2009 Kawasaki Voyager

[mfn]

What's everyone think about the new 103 CI, (1700cc) Kawasaki Vtwin, water cooled, 6 speed, with belt drive touring rig?

[BCguy]

Just did a 'look/see' on this bike after a prompt from another thread and, you know, it looks pretty damm good. The silver/black combo especially. Great features and I like the 761lb weight.

If I was in the market for a new bike (which I'm not) I'd seriously have to consider this one.

[mfn]

I agree. I think they will have no problem selling everyone they make. From what I am reading Kawasaki is going to price them "very aggressively." From what I have read from people on this sight and others Kawasaki made the bike alot of people want.

[SilvrT]

Originally Posted by BCguy

Just did a 'look/see' on this bike after a prompt from another thread and, you know, it looks pretty damm good. The silver/black combo especially. Great features and I like the 761lb weight.

If I was in the market for a new bike (which I'm not) I'd seriously have to consider this one.

Good afternoon...new member here. I too have been looking "in-depth" at the new Voyager as well as the new '09 Ultra. Expect to be purchasing next spring one of these beauties. Just a comment on above post... the weight for the Voyager is actually listed at 830 (+-) lbs. The weight you mentioned is for the base Vulcan.

N-E-Wayz ... have to say, that new Voyager looks PDG!

[03GLIDE_]

It looks pretty good. I would ride it for a day. They put alot of thought into it.

[BCguy]

Originally Posted by SilvrT

... the weight for the Voyager is actually listed at 830 (+-) lbs. The weight you mentioned is for the base Vulcan.

Too bad. I thought maybe Kawasaki had found a way of reducing the weight of touring bikes with better frame designs instead of going the other way like HD. Still, it's a very interesting bike.

[SilvrT]

Originally Posted by BCguy

Too bad. I thought maybe Kawasaki had found a way of reducing the weight of touring bikes with better frame designs instead of going the other way like HD. Still, it's a very interesting bike.

Well what the heck anywayz... most scoots of this "style" are up there between 800 & 900 lbs ... here's the info I found (somewhere on this vast 'net)

Overall Length: 98.4 in / TBD Voyager
Overall Width: 40.4 in / TBD Voyager
Overall Height: 45.5 in Classic / 57.7 in LT / 56.7 Nomad / TBD Voyager
Ground Clearance: 5.1 in.
Seat Height: 28.4 in. / TBD Voyager
Wheelbase: 65.6 in. / 66.5 Nomad / TBD Voyager
Curb Weight: 760.7 lb Classic / 804.8 lb LT / 822.5 lb Nomad / TBD Voyager

So, 822.5 lbs...heck, that's less than my '87 Venture... it will be like riding a toy! LOL

[wichitagreg]

I wish they would have used the 125CI (2052CC) powerplant instead.

I had a Vulcan 2000 and WOW is all I can say. Ripped up three back tires in just 13000 miles.

I still have my Dyno Chart:

132.9 TQ and 97.4 HP bone stock on regular gas.

[bill corkey]

Just wouldn't be able to bring myself to buy a *** bike.

[motodoc43]

Originally Posted by mfn

What's everyone think about the new 103 CI, (1700cc) Kawasaki Vtwin, water cooled, 6 speed, with belt drive touring rig?

I own one, and now have about 2000 miles on it. It is excellent, but not perfect. it handles the twisties very well- more like a sport-bike than a cruiser. It is blindingly fast- then really starts to hook up and pull like a freight-train above 90. Very smooth and comfortable, good stereo, and beautifull.
Down side, poor fuel economy (about 35mpg at 80) but good range with it's large tank- about 200 miles), exhaust note could have a little more sharpness and volume, heat from the motor is very significant. I had to completely remove the fairing lowers to be comfortable in the summer.
overall I am very very happy with it. It is even decent in town despite it's 860 lb weight- feels smaller and lighter.

[motodoc43]

Originally Posted by bill corkey

Just wouldn't be able to bring myself to buy a *** bike.

My *** bike has parts made in China, and believe it or not, the US. Your Harley has parts made in China and Japan, as well as, I believe the Phillipines, and of course America.
There are some beautiful Harleys out there, and they have become so much more reliable in the last couple years. Their price, while still a little more than the Japanese big four, has also come more in line. So, i would say- buy the bike that flips your switch, regardless of the badge it wears!

[sfc rick]

Originally Posted by bill corkey

Just wouldn't be able to bring myself to buy a *** bike.

Now that's funny as hell!

What kinda bike doesn't have ***parts on it?

Oh yea a freakin Briggs and Stratton?

Good luck riding that lawn pig down a highway all 18hp and 43" cutting deck and all...

[tandrew]

Originally Posted by sfc rick

Now that's funny as hell!

What kinda bike doesn't have ***parts on it?

Oh yea a freakin Briggs and Stratton?

Good luck riding that lawn pig down a highway all 18hp and 43" cutting deck and all...

Briggs & Stratton also has a plant in China!!!! and even the former baltic state of Georgia!!!!!

Harley Davidson has always produced some beautiful bikes....It's just a shame that there are so many xenophiles...er...I mean purists, that incorrectly think that Harley is a purely American bike....and therefore deserves such devotion.

Back on topic...I have seen and sat on the new Voyager, and though I love my zuki '07 C50T...The voyager will be my next bike, and as soon as I can figure out how I can swing it financially without getting a divorce...I will be riding one!!!!!

Oh, By the way I am new to this forum, so Hello everyone

Tom

[tandrew]

Originally Posted by mfn

What's everyone think about the new 103 CI, (1700cc) Kawasaki Vtwin, water cooled, 6 speed, with belt drive touring rig?

I read some other product reviews on the voyager elswhere.
There have been negative comments by current owners, not about the bike itself, but the lack of available, and even the advertised accessories like the CB, MP3 options. I too have inquired, but without reply from Kawasaki about the possible availablility of a driver's backrest offering. As new as it is I don't think Mustang or Corbin has offered anything in this area either. Another comment has been that there is a lack of chrome accessories being offered.

Personally I think that like many other newly designed products it will take both Kawasaki and the aftermarket industry some time to get a feel for what accessories people want before they make too many offerings. Though I think Kawasaki should have anticipated the backrest and actually making avilable the accessries advertised.

Kawasaki -

Tom