Some riders always have their motorcycles pointed at the horizon. For the road warrior, Kawasaki has just unveiled its 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager. The bike comes completely dressed, with all the necessities and unneeded extras to keep you comfortably cruising mile after mile.
The Voyager is powered by a torquey 1700cc V-Twin powerplant that is blended into the body of the motorcycle. The 52 degree V-twin is liquid cooled, but Kawasaki admits that the engine can still get pretty hot. That's why the Japanese manufacturer is so proud to unveil the first built in air management system to keep riders comfortable at a stand still. The Kawasaki Air Management System routes the heat toward the ground, below the engine.
The fuel injection system delivers peak performance at a slightly higher RPM than the classic model, which is perfect for roaring down the open road. The Voyager has a 6-speed transmission with overdrive fifth and sixth gears. It comes equipped with cruise control that can be activated anywhere between 30 and 85 mphs, and can be conveniently disengaged by the brake, clutch, or throttle.
The 2012 Voyager weighs close to 900 pounds, so Kawasaki made sure to strap on some top of the line brakes. The 2012 model uses the second-generation Kawasaki Advanced Coactive Braking Technology (K-ACT) system. The braking system basically couples the front and rear brakes, so you get a smooth and even stop.
Now let's take a look at the goodies. The Voyager has everything you could want on the open road. A large frame mounted windshield and fairing, leg shields, integrated lockable luggage, and glove boxes. Up in the front you have a classic automotive dash with a multi-function LCD display. All you need to know, including the time, speed, gear, remaining range and fuel consumption is displayed on the LCD screen.
Oh, there's also the radio, which is compatible with iPods, a CB unit, or an XM tuner and can be controlled on the left handlebar, and the two twin speakers that give you clear music at highway speeds. The Voyager also features three cigarette outlets so if it doesn't come with enough accessories, you can easily add a few more.
Here are some of the new features available in 2012.
- Powerful 1,700cc liquid-cooled V-twin delivers high levels of torque
- Six-speed transmission for relaxed cruising
- Electronic cruise control maintains speed for more comfort on long trips
- Frame-mounted fairing provides stylish wind protection to the rider and passenger
- Lower color-matched fairings increase wind protection for legs
- Color matched trunk is big enough to hold two full-face helmets
- Lockable, color matched, top-opening hard saddlebags are capacious and easy to pack from the top
- Feature-rich audio system comes standard, has AM/FM/WB, and is compatible with iPods and XM radio
- New for 2012, Navigation Audio Prompt Capability can play navigation voice prompts from Garmin Zumo 600 or 665 series GPS devices through the motorcycle's audio system or Kawasaki Genuine Accessory helmet headsets
- New for 2012, Kawasaki Air Management System (KAMS) maximizes rider and passenger comfort when stopped or at very low speeds in warm weather
- Low 28.7-inch seat height enhances the comfortable riding position
- Compact and upright ergonomics for all-day rider comfort
The Voyager is a modern marvel of the open road. The Kawasaki Voyager will be available in Metallic Graystone, Metallic Spark Black, Pearl Alpine White, and Pearl Luster Beige, for $17,899 or $18,999 with ABS.
