Kawasaki Voyager: Budget Touring Done Right

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager offers classic touring comfort, reliable performance, and unbeatable value for riders on a budget.

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Timeless design, proven reliability, and long-distance comfort—Kawasaki’s Vulcan 1700 Voyager delivers real touring value without breaking the bank.

Life’s easier when money isn’t a concern. But for most of us, budgets matter—and in the motorcycle world, that can seriously limit options, especially for touring. Today’s touring bikes come with high-end tech and luxury features, many of which you’ll rarely use. What if you just want something comfortable, dependable, and built for two-up travel across state lines, without maxing out your credit card?

That’s exactly where the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager shines. With a price tag of $20,199 (approx. RM95,945.00), it delivers everything you need for long-distance comfort and touring capability, while leaving out the unnecessary fluff.

Touring Without the Tech Overload

Kawasaki introduced the Vulcan 1700 Voyager back in 2009 and has since updated it to meet emissions standards, but the core design remains unchanged. The bike still features a frame-mounted fairing, hard saddlebags, a large windshield, and a top box with a built-in passenger backrest—everything essential for serious touring.

Despite its age, the Voyager is a favourite among value-conscious riders. It’s not chasing tech trends, and that’s the point. What you get is a bike built around real-world functionality, durability, and comfort.

A V-Twin That Still Delivers

A 1,700cc liquid-cooled V-twin powers the Voyager, producing 82 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm. The engine delivers smooth, flexible performance and makes highway cruising effortless. Fuel injection and a throttle-by-wire system ensure precise and manageable power delivery.

Kawasaki pairs the engine with a six-speed transmission that includes a true overdrive gear for relaxed highway RPMs. A hydraulic clutch manages shifting, while a carbon-reinforced belt delivers power to the rear wheel, keeping the setup simple, strong, and reliable.

Classic Build, Proven Comfort

The chassis uses a double cradle steel frame—a traditional setup that adds weight but also improves long-term durability. Suspension is handled by a pair of telescopic front forks and air-assisted shocks at the rear, designed for two-up travel and heavy loads.

The Voyager uses dual front discs and a single rear disc for braking, with ABS and linked brakes included as standard. It delivers a stable, composed ride, especially at highway speeds. Kawasaki designed the ergonomics for comfort, with a wide, supportive seat and upright handlebars. Even at nearly 900 pounds wet, the Voyager handles its weight confidently on the open road.

Features That Matter

You won’t find flashy screens or dynamic ride modes here, but you do get cruise control (thanks to the electronic throttle), a classic analogue-digital instrument cluster, and an integrated audio system with speakers and radio.

Kawasaki outfits the Voyager with a bold, two-tone paint scheme and chrome accents, creating a retro look that never goes out of style. While the factory offers limited accessory options, the aftermarket steps in with gel seats, lighting kits, luggage liners, and more.

The Value Equation

While newer touring bikes like the Honda Gold Wing Tour or BMW R 18 Transcontinental offer more tech and horsepower, they also demand a much higher price, often $8,000 to $10,000 more (approximately RM38,000 to RM47,500). The Voyager doesn’t try to compete with them on features; instead, it undercuts them by focusing on essential touring functionality and bulletproof reliability.

For riders who care more about riding than touchscreen menus, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager is a compelling alternative that delivers serious bang for your buck.

Final Thoughts

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager isn’t chasing trends—it’s built to ride. It offers real-world performance, long-haul comfort, and two-up touring capability in a proven package that won’t wreck your budget. If you’re looking for an honest, old-school tourer that still does the job with confidence, the Voyager might just be the best-kept secret in the segment.