I have an ‘05 Vulcan Classic 1500 EFI with 103,000 kms (64,000 miles). The only thing I have ever changed on this bike is the oil and tires. I have put 1300 km in one day more than once and have never been sore anywhere. It still rides like a dream. It’s simple, functional with no useless bells and whistles and is super reliable. Looking forward to my next bike. If they continue to build them like this, it will almost certainly be a Kawasaki Voyager. By the way, I get 55 miles per gallon (imperial gallon = 4.54 litres) cruising at highway speeds (110 km/h).
I have this exact bike. 2023, only color they have. Just got back from riding the Tail of the Dragon. 1146 miles round trip. The first time my better half went out on a trip more than a couple hours. I expected her to be saddle sore and in bed. Nope. She's fine and can't wait to go again. I was dragging floorboards around a couple spots. Love the way it handles. A bit twitchy on deceleration, but you get used to it. So far, no issues other than a couple of rattles that were easy fixes. I love this bike.
I came across your channel yesterday and I must tell you, I love your channel! I’m an average motorcycle rider, meaning that I bought my first motorcycle 12 years ago when I was 46 years old. Dreamed of having one much earlier, but you know how life and children, etc. takes priority. I ride a 1999 Yamaha Virago 1100. Thoroughly enjoy this bike. But I have a daughter living in British Columbia, Canada and relatives in New Brunswick, Canada…from sea to sea. I live in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. I am considering either an FJR 1300 or potentially a Kawasaki Vulcan that would carry me to both destinations. Thoroughly enjoy your reviews and commentary as you test riding motorcycles. It is quite obvious you know what you’re talking about. I think I’ve watched 10 of your videos already, subscribed and have learned a tremendous amount. Plus you have my trust. I am sure that I will be relying on your reviews to help me decide which motorcycle to step into next. Love the fact that you also are a proud man of faith!
Thank you for subscribing and for watching! Sounds like you definitely have some traveling to do. Whatever you decide I would recommend a drivers backrest. Test ride the FJR if you can you won’t be sorry. And you will love the traction control and ABS. Thank you again for watching. Let me know which one you end up getting.
Love my 2013 Voyager. Its a great value that not many people know about. Mine has a shorter windshield and the Ivans ECU flash. If I you love it now you will really love it after the reflash. Its faster, runs cooler, better mpg and seems to remove the emission parameters. No problems after 31,000 miles and it sounds and rides like new. You can ride 500 miles days and not get beat up. Rode mine from Tucson to Sturgis and got a few compliments bacause it was different from the Harley crowd!
My local dealer has one of these and I've been eyeing it pretty hard. Currently on a Vulcan 900, and I want something a bit more suited to long distance.
I had a Vulcan 900 classic lt for 9 years and loved it! Upgraded to a Nomad and had it several years. Eventually went through a few Harleys and will be going to the Voyager. The price and virtually maintenance free reliability is a no brainer. If you upgrade to this bike you will not regret it!
I have a 2013 Voyager, identical to the one in the video, with over 98,000 miles (not a typo) on it - ridden almost every day, hot or cold, rain or shine. Most of it highway, but I do about a mile of rough dirt/gravel road daily. Reliability has been incredible, with ONE minor repair, a wallowed out fan hub due to foam airflow gaskets coming loose. (A new motor-fan assembly is over$500, or get a used one for about $40.) I get around 40 mpg, plus or minus about 4 mpg depending on speed and air temperature. I use Michelin Commander III tires (slightly different size on the rear) and expect over 20,000 miles out of them. Minor beefs: 1) Various trim bolts tend to vibrate loose; 2) The kickstand is an inch or so too short; 3) The gap between upper and lower fairings was designed by a sadist. It funnels rain, even fog, onto your knees. (I have seen a standing puddle of water forming on my knees.). The gap allows good airflow when it's hot ... but not-so-good airflow when it's cold. I plug them with short lengths of pipe insulation as needed; 4) I know this is typical of frame-mounted fairings, but they don't provide as much wind protection as handlebar-mounted ones; 5) Horsepower is low compared to other big bikes, so don't plan on accelerating very fast, especially in 6th gear. There just isn't much negative to say. Two-up riding barely affects the handling and the passenger seat and backrest are very comfy (according to my wife). I've driven this bike in thunderstorms that had car drivers pulling to the roadside with their blinkers on and in 30+ mph crosswinds (recently both at the same time). Not that I recommend either, but the bike can handle almost any weather. The Voyager is not flashy, but it's very comfortable, super-reliable, safe and, for the price ... I got mine new in 2014 for just under $19,000 ... I think you'll pay about the same today, unlike any other item on the planet! Now, compare that to the other guys. I may be getting a new bike soon in celebration of crossing 100,000 miles and will be hard-pressed to justify the cost of another brand ... at least come out with a not-silver color for 2025 Kawasaki.
