New Kawasaki's Oct 5th

[cocheese72]

Anyone see this bad boy yet?
http://www.mc24.no/article.php?articleID=2582&categoryID=213
I think they have a winner.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu155/cocheese72/2011KawasakiVoyagerVN1700Custom.jpg

[deacon]

Ummm, I like it but it looks like they are copying other bikes, wish I could read it.

[cocheese72]

They all copy each other.

[Loafer]

I like that alot, at this point I would have to win the lottery to buy a new bike. And I would buy that one. :)
I love those saddlebags! ;)

[Sin City Stan]

:)
I love those saddlebags! ;)

See what bitching and moaning gets you. Or is this a case of the squeaky wheel?

[cocheese72]

I like that alot, at this point I would have to win the lottery to buy a new bike. And I would buy that one. :)
I love those saddlebags! ;)

Just trade that 1500 in.

[dabull]

i think i felt someone taking my wallet out of my pocket....oh wait....that was me!!

[deacon]

No guard on the back. The area around the engine does look less cluttered. Any one ridden a bike with a windshield like that? How well does it work? (not trying to hi-jack the thread http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif) The bags don't look like they open from the top, maybe from the side?

[markusmaximus]

Wow! Tourer meets muscle bike. Blacked out. I like it. Wonder if it will be released in the states?

[deacon]

No guard on the back. The area around the engine does look less cluttered. Any one ridden a bike with a windshield like that? How well does it work? (not trying to hi-jack the thread http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif) The bags don't look like they open from the top, maybe from the side?
I see hinges on the bottom of the bags.

[Loafer]

I don't like the top open bags on the '09 and '10. "One" of the reasons I like the look of the Nomad is the side open bags.

[Loafer]

I like that alot, at this point I would have to win the lottery to buy a new bike. And I would buy that one. :)
I love those saddlebags! ;)

Just trade that 1500 in.

Actually I ride my bikes for years, then after they have been gone thru by a mechanic, one of my sons gets it. This 1500 goes to the second born Bill. He is waiting patiently. ;)

[cocheese72]

No guard on the back. The area around the engine does look less cluttered. Any one ridden a bike with a windshield like that? How well does it work? (not trying to hi-jack the thread http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif) The bags don't look like they open from the top, maybe from the side?
I see hinges on the bottom of the bags.

They are the same bags that are on your bike. Kawa is going old school. And I have rode a Street Glide with a chopped shield, along with the Victory Cross Country. Usually you get some buffeting, but it is the price to pay for the look.

[jasperboy]

I like it! I really like that they have gone back to the "classic" Nomad bags. I won't be in the market for a few years, but thats one I'll be looking for on ebay when I do get the itch for a new ride.

[ponch]

That is a sharp bike. I guess they had some old nomad bags laying around. :)

[dandantmm]

It's definately the poor man's Street Glide. It's solo primarily with that seat and the absence of rear floorboards. They also left out the driving lights in the fairing, hopefully that will be an option. I like the "retro" bags coming back, but I'm not sure I like the bulky looking fairing with them. Personal thing I guess. I ran that site through a Norweigian to English translator and you can sort of get the gist of the article. Enjoy....


Kawasaki- the leak am endless. After ZX10-R Ninja, Z1000SX and W800, am Voyager VN1700 Custom lastly forme edged. It is the Spanish SoyMontero.net as står for forhåndslanseringen this corridor.

At før at has Kawasaki it naked VN 1700 The schoolfellow and fulldresseren VN 1700 Voyager. Nå comes også Voyager VN1700 Custom.

Technical is it bortimot alike they dates back to other models, så it is the utstyrsnivået as is it big difference here, and there lays it her a great time mid between they dates back to other creation and correct in additions segment as Harley-Davidsons Road Slid.

More pictures below additional info når Kawasaki comes så by far that they før introduced bicycle officially.

[dougster]

Reminds me of the M109

[ponch]

Or from Google:
Kawasaki extends its largest custom-series with a "bagger".
http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu155/cocheese72/2011KawasakiVoyagerVN1700Custom.jpg
Kawasaki leaks without end. After ZX10-R Ninja, Z1000SX and W800, the Voyager VN1700 Custom latest model out. There are Spanish SoyMontero.net which stands for pre-launch this time.

From before has the naked Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic , and shoulder full suit VN 1700 Voyager. Now comes the Voyager VN1700 Custom.

