3 years ownership of the Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- Owners perspective 3 years in on the pluses and minuses of owning this full touring bike from Kawasaki. Very detailed video on the bike, it's performance and upgrades added.
Follow me @ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA
I've had my 2023 Voyager for about a month and a half now. I immediately changed out the air filter element to a K & N and added nice sounding, free flowing slip-ons to the exhaust. I then sent out the ECU to be re-flashed (Ivan Performance) and it "completely" changed the bike and turned it into an absolute beast and I love it! MPG went from 38 to 42 with the Ivan Tune and the bike runs about 15% cooler. Out the door after tax was 18K and when I had looked at Harley, their out the door price was 40K. Sure, their stereo and infotainment system was better and the interior console was nicer but not for 40K. I am a "do your own thing" kind of guy and I never follow the crowd. To me, you love what you ride and I don't need a costume from an HD department store that says I love what I ride. I've been riding since 1976 and yes, I "am" a biker.
Plus, these Kawasaki bikes are bullet proof! I don't see this as an entry-level or starter tourer, unless Kawasaki comes out with something else? But even then, this is a gem and an absolute keeper! It's why I already have several videos of it on my TH-cam Channel. I say, "Go with your heart, not with the crowd!"
agreed 👍🏼
K & N air filters, watch the video on TH-cam by a guy who has a channel called project farm. There is another guy that has videos on TH-cam with sets of pistons destroyed by the grit that these filters allow to get sucked into the engine. Oh sure, they pass a lot of air, the guy from project farm prove that in his comparison video, but at the same time, they let particulates get sucked into the air intake, at a rate, more than 10 times higher than standard paper filters.
I posted a video of my Yamaha royal star venture entitled, Yamaha royal star venture major flaw .. I thought there was a flaw when I saw all of that dust and grit on my intake system of my Venture. I found traces of dust. We’re getting past the clamps that clamped my air cleaner to the intake system. But that wasn’t a major intake of dust, the major intake of dust was coming through the filters themselves after I completely took out all of the tubing that was the intake system from the two air filters on the Venture’s.. if you care, just take a look at my video, and look at the dust inside those 2 inch intake snorkels on my Venture, and just imagine if all that dirt got caked onto the walls of my intake tubing, how much dirt did my engine suck in, because that dirt was sticking to a smooth flat surface as it was traveling through there at high speed, how could that possibly stick but it did..
I just happened to read your comments because I am considering picking up a Vulcan voyager for sale near me with only 13 K miles on it. I took one for a test drive about five weeks ago, and I didn’t buy it because of all of the clicking and ticking I heard, coming from the engine top end. I am finding out that that is normal because they have self adjusting valves… Have you noticed a lot of ticking, especially when you start the bike from cold?
I have been using K&N Air Filters for over 30 years and never had a problem. I clean mine every 15K or so and inspect the filter. Over time, that gauze material wear's and if you don't catch it, it can let grit through. Other than that, I never had a problem.
Not really experiencing any ticking noises on my Voyager, in fact, it is the best Vtwin engine I have ever experienced.
You are absolutely right. You do you. There are so many followers. I loved my goldwing, but hated all the plastic. I think the kawasaki brand is a good, dependable bike. I decern no rattles. Or wobble. Power isn't an issue.
I agree with you 100%. I have a 2005 Vulcan 1500 Classic FI. As reliable as anything I’ve ever known. Almost 19 years of ownership and the only major thing was the neck bearings had to be replaced last year. That’s nothing. Kawasaki does need a redesign for these Vulcans though. Way long overdue.
ya mega reliable. a re design would be nice! but it works lol so.....
@@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSAsome tech upgrades at least
The Beast is a beautiful bike.
I wish Kawasaki would put that 103 CI in the vulcan custom... aka a better Harley breakout.
Does the Ivan flash void the warranty?
not sure of that answer!