I have this same 2023 Vulcan Voyager 1700 and i absolutely love riding it. It handles really well and the engine is super smooth. Im averaging 41.5 mpg. My only 2 complaints are the sound system is garbage and the passenger seating is a bit cramped. I enjoy riding this more than the Goldwing i had previously.
In the digital days of infotainment, extreme performance, connectivity and extreme speed we have the Kawasaki Voyager. Its the Analog comfortable pair of blue jeans that gives you the foundation of what a big heavyweight touring bike should be. If you ever yearn for a day when you used cash instead of credit this is it!.....I'm buying mine this weekend.
I love my 2012 voyager. The only thing that is a downfall is that aftermarket parts are very limited. You end up buying a lot of Harley-Davidson parts and retro-fitting them. But the one major thing I did was I changed the windshield out to a shorter one from clearview. It is so nice to look over the windshield and not through it. And engineered adapters is a great place for Aftermarket For Audio and other things
I have a 2011 Vulcan Voyager its a super reliable bike i rode to Sturgis twice on it from the East Coast its a super reliable vehicle but they definitely need to change the style they have been using this same look since 2009 its literally just a different color every year
I've got a 21 Vaquero which is similar w/o the trunk. Never had a problem accelerating getting onto the highway. Not like my 79' KZ1000 ST for acceleration, but really nice on the highway w/the 6spd trans.
When Kawasaki came out with the 1700 line I went to a dealer intending to trade in my Vulcan 1500 Classic for a 1700 Nomad. On paper it sounded like the perfect bike: But when I actually saw the bike I was very disappointed. There was so much fake chrome; the fit and finish was a big step down from the 1600 line. So I immediately started looking for an ‘08 1600 Nomad and soon found one with 1,000 miles on it. I loved it and bought it that day. I had it for 11 years and sold it last summer. I’m now on a ‘08 1600 Classic, another solid, beautiful bike. Fit and finish are important to me, so if I tire of this 1600, my next bike will probably be a Harley or Indian.
Good review. I'd of liked to see you take it on a "Tail of the Dragon" type road to see how it handles and if the corner clearance is adequate. Did think about buying one of these but bought an RT instead. Secretly I'd like both!
The clearance is entirely dependent on the lean angle which is dependent on the speed you plan on riding at. This is a long haul cruiser and not really made for ripping along roads like the ToD . . . . more a BRP or Cherahala Skyway type of bike.
Hi , enjoyed ur video , but wich switch is it exactly to hold and rev up the idle you mentioned about ? Sorry if i made grammer mistakes , greetz from across the pond , the Netherlands . Stay safe
I enjoy watching these reviews of these, by UK standards, over weight over the top behemoth motorcycles, they are so different to what we have. These bikes aren't even available over here, if you want this style of bike you have a choice of Harley or Indian and both of those are so expensive as to be unaffordable to the average working man.
An old man bike? Hell yes! I'm 75 and looking to get one! Oh, and to the UK people, our country is very large with very open long stretches where comfort is more important. Yes, we have lots of nice twisty roads for sportier bikes, but as I said before, I'm an old man and while I WANT to race around, it wouldn't be very wise!
Wow, new sub here. Great great review TY sir. You are an amazing reviewer. Love this bike, going for a test ride soon, hope I can handle her at 900 LBS, I am about 180 LBS myself and ok a bit shorter then you sir, any toughts? But have had a couple of 900 classics and yes Kawasaki is an awesome brand for sure. Ty love your input, stay safe and god bless.
@@bobb74ysmith I think you’re really going to enjoy your test ride. The bike has a very low center of gravity and is very easy to boss around. My VFR 1200 X is about 700 pounds wet and feels way heavier than this Voyager. The 900 pounds really is just a number you’ll see when you test ride it. Ride safe and let me know how it goes. Thank you again for watching.
