All Tests – Test Kawasaki VN1700 Voyager: false twin – The Japanese false twin …

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Kawasaki VN1700 Voyager test: false twin

All Tests - Test Kawasaki VN1700 Voyager: false twin - The Japanese false twin ...

The Kawasaki VN 1700 Voyager may look like the famous Harley Davidson Electra Glide, but its mechanical heritage is quite different. Because if the Japanese inherits the same aesthetic codes, it is distinguished by its engine, its chassis and its price..

The Japanese fake twin…

It’s true that the big Kawasaki VN 1700 is undoubtedly reminiscent of one of the most famous Harley Davidson: the Electra Glide. A bias that the Greens defend by the fact that this aesthetic configuration seems to be the most suitable for a motorcycle intended for travel.

VN1700 Voyager: available, colors and prices

  • Availability: immediate

  • Colors: White "Pearl Crystal" / Silver "Metallic Phantom"

  • Price: € 20,199

There are therefore many common points, the main one: the enormous fork crown equipped with a round light and two fog lights, all overlooked by a large windshield. This element is directly attached to the frame and thus makes it possible to lighten the steering. A detail that is important when we know that this big baby weighs 406 kg !

The badass Kawasaki hasn’t changed for some time, but every year the Japanese give it a new color. In 2013, the unique white "Pearl Crystal" and silver "Metallic Phantom" considerably lightens the look of the bike. Other side of the coin: it is messy and will require frequent maintenance.

Remember also that Kawasaki continues to offer the VN 1700 through a particularly extensive and varied range: five versions, including the "Classic" which starts at 13,999 euros and this "Voyager" series which peaks at 20,199 euros (see box).

Opposite, the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic (read our) appears from 26,290 euros and can even come close to 39,000 in its CVO version !

No doubt, it’s a Kawa ‘

Sensitive when the bike is placed on its stand – side, no central -, the weight of the VN1700 is always present once you straddle it. Although the mass is correctly distributed over the 2 560 mm of the beast, the latter remains a sacred beast to maneuver when stationary.

The lack of reverse wasn’t a problem for us, but it could make you sweat – literally and figuratively! – the biker carrying a passenger and luggage, stuck in a false flat! Fortunately, the wide handlebars offer the leverage needed to move the machine. The biceps on the other hand are not delivered with the motorcycle…

Fortunately, the heaviness of the whole disappears as soon as you engage the first report. It even becomes astonishing that such a machine can be handled so easily at low speed, yet equipped with 16-inch wheels and large flanges that go well. The front axle falls but does not fall like that of a Rocket for example (read our)

Four more VN1700s

  • Classic: the big custom cruiser to move around town is also the more affordable version (€ 13,999).

  • Light Tourer: the solitary model with which you can take weapons and luggage and trace the route because it is equipped with flexible saddlebags and a windshield (€ 14,899).

  • Classic Tourer: similar to the "Light" version with rigid saddlebags this time and a passenger backrest to travel even further (16 399 €).

  • Voyager Custom: "Bagger" version, it has a real visual identity thanks to its matte black color and low profile (€ 18,199).

Once started, the balance improves even more and you can quickly appreciate the crossing of small Norman villages … which give pride of place to roundabouts! The flexibility of the controls – and that of the engine! – allows you to stay on a stream of gas without any difficulty and also facilitates the grip.

Just as flexible, the clutch lever ensures perfect management of gear changes (five plus one "overdrive"). Too bad the box is both noisy and a little slow, because the Kawasaki could until then claim faultless.

On small departmental roads, the VN 1700 continues to seduce thanks to its convincing chassis. The small bucolic roads that we take highlight the dynamic qualities of this cruiser.

Always so manoeuvrable, it is easy to steer in the turns, even when you increase the pace a little. And unlike a certain American who wriggles a lot in these conditions, the Kawasaki remains stable even when the road deteriorates..

The suspensions are very efficient when it comes to handling, but they would have deserved more brake in rebound – playing with the settings on 4 standard positions does not change anything – in order to avoid coming to the limit of deflection when leaving ugly bowls for example.

But this detail does not spoil the performance of the VN 1700: this bike is one of the best travelers in the world. !

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