Technically it is almost like the other two models, so it's equipment level is the big difference here, and there put it nicely in the middle of the two other model - and right in the same segment as Harley-Davidson Road Glide.

More photos below - more info when the Kawasaki coming so far before they officially launched the bike.




It's definately the poor man's Street Glide. It's solo primarily with that seat and the absence of rear floorboards. They also left out the driving lights in the fairing, hopefully that will be an option. I like the "retro" bags coming back, but I'm not sure I like the bulky looking fairing with them. Personal thing I guess. I ran that site through a Norweigian to English translator and you can sort of get the gist of the article. Enjoy....


Kawasaki- the leak am endless. After ZX10-R Ninja, Z1000SX and W800, am Voyager VN1700 Custom lastly forme edged. It is the Spanish SoyMontero.net as står for forhåndslanseringen this corridor.

At før at has Kawasaki it naked VN 1700 The schoolfellow and fulldresseren VN 1700 Voyager. Nå comes også Voyager VN1700 Custom.

Technical is it bortimot alike they dates back to other models, så it is the utstyrsnivået as is it big difference here, and there lays it her a great time mid between they dates back to other creation and correct in additions segment as Harley-Davidsons Road Slid.

More pictures below additional info når Kawasaki comes så by far that they før introduced bicycle officially.

[ringadingh]

I like the new look, it kind of reminds me of the V Rod Midnight Train.

[timebandit]

I like, but they should have put the 2000cc in it ::)
Now that would be a ride http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[ponch]

I am sure trip will give us a report.

[leadbelly]

Doesn't do squat for me... guess I'm a traditional kinda guy

[jandreu]

Sorry but I thing the fairing looks like a horses a@@.

[Top Cat]

I'll keep my 07. I hate the trend of one piece seats. You can't put on a backrest unless you buy a new seat. I don't like the look of fairings either.

[cocheese72]

It's definately the poor man's Street Glide. It's solo primarily with that seat and the absence of rear floorboards. They also left out the driving lights in the fairing, hopefully that will be an option.


Don't know the price yet, but doubt any poor men will be getting it. The poor mans Street Glide is the all the other bikes with the make shift fairing bolted on, ala Gadget's page. I figure this will be around 16k.

[ponch]

Considering the history of motorcycle seats and kawasaki's in particular, the seat will probably be replaced anyway, at least that's my conclusion for myself. New bikes should come with a discount coupon for a Russell.


I'll keep my 07. I hate the trend of one piece seats. You can't put on a backrest unless you buy a new seat. I don't like the look of fairings either.

[ponch]

At least that part of it is original.


Sorry but I thing the fairing looks like a horses a@@.

[ponch]

The V2K engine doesn't have the longevity it should.


I like, but they should have put the 2000cc in it ::)
Now that would be a ride http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[cocheese72]

At least that part of it is original.


Sorry but I thing the fairing looks like a horses a@@.

That's the thing. You either accused of copying others or if you do something unique and they don't like that. What ya gonna do?

[cactusjack]

Damn...that's a bada$$ looking Kawasaki.

It reminds me of a Road Glide. Anyone else?

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Really sharp looking bike. I like it but would want a rear guard to protect the side opening bags.

[elvis]

We need more pics! Glad to see the classic bags are back, hang on, is it for real?

[cactusjack]

I like, but they should have put the 2000cc in it ::)
Now that would be a ride http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Spend some time on a V2K forum. Those engines aren't near as reliable as ours.

[dkdixie]

The rumor that Kawasaki and Harley Davidson are merging must be true. ;)

[ponch]

I knew someone that had to have the cylinders replaced after 30K miles, under warranty. They use some sort of nickel ceramic plating over aluminum (http://web.archive.org/web/20080319080402/http://www.newsnot.com/~emonk/pictures/motorcycle/vn2000/). Another chap (Don Arden?) started blowing oil in the 60's (he had 2 or 3 2000s http://www.xarden.com/ check his notes, he kept records). I've never heard of one having over 100K miles, where as we know of at least one example of a Nomad 1500 hitting 250K and quite a few over 100K. THe bike bore with an enormous stroke that is probably revved high for what it is quite a bit leads to a short life. The 1700 has a shorter stroke, so piston speeds are lower. This is better for ring life.



I like, but they should have put the 2000cc in it ::)
Now that would be a ride http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Spend some time on a V2K forum. Those engines aren't near as reliable as ours.