Yes
Over the last 55+ years of riding, I have had so many different name brands of bikes, including an AMF Harley in the late 70s that kept breaking down and leaving me stranded, thirty miles from the nearest payphone. The brand that I found to be the most reliable, lowest maintenance, and generally the best "bang for the buck" has always been Kawi. I have a Vulcan 903 that has put on several SS1000 rides, been out to the west coast and back across the country on a 5,000 mile bike ride, MANY other long distance rides, and has never had even one issue, and it is a 2008! I've been considering getting something more comfortable, and thinking about the Voyager. This convinced me it would be the right move. My only hesitation is the current color is a baby blue with white. It looks OK, but I would rather have a color more like your bike, or the dark red/black they have offered in the past. Thanks for the video.
it's a great machine! you can find my color 2019 for sale on the vulcan forums always a few for sale ! great feedback! thanks !
You're in luck, Kawi released the 2023 colors just this week.
I have an 03 vulcan 1600 that I bought new, its been in the shop for inspections.
The voyager is à suprem choice !!!!
Seriously thinking about selling my 2014 Ultra for this Bike right here. The bullet proof motor is something at my age means alot ! My Ultra is a sweet ride with low miles ,but I'm always worried about something happening .Maybe I'm just parinoid.
Thank you for the video. I think the Vulcan is a beautiful bike! I don't care about all the latest electronic wizardry. As a Harley owner with bikes that have leaky gaskets, I can appreciate Japanese quality control.
thanks for sharing! vulcan is a great bike!
I always felt like the voyager, vaquero, nomad were among the best kept secrets in the larger vtwin/Bagger class. Hard to beat dollar for dollar. 🤙💯
agree a million man! thanks so much for stopping by! appreciate it sir ! 🙏🏽
I had a 2008 Vulcan and never done anything other than oil changes. It was the best. Sold it a while back and that guy took it across the USA. Its still kicken.
great machine !
So far this is what I'm planning on getting for my next bike. It's got everything you need, it looks great, and yeah, like $10 grand less than a road glide. Definitely great value for a great bike.
you won't be disappointed! just spend the $350 for the Ivan's flash, its best bang for buck
Ivan is the Man..
Voyager is a sweet ride mate, you don’t need to make excuses for it 😎👍🏼
no excuses just letting people kno the value ! 👍🏼
I fully concur with your analysis. I have the 2020 myself and have ridden it over 28k miles in the last 26 months. I only have 6 months a year to ride in Canada lol. Rode from Ontario out to British Columbia and back last month and put about 10k miles on her just on that trip. Zero issues with the Voyager.
Ivan’s ECU flash, 2” mirror extensions, highway pegs, and Michelin Commander III tires…hit the highway and just remember to give the old girl an oil change…she’ll take you anywhere with a smile and a steady purr. Comfort…oh yeah Baby gives a nice ride.
Voyagers are the most reliable long haul smilin Bertha’s on two wheels. She’s definitely my go to touring bike…
totally agree !
Wow you're truly riding, I have a 2019 with only 7000 mls.
My personal favorite is my TW200! lol It's a perfect old man offroader... Touring with it ain't going to happen. When touring I'll stick with my old road king only because I know how to fix it! To each his/her own is how I see it... Whatever you ride doesn't matter just ride man!
TW 200 is a super fun bike !
Definitely a good money value bagger. Fixed fairing, bags, trunk, air suspension, it's made to pound some highway miles. I agree about the radio. When I ride, all I want to listen to is the motor running. It tells me everything I want to know as I travel along. You have a fine looking bike ABUSA. Great video! Where ever your travels take you, ride and stay safe ABUSA!
thanks Jd !
Great review, it's like I wrote it myself. I have a 2021 Voyager and fully agree with everything you say! I looked at every touring model there is before I purchased mine and if a person is looking for the best value it's a no brainer that this is the bike to get!
Only things I did to this bike was the Ivan flash, Cobra pipes, K&N air filter, lower windshield, highway pegs and shorter antenna. I ride 2 up with the wife on the back 98% of the time and I never wish for more power, the bike just goes and sounds amazing.
I am just thankful Kawasaki made a full touring without all the extra goodies that I would never use or want to pay for.
Picked mine up in January of 2022 which gave me time to do all the things needed before spring here in Canada to ride. Put on 4500kms and am patiently waiting for the weather to change to get back on it for a 2nd season of riding. Love this bike!
congrats! it's a tremendous value and quite reliable for sure ! enjoy !
