Horizon-chasing touring bikes are nothing new to Kawasaki. The original Voyager® and the sport-touring Concours™ models have been pulling long-haul duty wonderfully for decades now. But not until 2009 did Team Green bless its V-twin cruiser with the full-dress accoutrements necessary to go across the state – or across the country – in wraparound, top-shelf comfort. The result was the Vulcan® 1700 Voyager, a tourer that could not only whisk you and a passenger away in total comfort, but in classic style, too.
As the flagship of the Vulcan 1700 family, the 2011 Voyager boasts all the stuff you’ll need for such adventurous treks: a smooth and shockingly torquey 1,700cc V-twin powerplant, large frame-mounted fairing, beautifully integrated luggage that stows a week’s worth of gear, a comfortable saddle, electronic cruise control, high-fidelity sound system, optional K-ACT anti-lock/integrated braking system and the sort of design acumen and dependability Kawasaki is renowned for. It’s a package without equal in the motorcycling world.
Though a non-ABS model is available, last year, Kawasaki upgraded the 1700 Voyager’s driveline/braking technology with the addition of its second-generation Kawasaki Advanced Coactive Braking Technology (K-ACT) system. Available on the ABS-equipped Voyager, K-ACT uses advanced electronics to translate the rider’s braking inputs from both the front lever and rear pedal into smooth, balanced deceleration and maximum stopping performance. Basically, the front lever also activates the rear brake, and the rear pedal also engages the right front caliper: K-ACT ensures all this happens seamlessly and efficiently, and the, second-generation system uses the same smaller, lighter ABS unit and faster, higher-spec brake ECU found on the Kawasaki Concours™ 14 ABS motorcycle for even smoother, more precise operation. K-ACT’s coactive function does not engage when braking is applied at speeds below 12 mph, and the ABS function is automatically disengaged at speeds below 4 mph.There’s much more on the unique technology front, including Kawasaki’s fully electronic throttle valve system, which works in concert with the Voyager’s Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system to enhance engine response without dulling the big Vee’s distinctive throb. The system also helps the ECU deliver ultra-precise air/fuel metering and more accurate idle speed control. The setup utilizes an Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) and Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) that feed data to the ECU, which adjusts the throttle plates to tailor intake airflow accordingly. The system offers natural throttle feel, as APS is activated by a throttle-body pulley connected by cables to the throttle grip.
The 1,700cc 52-degree V-twin all of this cool technology was designed to support is a marvel of engineering, and is as functionally capable as they come. Featuring liquid cooling, four-valve cylinder heads and a single overhead cam setup for big-time mid-range power, the engine utilizes a pair of big pistons to pump out a massive quantity of torque over an unbelievably wide rpm range – a key to this engine’s superb flexibility. There’s a boatload of the stuff located throughout the rpm zone where riders will spend the most time—and more than enough from idle all the way to 5,000 rpm, so major-league, arm-straightening thrust is available right now every time you twist the grip.
The Voyager’s fuel injection and exhaust systems are tuned to deliver peak torque and horsepower at slightly higher rpm than the Classic models, which is optimal for an open-road tourer. The Voyager’s mufflers have been redesigned for 2011 for improved sound quality and a more tapered, classic look. Other changes for 2011 are improved shifting action, revised intake manifold and a slight EFI tweak that improves throttle response by matching up more optimally with the newly designed mufflers. Additional touring functionality is provided by the Voyager’s beefy but easy-to-squeeze clutch, which features six damping springs and progressive three-stage engagement for easier shifting under hard acceleration.
The Voyager’s innovative technology is matched with essential touring features such as electronic cruise control and a six-speed transmission with overdrive fifth and sixth gears. The cruise control is conveniently operated from the right handlebar and can be activated between 30 and 85 mph in any of the top four gears. Conveniently, the cruise control can be disengaged by pressing the brake lever, clutch lever, rear brake pedal, or by manually rolling off the throttle.
Featuring overdrive ratios and a super strong carbon fiber drive belt, the Voyager’s drivetrain is ideally suited to its role as a relaxed mile-eater. Its tall fifth and sixth gears contribute to relaxed riding and better fuel economy at highway speeds, and its carbon fiber drive belt has a 40-percent higher tensile strength than the latest Kevlar units, allowing use of a 28mm design that minimizes drivetrain width.
