Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager
The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager has a top speed of 185 km/h (estimated), produces 75 hp and weighs 393 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.8/10.
The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager was introduced in 2009 as Kawasaki's flagship touring cruiser, replacing the Vulcan 1600 Nomad. It featured a 1,700cc parallel-twin engine with shaft drive and was notably one of the first cruisers in its class to offer an electronically adjustable windshield and a six-speed transmission. The Voyager ABS variant arrived shortly after, adding anti-lock brakes and further cementing its reputation as a premium long-distance touring machine competing directly with the Honda Gold Wing and Yamaha Royal Star Venture.
75 hp
Power
127 Nm
Torque
393 kg
Weight
185 km/h (estimated)
Top Speed
6.2 L/100km (approx. 16.1 km/L)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Watch the Final Drive
The shaft drive system is generally low-maintenance, but some owners report shaft drive lash developing over time — inspect for clunking during acceleration before buying used.
Built-In Audio System
The Voyager comes factory-equipped with an AM/FM/CD audio system and integrated GPS mount, making it one of the most touring-ready bikes out of the box without expensive add-ons.
Strong Resale Value
The Vulcan 1700 Voyager holds its value reasonably well compared to competitors, largely due to its robust 1700cc engine and full-dresser features that appeal to long-distance touring buyers.
Generations & Specs by Year
Introduced 1700cc V-twin, shaft drive, ABS, electronic cruise control, hard saddlebags, fairing with audio system.
Added LCD display, updated infotainment with Bluetooth audio, revised ergonomics, minor styling and feature refinements.
Used Buyer Review
"Underrated touring cruiser that punishes brand snobbery with excellent value."
$7,500-$13,500 usedThe Vulcan 1700 Voyager is Kawasaki's serious answer to the touring cruiser segment, and used examples offer genuinely impressive value if you know what you're buying. That 1700cc parallel-twin punches hard with real low-end torque, and the full fairing actually works — you'll arrive at destinations without feeling like you've been in a wind tunnel for six hours. The adjustable windscreen is a legitimate feature, not marketing fluff. Before buying, pull the infotainment panel and check for cracked mounting tabs — a known weak point on earlier models. Inspect the final drive shaft output seal religiously; leaks happen and dealers charge aggressively for the fix. The suspension is competent but not sophisticated, so press hard on the forks and rear shock looking for leaking seals on anything over 30,000 miles. Tire wear on the rear can be aggressive given the weight. Overall it's a genuinely capable tourer that gets overlooked because it doesn't wear a Harley badge. That's your advantage as a buyer.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
Turn key, listen for click, attempt start
Inspect rear drive housing for oil residue
Ride at 35-45mph, feel for throttle hesitation
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid tourer, minor issues, high miles holdwell
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager
Harley-davidson Ultra Limited
Kawasaki Voyager 1700
Yamaha Star Venture 1900
Moto Guzzi California 1400
Indian Roadmaster
Compare Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager vs Harley-davidson Ultra Limited
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager vs Kawasaki Voyager 1700
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager vs Yamaha Star Venture 1900
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager vs Moto Guzzi California 1400
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager vs Indian Roadmaster
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager? +
Starter relay failure, bike won't crank: Turn key, listen for click, attempt start (moderate) | Final drive shaft seal leaks gear oil: Inspect rear drive housing for oil residue (moderate) | Fuel injection surging at low throttle: Ride at 35-45mph, feel for throttle hesitation (minor)
Is the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager a good motorcycle? +
Underrated touring cruiser that punishes brand snobbery with excellent value. Rating: 7.8/10. Best for: Two-up tourers wanting reliability over brand prestige. Avoid if: You prioritize sporty handling or light commuting.
What is the horsepower of the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager? +
The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager produces 75 hp @ 5,000 rpm (estimated), with 127 Nm @ 2,750 rpm of torque. Top speed: 185 km/h (estimated).
Is the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager good for beginners? +
Not really — the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager is better for experienced riders. Two-up tourers wanting reliability over brand prestige Avoid if: You prioritize sporty handling or light commuting
Is the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager reliable? +
The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager has no widely-reported critical reliability issues. 3 minor issues are documented — see the Common Problems section above.
Is the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager good for daily use? +
Two-up tourers wanting reliability over brand prestige Fuel: 6.2 L/100km (approx. 16.1 km/L).
How fast is the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager? +
The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager reaches a top speed of 185 km/h (estimated), producing 75 hp at 393 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/kawasaki/vulcan-1700-voyager/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
