Faults:

While making the first oil change, I found the oil filter was very difficulty to get off. The plugs on the oil pan are fairly low to the ground, but I was able to access them. I did purchase a low-profile oil pan to collect the oil. However, I located an oil filter with a nut-like addition on the top that allows for a ratchet to easily remove the filter without a wrench.

I also find the front wheel air valve stem to be a little difficulty to access with an air pressure gauge due to its location near the brake; but it can be accessed with a smaller air pressure gauge.

I would like the seat to have a backrest. However, with that said, I found a backrest that can be added or removed very easily using the passenger strap and a velcro strip. There is a leather pad that fits over the seat comfortably that allows your body weight to keep it in place without needing hardware to install.

The sideview mirrors are very plain, but do the job.

Other than these minor details, I have no complaint about the bike after the first 2000 miles of riding.

General Comments:

Moving from a cruiser to the 2025 Vulcan Voyager has been more than a pleasant experience. I was originally considering the Goldwing; however, I came across reviews online for the Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager, and they were very positive. I managed to find one at a dealer nearby that was exactly what I was looking for, and got what I consider to be a great deal.

The Voyager looks as good as any other touring motorcycle. At 1700 cc, it has plenty of power. The ride is incredibly comfortable. The 5+ gallon tank and 47 mpg fuel range allows for cruising distances over 220 miles. The Voyager is equipped with an advanced co-active braking technology which allows for both front and rear brakes to be applied when either is engaged. Both front and rear are disc brakes with ABS. The rear trunk compartment is advertised to hold two full-face helmets. I haven't tried that yet, but I can tell you it comfortably holds one helmet plus other items. The two hard saddlebags add additional storage. The sound system is wonderful and has adjustable sound options including a rich bass. While the motorcycle itself doesn't have Bluetooth capability, a simple inexpensive adapter that plugs into the 12 volt power outlet adds Bluetooth capability and allows me to use my phone to broadcast over the FM radio system to play music or use GPS guidance. I really appreciate that the Voyager is liquid cooled and doesn't just rely on air from motion to keep the engine cool. The front of the bike has vents on both sides to allow for airflow to cool your legs. The handlebar controls are easy to operate, and I really appreciate the cruise control. I also like that the wheel lock is on the ignition plate. It is easy to lock the wheel, and it uses the same key as the ignition and locks on the bike.

However, with the luxury the Voyager offers, it is very affordable when compared to touring models from other companies. Depending upon which other model you compare the Voyager to, I paid between 65-70% of what models offered by Honda, Harley, and Indian. I paid less for a new motorcycle than what was asked for many other pre-owned models that I was considering purchasing. The only options that I would like to see on my Voyager that appear on the more expensive models would be an electric motor back-up (it weighs over 1100 pounds when I'm on it,) and heated grips for cold weather rides. However, for the difference in price for the vehicles that have these options, I'll continue to keep my legs up to the task and wear glove liners or heated gloves for cold weather rides. Most of the other options that more expensive models have are really superfluous to what I want and need to enjoy my ride.

If you are considering a touring motorcycle, you may want to consider the Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager among your options.

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

Having a motorcycle of some sort my whole life, I'd dreamed of having a heavy cruiser. Finally got one in 2010. After a lot of research, I decided on this Voyager ABS 1700 over the Harley comparable bikes because of the rough idling people report on the Harleys. Also, the Kawasaki had features that the Harleys didn't, like full engine and rear bag guards (in case of a drop). I have never had the misfortune of using them, but they are very solid and I can see how they could prevent a lot of damage, or a leg for that matter, in case of a spill. The sound system and electronics at the time also was superior to the Harleys.

I've been extremely satisfied with this bike. It is superb out on the open road. It is extremely stable. As big and heavy as it is, it's well balanced and easy to maneuver on curvy roads. When I first got it, it had Dunlop tires. They wore out fairly quickly, and I replaced them with Michelin Commander tires. Wow, what a difference that made. It made the bike much more maneuverable at low speeds, and even more stable at high speeds. Further, the tire wear (after 12,000 miles), is almost unnoticeable. They've already doubled the tire wear over the 2 previous sets of Dunlops the dealer installed.

Oil changes and most maintenance are fairly easy for a DIY'er. The costs to maintain the bike is comparatively very low.

If there is a complaint, it would be that Kawasaki hasn't done anything to improve the brand since mine was built 13 years ago, and there really has been no reason for me to upgrade because of it. My bike is in as good of shape now as it was when new, and I am enjoying it as much now as back then, perhaps more (although I don't get out much anymore).