I've only owned Harleys and real Indian Chiefs. I have a 46 Chief a 1972 FLH and a 98 Fatboy none are long distance touring bikes. I'm looking at Japanese bikes for what could be one last big ride since I'm 70. I don't know squat about Japanese bikes except their resale sucks but that means you can get a great deal on a used one. This is the very bike I was thinking of your videos helped me out thanks.
it's a great value for the money! you'll enjoy it for sure especially on long rides! thanks for watching!
Japanese bikes will run forever with maintenance but one thing they can't EVER do is hold resale value, I know I have several.
fair point
I agree with you. If you like to ride and enjoy the bike who cares what other people think! Great video!
thanks Derek!
Without question, the best bang for the buck in cruiser touring bikes. I’ve ridden my friend’s bike and it’s an excellent ride. Comfortable, good power, nice paint, fit, and finish. It lacks some of the refinements of my Star Venture, but then again it’s also $10k less.
agreed
I have never heard of you or your channel since I quit riding in the 1990's, but if I were to start again, then it would be a Vulcan. It's the Japanese Harley for riders, not wrenchers.
thanks for your time watching 👍🏼
I buy and sell motorcycles quite often the only one that's not for sale is my Kawasaki Vaquero this is a best bike I've ever owned I'm not Downing anybody else's motorcycles but I've had several Harleys at the same time as having this bike and I sold them and kept this bike
point noted !
I love my 2021. Only issue I've had is the seat isn't great for my dimensions. But its my first touring bike, but its gives me everything I want and need. Great video.
thanks!
I have a 2013 Voyager, with over 75000 miles never had a problem best all around for only under 18 grand
outstanding!
got rid of my Harley GAYvidson - they went woke and Im going to get a Voyager.
voyager is a fun machine !
Thanks for your video. I currently have a 2018 Goldwing, and in 2019 I got it for a steal. I have been disappointed with things like the lack of navigation updates, and issues with CarPlay, so it is always on my mind to move to a simple V-Twin like the Voyager, I had an HD Lowrider for a little while, but it never really hit the spot, even after some modifications. I truly miss the V-Twin and the Voyager may be my re-entry point.
i also have a 2021 goldwing and love it! but i do understand the V twin and the voyager is a true value! good luck with the decision!
I almost bought a Voyager about 5 or so years back, but ended up getting a Concours largely because I needed a somewhat lighter bike due to my work parking situation. But since I recently quit commuting on the Connie because of traffic (and Austin summer heat that was regularly 105+), the work parking situation is no longer a concern. I love my Connie, but the bars hurt my hands and wrists and the aftermarket options won't work for me for one reason or another, so I'm going back to looking at a used Voyager, probably an older one as long as it has KTAC, KAMS, and the adjustable vents in the lowers. I especially love the two-tone cream versions in the 2012 and 2013 model years. I've ridden one, so I know it won't be the rocket my Connie is, but that's okay. They're beautiful bikes - I honestly find them more visually appealing than Harleys or Indians - and the dash is killer. I'll take that dash over a suite of rider aids I'd be paying thousands more so and be too lazy to use. And another great thing about these bikes that's seldom mentioned is that they don't require valve adjustments!
This is the bike I'd be getting if I didn't already have a Road King that's paid for...I just can't bring myself to sell a paid for bike...but if someone ever was to offer me the right amount, this would be what I'd be after...love these bikes...
awesome feedback! thanks 🙏🏽
Same with me, I have a Yamaha Royal Star tour deluxe and its paid for. I am always on the fence but what brings me back around from a new bike purchase is that this one is super reliable and paid for. 62k miles on her now and getting ready to take a roadtrip on it in two weeks
Same here My 2014 Ultra is paid off and only has 10,000 miles on it, Now that I'm retired I'm planning on adding to that big time. BUT !!,If I ever were to sell it ,This bike is 1st on my list I believe.
I own and ride multiple touring & sport bikes, totally agree you can't buy a better all around touring bike for the money and low maintenance. Enjoy my HD Ultra, but with nearly 100k miles on it the repairs have been very expensive.
ya man, it's just super value and I love all the other touring bikes as well! but this ? man what a machine!
I bought my ‘09 new in 2010 for a few reasons, Victory didn’t want my cash, HD never ask if I was interested in something and Indian didn’t want to deal with cash in hand. Not a free jacket or even helmet if I paid out 40 grand cash back then. So I got a great deal on the 1700 Voyager ABS.
all plausible reasons to buy the kawi for sure !