I have a 2011 Vaquero 1700, I get a solid 38 mpg, V&H slip ons, want to tune it. (Ivan) later. Great bike for the value, I can ride it until I need fuel and get back on and ride some more. Very nice stock seat. Too bad Kawasaki has not made more options, say a Bluetooth set up, maybe GPS or navigation... I have only been out with my brother once and he did have to admit, vs his 103 HD Street Glide, he said I was quicker off the stop. But I think the double Overdrive hurts me from taking him at HWY speeds. I should buy some cameras and make video before and after I send my ECM to Ivan. In closing, I really have no idea what I would pick for my next bike, I like this one.
Great review. Currently bike shopping and I had no idea kawasaki made this bike. I previously rode a kawasaki concour back in the day, and it was very uncomfortable. Also road a Suzuki Intruder and it was okay for short rides, not long hauls. Ive been looking at HDs and for 25k you can barely afford a 4 year old bike with 30-40k miles on the tach. The math aint mathing. This bike would serve all of my needs for weekend adventures and obviously it will still go plenty fast enough to kill me, same as the HD haha! Thank you for taking the time to make this. Now the real question is what do I do with the other 10k Im not going to spend?
Thanks for the review. I am curious, though, about the gas mileage. The Harley guys I know say they get 45 to 50 with the same size engine. I wonder why these are a bit thirstier.
Hey, question?🙋♂️ You mentioned your an everyday rider, What’s your opinion on those tall adv bikes ie pan am of gs1200? I’m intrigued, but getting older, and lifting my leg over after a 12 hr shift, Are they that practical? Would I do better on a bagger?
A bagger might be easier for you to hop on if you have a physical job. My VFR 1200 X is very tall but very good. My VSTROM 650 was very tall and my Versys 650 is tall too. But you’re not wrong if it’s been a 12 hour shift and you’re tired it is much easier to hop on a cruiser and go home. Where you gain is if you get stuck in the rain a lot if you ride every day a lot of times those taller bikes are much easier to deal with in water. Especially if you have the traction control and the ABS. If you get a bagger that has traction control, and ABS it would be probably a good fit for you if you’re gonna ride every day. Keep me posted. Let me know what you end up getting, Ride safe!
Thank you, I have 65,000 mile and many years on my bandit, I keep looking at other bikes. 12 hr shifts, 35 mile commute. Nice review. More realistic than the magazine writers.
I had a 2005 Yamaha Road Star Silverado 1700, and I absolutely Loved that bike. Until an 87-year-old woman rear-ended me on April 20th 2024 (yep, on 4/20 - wink wink) and totaled my bike. Thank GOD, I wasn't hurt bad or killed, but I got a few cracked ribs, 2 large hematomas, 1 on each leg, and a badly sprained right shoulder that still is not right. But when her insurance paid me for my totaled bike, I found a 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700, and at the first sight I knew I wanted that bike. And yes, I bought it! I've had it 3 months now, and I LOVE this bike even more than my 1700 Yamaha! And yes, I'm an old man! LOL And that large trunk comes in handy when I go to the supermarket! LOL I've owned a Harley (won't ever buy another one... TOO MUCH MONEY and NOT enough motorcycle), I've owned a couple Kawasaki's, and several Yamaha's, and Honda's, from dirt bikes to cruisers. I've owned 3 Goldwings. The first one was a 1979, 1100cc and it didn't come with the fairing and bags, plus I've owned two that were full dressed. Out of all of the bikes that I've owned and/or ridden over the last 58 years I am most impressed with my 2016 Vulcan Voyager! Even though it's 100 pounds heavier than my previous Yamaha 1700, it is better balanced and easier to handle and maneuver. And with the 6 speed trans and fuel injection, and after having "Ivan's Performance" Flash my ECU, I'm averaging 39 MPG. I averaged 27-28 MPG with my Yamaha and the seat was comfortable for about an hour! After that my buttocks and back started screaming at me. So, I took my Yamaha to "Mean City Cycles" in Maiden NC to have the seat "Custom fitted" which cost me $215, and it was well worth the money! That seat was a lot more comfortable after the Customizing. However, the stock seat on my Vulcan Voyager doesn't need "customizing!" I've taken my Voyager on 2 all day trips, and after 7 hours in the saddle, my buttocks and back are still ready to keep riding! FYI, you can take the key out of the ignition and put it in your pocket while your riding to keep your keys from marring the chrome bezel, making noise, and possibly losing your keys. I lost my whole set of keys on an old Yamaha I had because they bounced out of the ignition switch when I was riding down the road, and I didn't notice it until I got home and had no key to shut the bike off. It is my considered opinion that the "Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700" is in Fact, "THE BEST" Bagger on the market! And when you consider the overall COST to buy, maintain, and own a nice bike, and the "Dependability" and "Safety Features" and the Lack of having to constantly "work on it" or PAY someone else to "work on it" (like I did with my Harley) I'm keeping my Voyager! Yes, I'm just "too old" for all of that HASSLE and EXPENSE with those Overpriced and Overrated motorcycles that are assembled in America with a LOT of Chinese made parts! I just want a dependable motorcycle that I can ENJOY RIDING and it doesn't COST ME an arm and a leg to own it! And at least Japan is OUR Ally! I'd rather financially Support OUR Allies with my money, than OUR ENEMIES!
