Chill Bike

The engineers were instructed to develop Japan's first full-dress V-Twin cruiser, but rather than rely upon rocket fuel and the laws of gravity for propulsion, they were to come up with a brand new 1,7 litre V-twin engine based upon that of the two-litre VN2000 cruiser

'Kawasaki has used the Voyager tag before, but never for a V-Twin'

The new 1,7 litre liquid-cooled engine (also found in the newly launched VN1700 Classic) now uses a single overhead camshaft to operate the valves, rather than the push rods of the bigger engine.

Its long stroke construction (bore and stroke of 102x104mm) and eight-valve architecture were calculated to deliver massive torque rather than big horsepower, and the result is a 15 percent increase in torque over the outgoing 1,6 litre mill.

A semi-dry sump, like that of the VN2000, meant that the crankshaft could be mounted lower in the crankcases so the long stroke did not incur a penalty in excessive height.

Both pistons are mounted on a single crank pin, and dual counter-balance shafts help soak up vibration

'The quest for lightness meant the number of forged components was minimised'

Not all vibration, mind you - just the pesky kind. A big twin should always be left with some of the character imbued by two large pistons rushing up and down in its bores.

Cruisers are distinctly American in flavour, and the Japanese company's brand manager in the USA told journalists at the launch in California that "the new 1700 models are Kawasaki's future in cruisers." Kawasaki has used the Voyager tag before, but never for a V-Twin.

The first came in 1983, when they brought out a six-cylinder version as the brand's first full-dress tourer, then in 1986 when they switched to a four-cylinder 1200cc engine for the second incarnation.

The bikes developed a cult following, particularly in the USA, and production continued until 2003 with very few changes.

The Kawasaki VN1700 is sold in two guises in South Africa.

There's the VN1700E Classic, a buck-naked slim 'n trim street cruiser, and the full-dress VN1700B Voyager cruiser that has more computing power and higher comfort and safety levels than Nasa's entire multi-billion dollar effort back in the '70s.

Both use the same basic engine, although the naked bike's state of tune translates into maximum power and torque at 4500 and 2250rpm rather than the 5000/2750rpm peaks of the dresser.

The Voyager comes with just about every luxury and safety feature you could expect to find on a motorcycle, irrespective of price.

The passenger gets a sculpted seat, with a backrest and arm support, as well as a set of floorboards to add to his or her comfort.

There's a 50-litre rear storage compartment, big enough to hide two full-face crash helmets, and dual 38 litre hard lockable panniers, as well as lockable glove compartments in the fairing for stowage of small and / or valuable items. .

The front cowling and windscreen are mounted to the frame rather than the front forks, affording light handling and easy turning at low speeds.

Leg shields with adjustable ventilation keep the heat or cold at bay, and the bike is shorter and lighter than the previous two litre and 1,6 litre models.

The VN1700 model range differs sharply from the outgoing 1,6 litre models in that final drive is now by a lightweight but tough drive belt, rather than the shaft drive of the 1600cc models.top.DisplayAds('SquareAV',19,891);

Because carbon fibre is used rather than Kevlar, increasing tensile strength by 40 percent, the belt width of 28mm is nearer the 26mm of Kawasaki's VN900 than the 40mm of the VN2000.

The quest for lightness meant the number of forged components was minimised, resulting in a lighter frame than that of the 1600, with greater torsional rigidity.

Given all that comfort, you're unlikely to want to stop too often, so the Voyager comes with a 20-litre fuel tank offering a substantial range between refuelling points.

The Kawasaki VN1700 Voyager is loaded to the gunwales with up-to-date technology.

K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive Braking) ABS provides effective stopping under even the most treacherous conditions, while Kawasaki's first electronic throttle valve system offers smooth engine response and easy starting.

There's electronic cruise control, and multi-function instrumentation slots in on the dash along with a standard audio system compatible with iPod and other systems.

The braking system is superb, in that brake forces are monitored by the system's computer and juggled between the front and rear wheels to provide maximum braking effect, irrespective of what lever or pedal the rider is manipulating.

The transition is seamless and the rider remains totally unaware of the guardian angel electronically monitoring his rate of retardation.

The K-Act system's co-active function is disabled at speeds below 20 km/h, allowing the rider maximum controllability in tight turns, and the ABS system disengages at 6km/h or less.

An on-board computer keeps the rider informed as to remaining fuel range, average fuel consumption and what gear the bike is in. With the new slick-shifting six-speed gearbox (top is an overdrive gear) the latter will be particularly useful.

The Kawasaki VN1700 Voyager utilises twin silencers, one on each side of the machine, as opposed to the dual pipes sweeping up the right side of the VN1700 Classic.

Whether you want a trim and tidy naked boulevard cruiser, or a full-house full-dress trans-continental tourer, one of the two new Kawasaki VN1700 motorcycles is sure to satisfy your every need.

The loping big V-twin engines deliver effortless torque at low revs, resulting in brisk but stress-free riding, while the new frames ensure the bikes are relatively easy to manhandle in town and stable on the highway.

The lovely retro-styled bodywork and lashings of chrome will attract admirers wherever you park, while the loads of comfort and convenience features of the Voyager will keep both rider and passenger fresh as can be after even the longest day's riding. Even Nasa would be impressed.

The Kawasaki VN1700 Voyager retails for R220 995 and the VN1700 Classic R155 995.

Both come with two year/unlimited distance warranties.

Kawasaki VN1700 Voyager Specifications
Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke V-Twin
Displacement: 1,700 cm³
Bore x stroke: 102 x 104 mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Valve/Induction system: SOHC, 8 valves
Maximum power: 61 kW {82 PS} / 5,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 146 N•m {14.9 kgf•m} / 2,750 rpm
Fuel system: Fuel injection
Ignition: Digital
Starting: Electric
Lubrication: Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
Transmission: 6-speed, return
Final Drive: Belt
Primary reduction ratio: 1.515 (50/33)
Final reduction ratio: 2.250 (72/32)
Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame type: Double-cradle, steel
Rake/Trail: 30° / 177 mm
Suspension, front: 45 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rear: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks
Rebound damping: 4-way
Wheel travel, front: 140 mm
Wheel travel, rear: 80 mm
Tyre, front: 130/90B16M/C 67H
Tyre, rear: 170/70B16M/C 75H
Brakes, front: Dual 300 mm discs
Dual 4-piston
Brakes, rear: Single 300 mm disc
Twin-piston
Steering angle, left / right: 35° / 35°
Fuel capacity: 20 litres