Kawasaki->ke299 is no stranger to top-shelf touring bikes that can hit long-distance rides as easy as they cross the block. That's why the new Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS->ke1749 is such a stand-out bike for the Japanese motorcycle company. It's the classic tourer that is capable of whisking you and a passenger away in total comfort and classic style.

As the flagship of the Vulcan 1700 family, the 2011 Voyager boasts all the stuff you’ll need for such adventurous treks starting with a smooth and shockingly torquey 1,700cc V-twin powerplant and a large frame-mounted fairing. The Kawasaki throws in beautifully integrated luggage that stows a week’s worth of gear, a comfortable saddle, electronic cruise control, a high-fidelity sound system, and an optional K-ACT anti-lock/integrated braking system.

There's no question in anyone's mind the stature of Kawasaki in the industry. So when they release a full-fledged touring bike with all the bells and whistles, you know that you're definitely getting your money's worth.

Find out more about the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS after the jump. } }

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS
  • Engine/Motor: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52° V-twin
  • Transmission: Six-speed with overdrive
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Design

As a long-haul tourer that needs superior wind and weather protection, the Voyager comes with a 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. To make the bike as fully integrated as possible, Kawasaki also added sealed, lockable, and top-opening side cases with 10 gallons of volume partnered with a color-matched, 13.2-gallon lockable tail trunk that’s big enough to swallow two large full-face helmets. The bike also boasts of a pair of lockable glove boxes up front, as well as comfortable seating for both the rider and the passenger. As far as the bike's instrument panel is concerned, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager has a multi-function LCD display that adeptly mixes in with the retro analog dials in the center of the instrument console with features that include a gear-position indicator, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range and average fuel consumption. There's also an intercom headset-compatible, 40-watt, twin-speaker audio system that features a three-band (FM/AM/WX) radio while also being compatible with iPods, an XM radio tuner, or a CB radio unit.

Performance

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS carries a powerful 1,700cc 52-degree V-twin engine, one that comes with liquid cooling, four-valve cylinder heads and a single overhead cam setup for big-time mid-range power. The engine uses a pair of pistons to pump out all the torque you need over a wide rpm range. Likewise, the Voyager’s fuel injection and exhaust systems have all been tuned to deliver peak torque and horsepower at slightly higher rpm than the Classic models. The Voyager’s mufflers, meanwhile, have been redesigned to improve the bike's sound quality while improved shifting action, a revised intake manifold, and a slight EFI tweak improve throttle response by optimally matching up with the newly designed mufflers. Additional touring functionality is provided by the Voyager’s beefy but easy-to-squeeze clutch, one that carries six damping springs and progressive three-stage engagement for easier shifting under hard acceleration.

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.

Chassis and Suspension

The Voyager handles like a much lighter machine thanks to an optimal chassis design and excellent suspension. Dual air-shocks offer 3.1 inches of rear suspension travel and feature settings unique to the bike while the shocks feature 4-way rebound damping adjustability that helps ensure predictable handling and a comfortable ride. Dual 300 mm front disc brakes come with dual twin-piston calipers while a single 300 mm rear disc brake with a twin-piston caliper is responsible for the bike's outstanding stopping power.

Specifications

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 at 2,750 rpm

Cooling System

Liquid, plus cooling fins

Ignition

TCBI with Digital Advance

Induction

Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies

Transmission

Six-speed with overdrive

Frame Type

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.

Front Tire Size

130/90x16

Rear Tire Size

170/70x16

Brakes, front / rear

Dual 300 mm discs, dual twin-piston calipers / Single 300 mm disc, twin-piston caliper

Overall length

100.8

Overall width

39.2

Overall height

61.0

Seat height

28.7

Curb weight

895.2 lb (ABS)

Wheelbase

65.6

Fuel capacity

5.3 gal.

Color Choices

Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Imperial Red; Metallic Midnight Sapphire Blue/Metallic Moondust Gray

Warranty

36 months

Good Times Protection Plan

12, 24 or 36 months