As a large, somewhat strong, adult (and adult minded), man. Is this a crazy choice for returning to riding? (dirt bikes, mopeds, and small road bike as a kid). I keep coming back to it's reviews and scrolling cycle trader for this bike.
I recommend everyone take the motorcycle safety class and get your motorcycle endorsement. If you already have that, test ride one at a dealership. Sit on it and bring it up right, then test ride it just around their parking lot first. If you’re comfortable with the weight and feel agile enough with it make sure you’re good and comfortable before you take it on the road for a test ride. But I really did like the bike. I like the old-school feel of it with the metric reliability. Ride safe brother tell me how it turns out.
@@richperdue9344 how about the engine dumping in low speeds. I hate how hard it is in 2nd gear to stay steady without it diving forward all of a sudden.
@@douglashawkins4402 That is the main reason I sent it in for the update. It still takes a steady hand since it's a big V twin but it is much easier, much smoother. That kind of "no man's land" at low speeds is gone. I think you would be pleased with it. You should call Ivan and discuss it with him. Probably should call him anyway I think he prefers it.
Jesus is King Amen. Have you rode the Indian Pursuit and how would ypu compare this votager ride to the Pursuit. I loved the Pursuit but the price is just more than Im gonna give for any bike.
What's the actual purpose for being able to change the idling speed of the engine, which you mentioned in the video??? This bike like all other bikes are Fuel Injected!!! So this option makes no sense to me!!! Just Sayin'🤬
I like my 23. Dont love it. Its capable, inexpensive and a real value. But its not a Harley. Not in fit and finish, feel, sound, power or mpg. My 24 Harley does way better in all those areas. But its a very good bike. For the price!
I have an ‘05 Vulcan Classic 1500 EFI with 103,000 kms (64,000 miles). The only thing I have ever changed on this bike is the oil and tires. I have put 1300 km in one day more than once and have never been sore anywhere. It still rides like a dream. It’s simple, functional with no useless bells and whistles and is super reliable. Looking forward to my next bike. If they continue to build them like this, it will almost certainly be a Kawasaki Voyager. By the way, I get 55 miles per gallon (imperial gallon = 4.54 litres) cruising at highway speeds (110 km/h).
I have this exact bike. 2023, only color they have. Just got back from riding the Tail of the Dragon. 1146 miles round trip. The first time my better half went out on a trip more than a couple hours. I expected her to be saddle sore and in bed. Nope. She's fine and can't wait to go again. I was dragging floorboards around a couple spots. Love the way it handles. A bit twitchy on deceleration, but you get used to it. So far, no issues other than a couple of rattles that were easy fixes. I love this bike.
Great review. I have been leaning towards purchasing the Vulcan Voyager. This video is helping me to further commit. Thank you. I enjoy your videos.
Thank you for watching!
I came across your channel yesterday and I must tell you, I love your channel! I’m an average motorcycle rider, meaning that I bought my first motorcycle 12 years ago when I was 46 years old. Dreamed of having one much earlier, but you know how life and children, etc. takes priority. I ride a 1999 Yamaha Virago 1100. Thoroughly enjoy this bike. But I have a daughter living in British Columbia, Canada and relatives in New Brunswick, Canada…from sea to sea. I live in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. I am considering either an FJR 1300 or potentially a Kawasaki Vulcan that would carry me to both destinations.
