Short Preview: 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager compatible with Apple Ipod / Iphone

For 2012, Kawasaki recreates the Vulcan 1700 Voyager - a machine ready to go for a long ride.

With this touring-savvy package arrives enough luggage space for a week's worth of gear, frame-mounted fairing, electronic cruise control and a high-fidelity sound system.

Like previous models, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager retains that 1960s muscle-car styling and powerful 1700cc V-Twin, but arrives in 2012 with a few upgrades, most notably the innovative Kawasaki Air Management System (KAMS).

Paired with KAMS is yet another innovative slice of engineering - the second-generation Kawasaki Advanced Coactive Braking Technology (K-ACT), which is available on ABS models only. This K-ACT provides smooth and balanced braking by linking both the front and rear brakes.

The other electronic highlight of the 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager arrives in the fully electronic throttle valve system that works with the V-Twin's EFI. These two systems utilize an Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) and Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), both which help the ECU deliver accurate and precise air-fuel mixture.

The 2012 Vulcan 1700 features a six-speed transmission and electronic cruise control activated on the right handlebar; cruise will work in any of the top four gears between 30 and 85 mph.

While the body is protected from wind, Kawasaki also designed the seat that features a passenger luxury backrest for all-day touring, and floorboards for both rider and passenger.

As for luggage, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager has enough space to more than cater to the long-distance traveler.

It has an intercom headset-compatible, 40-watt, twin-speaker audio system features navigation audio prompts, a three-band (FM/AM/WX) radio that is also compatible with iPods, an XM radio tuner, or a CB radio unit. The audio system (and iPod) can be operated by an integrated controller on the left handlebar.


2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager Specs:

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 (with fluids)
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Warranty: 36 Months

2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager Color Options/MSRP:

Metallic Graystone / Metallic Spark Black / $17,899 / $18,999
Pearl Alpine White / Pearl Luster Beige / $17,899 / $18,999