That’s Definitely the best color combo they ever made, I have the 2016 white 👍
love it!
thanks for the review, I currently have an 05 1600 Vulcan nomad- an absolute great bike. I’ve ridden to Sturgis six times and not one single problem, but every single year one of the Harleys in our group break down. you mentioned fit and finish of the plastics, I would much rather have a better fit and finish in the engine which the KAW certainly does- it’s gonna last for 100,000 miles.
Right on!
To get my 2010 Harley Davidson road king to ride as well as the voyager I spent 2000$ voyager still rides better
Voyager way cheaper to own
i totally understand!
Harley who ? 😂 The Vulcan is perfection....
Great video. Good to hear your option on the bike after three years of riding it. I have a Vulcan Classic 1999- 1500 and I bought a 2021 Voyager 1700. I little difference in weight, but that's ok. My only complaint is the seat pushes me foward to much and is uncomfortable on the inner thighs. I need to find a seat which I can sit further back and a little lower so my feet are flat on the ground when stopped. I am 5'9" with a 30 inseam. Looking for suggestions on a seat.
thanks for watching. As far as a seat, I found the stock pretty decent with 32 inch inseam and 6 foot even. I guess it does push you up some, but was never a big issue for me........ride on and enjoy that bike!
The whole Vulcan line up is such great bang for buck
agreed !
Great video, well said!
On my second Voyager. Deer totaled my 2012 with 64,000 miles. Have about 12,000 miles on my 2019
Thanks for sharing
I'm da same way. I love the Harleys but I have a beer budget. Glad Kawi has something for us.
This is the value for money touring bike. Does every thing you need without the Harley or Indian Tax
I am wondering why every Japanese bike manufacturer, and even BMW, are trying to copy the look and feel of a Harley. Why always the V-twin? Why not a big triple, or a 4 cylinder tourer. Why not something original and completely different from the obligatory Harley look? Ok, Honda has the Goldwing 6 cylinder, Triumph had the big Triple, but these bikes seem to attract a different group of riders all together.
fair points indeed! good thoughts!
THANKS ON THE VIDEOS BRO !!
thank you for watching!
Hi, how is the trunk lid/cover? I did touch it but I feel the plastic is so soft and it wiggles like cheap quality product. Did you find yours like that? I saw the 2022 model.
i didn't find it to be the best, but it was definitely serviceable for my needs and price point of bike
Bought the 2022, all I have to say is watch the elevations of the road while coming to a stop sighn on a sloping road to a washed out ditch....hahaha. They have good crash bars that save everything on the bike, happened 2 days ago, slow motion,.to the ground couldn't hold it up any longer on right leg.....
makes sense to me !
It’s not enough to just survive ! A man can survive wearing a colostomy bag and a wheelchair ! Trick is to survive without a scratch ! Glad your ok Frank ! 👍😎
That’s a great overall bike abusa! 🤙💯
thanks F and R !
I own a 2013 Voyager, white and silver in color, bought it from used market 2 years ago, I live in Hong Kong, a city that big baggers/ touring bikes are totally not common in here, so, every single time I ride my Voyager, it catches everyone's eyeball, I parked it outside the restaurant, people stopped and took pictures of it. that's one of the points I'm proud to own a Voyager. About the bike and its engine, both mechanical and electronic are reliable, like most of the Japanese bikes. You don't have to worry about anything, just ride and have oil change regularly and it will last forever! I just found one bad point or not really a bad point, the fuel capacity, 20 liters is not low for a general motorbike, but the Voyager has a 1700cc engine under the seat.....even bigger then many entry level cars, I always want a 25L or even 30L fuel tank on my bike
great points!
I strap a 5 litre fuel container to each passenger footrest. . As i rarely carry a pillion , it simple to add the contents and now have 30 litres to use.
One of the best color combinations. Nice bike for sure. I’m currently in the market for one. I just recently sold my 2020 Road Glide due to too many issues with the engine. I am looking for a reliable performance machine, no more money pits for me. I’ve owned quite a few Harley models and none of them have impressed me for the money they cost
well Dave, this voyager is a tremendous value for your dollar for sure! best of luck with the purchase !