Thoroughly enjoy your reviews and commentary as you test riding motorcycles. It is quite obvious you know what you’re talking about. I think I’ve watched 10 of your videos already, subscribed and have learned a tremendous amount. Plus you have my trust. I am sure that I will be relying on your reviews to help me decide which motorcycle to step into next.
Love the fact that you also are a proud man of faith!
Thank you for subscribing and for watching! Sounds like you definitely have some traveling to do. Whatever you decide I would recommend a drivers backrest. Test ride the FJR if you can you won’t be sorry. And you will love the traction control and ABS. Thank you again for watching. Let me know which one you end up getting.
I have a 2012 1700 Nomad. Rode it to Arizona and back to Ohio. Rode almost 900 miles in one day. Love my Nomad.
Ty for the review. I am very tempted to grab a 2024
Love my 2013 Voyager. Its a great value that not many people know about. Mine has a shorter windshield and the Ivans ECU flash. If I you love it now you will really love it after the reflash. Its faster, runs cooler, better mpg and seems to remove the emission parameters. No problems after 31,000 miles and it sounds and rides like new. You can ride 500 miles days and not get beat up. Rode mine from Tucson to Sturgis and got a few compliments bacause it was different from the Harley crowd!
Do you have the updated 2022 "C4B3A" ecu flash. Fixes everything it's a great update.
No I have not heard of that. Thanks!
2016 with just over 83,000. Not a single issue with it!
BTW, nice review.
Thank you !
My local dealer has one of these and I've been eyeing it pretty hard. Currently on a Vulcan 900, and I want something a bit more suited to long distance.
I would pull the trigger on it. It’s a great bike. just take your time getting used to the size and weight, but it holds itself very evenly.
I had a Vulcan 900 classic lt for 9 years and loved it! Upgraded to a Nomad and had it several years. Eventually went through a few Harleys and will be going to the Voyager. The price and virtually maintenance free reliability is a no brainer. If you upgrade to this bike you will not regret it!
I have a 2013 Voyager, identical to the one in the video, with over 98,000 miles (not a typo) on it - ridden almost every day, hot or cold, rain or shine. Most of it highway, but I do about a mile of rough dirt/gravel road daily. Reliability has been incredible, with ONE minor repair, a wallowed out fan hub due to foam airflow gaskets coming loose. (A new motor-fan assembly is over$500, or get a used one for about $40.) I get around 40 mpg, plus or minus about 4 mpg depending on speed and air temperature. I use Michelin Commander III tires (slightly different size on the rear) and expect over 20,000 miles out of them. Minor beefs: 1) Various trim bolts tend to vibrate loose; 2) The kickstand is an inch or so too short; 3) The gap between upper and lower fairings was designed by a sadist. It funnels rain, even fog, onto your knees. (I have seen a standing puddle of water forming on my knees.). The gap allows good airflow when it's hot ... but not-so-good airflow when it's cold. I plug them with short lengths of pipe insulation as needed; 4) I know this is typical of frame-mounted fairings, but they don't provide as much wind protection as handlebar-mounted ones; 5) Horsepower is low compared to other big bikes, so don't plan on accelerating very fast, especially in 6th gear.
There just isn't much negative to say. Two-up riding barely affects the handling and the passenger seat and backrest are very comfy (according to my wife). I've driven this bike in thunderstorms that had car drivers pulling to the roadside with their blinkers on and in 30+ mph crosswinds (recently both at the same time). Not that I recommend either, but the bike can handle almost any weather. The Voyager is not flashy, but it's very comfortable, super-reliable, safe and, for the price ... I got mine new in 2014 for just under $19,000 ... I think you'll pay about the same today, unlike any other item on the planet! Now, compare that to the other guys. I may be getting a new bike soon in celebration of crossing 100,000 miles and will be hard-pressed to justify the cost of another brand ... at least come out with a not-silver color for 2025 Kawasaki.
That is a fantastic summation. Thank you for watching.
1999 Vulcan Nomad 1500 still chugging away!
Great review!
Thank you for watching!
I have this same 2023 Vulcan Voyager 1700 and i absolutely love riding it. It handles really well and the engine is super smooth. Im averaging 41.5 mpg. My only 2 complaints are the sound system is garbage and the passenger seating is a bit cramped. I enjoy riding this more than the Goldwing i had previously.
