Segment:
Full-size touring motorcycle
Target Audience:
Long-distance touring riders, customizers, and owners seeking in-depth maintenance knowledge
Competitors:
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Honda Gold Wing, Indian Roadmaster
Design Philosophy:
Comfort and long-distance capability with a classic American V-twin cruiser aesthetic
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics to perform all necessary maintenance and repairs, saving on dealership costs and ensuring proper upkeep
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, internal components, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system
Engine Fuel System:
Fuel injection (FI) system, throttle body, injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator, sensors (TPS, IAT, MAP, O2)
Engine Ignition System:
ECU, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing control
Engine Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, coolant flow, thermostat, water pump
Transmission:
Clutch assembly, gearbox operation, gear shifting mechanism, transmission fluid, internal components
Drivetrain:
Final drive, propeller shaft, bevel gear, rear hub
Frame And Suspension:
Frame integrity, front fork (telescopic, cartridge type), rear shock absorber (air adjustable), swingarm, wheel bearings
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, front and rear calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, brake pads, discs, ABS system (if equipped)
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting (headlight, taillight, signals), switches, fuses, relays, ECU diagnostics
Bodywork And Fittings:
Fairings, saddlebags, windshield, seat, handlebars, instrumentation, body panel removal and installation
Emissions Control:
EVAP system, exhaust system components, catalytic converter (if applicable)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable), fluid level checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly
Diagnostic Procedures:
Engine diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics, component testing
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Accuracy:
Factory-level accuracy and detail
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Extensive use of detailed exploded views, schematics, and step-by-step diagrams
Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, V-twin
Displacement:
1700 cc (103.7 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
102.0 x 104.3 mm
Valve Train:
SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated (with rocker arms)
Horsepower:
Approx. 93 HP @ 5200 RPM (estimated)
Torque:
Approx. 108 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM (estimated)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (Digital EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Oil Type:
API SG, SF, SE, or SH classification motorcycle oil, SAE 10W-40 recommended
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.4 L (3.6 US qt) with filter change
Engine Oil Change:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
At every engine oil change.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months. Replacement recommended annually or as needed.
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
Transmission Oil Change:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months.
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 24 months.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG, SF, SE, or SH classification motorcycle oil, SAE 10W-40 recommended. Kawasaki Genuine 4-Stroke Motorcycle Oil 10W-40 is also specified.
Coolant Type:
Kawasaki Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with proper anti-corrosion additives for aluminum engines), 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads, tires, clutch plates, fork seals due to mileage and rider usage. Some units may experience early exhaust flange leaks if not properly torqued.
Electrical Considerations:
While generally reliable, occasional issues with regulator/rectifier units or battery charging circuits can occur on high-mileage units. The manual provides diagnostics.
Fuel System Maintenance:
Periodic cleaning of throttle bodies and checking fuel injectors may be beneficial for optimal performance, as detailed in the manual.
Kawasaki Motorcycles:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has a long history of producing reliable and performance-oriented motorcycles, including cruisers and touring bikes.
Vn Series:
The VN series represents Kawasaki's long-standing commitment to the V-twin cruiser market, evolving from smaller displacement models to the larger 1700cc platform.
Voyager Lineage:
The Voyager name signifies a focus on comfortable, long-distance touring, building upon previous Kawasaki touring models.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primary)
Introduction Year:
The VN1700 platform was introduced in 2009, succeeding earlier 1500cc and 1600cc models.