[dabull]

The rumor that Kawasaki and Harley Davidson are merging must be true. ;)


Ha!!!

Nice to hear from ya bro http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[ringadingh]

It looks like it comes with a stereo system since I see theres an antenna on the back. I wonder if it has all the gauges and cruise control like the Voyager has. It looks like they share same fairing.

[cactusjack]

It looks like it comes with a stereo system since I see theres an antenna on the back. I wonder if it has all the gauges and cruise control like the Voyager has. It looks like they share same fairing.

If you scroll down, there is a picture of the inner fairing with stereo, gauges, etc.

[landman]

heh CJ,i'm with you!i think would will both look bad ass riding one
to the rallies next summer.

[redjay]

New Kawasakis dont need to come with a discount coupon for a Russell seat, they just need to copy the Russell seat. Cant be that hard to do, or more expensive. Even then it wont suit everyone.

[Bdog]

I think they are getting closer to a winner but still have missed the grade! Bdog

[Loafer]

I went to the site, and it appears that in one of the pictures there is a bag guard just in front of the bag, I think there is a reflection in the exhaust pipe. I'm liking this ride.

[scott2007nomad]

I like it.
I think it's a huge improvement from the 2010.

Related article more pictures:
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=http://www.motoblog.it/post/26302/kawasaki-2011-arriva-anche-la-maxi-cruiser-voyager-vn1700-custom&ei=PFWnTLa3NIKClAeQ5aW7DQ&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CDAQ7gEwBg&prev=/search%3Fq%3D2011%2B%2BKawasaki%2BVoyager%2BVN1700 %2BCustom%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DgRk%26sa%3DG%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26channel%3Ds%26prmd%3Div

[jandreu]

I think it's the headlight trim that turns me off. With the turn signal bar hanging under that big squarish chrome trim it just looks thrown together to me. Put running lights on it and there's no flow of design. But we can always spend more money to make it look like we want, no different than other bikes. I do like the drivers side of the fairing.

[Dave]

Nice Harley knock off.

[ponch]

I am with you redjay, but would they bother? I'd still take the coupon.


New Kawasakis dont need to come with a discount coupon for a Russell seat, they just need to copy the Russell seat. Cant be that hard to do, or more expensive. Even then it wont suit everyone.

[clayton]

Damn...that's a bada$$ looking Kawasaki.

It reminds me of a Road Glide. Anyone else?


Oh Hell Ya...I think its sweet!!!
Hope it comes to America

[ponch]

If it had the V2K engine, that would be more true. The 1700 is probably more reliable. That being said, this bike doesn't have throttle by wire like the voyager and Nomad. I think that is a plus in my book. Less to go wrong. I just wish Kawasaki would take some of the technology they develop for the Ninjas and throw at the Vulcan line. It also wouldn't hurt to lighten up the bikes too.



Nice Harley knock off.

Just can't leave it alone, can you. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[schoeney]

Footpegs?
Good looking start. I don't care about being a knock off............most are improvements.

[cocheese72]

Footpegs?
Good looking start. I don't care about being a knock off............most are improvements.


Yep, make the bikes people want. All they have to do is come here to see everyone bolting fairings to their bike, and look at HD sales. Copy if you want, just bolt on a OEM fairing and sell it for cheaper, so we won't have to rig these things up out in the garage.

[fish]

Footpegs?
Good looking start. I don't care about being a knock off............most are improvements.


Yep, make the bikes people want. All they have to do is come here to see everyone bolting fairings to their bike, and look at HD sales. Copy if you want, just bolt on a OEM fairing and sell it for cheaper, so we won't have to rig these things up out in the garage.

But some people would buy a Harley even if it was the ugliest thing around just to say they have a Harley. Not this guy, be your own person

[cocheese72]

Yep, make the bikes people want. All they have to do is come here to see everyone bolting fairings to their bike, and look at HD sales. Copy if you want, just bolt on a OEM fairing and sell it for cheaper, so we won't have to rig these things up out in the garage.

But some people would buy a Harley even if it was the ugliest thing around just to say they have a Harley. Not this guy, be your own person

I bought the Nomad for the opposite. It is nice having the only Nomad in a crowd of a hundred. It would be OK to have some Nomad brothers around, but would rather stand out than be one of the clones.