A long-haul tourer needs superior wind and weather protection, and the Voyager packs plenty in the form of its large frame-mounted windshield and fairing, as well as leg shields that incorporate effective venting to keep engine heat off the rider’s legs during slower going. Mounting this beautifully sculpted fairing to the frame transfers any wind buffeting to the bike rather than the handlebar, which reduces rider fatigue on longer trips.
A full complement of stylish and integrated luggage is also part of the Voyager package. Sealed, lockable and top-opening side cases with 10 gallons (38L) of volume partner with a color-matched, 13.2-gallon (50L) lockable tail trunk that’s big enough to swallow two large full-face helmets. Besides ample storage, the Voyager also has a pair of lockable glove boxes up front that provide a handy place for storing small items and accessories.
Comfortable seating for rider and passenger is a must on a touring bike. The Voyager delivers again with deluxe touring seats sculpted to provide additional support for all-day touring. Contributing to long-distance passenger security and relaxation are a luxury backrest and floorboards for both the rider and passenger.
Built-in instruments and radio controls mounted on the Voyager’s classic automotive-style dash offer exceptional functionality and classic muscle car styling. The image is reinforced by the classic font used on the large round dials of the instrumentation and a radio styled to resemble 8-track players from the 1960s.
A multi-function LCD display is mixed in with the retro analog dials in the center of the instrument console. It’s controlled by switches on the right handlebar and features a gear-position indicator, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range and average fuel consumption.
The intercom headset-compatible, 40-watt, twin-speaker audio system features a three-band (FM/AM/WX) radio that is also compatible with iPods, an XM radio tuner, or a CB radio unit. The audio system (and iPod) can be operated by an integrated controller on the left handlebar. In addition to volume, the rider can also adjust the bass, treble and balance levels of the system.
The Voyager also features a water-cooled, rare earth magnet alternator that produces an impressive 46.8 amps of electrical output – enough to power add-on navigation systems and other electrical accessories that add to the modern touring experience. The Voyager also features a convenient cigarette lighter-style power port on the dash and two power outlets under the seat – ideal for electrically heated clothing and additional accessories.
Kawasaki designers packed the Voyager with advanced technology without dulling its dramatic styling and attractive visual appeal. Like the dashboard, the Voyager’s bodywork continues the ’60s muscle car inspiration with its curved, muscular lines. The meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship of the bodywork and engine covers is obvious in contoured shapes that look good from any angle and are as pleasing to the touch as they are to the eye.
The Voyager handles like a much lighter machine thanks to optimal chassis design and excellent suspension. Dual air-shocks offer 3.1 inches of rear suspension travel and feature settings unique to the Voyager. The shocks feature 4-way rebound damping adjustability to help ensure predictable handling and a comfortable ride.
Offering a stylish alternative to other run-of-the-mill V-twin tourers, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager combines Kawasaki reliability with the performance, V-twin feel, comfort and amenities long-distance touring riders demand.
Engine
Newly designed engine offers both significant power and torque gains and superior passing performance. The 1700cc engine is mounted in a new frame designed for light weight and light handling. The Voyager’s compact package offers ease of manoeuvrability.
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin engine
Long-stroke, liquid cooled, SOHC, 8-valve 1,700 cc V-Twin engine was designed to deliver high levels of torque. Bore and stroke measure 102 x 104 mm. Torque is approximately 15% greater than that of the VN1600D.
Valve system uses a SOHC arrangement instead of OHV for more direct engine feel and easier merging onto freeways.
Large capacity airboxes are located on either side of the engine.
Twin mufflers (one on each side) are based on the same construction as those on the VN2000.
Semi-dry sump (like that on the VN2000) allowed the crankshaft to be lowered, enabling a longer stroke without increasing engine height.
Both pistons are connected to a single crankpin. Primary balance is satisfied care of two counter-balance shafts.
Small-diameter iridium spark plugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for high combustion efficiency, especially at low-load operation (near idling).
Belt final drive is quiet and efficient and helps reduce maintenance chores. Using carbon fibre instead of Kevlar as a tensile material, the belt offers high strength (tensile strength is increased by 40%) with a slim size and light weight. Belt width (28 mm) is more comparable to that of the VN900 models (26 mm) than that of the VN2000 (40 mm).