I have a 2017 Vulcan Voyager I love my bike also had it Ivanized. My only regret is don't laugh to hard but i wish i had waited for your color scheme would have been perfect for me since I'm a Dallas Cowboys fan. Lol.
@@jperez5426 it's detroit lions throwbacks lol 😂 😎👍🏼
Nice review, no fluff, just substance. 👌😊👍
thanks 🙏🏽
First, if new, if u flas the ecu ur warranty is null, correct? Second, u pointed to tach for heat sensor, its far right, otherwise right on.
Coming on my 2nd service(5000 miles) on my 23 voyager. One of a couple bikes i currently own. Works really well with the wife on the back. Extremely comfortable for both of us. Foot boards are extremely comfortable as well as the seats and handlebar position. The price of the bike was $1000 off for spring ride event. At $18,200 its certainly THE value in the japanese cruiser market. Not that its saying much. Cuz the voyager is the ONLY japanese full touring bike available this year. A market the japanese deem uncontestable. The Harleys and Indians own this category so the japanese wont pour too much money in to it. Their loss our gain! A couple of the things i DONT LIKE. The fuel mileage is sub standard. I use my bike everyday to work and the weekends with the wife. Easily put 20,000 miles a year on my bikes. I get 40 mpg on hand calculation. The standard range is about 160 miles before the fuel light comes on. That means i fuel EVERYDAY as my commute is 86 miles(end to end). My KLR i can fuel EOD as the 50mpg and larger tank make it cheaper to operate and it uses 87! Versus the 93 my voyager takes. The next thing i dont like is the radio. It sucks. Plain and simple. No bluetooth. Major disapointment. I hate fm radio so this feature is mostly useless. The third thing is the gigantic stock windshield. Blocks everything. Keep it clean cuz you cant look over it. Great in the winter. Not so much in these Texas summer months. I prefer to ride the KLR on the 105°+ days solely due to the wind blast i get from it. Sweat too much on the big voyager. Would i buy it again? Hell yes!
all fair points for sure !
The Vulcan Voyager is a solid bike. Sounds great and yes, the Ivan's tune is a must.
It's an awesome machine. the color is great and really works with all that chrome. glad you've been happy with it.
thanks 🙏🏽
The Voyager does look dang good man. Eventually I’m gonna cross into the bagger world and given how much I love my Z, I’ll strongly consider this by Kawasaki.
it's a huge value CF !
Best value out there!!!
thanks man!
Great video and thanks for doing the video and sharing your opinions with us. I currently have a Classic LT 900 and feel as though it's too small. I recently took it from New Jersey to Florida & back and feel I'm pushing it too much on the highway at 75/80mph. My biggest apprehensions about upgrading to the Voyager are the weight and the permanent fairing.
It was reassuring that you say you've had no issues with your bike at 3 years (although you didn't say how many miles), and I also like that you showed us a demonstration showing that the Voyager has plenty of get up and go for higher speeds on the highway.
the voyager has plenty of power, i had over 10k miles at the time but i know 2 other people who have voyagers with miles exceeding 35k with no issues
i do have the ivan flash for the ECU ($350) but it's so worth it for the smooth power delivery
it's truly a great touring machine! thanks for watching!
Those pipes sound awsome, and a great video! I've had three Vulcans since 2007: a 2006 1500 Classic, a 2008 1600 Nomad, and now a 2007 1600 Classic. I've logged a total of 95,000 on the three of them and have never had a problem of any kind, not one. I had a 2005 Yamaha V Star 1100 prior to the '06 Kawasaki, and that one was solid as a rock too. The biggest motorcycle mistake I ever made was buying a 2015 HD Heritage Softail in 2019. It was a beautiful bike, but on my very first ride, it left me stranded 50 miles from home. Had to get it towed, dealer had it for a week, yada, yada... It was "only" an issue in the charging system (that's how the dealer described it), but it was more of an issue than I had in all my metric bikes combined. I sold it two weeks later. I am kind of missing my Nomad, which I had for 11 years, and I may be back on one before long.
Kawi is SO reliable !!!!! Awesome !!!
