Newly Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager designed engine offers both significant power and torque gains and superior passing performance. The 1700cc engine is mounted in a new frame designed for light weight and light handling. The 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager compact package offers ease of manoeuvrability.
Powerful 1700cc V-Twin engine. Long-stroke, liquid cooled, SOHC, 8-valve 1,700 cc V-Twin engine was designed to deliver high levels of torque for 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager. Bore and stroke measure 102 x 104 mm. Torque is approximately 15% greater than that of the VN1600D. Valve system uses a SOHC arrangement instead of OHV for more direct engine feel and easier merging onto freeways. Large capacity airboxes are located on either side of the engine. Twin mufflers (one on each side) are based on the same construction as those on the VN2000. Semi-dry sump (like that on the VN2000) allowed the crankshaft to be lowered, enabling a longer stroke without increasing engine height. Both pistons are connected to a single crankpin. Primary balance is satisfied care of two counter-balance shafts. Small-diameter iridium spark plugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for high combustion efficiency, especially at low-load operation (near idling). Belt final drive is quiet and efficient and helps reduce maintenance chores. Using carbon fibre instead of Kevlar as a tensile material, the belt offers high strength (tensile strength is increased by 40%) with a slim size and light weight. Belt width (28 mm) is more comparable to that of the VN900 models (26 mm) than that of the VN2000 (40 mm).
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The clutch features six damping springs for 3-stage progressive damping that contributes to smoother feeling when getting back on the gas.
Superior passing performance
Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 80-113 km/h (50-70 mph) range. Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds.
Transmission
6-speed transmission with overdrive. 6th gear is an overdrive gear, contributing to stress-free riding and better fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds.
Handling
Light handling : Designed from the start to be as light and slim as possible, the frame minimises the number of forged parts and trims any unnecessary meat. The only forged parts (the down-tube joint, engine brackets, side-stand bracket, and rear fender/shock absorber bracket) are areas that require additional strength. The new frame is lighter than that of the VN1600A, with greater torsional rigidity. More compact in design, the VN1700 has a shorter wheelbase than both the VN2000 and VN1600. The compact design contributes to light handling. Shorter distance between the seat and frame head pipe facilitates handling at low speeds, especially when executing U-turns. Mounting the front cowling to the frame rather than the handlebars contributes to light handling when manoeuvring at low speeds. Tire choice and suspension settings also contribute to the light handling.
Styling
Kawasaki Cruisers have always been a showcase of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Vulcan 1700 Voyager is no exception. With 60s-era American sports cars as a design theme, all surfaces have a muscular curvature that flows from one end of the bike to the other. Like on the VN2000 models and VN900 models before them, design of the engine covers and bodywork on the Vulcan 1700 models received meticulous care to ensure the bikes not only look good from any angle, but also that their elegant form is as pleasing to the touch as to the eye.
Engine
Basic engine structure has a great impact on a V-Twin engine’s appearance. Using a semi-dry sump enabled the engine’s long-stroke configuration without increasing its height. The line created by the top of the airbox and the cylinder heads forms a curved lined that continues to flow through the bike. Deeply chromed engine covers have curved upper surfaces. Their three-dimensional form adds volume and gives a quality appearance. The edges of the fins receive a special NC treatment that makes them gleam in sunlight. All the non-chromed parts of the engine have a matt black finish that further accentuates the chromed parts. Slim design of the belt drive contributes to appearance.
Bodywork
Muscular front cowling is reminiscent of American sports cars in its sculpted, flowing design. Chromed headlamp cover and twin fog lights contribute to the look. The elegantly shaped fuel tank tapers at the rear, contributing to the Vulcan 1700’s curvaceous figure, its lines flowing through the rest of the bike. The fuel tank’s curves have constantly varying radii, giving the bike a dynamism that is both powerful and sexy. Its hand-sculpted contours are pleasing both to the eye and to the touch. Kawasaki craftsmanship is also evident in the styling motif of the front fender. Liberal use of chrome contrasts nicely with the bodywork’s deep, lustrous paint. In addition to the engine, the front and rear guards are chromed, as are the accents on the panniers and trunk. Even the trunk brackets are fully chromed. Motif from the front fender continues on the rear fender. The Vulcan 1700 Voyager is the first Kawasaki V-Twin tourer to feature an elegant LED taillight. In addition to the taillight on the rear fender, a large LED taillight mounted on the rear of the trunk is highly visible and contributes to the Vulcan 1700 Voyager’s appearance. Dashboard Instrument layout and large round dials give the Vulcan 1700 Voyager’s console a classic automotive appearance. This image is reinforced by the font used on the instrumentation. Even the radio has a classic look, reminiscent of 8-track p
Comfort and Convenience
Cruise control : Operation of the cruise control is conveniently from the right handle. Cruise control can be activated between 47 km/h (30 mph) and 137 km/h (85 mph) in 3rd gear or above. Operating the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal causes the cruise control to be disengaged. Closing the throttle beyond the “zero-throttle” position is another instinctive way to disengage the cruise control. Multi-function instrumentation and audio system. Multi-function LCD display in the centre of the instrument console is controlled by switches on the right handle. Features include a gear position indicator, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range and average fuel consumption.
