Rep Power: 497

While the revised 2012 Ninja ZX-14R stole most of the thunder during yesterday’s Kawasaki Dealer Show in Orlando, the Japanese manufacturer also released its 2012 lineup of Vulcan cruisers. The biggest updates were made to the 2012 Vulcan 1700 Voyager, while the company’s popular bagger, the Vaquero, is back for a second run. Three 900cc Vulcan cruisers round out Big Green’s 2012 cruiser offerings.

The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager is powered by the same 1700cc liquid-cooled, 52-degree V-Twin as last year, operating with identical 102mm bore and 104mm stroke dimensions. The powerplant continues to be mated to a six-speed overdrive transmission. Stopping power is provided by dual 300mm discs with dual four-piston calipers on the front and a single 300mm disc with a twin-piston caliper on the rear. It is available with the latest generation of Kawasaki’s K-ACT II braking system on ABS models, which adds a cool grand to the base $17,899 MSRP. The 1700 Voyager still features a frame-mounted fairing with muscle-car inspired styling, while color-matched lower fairings, hard saddlebags, a topcase and cruise control highlight its touring credentials.

New for the 2012 Vulcan 1700 Voyager is the addition of the Kawasaki Air Management System (KAMS) which routes heat from the radiator and rear cylinder away from the rider and directs it toward the ground. Engine heat has been an issue with the Voyager’s engine in the past, so the KAMS should be a big benefit, especially when stuck in traffic or when it’s hot out. The 2012 Vulcan 1700 Voyager also comes with new Navigation Audio Prompt Capability that can play navigation voice prompts from a Garmin Zumo 600 or 665 series GPS devices over the motorcycle’s audio system or through Kawasaki Genuine Accessory helmet headsets.

Read more: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/628/11...irst-Look.aspx