In the digital days of infotainment, extreme performance, connectivity and extreme speed we have the Kawasaki Voyager. Its the Analog comfortable pair of blue jeans that gives you the foundation of what a big heavyweight touring bike should be. If you ever yearn for a day when you used cash instead of credit this is it!.....I'm buying mine this weekend.
Very cool looks like a comfortable bike
I love my 2012 voyager. The only thing that is a downfall is that aftermarket parts are very limited. You end up buying a lot of Harley-Davidson parts and retro-fitting them. But the one major thing I did was I changed the windshield out to a shorter one from clearview. It is so nice to look over the windshield and not through it. And engineered adapters is a great place for Aftermarket For Audio and other things
I have a 2011 Vulcan Voyager its a super reliable bike i rode to Sturgis twice on it from the East Coast its a super reliable vehicle but they definitely need to change the style they have been using this same look since 2009 its literally just a different color every year
Hi from Norway !
Nice review !
Thank you for watching!
I've got a 21 Vaquero which is similar w/o the trunk. Never had a problem accelerating getting onto the highway. Not like my 79' KZ1000 ST for acceleration, but really nice on the highway w/the 6spd trans.
When Kawasaki came out with the 1700 line I went to a dealer intending to trade in my Vulcan 1500 Classic for a 1700 Nomad. On paper it sounded like the perfect bike: But when I actually saw the bike I was very disappointed. There was so much fake chrome; the fit and finish was a big step down from the 1600 line. So I immediately started looking for an ‘08 1600 Nomad and soon found one with 1,000 miles on it. I loved it and bought it that day. I had it for 11 years and sold it last summer. I’m now on a ‘08 1600 Classic, another solid, beautiful bike. Fit and finish are important to me, so if I tire of this 1600, my next bike will probably be a Harley or Indian.
Good review. I'd of liked to see you take it on a "Tail of the Dragon" type road to see how it handles and if the corner clearance is adequate. Did think about buying one of these but bought an RT instead. Secretly I'd like both!
The clearance is entirely dependent on the lean angle which is dependent on the speed you plan on riding at. This is a long haul cruiser and not really made for ripping along roads like the ToD . . . . more a BRP or Cherahala Skyway type of bike.
Hi , enjoyed ur video , but wich switch is it exactly to hold and rev up the idle you mentioned about ? Sorry if i made grammer mistakes , greetz from across the pond , the Netherlands . Stay safe
I enjoy watching these reviews of these, by UK standards, over weight over the top behemoth motorcycles, they are so different to what we have. These bikes aren't even available over here, if you want this style of bike you have a choice of Harley or Indian and both of those are so expensive as to be unaffordable to the average working man.
I think you should totally review an Indian Challenger. See how it stacks up.
Hmmm
Nice review
An old man bike? Hell yes! I'm 75 and looking to get one! Oh, and to the UK people, our country is very large with very open long stretches where comfort is more important. Yes, we have lots of nice twisty roads for sportier bikes, but as I said before, I'm an old man and while I WANT to race around, it wouldn't be very wise!
cool video
Wow, new sub here. Great great review TY sir. You are an amazing reviewer.
Love this bike, going for a test ride soon, hope I can handle her at 900 LBS, I am about 180 LBS myself and ok a bit shorter then you sir, any toughts? But have had a couple of 900 classics and yes Kawasaki is an awesome brand for sure. Ty love your input, stay safe and god bless.
@@bobb74ysmith I think you’re really going to enjoy your test ride. The bike has a very low center of gravity and is very easy to boss around. My VFR 1200 X is about 700 pounds wet and feels way heavier than this Voyager. The 900 pounds really is just a number you’ll see when you test ride it. Ride safe and let me know how it goes. Thank you again for watching.
I have a 2011 Vaquero 1700, I get a solid 38 mpg, V&H slip ons, want to tune it. (Ivan) later. Great bike for the value, I can ride it until I need fuel and get back on and ride some more. Very nice stock seat. Too bad Kawasaki has not made more options, say a Bluetooth set up, maybe GPS or navigation... I have only been out with my brother once and he did have to admit, vs his 103 HD Street Glide, he said I was quicker off the stop. But I think the double Overdrive hurts me from taking him at HWY speeds. I should buy some cameras and make video before and after I send my ECM to Ivan. In closing, I really have no idea what I would pick for my next bike, I like this one.
I think you picked a good one. Thank you for watching!