[blackdogbrian]

[/quote]

Yep, make the bikes people want. All they have to do is come here to see everyone bolting fairings to their bike, and look at HD sales. Copy if you want, just bolt on a OEM fairing and sell it for cheaper, so we won't have to rig these things up out in the garage.[/quote]

Here Here!
to think, companies spend big bucks on test groups and getting market feedback - we're giving alot of valuble feedback just by tuning Kawa in with what we are actually doing to our machines. (and those who are leaving and going else ware for other bikes)

[Blue Rebel]

Really sharp looking bike. I like it but would want a rear guard to protect the side opening bags.

Sweet!!!

[Cajunrider]

I really like the look. This is the custom model. The regular ABS may have the trunk like the 2010. We'll find out from Trip this week if Kaw doesn't post pics before he does.

[egetaseb]

I like, but they should have put the 2000cc in it ::)
Now that would be a ride http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Spend some time on a V2K forum. Those engines aren't near as reliable as ours.

I agree. I ocassionally browse through a V2K forum and wonder whether the extra power is worth the extra headache of the bike.

[bobzinger]

2011 Vulcan® 1700 Vaquero™
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?id=495&scid=7

[bobzinger]

http://www.kawasaki.com/FusePlayerAPI/GetScaledImage.aspx?maxw=640&maxh=480&img=~/CMS/Products/ActionShots/fa1f64c9-e88b-45b6-bd6d-bddb0e28772d.jpg

Man they still have that stupid sticker on the bags!

[ponch]

A little pricey.


http://www.kawasaki.com/FusePlayerAPI/GetScaledImage.aspx?maxw=640&maxh=480&img=~/CMS/Products/ActionSho ts/fa1f64c9-e88b-45b6-bd6d-bddb0e28772d.jpg

Man they still have that stupid sticker on the bags!

[elvis]

Specs:

http://newproductlaunch.kawasaki.com/Products/Specifications.aspx?productid=495&featured

[sly]

Gotta say NICE!!!!

[rick]

I was seriously thinking of buying a victory crosscountry but not now.

[cocheese72]

I love the XC, so this will have to be more than looks to become the top bike on my list. I think the XC still beats this bike in many ways: rear suspension, saddlebag size, engine, dash, more unique looks, American. This Vaq is close in many respects though, and about $1500 cheaper. I will be in the used market on either, so I will be waiting a while.

[bobzinger]

I put the red one as my desktop picture. I tell ya it's gotta be one of the best looking bikes I've ever drooled over. Maybe once my kids are outta college I can get one. They should have the bugs worked out in 10 years.

[timebandit]

That's sweet in the Candy fire red http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

I was just saying that I couldn't like another bike after my 08 ??? maybe I'll have to change my mine

[elvis]

Here are the 2011 Vulcans with postcard quality pics, specs and write-ups

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2011models/2011-Kawasaki-Vulcan1700Vaquero.htm


http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2011models/2011-Kawasaki-Vulcan1700Nomad.htm


http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2011models/2011-Kawasaki-Vulcan1700VoyagerABS.htm


I don't know about you guys but I think I'm gonna write a letter to Santa.


Cheers,

E.

[mobandy78]

WOW!!!! I think I found the bike to trade my 05 Nomad for!

That Vaquero is a beauty!!

[1badbagger]

Just discovered the Vaquero after I took a test ride on the Vic CC. After sitting on the new Nomad and Voyager and riding the CC I gotta say. The next one will be the Vic. That new compact riding position that Kawasaki (and Harley) have gone to is hard on a guy with long legs (I'm 6'3"). And the big boards on the Vic fit my 14's really well.

That being said - nice job Kaw. Love the old bags on it as I love my '03. Anxious to see them do the non-blacked thing with the Vaquero as I am tired of the "night train" look. It looked great on a couple of bikes, but it's wearing thin now.

[ponch]

HD and I guess Kawasaki have gone for the 5'8-5'10 demographic. Average height minus some for aging. I too found the HD floorboards too small for my size 14 feet, especially on the switch gear side. It felt like my foot wanted to slide off. I also felt cramped with the bat wing fairing. The Voyager doesn't feel a whole lot different. A shame. The 1600 Nomad had more room for sure.

I've ridden the Vision and I didn't care for the brakes or the lack of them. The floor boards are big enough though, but I wouldn't say it's worth 23K+. The luggage is small, and it seems to be missing some standard features or at least did that I think a touring bike should have. It's also ugly. I have looked at the cross country and when you set it up for touring, it is also up to 22K+ and it also is missing some things. I'd have to ride one though to make a final judgement.