Advice to all users : Ivan's ecu flash is a must
agreed sir
Beautiful motorcycle A.B.USA 👍🏾
thanks Shasi !
long time Goldwing owner had a 99 wing for 10 years put 140k on that bike when it came time to buy a new bike i went with the Kawasaki vaquero did the Ivan flash and put some cobra tri-flo slip on and fell in love with this bike all my buds are on Harleys and i get a lot of heat from them (fun and games) but been on many long haul rides 0 issues with this bike and had to stop many times for my buddies Harleys breaking down ill ride this bike 100k and then buy a another Kawasaki the one thing i would like to see from the factory is for Kawasaki to take notes from Ivan's flash and fix this issue in house
agree man! it's a tremendously dependable machine at a great price!!!!! congrats !
5:43 I thought that car was gonna mess your day up
right !!!! dopes!!!!!
It's like driving just the driver's side of a car.
I have owned 22 motorcycles, some of all the Japanese brands and several Harley’s. From enduros to baggers. I feel like most of the m/c companies make pretty good motorcycles. Of all the bikes I’ve owned, only had one engine failure and that was on my 2010 road king at 9000 miles. It was under warranty and the engine was replaced. I currently own a 2012 Vaquero I bought a couple years ago. I really like it. I put a taller windshield on it and had the Ivan’s reflash done and it runs great. I was looking for a Nomad when I bought the Vaquero. If I ever get another bike it will probably be a voyager. They are great looking motorcycles and I’m old school and like all the chrome. Most of the newer bikes are all blacked out. H-d has gotten so cheap that don’t even put a heel toe shifter on their bikes anymore. The voyager has all the features you would expect on a touring bike and about 10k cheaper.
you said it well! it's a tremendous value for a lot of bike! thanks for the feedback!
I think I'd choose the Kaw over the others because of reliability. I'm not impressed with the badging and that's not what I pay for. Beautiful color combo. Does it have a center stand? The gas mileage looked really low. Your comments on that please.
no center stand gas mileage vsries on riding styles if you ride conservatively you'll get 40 miles per gallon approximately
Love your bike. Great review. Thanks.
thank you 🙏🏽
Ride what you like, not what your friends want you to ride! I have a goldwing and I ride with all Harley Davidson guys! All they see is my taillights 😂😂😂
i know the feeling 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Currently ride a Vulcan 900 custom, but am looking for something to do longer distances on in more comfort. I know it doesn't hurt the bike, but turning around or just over 4000 rpm at highway speeds with V&H pipes for long periods of time gets to be a bit much. I went to my local Harley dealer and was absolutely floored by the prices.... The Voyager or even Vaquero looks like its 90-95% of what most HD's would be for around half the price. I've had zero issues with my Vulcan 900, so it seems like a no brainer.
best bang for buck by far !
Great review....It should be noted as well that these bikes and the Vaqueros can be had for a steal on the used market as well. Many of them already have excellent modifications already done. I recently purchased a 2012 Vaquero with low miles...Ivan's, Freedom exhaust, LED's, and some other custom touches. This bike will take me anywhere and look amazing doing it. I have a stable of other V-twins to include one HD, some Yamaha's, and a Kawasaki VN2000. They were all purchased used. The Vaquero is my only factory touring bike and it is fantastic. I agree that it is missing some of the fit and finish of the HD entries....but it is not that far off. On the bike with the mods, there really isn't anything "more special" about HD or Indian...They get down the road about the same.
I do appreciate the insightful video, though. Anyone looking for a touring motorcycle should still consider the Voyager/Vaquero unless brand loyalty is paramount. Save a boatload of cash for mods, and another toy...
agree with you 100 percent!
Wow! You guys all did great with your Vulcans. Mine is a total piece of junk. Won’t even get to 90 mph and goes 100 miles on a full tank of 94 octane then you walk 😂. It’s been absolutely crap from day one.
Sorry to hear that!!!!!!! never heard anything like this !
Really, for the price it's a winner !!! Did you mention , does it have cruise control ?
yes sir i did and it works perfectly holding speeds thanks Mike
Yes
Why is your gas meter only showing an average of 16-22 mpg ? I thought the IVAN flash made that better.... you are barely getting 90 miles per tank !! That's horrible gas mileage.
noooooooooo i would get 180 to 200 per per tank every tank
In today's market many more are realizing reliability is more important than ever. So is being able to do simple maintenance on your own. I came off several Victory models and liked that aspect. I took some time off from riding and wanted to try something different, found a low miles used Honda ST1300. Did a couple of simple things and could not be happier.
