
Kawasaki Voyager 1700 Review
"A seriously capable tourer that smart riders buy instead of the hype."
Used Buyer Review
The Voyager 1700 is Kawasaki's answer to the touring wars, and honestly it's a capable machine that gets overlooked because it doesn't wear a Wing or Bagger badge. The 1700cc V-twin pulls hard from low revs, the shaft drive means zero maintenance headaches, and the fairing actually works at highway speeds. It's a proper long-haul tool without the premium price tag of its rivals. Used examples are generally solid, but inspect the electronics carefully — the earlier infotainment systems were temperamental, and replacing them hurts. Check for hard luggage latch wear, inspect the floorboard linkages for slop, and look for oil seepage around the valve covers. High-mileage examples above 40k need a careful look at the final drive. Tire sizes are oddball expensive, so budget accordingly. What you're getting is a genuinely comfortable, underrated touring bike that owners tend to actually ride hard rather than garage-queen. Parts availability is decent, dealer support is reasonable, and the resale floor means you won't get burned buying used.
Pros
Cons
You want brand prestige or light handling
Similar Touring Reviews
"The used bike market's most sensible luxury touring purchase, full stop."
Two-up touring riders covering serious interstate miles $8,000-$18,000
"The benchmark sports tourer that absolutely nothing has made obsolete."
Experienced riders wanting fast, fuss-free long-distance touring $5,000-$11,000
"The thinking rider's sport-tourer that embarrasses more expensive alternatives."
Commuters who weekend tour at pace $8,500-$12,000
"The ultimate touring machine if you respect its weight and wallet."
Long-distance tourers who ride seriously, often $12,000-$22,000