Great review. Currently bike shopping and I had no idea kawasaki made this bike. I previously rode a kawasaki concour back in the day, and it was very uncomfortable. Also road a Suzuki Intruder and it was okay for short rides, not long hauls. Ive been looking at HDs and for 25k you can barely afford a 4 year old bike with 30-40k miles on the tach. The math aint mathing. This bike would serve all of my needs for weekend adventures and obviously it will still go plenty fast enough to kill me, same as the HD haha! Thank you for taking the time to make this. Now the real question is what do I do with the other 10k Im not going to spend?
@@noahfranks3 haaa!! Enjoy that extra 10k!
Thanks for the review. I am curious, though, about the gas mileage. The Harley guys I know say they get 45 to 50 with the same size engine. I wonder why these are a bit thirstier.
I have vibrations at speeds between 120 km/h and 150 km/h. How are you?
What was the maximum speed you did on it?
Great review 👍 🇬🇧
Thank you for watching!
Which toggle for the idle ?
What kind of longevity would a Voyager go? Is the tour pack detachable? How about general maintenance?
Saddlebags are fixed the longevity would be amazing. It’s a Kawasaki. And from looking at the engine, everything is very easy to get to.
Got 73k on mine now.. oil changes...
I remember watching a video review of a 2012 Voyager. The guy who owned it put over 100K on it
Good review I wouldn’t mine getting one . would it feel 3 times as big as my Vulcan s 650
Yes, it definitely would but it’s very well balanced. I thought it was an awesome ride.
Hey, question?🙋♂️
You mentioned your an everyday rider,
What’s your opinion on those tall adv bikes ie pan am of gs1200?
I’m intrigued, but getting older, and lifting my leg over after a 12 hr shift, Are they that practical?
Would I do better on a bagger?
A bagger might be easier for you to hop on if you have a physical job. My VFR 1200 X is very tall but very good. My VSTROM 650 was very tall and my Versys 650 is tall too. But you’re not wrong if it’s been a 12 hour shift and you’re tired it is much easier to hop on a cruiser and go home. Where you gain is if you get stuck in the rain a lot if you ride every day a lot of times those taller bikes are much easier to deal with in water. Especially if you have the traction control and the ABS. If you get a bagger that has traction control, and ABS it would be probably a good fit for you if you’re gonna ride every day. Keep me posted. Let me know what you end up getting, Ride safe!
Thank you, I have 65,000 mile and many years on my bandit, I keep looking at other bikes. 12 hr shifts, 35 mile commute.
Nice review. More realistic than the magazine writers.
@@shawnmacwhinnie4481 thank you!
I have a 2018 Vaquero and I average a little over 40 mpg.
I had a 2005 Yamaha Road Star Silverado 1700, and I absolutely Loved that bike. Until an 87-year-old woman rear-ended me on April 20th 2024 (yep, on 4/20 - wink wink) and totaled my bike. Thank GOD, I wasn't hurt bad or killed, but I got a few cracked ribs, 2 large hematomas, 1 on each leg, and a badly sprained right shoulder that still is not right. But when her insurance paid me for my totaled bike, I found a 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700, and at the first sight I knew I wanted that bike. And yes, I bought it!
I've had it 3 months now, and I LOVE this bike even more than my 1700 Yamaha! And yes, I'm an old man! LOL And that large trunk comes in handy when I go to the supermarket! LOL
I've owned a Harley (won't ever buy another one... TOO MUCH MONEY and NOT enough motorcycle), I've owned a couple Kawasaki's, and several Yamaha's, and Honda's, from dirt bikes to cruisers. I've owned 3 Goldwings. The first one was a 1979, 1100cc and it didn't come with the fairing and bags, plus I've owned two that were full dressed.
Out of all of the bikes that I've owned and/or ridden over the last 58 years I am most impressed with my 2016 Vulcan Voyager! Even though it's 100 pounds heavier than my previous Yamaha 1700, it is better balanced and easier to handle and maneuver. And with the 6 speed trans and fuel injection, and after having "Ivan's Performance" Flash my ECU, I'm averaging 39 MPG.
