Kawasaki Voyager 1700 Problems And Ways To Fix Them

he Kawasaki Voyager 1700 is one of the most reliable motorcycles on and off-roading. Riders have high expectations with this stealthy, powerful, and gigantic motorcycle. Kawasaki introduced the motorcycle only in 2009; since then, it has been selling like a hot cake. 

However, riders have reported a few Kawasaki Voyager 1700 problems in the past few years. If you plan to buy this incredible motorbike, you should know these issues beforehand. Common Kawasaki 1700 problems include limited engine power, the engine not receiving enough air and fuel pressure, and a short circuit in the ignition wiring. 

Although the limited engine power is due to Kawasaki’s commitment to consistency, the other two problems occur from inconsistent maintenance and driving. Hence, you must find ways to address and fix the ignition wiring and inadequate air pressure in the fuel system. 

Kawasaki Voyager 1700 Specs and Features

Specification	Value
Engine	1700cc V-twin
Bore x Stroke	102 mm x 104 mm
Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Cooling System	Liquid-cooled
Fuel System	Electronic Fuel Injection
Horsepower	72.5 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque	108 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
Transmission	6-speed
Final Drive	Belt drive
Frame	Steel tubular
Front Suspension	45mm telescopic fork
Rear Suspension	Twin air-assisted shocks
Front Brake	Dual 300mm discs with 4-piston calipers
Rear Brake	Single 300mm disc with 2-piston caliper
ABS	Standard
Wheelbase	65.6 inches
Seat Height	28.7 inches
Ground Clearance	5.3 inches
Fuel Capacity	5.3 gallons
Curb Weight	895 lbs.
Luggage Capacity (Saddlebags)	38 gallons
Luggage Capacity (Top Case)	12 gallons
Tire Front	130/90-16
Tire Rear	170/70-16
Cruise Control	Standard
Radio and Media Player	Standard
Navigation System	Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard
USB Ports	Yes

Common Kawasaki Voyager 1700 Problems

Kawasaki Voyager 1700, aka Kawasaki Vulcan 1700, is equipped with a powerful engine, a wider seating space, and the most advanced “Advanced Coactive Braking Technology (K-ACT ll)” brakes. However, as riders, you may find a few problems with the brakes. 

Problem 1: Engine with Inadequate Air and Fuel Pressure

Riders of the Kawasaki Voyager 1700 may encounter a decline in engine performance as the bike gets old. The problem is mainly attributed to insufficient air and fuel pressure. As the engine receives less air and fuel pressure, it can diminish power output and compromise fuel efficiency.

Also, the fuel pump may not deliver the fuel to the engine due to inadequate pressure. Also, the fuel injection indicator may get the wrong signal. So, you will have difficulty starting the engine with inadequate air and fuel pressure. Even if the engine starts, it will stall suddenly. 

Signs of the Problem:

• The motorcycle may exhibit a slower and less responsive acceleration. It will happen when you twist the throttle.
• The bike might struggle to reach its usual top speed. It is a common problem with the need for optimal air and fuel supply in the engine and fuel compartment. 
• The lack of air pressure will cause inaccurate air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. So the engine doesn’t ignite properly. It will cause irregular engine operation and sputtering.
• The engine will have decreased fuel pressure. Hence, it can lead to incomplete combustion, reducing miles per gallon and increasing fuel consumption.

Clean the Air Filter:

Regular air filter maintenance is essential to ensure proper airflow to the engine. Dust, debris, and dirt can accumulate on the filter. The accumulation will restrict the airflow inside the fuel chamber and engine. So, the engine will not receive enough pressure to start. Also, with inadequate fuel pressure, the fuel chamber won’t deliver the required fuel to the engine. 

• Remove the air filter cover or housing to access the filter. The air filter will be on the left side of the Voyager 1700. 
• Gently tap the filter to dislodge loose dirt and debris. 
• Use compressed air or a soft brush to clean the filter thoroughly.
• If the filter is too dirty or damaged, consider replacing it with a new one.

You may replace the old one with the Kawasaki OEM Air Filter Vulcan VN1700 09-14 11013-0031. It will cost you around $25. So, replacing the air filter is affordable for the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700. Also, you should replace it for every 25000 to 30000 miles to ensure better engine efficiency. 

