Motorman Roadtest
2009 KAWASAKI VOYAGER
For 2009, Kawasaki re-introduced its long distance touring motorcycle, the Voyager. The first Voyager came out in 1983 with a six cylinder motor. The second Voyager, the ZG1200, came out in 1986 and ended production virtually unchanged in 2004. Both of those models were produced as competitors to Honda’s Gold Wing. The 2009 Voyager has nothing in common with the previous models other than the name and the fact they have two wheels. Rather than competing with the Gold Wing, the new Voyager fits into the cruiser touring segment virtually owned by Harley-Davidson’s Electra Glide series. While Yamaha’s Venture is also a luxury tourer it is equipped with a V-four making the Voyager one of only two V-twin luxo touring cruisers.
The Voyager’s V-twin is an all new fuel-injected, water-cooled, 50 degree motor displacing 1700cc’s or 103.7 cu.in. Though the motor is a single pin crank, the vibes are controlled by twin balance shafts. The motor is rubber mounted for additional smoothness. Power to the rear wheel is via carbon fiber belt drive. The transmission is a six-speed unit, with sixth being an overdrive. For 2009, this set up is shared by the Nomad, Vulcan Classic LT and Vulcan 1700 Classic.
The Voyager has a frame mounted fairing which is styled to remind one of 60’s muscle cars. While I wasn’t reminded of any particular muscle car while looking from the front, behind the fairing lies the dash whose gauge set up is definitely 60’s muscle car but with 2009 technology. On the far left are the round gas gauge and the speedo. In the center is the message screen that houses two trip meters--the odometer and a handy mpg gauge, along with assorted warning lamps. To the right are the tach and the volt meter. Below the message center sits the satellite ready radio that with optional wiring is capable of displaying and controlling an IPOD or CB. The display screen is highly visible in bright daylight. The front two speakers (rears are optional) put out serious volume and the sound quality is superb.
The fairing, combined with the lowers and the tall windshield, provide a very still pocket of air at all speeds. This is great for rainy days or cool weather riding, but not so great on humid 95 degree days. The lowers are equipped with large vents but the big motor puts out plenty of heat that can be felt even at speed. A shorter windshield would be the way to go for summer riding.
There are a few things a serious touring motorcycle must have. First, there’s luggage capacity. The Voyager has it. The side opening tour pack holds 30 gallons, enough for two full face helmets as well as other odds and ends. The top opening saddlebags hold ten gallons of gear. The serious tourer should have a comfortable seat. The rider’s seat with its narrow nose allows shorter riders an easy reach to the ground. It also has excellent back support and plenty of padding for those thousand mile days. The passenger seat is wide and thick and the backrest offers good support. The passenger will also appreciate the standard floor boards.
The Voyager’s ride is quite plush even on poor surfaces. The rear shocks can be adjusted with air pressure for heavy loads. The new frame provides a 65.6 inch wheelbase and a 30 degree rake. The Voyager, despite its heft, is a nimble bike at low speeds and high speeds on the interstate are a model of stability. On the twisties the Voyager is typical of this class of motorcycle; it will run out of lean angle long before it runs out of traction. The floor boards have feelers on the bottom which touch down first. As long as you familiarize yourself with the warning sound, the boards fold up easily and give you a bit more lean angle before any hard parts start to touch down.
Out on the interstate, the Voyager is pure pleasure. At 65mph in sixth gear the motor is turning over a mere 2200 rpm. Even way above the speed limit, the long sixth gear has the bike just purring along. For a quick pass, drop down two gears and you get some serious passing ability. The Voyager puts 72 hp and 93.4 ft. lb. of torque to the rear wheel. That’s more than enough to push it fully loaded up and over the steepest mountain pass without even breathing hard.
On the highway, you’ll notice the ideal riding position. The bars are just wide enough for great leverage and offer plenty of pull back. Taller riders can adjust the bars upward since the two bolts holding the risers are easily accessible. The Voyager may also possess the best sounding stock exhaust system I’ve ever heard; deep, powerful and not too loud, not too quiet, just perfect.
A plush ride, a very comfortable saddle, plenty of power and excellent luggage capacity is exactly what the touring rider wants and Kawasaki’s new Voyager has all that and more. Fit and finish is typical of Kawasaki, top quality. It is available in Candy Plasma Blue/Metallic, Diablo Black and Metallic Titanium/Metallic Diablo Black. Prices start at $16,799.00 and $17,899.00 for the ABS option. Kawasaki also has a great line of accessories available for the Voyager