The clutch features six damping springs for 3-stage progressive damping that contributes to smoother feeling when getting back on the gas.
Superior passing performance
Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 80-113 km/h (50-70 mph) range. Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds.
Transmission
6-speed transmission with overdrive
6th gear is an overdrive gear, contributing to stress-free riding and better fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds.
Handling
Light handling
Designed from the start to be as light and slim as possible, the frame minimises the number of forged parts and trims any unnecessary meat. The only forged parts (the down-tube joint, engine brackets, side-stand bracket, and rear fender/shock absorber bracket) are areas that require additional strength. The new frame is lighter than that of the VN1600A, with greater torsional rigidity.
More compact in design, the VN1700 has a shorter wheelbase than both the VN2000 and VN1600. The compact design contributes to light handling.
Shorter distance between the seat and frame head pipe facilitates handling at low speeds, especially when executing U-turns.
Mounting the front cowling to the frame rather than the handlebars contributes to light handling when manoeuvring at low speeds.
Tire choice and suspension settings also contribute to the light handling.
Styling
Kawasaki Cruisers have always been a showcase of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Vulcan 1700 Voyager is no exception. With 60s-era American sports cars as a design theme, all surfaces have a muscular curvature that flows from one end of the bike to the other. Like on the VN2000 models and VN900 models before them, design of the engine covers and bodywork on the Vulcan 1700 models received meticulous care to ensure the bikes not only look good from any angle, but also that their elegant form is as pleasing to the touch as to the eye.
Engine
Basic engine structure has a great impact on a V-Twin engine’s appearance. Using a semi-dry sump enabled the engine’s long-stroke configuration without increasing its height.
The line created by the top of the airbox and the cylinder heads forms a curved lined that continues to flow through the bike.
Deeply chromed engine covers have curved upper surfaces. Their three-dimensional form adds volume and gives a quality appearance.
The edges of the fins receive a special NC treatment that makes them gleam in sunlight.
All the non-chromed parts of the engine have a matt black finish that further accentuates the chromed parts.
Slim design of the belt drive contributes to appearance.
Bodywork
Muscular front cowling is reminiscent of American sports cars in its sculpted, flowing design. Chromed headlamp cover and twin fog lights contribute to the look.
The elegantly shaped fuel tank tapers at the rear, contributing to the Vulcan 1700’s curvaceous figure, its lines flowing through the rest of the bike. The fuel tank’s curves have constantly varying radii, giving the bike a dynamism that is both powerful and sexy. Its hand-sculpted contours are pleasing both to the eye and to the touch.
Kawasaki craftsmanship is also evident in the styling motif of the front fender.
Liberal use of chrome contrasts nicely with the bodywork’s deep, lustrous paint. In addition to the engine, the front and rear guards are chromed, as are the accents on the panniers and trunk. Even the trunk brackets are fully chromed.
Motif from the front fender continues on the rear fender.
The Vulcan 1700 Voyager is the first Kawasaki V-Twin tourer to feature an elegant LED taillight.
In addition to the taillight on the rear fender, a large LED taillight mounted on the rear of the trunk is highly visible and contributes to the Vulcan 1700 Voyager’s appearance.
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valves per cylinder, 52-degree V-twin
Displacement: 1,700cc / 103.7 cu. in.
Bore x stroke: 102 x 104mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum torque: 108 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
Cooling: Liquid, plus cooling fins
Induction: Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: Six-speed with overdrive
Final drive: Belt
Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake / trail: 30 degrees / 7.0 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 45mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in.
Front tire: 130/90x16
Rear tire: 170/70x16
Front brakes: Dual 300 mm discs, dual four-piston calipers, K-ACT II (ABS model)
Rear brake: Single 300mm disc, twin-piston caliper, K-ACT II (ABS model)
Overall length: 100.8 in.
Overall width: 39.2 in.
Overall height: 61.0 in.
Ground clearance: 5.3 in.
Seat height: 28.7 in.
Wheelbase: 65.6 in.
Curb weight standard / ABS: 886 / 895 lbs.**
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Colors: Candy Imperial Blue / Atomic Silver, Ebony / Pearl Meteor Gray
Warranty: 36 Months