Replace the Fuel Injector and Fuel Pump:

Sometimes, the fuel injector or fuel pump may not function correctly. The fuel injector is a small metal part with a plastic cover. As the pump receives enough pressure, the injector will direct the fuel to the engine for ignition. 

A damaged fuel injector will lead to inadequate fuel delivery to the engine. So, with less fuel, the engine may sometimes stop or stall. You must replace these components to maintain proper air-fuel mixture and engine performance.

Also, a faulty fuel injector will result in poor combustion. It may damage the engine further if poor combustion happens persistently. 

• Locate the fuel injector and fuel pump on the Vulcan 1700. The fuel injector will be under the cover and on the left side. 
• Remove the seat to access the left panel and the fuel injector. As you remove it, also disconnect the electrical connections and fuel lines.
• Remove the old fuel injector and fuel pump from their respective mounting points. Check the O-ring seal of the fuel injector. 
• If the O-ring is damaged, replace it with a new one. 
• For the damaged fuel injector and pump, you can install the new fuel injector and fuel pump. For this, you must ensure proper alignment and connection.
• Reconnect the electrical connections, battery, and fuel lines with the injector. 

Once you have fixed the fuel injector and pump, ignition the circuit and voltage sensor and pressurize the fuel system. Also, after working with the fuel inject, put 1 quart of oil in the engine to ensure proper transition. Then, you can start your Kawasaki Voyager 1700. 

For all models, you may use the OEM Fuel Injector Compatible with Kawasaki VULCAN 1700 editions. It is made with ABS plastic for a long-lasting effect with minimal maintenance. 

Maintain and Change the Spark Plug:

The spark plug plays a crucial role in igniting the air-fuel mixture for the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 in its combustion chamber. A worn or fouled spark plug is responsible for inefficient combustion. So, you will experience decreased performance from the Voyager 1700 engine. 

• In Kawasaki Voyager, the spark plug will be at the bottom side. So, you should locate the spark plug with ease. 
• Use a spark plug wrench to remove the old spark plug carefully.
• Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear, corrosion, or fouling.
• Clean the spark plug with a soft brush to remove the dust and debris. For a damaged one, replace the spark plug as necessary.
• Ensure proper gap measurement as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Install the spark plug and tighten it to the recommended torque.

Problem 2: Limited Engine Power

Kawasaki Vulcan 1700, aka Voyager 1700, has a 1700cc V-twin engine with 108 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm torque capacity and 72.5 hp @ 5,000 rpm horsepower. Yet, some riders might experience limited engine power, resulting in subpar performance during rides.

The limited engine power isn’t an issue with the motorcycle riding and maintenance. In fact, Kawasaki has used the ECU to limit the engine capacity to ensure a smoother and consistent driving experience with the Vulcan 1700. Most riders won’t face any problems with the limited engine power. However, you should increase the engine capacity to use its maximum power if you want to go on countryside tours, rough terrains, and off-roads. 

Signs of the Problem: 

• Sluggish acceleration, especially on off-road rides 
• Inability to reach higher speeds
• Lack of responsiveness for continuous rides 

You will need to delimit the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to unleash the full potential of the Kawasaki Voyager 1700 engine.

Delimiting the ECU of Kawasaki Voyager 1700:

You can delimit the ECU of the Vulcan 1700 to maximize its output. It involves adjusting the electronic settings to remove any restrictions Kawasaki imposes on the control. It is mainly to reduce the emissions from the Voyager 1700 engine. 

Gather Information and Backup data:

First, you should research and identify a reliable method to delimit the ECU for your specific Voyager 1700 model. This might involve using specialized software or hardware tools. Also, it is crucial since Kawasaki Voyager has different versions:

• Vulcan 1700 Classic 2009-2012
• Vulcan 1700 Classic Lt 2009-2010
• Vulcan 1700 Vaquero 2011-2013 and 2018-2019
• Vulcan 1700 Vaquero Abs 2014-2017 and 2020-2021
• Vulcan 1700 Voyager 2009-2013 and 2018-2019
• Vulcan 1700 Voyager Abs 2009-2017 and 2020-2021
• Vulcan 1700 Nomad 2009-2013
• Vulcan 1700 Nomad Abs 2014

Also, before you make any changes in the ECU, create a backup of your ECU data. It will be crucial to restore the previous version if needed.

Access and Connect to ECU: 

Next, you should locate the ECU. It will usually be under the seat or fuel tank. You need to remove the seat and battery to access the ECU. Next, you should connect the ECU with your required tool to delimit it. 