The purchase left me with plenty of extra money and am also looking for second bike.. I have tried the voyager before and if I did not have the Victory at the time the Voyager would have been perfect. Just what you need not too much tech that when it fails it can be a nightmare to get fixed.
Does your voyager have reverse? Thanks
great feedback! it did NOT have reverse.... woulda been nice lol
Good review! I'm thinking about a Voyager or a Vaquero, and I don't mind the aesthetics or sound of the stock exhaust. Is it still worth doing a reflash of the ECU, even with stock exhaust?
i would email ivan and get his opinion google ivan's flash and his website will populate w his email he would know best
Nice multi year ownership review ABUSA. Kawasaki seems to have a fairly solid and consistent platform year after year. I agree the Voyager is definitely the best bang for your buck Bagger.
Another thing to consider is the availability of dealers and service centers . I do really like the Indian Chieftain, but the closest Indian dealer for me is 2 hours, were as there is a number of Kawasaki dealers only a few miles away.
Good point, TR.
lots of dealers for sure ! only thing it will ever need is an oil change lol so you're good!
I love my 2022 Voyager. And like you, I don't need all the extra fancy entertainment system. If I listen to music, it is via bluetooth through the radio. But I just wanted something big to ride, I don't need navigation or a fancy radio. I have navigation on my phone
Right on!
How comfortable is the passenger seat and overall room for passenger. I currently ride a 2012 v star 950T. Owned it since new. My wife will not ride with me because she's uncomfortable. I ride year round in NC even in the dead of winter
my passenger said it was amazingly comfy stock and often fell asleep bc of being so comfy lol
How is the GPS in the daylight.
I have a 2009 Valcan Nomad. Stepping up to a 23 Voyager in the spring. Info on the flash
flash ivan's flash search it on google corks right up $350 worth it
GPS in daylight is pretty solid
23 voyager! nice 👍🏼
I like your bike a lot and respect and agree with your views. If I were gonna buy a Kawa bagger right now, though, it'd be the Vaquero (and that's only based on color). I like the matte black on the Vaquero waaaaay better than the teal on this year's Voyager. One question: what about LED lighting? Is it standard or must one buy aftermarket? And what's the aftermarket parts like for the Kawa baggers?
vaquero is nice! this isn't teal, it's dark blue
it's LED rear but standard front bulbs
after market is small you can find some basics but it's not a huge market
pipes are easy, accessories not too bad on small things like floor boards..... bars are small choice wise i always found stuff w the exception of chrome handlebars they all come in black thanks for watching!
@@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA I like yours in blue; it's teal I see on the Kawa website (although I can be colorblind at times lol). The limiting aftermarket on so many bikes hurts those brands' sales, in my view. True, you save a fortune on the cost of the bike; yet when one's that confined in terms of choices, it sucks. After all, customization is half the fun. Regardless, love all you've done to yours.
@@Peter-mcmcmc ohhhhhb yes that teal is bad! agree!!! all great points you make for sure ! pros and cons for every bike i suppose !
I have a Kawasaki Vulcan s but want a Vaquero.
great bike !
Thanks for a great video. I want one now!!😁
it's a great value bike !!! you can find used ones REALLY inexpensive!!!! so much bike for the money. just get the Ivan's tune, makes huge difference 👍🏼
Im sure it above par
I bought the 2021 Vaquero new and sold it 3 months later. Worse motorcycle I've ever owned.Even bringing home from the dealership i couldn't wait to get off it. Got it Ivans flashed and it never ran right or quietly after that. Completly messed up the idle after the flash and it started making the worse noise on open throttle after it was done. Bought a Goldwing instead and while it's a lot more money it's a LOT more bike. I must have had a bad one.
wow! sorry to hear! you're the first person i've heard to have a bad experience with the kawi!
goldwing is an amazing machine for sure! i have one as well 💪🏽
Big fan of the Vulcan. Pretty much all of them. I hope you get many more years of enjoyment from it. :)
thanks Randy !
Mate, do you reccommend the Voyager or Yamaha star venture TC, both are not existing in my country and both shall be imported for me.
if the both are in the same range of money, which one would you reccommend?
wow! both are so comparable! really comes down to which one you like looks of best, Both fine machines for sure !
