took it too easy breaking in my '01. This time I'm just riding it without short shifting and lugging the engine but I'm certainly not thrashing it.
I love this bike and hope to have it a long time. Any input would be appreciated.

[classic1]

Sounds like someone couldn't get their brand new bike started cause they kept grabbing the throttle every time they hit the starter. Then they continued to call and b**ch at Kaw about the obvious starting problem. So now Kaw has to treat everyone like they are morons like that guy is.

By the way, nice looking bike.

[donoller]

it may be like the 1800 goldwing its computer resets if you let it run i little before you take off . just my 2 cents.otherwise it go to failsafe setting.

[schoeney]

Sounds like some attorneys making some money.

[sarge1057]

reading that letter gave me a good laugh this morning.

[trip]

Sounds to me like the oil needs to spread around a little before driving off on a 1700.

[fish]

12 seconds ??? I'm getting a stop watch just in case I buy an 09 :-/