Just discovered the Vaquero after I took a test ride on the Vic CC. After sitting on the new Nomad and Voyager and riding the CC I gotta say. The next one will be the Vic. That new compact riding position that Kawasaki (and Harley) have gone to is hard on a guy with long legs (I'm 6'3"). And the big boards on the Vic fit my 14's really well.

That being said - nice job Kaw. Love the old bags on it as I love my '03. Anxious to see them do the non-blacked thing with the Vaquero as I am tired of the "night train" look. It looked great on a couple of bikes, but it's wearing thin now.

[Jared]

I think Kawi really listen to it's consumer when designing this bike! Very nice imho.

[ponch]

They are listening more...Enough? Who knows. I would have rather seen the C14 setup used in the new voyager. Lighter and more power.


I think Kawi really listen to it's consumer when designing this bike! Very nice imho.

[dogleg]

I thought my next bike would be the Vic CrossCountry but after a test ride yesterday, I didn't have the wow factor I thought I would. It took less than a day to find the next bike on my wish lift. I can't wait to test ride the Vaquero. The red one looks impressive.

[ponch]

What didn't you like about it? I mean in an objective sense. I tend to put function before form, as it should be. What didn't work?

I felt like that with the Ultra. The sales guy didn't have an elevator pitch for the left side of my brain and I just couldn't see the value in a motorcycle that while looks good and has good low speed handling, was antiquated in almost every way. The engine had no poke, the transmission belonged on a tractor and the shift gear the same. At least least with a Gold Wing or BMW you get something for the same amount of money. When comparing the HD with the other two, I just felt the HD came up way too short.

With the victory, I see a bike that tries to be a high tech version of a HD, but again, when you compare, it too doesn't make the cut.

The best value out there I have seen is the C14. Over 200lbs lighter than the Voyager, only 5 lbs shy on torque and about 80 more HP for less money and it comes with heated grips and electric windshield.



I thought my next bike would be the Vic CrossCountry but after a test ride yesterday, I didn't have the wow factor I thought I would. It took less than a day to find the next bike on my wish lift. I can't wait to test ride the Vaquero. The red one looks impressive.

[coacha]

Ponch, I like the C14 too or the FJR. For some of the kinds of riding I want to do, those will be better suited than the ol' '99. But I ain't partin with it any time soon.

[Jared]

They are listening more...Enough? Who knows. I would have rather seen the C14 setup used in the new voyager. Lighter and more power.


I think Kawi really listen to it's consumer when designing this bike! Very nice imho.

Agree...

[dogleg]

What didn't you like about it? I mean in an objective sense. I tend to put function before form, as it should be. What didn't work?

I rode a 2011 demo with 3500 miles on it and the first thing that really turned me off was the engine noise. The valve train noise just seemed to come right up inside the faring and in my face. This was at idle and at various speeds/RPM.

The second thing I really didn't like was the way it handled in the turns. I got a chance to run some mild twisties. If I had the line I wanted going in and didn't have to adjust it felt good. If I had to make any adjustments they just felt abrupt. Part of that issue I think was the long reach required on the stock setup. I would definitely need some type of pullback to feel more comfortable.

I guess the bottom line is I wasn't comfortable. The first time I rode the Nomad I just felt relaxed and in control. I didn't get that feeling with the CC.

[ken]

Donno….after the 2008 model, the newer ones seems to be jammed up…they look short to me. I don’t particularly like a stretched out looking bike but I don’t like something that seems to have been run into a wall and “shortened.” And the top loading bags are just not something for my taste. My ’05 just suits me almost perfectly or it will once I install my 1-1/2” risers.

[ponch]

Ergonomically, I never needed risers, so the 1700 feels tighter. I haven't ridden the CC, so I wouldn't know about that. At this point, I would surmise that no matter what I get, I will have to send the seat to Russell. Outside of that, it about features versus cost and power the weight ratio.

[elvis]

very nice:

[flash=350,287:myk0xvoz]http://www.youtube.com/v/og_fiizaj4s&hl=en&fs=1[/flash:myk0xvoz]
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[1badbagger]

Anyone else with me? I am a SOOO tired of the blacked out look. Kawasaki is doing a great job appealing to the current market, but the night train this has been done and done again, and again. Other than that - NICE BAGS!!!