I have heard some videos mentioning voyages and vaqueros are top-heavy. Can you confirm if that’s true or not?
i’ve ridden tons of big cruising bikes and i think that’s a fair comment. I would say it’s on par top heavy with a Harley Ultra. Comparable. it feels heavy getting it off side stand, but once you get moving it feels good ! hope that helps!
The whole Harley Heritage is such a BS marketing gimmick. I have just as much fun on my old Yamaha Venture as I do on my Slim.
sums it all up !
Like these big touring bike for me electric windshield is a deal breaker, that’s why I bought a Goldwing but if that voyager had electric windshield i would probably go for it
i have a gold wing so i get it ! lol
What is the realistic fuel mileage and fuel range for a single rider with luggage in the trunks? When you’re doing big highway miles, can you make time or is she stopping to drink every 2 hours?
i'd say 45-50 mpg at reasonable speeds
What model year did Kawasaki switch the Voyager over to top loading saddle bags?
not aware of that answer….
i keep hearing about the ECU flash and its very concerning since by the looks of it, its only performed by one dude in the united states, so any Voyagers sold anywhere else in the world can't unlock that extra power.
have to see if he ships internationally......
I'm here in the Philippines and I've got a 2021 Vulcan Vaquero. Where can U buy: ECU flash, aftermarket windscreen & other mods?
flash is from Ivan performance you can google
windscreen is from windvest .com
good luck!
Thanks for the videos. I stumbled across your channel and it's good me wondering how it would compare to my 2016 road glide ultra? My wife and I ride cross country. Is there an intercom? Wired or wireless?
kawasaki does have an intercom system available however i used cardo pak talk via blue tooth
@@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA thanks for the reply
How does the stock suspension handle when you push it in the corners or the pavement is a little rough? Any wobbling and wandering or does it track a tight line when leaned over?
in my experience it's been fine. i'm not any kind of pro rider by any means. so for my skill level it's handled extremely well
never an issue
There great bikes. I have a vequero 2011 I also have a road glide 2018 the vequero has no shame in its game
great value for sure !
Looking to buy one! Best kept secret unbreakable "Harley Road glide" only more reliable and cheaper
pretty much man!
What tires do you use on your voyager?
And what mount do you use for the gps?
michelin commander 3 touring and tom tom rider 550 GPS and mount that came in box
I splurged and bought the Kawasaki accessory GPS mount, replaces the top handlebar clamp. The bike is prewired for GPS sound and power and it's easy to get to the harness by pulling the headlight. Just add a couple of male bullet connectors to the GPS power wires.
You mentioned Jerry Padinio did you go to Florida and take his class or did you watch his videos and practice on your own?
watched a lot of his vids and practiced on my own
Id love to walk out with a new one someday. Japanese bikes are and will always be my choice.
awesome 👏
I would get a Harley if it were not such a rip off ! I would feel stupid to let myself get ripped of for bovine crap culture hype !
fair enough!
What has been any issues you have had? Cost to own?
zero issues basic maintenance cost like oil changes
Wow. Last Summer I bought a 1600 Nomad for the same reason. I never had a big bike so I picked up my Nomad on craigslist for a decent price. I'm steering to the Voyager now. I want a Gold Wing, but it's too big to test ride, and even used the price has climbed too high. I'm also a Yamaha fan but the Star Venture/Eluder is too pricey as well. They should have stuck with the V4 IMO. I like the HD Electra Glide, but a used one is a concern if I get one poorly maintained.
Now that I've had this Nomad for 6 months, I feel ready to test drive the ones I want.
take your time and ride as many as you can for sure! use the Nomad to practice slow speed maneuvers as that will only help you even more with a bigger bike
voyager is great! goldwing is amazing !!!! good luck !
Update. I now have a 2009 goldwing, and it's better in the curves than the Nomad. Parking lot too, but the power of the 6 cylinder is amazing.
@@advorlando9855 excellent i have the 21 wing it's amazing!!!!! i agree !!!!
There's nothing like a good old reliable bike that gives you everything you need and nothing you don't need. Reliability is greatly underestimated when purchasing a bike. Congrats on this machine!!!
it's a great value! thanks !
@@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA your most welcome 🙏