Powerful 1700cc V-Twin engine
- Liquid cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, fuel-injected 1700cc 50° V-twin engine
- Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke helps deliver high levels of torque - approximately 15 percent greater than that of the Vulcan 1600, with a distinct V-twin feel
- Valve system is based on the Vulcan 2000, but uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods, for quicker revving and enhanced mid-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
- Features dual mufflers, one on each side of the bike, to allow maximum clearance for luggage
- Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50-70mph range
- Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds
Next Generation FI
- Based on the systems used by the Ninja 650R and Vulcan 900
- Utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three, for reduced complexity and weight
- The touring-oriented Voyager utilizes FI and exhaust systems which are tuned to reach peak torque and horsepower at a higher rpm than the engines used in standard Vulcan 1700 cruisers
Electronic Throttle Valve System
- Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of intake air (via throttle valve angle) and fuel (via fuel injector timing) delivered to the engine
- Optimized fuel injector timing and throttle valve position results in accurate, powerful engine response
- Control of both fuel injection and airflow provides easy starting and precise cold-engine idle speed control
- From the rider’s perspective, the ETV works like a standard cable-operated throttle - the throttle grip is still connected to cables, so the feel at the grip is the same
- Twisting the throttle turns a pulley on the throttle body which triggers the Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) to send a signal to the ECU, which then modulates the throttle valves via a DC motor
- Accurate throttle position is relayed to the ECU by a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
- APS and TPS send two sets of signals to the ECU for system redundancy in the unlikely event of a sensor failure
Cruise control
- The cruise control can be engaged and adjusted entirely from the right handlebar
- Cruise control can be activated in 3rd gear or above at any speed between 30mph and 85mph
- Pressure on the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal will automatically disengage the cruise control, as will manually rolling-off the throttle
On Board Diagnostics
- Diagnostic system allows self testing of the electronic systems on the Vulcan 1700
- Displays codes on the instrumentation, which can be read by owner; using accessory manual
Transmission / Final Drive
- Six-speed transmission
- Both 5th and 6th gears offer “overdrive” ratios, contributing to stress-free riding and better fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds
- 28mm carbon fiber final drive belt offers a 40 percent increase in tensile strength compared to current Kevlar belts. This allows the Vulcan 1700 to use a slim belt that’s only 2mm wider than the Kevlar unit on the Vulcan 900
- Belt drive system is quiet, efficient and offers reduced maintenance compared to a chain
Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-Braking Technology (K-ACT) with ABS
- Voyager ABS models feature Kawasaki’s sophisticated new K-ACT system which enables riders to execute controlled, balanced braking in all situations. Designed to complement the riders’ brake inputs, the system distributes the ideal amount of brake pressure to maximize braking efficiency
- Pressure on the front brake lever and/or rear brake pedal causes the brake fluid to act directly on the pistons in the brake calipers, just like any “normal” brake system. However, pressure sensors at each master cylinder detect the amount of braking force the rider is applying, while the ECU measures vehicle speed. After determining the corresponding amount of brake force needed for maximum braking efficiency, additional motor-driven brake fluid is pumped into the front and rear pressure control units, thereby increasing pressure to the front right caliper and/or rear caliper as necessary. Two more pressure sensors (one measuring front right caliper fluid pressure, one measuring rear caliper fluid pressure) provide feedback to the K-ACT ECU
- K-ACT also incorporates an anti-lock braking (ABS) function to help prevent lock-up in emergencies
- For maximum controllability in tight corners and when executing U-turns, K-ACT’s coactive function does not engage when braking is initiated at speeds below 12mph
- The ABS function is disengaged at speeds below 4mph
- Both ABS and non-ABS models utilizes dual 300mm front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and a two-piston rear disc brake for sure, powerful stops
Light handling chassis
- A more compact package than its predecessors, the new frame features 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 new frame is 4.4 pounds lighter than its predecessors, and has a 40% increase in rigidity
- 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
45mm Telescopic Fork
- Provides superb steering feedback
- 5.5 inches of travel helps provide excellent ride quality
Dual Adjustable Rear Air-Shocks
- Feature 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 to match the load carrying and long distance touring requirements inherent in this type of motorcycle
9-Spoke Cast Wheels
- Allow the use of tubeless tires and complement they Voyager’s new muscular styling
- 130/90 front and 170/70 rear radial tires offer good traction and wear characteristics
- Tire choice and suspension settings augment the chassis’ light handling characteristics
V-twin Visual Appeal
- Basic architecture has a significant impact on a V-Twin engine’s appearance
- The line created by the top of the airbox and the cylinder heads forms a curved shape 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 cooling 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
Bodywork
- Muscular front fairing is reminiscent of classic American muscle cars in its sculpted, flowing design
- Chromed headlamp cover and twin fog lights contribute to the muscle car theme
- The fuel tank’s hand-sculpted contours employ a constantly varying radius, giving the bike a dynamic flow that is pleasing both to the eye and to the touch
- The lines flowing through the rest of the bike and its elegant fuel tank contribute to the Voyager’s curvaceous figure
- Liberal use of chrome contrasts nicely with the bodywork’s deep, lustrous paint. The engine, front and rear guards, accents on the side cases and trunk, and the trunk brackets are fully chromed
- Design motif from the front fender is continued by the rear fender, which features an elegant LED taillight
- Front and rear guards help protect the bike’s bodywork in case of a tip-over
- Dual 35W fog lights have a dedicated On/Off switch and can be adjusted vertically
- In addition to the taillight on the rear fender, the Voyager also has a large, highly visible LED taillight mounted on the rear of the trunk that contributes to its appearance
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
- A number of features facilitate comfortable long-distance touring
Wind protection
- Large windshield and front fairing help protect the rider and passenger from wind and elements
- With the front fairing mounted to the frame, any wind buffeting is transferred to the bike rather than the handlebars, helping to enhance highway stability and reduce rider fatigue
- Leg shields have adjustable vents to tailor the amount of airflow to the rider’s legs
Ample storage
- 13.2 gallon (50L) lockable trunk is large enough to fit two full-face helmets
- Top-opening side cases are sealed and lockable, with a volume of 10 gallons (38L) each
- Up front, lockable glove boxes provide a handy place for storing small items and accessories. An iPod jack (optional connector required) is located in the left-side glove box
Comfort
- Sculpted seat designed for both long-distance ergonomics and an easy reach to the ground
- Upright riding position and floorboard contribute to all-day touring comfort
- Roomy passenger seat is complemented by padding on the trunk that provides back and arm support
- Rear floorboards contribute to passenger comfort
- Dual adjustable rear air-shocks use settings optimized for load carrying and long distance comfort
Long range
- 5.3 gallon fuel tank offers a substantial range, helping to minimize fuel stops when out on the open road
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