You should use the appropriate software or hardware tool to connect to the ECU. It will help you access ECU settings. You may use the Ivan’s®  ECU flash for Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 models that come at $350. You can use it to reprogram the ECU system. It will fix the fueling problems and disable the fuel cut for the Kawasaki Voyager 1700. 

It will not only remove the power limiters but also reduce the motorcycle’s temperature. So, you will enjoy overall better performance. 

Adjust Parameters and Save:

You can now use the Ivan’s® ECU flash to modify the relevant parameters that control Voyager 1700 engine performance limitations. It could include adjusting fuel delivery, ignition timing, and other factors.

After making the adjustments, you should save the new settings to the ECU. Before you test the motorcycle after the ECU delimiter, you should use premium fuel, too. It will help the ECU to deliver better performance with consistency. 

Problem 3: Short-Circuit in Ignition Wiring

A short circuit in the ignition wiring can lead to electrical issues. Also, it could prevent the motorcycle from starting. The short circuit happens when the ignition wire rubs with the Voyager 1700 fuel tank. 

Kawasaki admitted that this problem happened in many Voyager 1700s due to inappropriate design and position of the ignition wiring. So, they released an official apology and recalled 11,8236 Voyager 1700 from 2009-2015. 

Signs of the Problem: 

• Flickering lights
• Difficulty starting the engine
• Complete ignition failure

Fixing the Short Circuit Problem of the Ignition Wiring:

You can fix the ignition wiring to solve the short circuit problem. You only need to reposition a few ignition wirings so it doesn’t rub with the fuel tank. 

• Ensure to turn off the motorcycle. Also, disconnect it from the battery before attempting any electrical work.
• Next, remove the panel on the left side of the Kawasaki Voyager to access the ignition wiring. You can pry off the panel with a flathead screwdriver. 
• Carefully inspect the ignition wiring for any visible signs of damage, such as exposed wires, burnt insulation, or melted components.
• Use a multimeter to trace the short circuit. Start by disconnecting the ignition components and testing for continuity between the wires.
• Once you identify the section with the short circuit, isolate the damaged area. You need to cut out the affected portion of the wire.
• Replace the damaged section of the wire with a new piece of wiring. Ensure proper insulation and secure connections.
• Remove the 10mm bolts that hold the screw to fix the wiring position. Then, carefully place it far from the fuel tank. 
• You must also replace the damaged ignition switch for proper functioning of the system. 

Pros of Kawasaki Voyager 1700:

• The Voyager 1700 is equipped with a robust 1700cc V-twin engine. So, it will deliver ample power and torque for highway cruising and long-distance touring. You will find it a great off-road motorcycle. 
• The Voyager 1700 has a spacious and well-padded seat. Also, it has an adjustable windscreen and floorboards. With all these features, the Voyager 1700 offers a comfortable and smooth riding experience for extended journeys.
• The Voyager includes cruise control, a radio and media player, a navigation system, and Bluetooth connectivity. All these will enhance rider convenience and entertainment on the road.
• With large saddlebags and a top case, the Voyager provides significant storage space for luggage and essentials. Thus, it is well-suited for extended trips.
• The standard cruise control feature allows riders to maintain a consistent highway speed. It will reduce fatigue during long rides.

Cons of Kawasaki Voyager 1700:

• Voyager 1700 is relatively heavy with a carb weight of 895 lbs. Hence, maneuvering and low-speed handling of Voyager 1700 can be challenging, especially for riders with less experience.
• Due to its powerful engine and weight, the Voyager’s fuel efficiency might not be as impressive as other touring motorcycles. It will result in more frequent refueling stops.
• The Voyager’s large size is a burden too. It is less suitable for navigating through heavy city traffic or confined spaces because of its oversized design. 

Conclusion 

Kawasaki Voyager 1700 problems are, thankfully, easily manageable. You can bypass and reprogram its ECU system to utilize the maximum torque and horsepower of the engine. Also, you should maintain and clean the air filter, fuel injector, and fuel pump for proper combustion and ignition. 

Despite its minimal problems, the Kawasaki Voyager 1700 is a perfect road entertainer with its stylish and aggressive design and inclusion of all entertainment gadgets. You will love taking the Vulcan 1700 on your highway rides and enjoy the smooth riding experience.