Flagship of the Vulcan® 1700 family, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager® and Voyager ABS come equipped with everything the serious touring rider needs to pile on the miles in comfort and style: a large frame-mounted fairing, amazing storage capacity, a sculpted touring seat, electronic cruise control, a premium sound system and a powerful long-stroke 1700cc, liquid-cooled, 52° V-Twin engine.
For 2010, the Vulcan Voyager ABS’s complement of cutting-edge electronics is headlined by a new, second-generation version of the 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 into 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 sees to it that that happens seamlessly and efficiently, and the new, second-generation system uses the same smaller, lighter ABS unit and the faster, higher-spec brake ECU found on the Kawasaki
Concours™ 14 ABS motorcycle for even smoother, more precise operation. (Unlike the Concours 14 ABS, however, only a single K-ACT mode is available.) K-ACT’s coactive function does not engage when braking is initiated at speeds below 12 mph, and the ABS function is automatically disengaged at speeds below four mph.Yet more unique technology is found in Kawasaki’s fully electronic throttle valve system. Working with the rest of the fuel injection system, the electronic throttle valve enhances the engine’s response without detracting from its distinctive V-twin feel. It also helps the ECU deliver ultra-precise metering of intake airflow and more-accurate idle speed control. The system utilizes an Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) and a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). Both units feed data to the ECU, which adjusts the throttle plates to tailor intake airflow accordingly. The system offers natural throttle feel, because the APS is activated by a throttle body pulley that’s connected by cables to the throttle grip.
This is no V-twin from yesteryear. The Voyager’s 1700cc engine revs right up, thanks to overhead cams. And its fuel injection system, like those in use on Kawasaki’s Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles, utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three for less complexity and weight. Besides the obvious FI advantages like improved fuel economy and automatic altitude adjustments, the system also permits easy hands-off warm-up and idle speed control.
The Voyager’s FI and exhaust are tuned to deliver peak torque and horsepower at higher rpm than the Classic models – ideal for an open road tourer. Additional touring functionality is provided by its clutch, which features six damping springs and a progressive three-stage engagement for easier shifting under hard acceleration.
The Voyager’s innovative technology is matched with essential touring features like 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 any of the following methods: brake lever, clutch lever, rear brake pedal, or manually rolling off the throttle.
Featuring overdrive ratios and a super strong carbon fiber drive belt, the Voyager’s drive train is ideally suited to its role as a relaxed mile-eater. Its tall “overdrive” 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 keeps drive train width to a minimum.
The Voyager supplies superior protection from the wind and the elements thanks to a large frame-mounted windshield and front fairing, as well as leg shields—and for 2010, improved heat management better insulates the rider from engine heat. Mounting the fairing to the frame transfers any wind buffeting to the bike rather than the handlebars, reducing rider fatigue on long trips. Airflow to the lower extremities can be custom-tailored via adjustable air vents incorporated in the leg shields.
Voyager riders don’t need to leave anything behind, thanks to a pair of sealed and lockable, top-opening side cases which offer 10 gal (38L) of volume each, and a color-matched, 13.2 gal (50L) lockable tail trunk big enough to swallow two large full-face helmets. Besides this ample storage, the Voyager also has a pair of lockable glove boxes up front which provide a handy place for storing small items and accessories.
Comfortable seating for the rider and passenger is a must on a touring bike and the Voyager delivers again with deluxe touring seats that are 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 board 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 the radio that’s reminiscent of 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, 40W, 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 enrich modern touring. 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.
The designers were able to incorporate abundant technology into the Vulcan 1700 Voyager without compromising the presence and visual appeal expected of a Kawasaki flagship motorcycle. Like the dashboard, the Voyager’s bodywork continues the 60’s muscle car inspiration with its study of muscular curvature. The meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship exercised on the bodywork and engine covers is revealed in contoured forms that look good from any angle and are as pleasing to the touch as they are to the eye.
Contributing to the light, easy handling of the chassis design, the Voyager’s suspension components are tuned to match its touring mission. Dual air-shocks offer 3.1 inches of rear suspension travel and feature unique settings for the Voyager. These air-adjustable shocks feature 4-way rebound damping adjustment, to help ensure predictable handling and a comfortable ride.
Offering a stylish alternative to run of the mill V-twin tourers, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager combines Kawasaki reliability with the performance, V-twin feel, comfort and amenities that long-distance touring riders demand.
Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52° V-twin
Displacement 1,700cc / 103.7ci
Bore x stroke 102 x 104mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Maximum Torque 108 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
Cooling Liquid, plus cooling fins
Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance
Induction Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Transmission Six-speed with overdrive
Frame Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake / trail 30° / 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.
Tire, front 130/90x16
Tire, rear 170/70x16
Brakes, front / rear Dual 300 mm discs, dual four-piston calipers, K-ACT II (ABS model) / Single 300 mm disc, twin-piston caliper, K-ACT II (ABS model)
Overall length 100.8
Overall width 39.2
Overall height 61.0
Seat height 28.7
Curb weight 886 / 895 (ABS) lbs.**
Wheelbase 65.6
Fuel capacity 5.3 gal.