Pushing the “S” switch to the left (“MODE-A”) toggles the middle display between “RANGE” (remaining cruising range) and “AVERAGE” (average fuel consumption). Pushing the “S” switch to the right (“MODE-B”) toggles the upper. Audio system with twin speakers features radio (FM/AM/WX) and compatibility with an iPod, XM tuner or CB radio unit. The audio system (and iPod) can be operated by switches on the left handlebar. Wind protection : Large windscreen and front cowling protect rider and passenger from wind and elements. With the front cowling mounted to the frame, any wind buffeting is transferred to the bike rather than the handlebars, contributing to reduced rider fatigue on long trips. Leg shields have air vents that allow airflow to the legs to be adjusted.
Ample : storage 50 litre lockable trunk is large enough to fit two full-face helmets. Top-opening panniers are also sealed and lockable, with a volume of 38 litres each. Up front, lockable glove boxes provide a handy place for storing small items and accessories. An iPod jack (optional connector required) is located in the left-side glove box.
Comfort : Sculpted seat designed for both comfort and easy reach to the ground. Upright riding position and floorboard contribute to all-day touring comfort. Roomy passenger seat is complemented by padding on the trunk that provides back and arm support. Rear floorboards contribute to passenger comfort. Dual adjustable rear air-shocks ensure a comfortable ride feel.
Additional features
Ignition switch allows on-position key removal, preventing key bunches from damaging the luxurious chrome finish around the ignition area while the bike is in operation. Turning the ignition switch collar to the “OFF” position turns the engine off and necessitates re-insertion of the key to restart. “ACC” position allows accessories to be used while the engine is off. Dual 35 W fog lights have a dedicated On/Off switch and can be adjusted vertically. ACG with rare earth magnets puts out an additional 155 W for powering accessories. 12 V socket located below the right-side glove box provides a power source for optional accessories. Front and rear guards help protect the bike’s bodywork in the case of a stationary fall.
Electronic Throttle Valve
ETV (Electronic Throttle Valve) System
Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of both the fuel (via fuel injectors) and the air (via throttle valves) delivered to the engine. Ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response. Control of both fuel injection and airflow enables precise cold-engine idling speed control. The simple system makes it easy to incorporate other systems, like cruise control. Twisting the throttle grip actuates a throttle pulley on the throttle body. The Accelerator Position Sensor (APS), also located on the throttle body, sends a signal to the ECU, which then actuates the throttle valves via a DC motor. Throttle position is confirmed to the ECU by Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). Redundancy in the system (APS and TPS each send two sets of signals to the ECU) ensures some control is maintained in case of failure. Because the throttle grip is connected to cables, the feel at the grip is like a standard cable-operated throttle.
2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager - USA Specifications
MSRP: $17,499 USD
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valves per cylinder, 52-degree V-twin
Displacement: 1,700cc / 103.7 cu. in.
Bore x stroke: 102 x 104mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum torque: 108 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
Cooling: Liquid, plus cooling fins
Induction: Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: Six-speed with overdrive
Final drive: Belt
Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake / trail: 30 degrees / 7.0 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 45mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in.
Front tire: 130/90x16
Rear tire: 170/70x16
Front brakes: Dual 300 mm discs, dual four-piston calipers, K-ACT II (ABS model)
Rear brake: Single 300mm disc, twin-piston caliper, K-ACT II (ABS model)
Overall length: 100.8 in.
Overall width: 39.2 in.
Overall height: 61.0 in.
Ground clearance: 5.3 in.
Seat height: 28.7 in.
Wheelbase: 65.6 in.
Curb weight standard / ABS: 886 / 895 lbs.**
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Colors: Candy Imperial Blue / Atomic Silver, Ebony / Pearl Meteor Gray
Warranty: 36 Months
2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager - Canada Specifications
MSRP: $TBA CDN
Engine
Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke V-Twin
Displacement 1,700 cm3
Bore and Stroke 102 x 104 mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Valve system SOHC, 8 valves
Fuel system Fuel injection:?42 mm x 2
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
Drivetrain
Transmission 6-speed overdrive with positive neutral return
Final drive Belt
Primary reduction ratio 1.515 (50/33)
Gear ratios: 1st 3.077 (40/13)
2nd 1.900 (38/20)
3rd 1.407 (38/27)
4th 1.143 (32/28)
5th 0.967 (29/30)
6th 0.806 (29/36)
Final reduction ratio 2.250 (72/32)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame
Type Double-cradle, steel
Wheel travel: front 140 mm
Wheel travel: rear 80 mm
Tyre: front 130/90B16M/C 67H
Tyre: rear 170/70B16M/C 75H
Caster (rake) 30º
Trail 177 mm
Steering angle (left/right) 35º / 35º
Suspension
Front: type 45 mm telescopic fork
Rear: type Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks
Rear: rebound damping 4-way
Brakes
Front: type Dual 300 mm discs
Front: caliper Dual 4-piston
Rear: type Single 300 mm disc
Rear: caliper Twin-piston
Dimensions
Overall length 2,560 mm
Overall width 995 mm
Overall height 1,550 mm
Wheelbase 1,665 mm
Ground clearance 135 mm
Seat height 730 mm
Curb mass 402 kg
Fuel capacity 20 litres
Fuel Consumption 6.5 L/100 km (44 MPG)
Performance
Maximum power 61 kW {82 PS} / 5,000 rpm
Maximum torque 146 N·m {14.9 kgƒ·m} / 2,750 rpm
Details
MSRP* TBA
Colours Ebony / Pearl Meteor Gray
Warranty 36 Months ( Including Sound System )
ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS
Good Times Protection Plan 12 or 24 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins after the standard limited warranty expires)
* The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price does not include freight, pre-delivery inspection or applicable taxes. The final price is at the discretion of the dealer. Prices and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market.
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