I averaged 27-28 MPG with my Yamaha and the seat was comfortable for about an hour! After that my buttocks and back started screaming at me. So, I took my Yamaha to "Mean City Cycles" in Maiden NC to have the seat "Custom fitted" which cost me $215, and it was well worth the money! That seat was a lot more comfortable after the Customizing. However, the stock seat on my Vulcan Voyager doesn't need "customizing!" I've taken my Voyager on 2 all day trips, and after 7 hours in the saddle, my buttocks and back are still ready to keep riding! FYI, you can take the key out of the ignition and put it in your pocket while your riding to keep your keys from marring the chrome bezel, making noise, and possibly losing your keys. I lost my whole set of keys on an old Yamaha I had because they bounced out of the ignition switch when I was riding down the road, and I didn't notice it until I got home and had no key to shut the bike off.
It is my considered opinion that the "Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700" is in Fact, "THE BEST" Bagger on the market!
And when you consider the overall COST to buy, maintain, and own a nice bike, and the "Dependability" and "Safety Features" and the Lack of having to constantly "work on it" or PAY someone else to "work on it" (like I did with my Harley) I'm keeping my Voyager!
Yes, I'm just "too old" for all of that HASSLE and EXPENSE with those Overpriced and Overrated motorcycles that are assembled in America with a LOT of Chinese made parts! I just want a dependable motorcycle that I can ENJOY RIDING and it doesn't COST ME an arm and a leg to own it! And at least Japan is OUR Ally! I'd rather financially Support OUR Allies with my money, than OUR ENEMIES!
Get V & H twin slash cuts, wicked sound :)
As a large, somewhat strong, adult (and adult minded), man. Is this a crazy choice for returning to riding? (dirt bikes, mopeds, and small road bike as a kid). I keep coming back to it's reviews and scrolling cycle trader for this bike.
I recommend everyone take the motorcycle safety class and get your motorcycle endorsement. If you already have that, test ride one at a dealership. Sit on it and bring it up right, then test ride it just around their parking lot first. If you’re comfortable with the weight and feel agile enough with it make sure you’re good and comfortable before you take it on the road for a test ride. But I really did like the bike. I like the old-school feel of it with the metric reliability. Ride safe brother tell me how it turns out.
@@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480 Will do! 👍
On a average run on the freeway , I get 48-50 miles a gallon, maybe in Australia we dont have as much emission controls on our bikes
Hi from Iceland nice bike
Hi, do you know what year the heat management system became standard on these bikes ?
2012 or 2013
I have a 2015 and have the ECU flashed which really wakes up the engine and makes 6th gear more usable. Great bike!
Do you have the updated 2022 "C4B3A" ecu flash? It's a great improvement.
@@richperdue9344 I don't believe I do.
@@douglashawkins4402 Low speed/throttle response is much improved.
@@richperdue9344 how about the engine dumping in low speeds. I hate how hard it is in 2nd gear to stay steady without it diving forward all of a sudden.
@@douglashawkins4402 That is the main reason I sent it in for the update. It still takes a steady hand since it's a big V twin but it is much easier, much smoother. That kind of "no man's land" at low speeds is gone. I think you would be pleased with it. You should call Ivan and discuss it with him. Probably should call him anyway I think he prefers it.
wait what, more comfortable then the new goldwing? well chit ima have to go check that out lol
My garage. 24 klr650 adventure abs and 23 voyager 1700 abs.
That’s a great lineup!
Best thing is you can buy a 2014 and have the exact same bike, as Kawasaki hasn’t changed anything since adding an o2 sensor in 2014/2015.
That whith grocerees kills me
Oh and I forgot to add I ride VTX'S TOO!
Nice!! Thank you for watching!
My girl LOVES mine
The foot position on the new Goldwing is a big fail.
Jesus is King Amen. Have you rode the Indian Pursuit and how would ypu compare this votager ride to the Pursuit. I loved the Pursuit but the price is just more than Im gonna give for any bike.
Yes the Indian Pursuit is big $$$ compared to the Kawi
What's the actual purpose for being able to change the idling speed of the engine, which you mentioned in the video???
This bike like all other bikes are Fuel Injected!!!
So this option makes no sense to me!!!
Just Sayin'🤬
My personal opinion... 🤔
There's Absolutely No Excuse Whatsoever for today's bikes not to have self canceling signal lights!!!
Just Sayin'🤬
Reliabilty
I like my 23. Dont love it. Its capable, inexpensive and a real value. But its not a Harley. Not in fit and finish, feel, sound, power or mpg. My 24 Harley does way better in all those areas. But its a very good bike. For the price!
Pray before you go!!!