Anybody that has had the itch to just strap on their helmets and heed the call of the open road, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager->ke1749 is the perfect bike to scratch it.

Complete with all the full-dress amenities that have become necessary to keep riders and passengers comfortable on long journeys, the 1700 Voyager blends muscle car-inspired styling with a powerful engine that helps eat up the miles, delivering a memorable experience that riders always crave in an all-powerful touring bike.

As far as it's design, the 1700 Voyager is the picture of aggressive functionality, featuring a large frame-mounted fairing, 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, among other things.

Giving the 1700 Voyager the perfect design balance with its up-standard performance characteristics, Kawasaki->ke299 fitted the touring bike with a smooth and torquey 1,700cc V-twin engine that features liquid cooling, four-valve cylinder heads, and a single overhead cam that's been setup for big-time mid-range power. The Voyager also has a fuel injection and exhaust systems that have been tuned to deliver peak torque and horsepower at slightly higher rpm than the Classic models, which is optimal for an open-road tourer.

Additional touring functionality for the 1700 Voyager 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.

Technological features are also a big part of the touring bike's overall package, including a 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.

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

2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS
  • Engine/Motor: V-twin engine
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Engine

-Liquid-cooled, four valves per cylinder, fuel-injected 1,700cc 52-degree V-twin engine

-Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke dimensions help deliver high levels of torque with a distinctive V-twin feel

-Valve system uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods for quicker revving and enhanced mid

-to high-rpm power

-Semi-dry sump allows a lower crankshaft placement and a longer piston stroke without increasing engine height

-Single-pin crank accentuates the engine’s V-twin character by providing stronger power pulses

-Large capacity airbox is located on both sides of the engine

-Small-diameter iridium sparkplugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for high combustion efficiency, especially during low-load operation

-Dual mufflers, one on each side of the bike, allow maximum clearance for luggage

-Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50 to 70 mph range

-Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds

Chassis/Suspension

-A more compact package than its predecessors, the Voyager has a shorter wheelbase and shorter distance between the seat and steering head, for improved rider ergonomics and easier maneuverability

-Designed to be as light and slim as possible, the frame minimizes the number of forged parts and trims any unnecessary metal. The only forged parts are areas that require additional strength – the down-tube joint, engine brackets, side-stand bracket, and rear fender/shock absorber bracket

-The compact design contributes to light handling and facilitates handling at low speeds, especially when executing precise slow-speed maneuvers like parking or making U-turns

-Features air-adjustable spring preload to help compensate for passenger and luggage variations

-4-way rebound damping adjustments help the shocks compensate for changes in spring pressure

-Voyager-specific settings match the load carrying and long distance touring requirements inherent in this type of motorcycle

Classic Retro Dashboard

-Instrument layout and large round dials give the Voyager’s console a classic automotive elegance, which is reinforced by the font used in the instrumentation

-Even the radio has a classic look, reminiscent of the 1960s

-Multi-function LCD display in the center of the instrument console is controlled by switches on the right handlebar. Features include a gear position indicator, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range and average fuel consumption

-Analog displays include speedometer, tachometer and coolant temperature gauge

-Audio system with twin speakers features radio (FM/AM/WX) and compatibility with optional iPod®, XM tuner or CB radio units

-The audio system (and iPod) can be operated by switches on the left handlebar

- Ignition switch allows key removal in the on position; preventing keys from damaging the chrome finish around the ignition area during operation

-Turning the ignition switch collar to the ACC position allows accessories to be used while the engine is off and turning it to the “OFF” position turns the engine off and necessitates re-insertion of the key to restart.

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 @ 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

Final Drive

Belt

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 four-piston calipers, K-ACT II (ABS model) / Single 300mm 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

895 lb (ABS)

Wheelbase

65.6

Fuel capacity

5.3 gal.

Color Choices

Metallic Graystone / Metallic Spark Black, Pearl Alpine White / Pearl Luster Beige


Quotes

InfoSport Bike----"All V-Twins at the time of the motor thermal challenges, especially in full dress models with foot plates, because the rear of the cylinder and the exhaust pipe is almost directly to the pilot. Kawasaki is the first manufacturer to provide, as standard, designed for efficient air management system, which helps to increase rider comfort stop."