Stylish full-dress touring machine with plenty of V-twin character!

Designed for riders who set their sights beyond the horizon, Kawasaki’s new Vulcan® 1700 Voyager® offers everything needed for long-distance touring with or without a passenger. Kawasaki’s first full-dress V-Twin touring motorcycle, the new Voyager features a large frame-mounted front fairing, ample storage, and a powerful new long-stroke 1700cc, liquid-cooled, 50° VTwin engine.

Flagship of the new Vulcan 1700 family, the new Voyager is loaded with modern technology. Its standard equipment list includes Kawasaki’s first fully Electronic Throttle Valve system (ETV), Kawasaki Advanced Coactive Braking Technology (K-ACT) ABS system, electronic cruise control, multi-function instrumentation and an audio system that’s compatible with iPod®, MP3 players and other audio devices.

This touring cruiser’s cutting-edge technology is headlined by Kawasaki’s sophisticated new Kawasaki Advanced Coactive Braking Technology (K-ACT) system which helps riders apply controlled, balanced brake pressure. Available on the ABS equipped Voyager, the new K-ACT system is designed to complement the rider’s braking inputs, and utilizes control valves to distribute the ideal amount of brake force for maximum stopping performance.

With input from pressure and speed sensors, the brake ECU sends directions to the motor-driven hydraulic pumps so they deliver the proper amount of pressure to the brake calipers. This speed sensitive system provides progressive engagement and disengagement and delivers a natural feel to the rider. The advanced anti-lock braking (ABS) functions incorporated into the K-ACT system prevent the wheels from locking and overall braking performance rivals the best ABS systems on the market.

For maximum control in tight corners and when executing parking lot maneuvers, K-ACT’s coactive function does not engage when braking is initiated at speeds below 12mph and the ABS function is automatically disengaged at speeds below 4mph. Two sturdy 300mm front brake discs with four-piston calipers and a single rear disc brake with a two-piston caliper provide ample stopping power.

More unique technology is found in Kawasaki’s new fully electronic throttle valve system which makes its debut on the all-new Voyager. Working with the rest of the fuel injection system, the electronic throttle valve helps to enhance the engine’s response without detracting from its distinctive V-twin feel. It also helps the ECU to deliver an 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 a natural throttle feel, because the APS is activated by a throttle body pulley that’s connected by cables to the throttle grip.

The Voyager’s light, compact frame holds a newly designed 1700cc V-twin engine based on that of the Vulcan 2000. However, it uses a single overhead cam in each cylinder head, rather than a push-rod actuated OHV arrangement. This permits higher revs and quick acceleration from the new engine – delivering superior passing performance at highway speeds. The new engine’s long-stroke design plus an increase in compression and displacement help it produce a significant increase in torque and power, all delivered with a distinct V-twin character.

This is no V-twin from yesteryear. The Voyager’s 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. Beside the obvious FI advantages like improved fuel economy and automatically adjusting for altitude changes, the system also permits easy hands-off warm-up and idle speed control.

The Voyager’s FI and exhaust are tuned to deliver its peak torque and horsepower at higher rpm – 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 side of the handlebar and can be activated between 30 and 85 mph in any of the top three 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. The new carbon fiber drive belt has a 40-percent higher tensile strength than the latest Kevlar units, and allows the use of a thin and light 28mm design that helps keep 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. 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 that is big enough to fit 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. An iPod® player jack (requires optional iPod accessory connector) is located in the left-side glove box. 

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 48.5 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 new 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.
 
Designed from the start to be as light and slim as possible, the new single backbone double cradle frame uses the minimal amount of forged parts and metal for a reduction of 4.4 pounds and a 40-percent increase in rigidity. With a shorter seat to steering head distance, the new lightweight chassis is more compact and shorter overall with a corresponding decrease in wheelbase. An easy reach to the handlebars facilitates better low-speed maneuvering and contributes to greater rider confidence and enhanced long distance comfort.

Contributing to the light, easy handling of the new chassis design, the Voyager’s new 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.  Up front, a large 45mm fork offers 5.5 inches of travel and helps the Voyager to offer light, precise steering.

The Voyager rolls on new nine-spoke cast wheels, which use tubeless tires and complement its new muscular styling. Mounted on the attractive wheels are 130/90 front and 170/70 rear, radial touring tires.

Offering a stylish alternative to run of the mill V-twin tourers, the new Vulcan 1700 Voyager combines Kawasaki reliability with the performance, V-twin feel, comfort and amenities that long-distance touring riders demand.

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