Shozo Kawasaki as a young man, has been in trade business with sugar, which is why he had to travel around the world. He noticed that the Japanese ships are in much worse shape than European ones, and decided to manufacture its own ships. In April 1876, Japanese Government gives him the land on which Shozo sets up a company – Kawasaki Tsukiji. With the help of the Japanese finance minister, in 1894 he manages to obtain a permit for the transport of goods in major Japanese routes. In 1897 they made the highest number of ships and over the next 15 years improved their production to the point that they began to compete with European ships. Today, Kawasaki shipyard produces ships for transportation of liquefied petroleum gas.
In 1906 Mr. Kawasaki founded the firm HYOGO WORKS which initially produced locomotives and freight trucks, and then perfected the production of airplanes, only 15 years after the first flight of the Wright brothers.
In fifties of the 20th century, Japan experienced a major development….Shozo Kawasaki decided to manufacture motorcycles. However, this is not the first attempt of Kawasaki. In 1924. they tried to produce motorcycles, but because of the small interest, production was discontinued.
After several failed attempts breaking to the motorcycles scene in 1960. under the patronage of Kawasaki Aircraft Co., first motorcycle had been manufactured – “New Ace” with 125 ccm two-stroke engine. To the possession of know-how and technology Kawasaki group came, purchasing the oldest Japanese motorcycle factory – Meguro Motorcycles. During six years of successful sales with 125 ccm engines, factory portfolio had been gradually enriched by more powerful models ( W1, A1, A7 Avenger ).
In 1969. Kawasaki catches up with the competition producing a model “H1”, with an engine of 500 ccm, known as “Mach III”. Kawasaki started a true revolution, launching model Z with 903 ccm, which, thanks to uncompromising performance, quickly had been dubbed – the king of motorcycles. Three years later, refreshed “Z900” arrived. At the end of the seventies factory in Akashi launched “Z 1000”, and soon after, in 1978….the legendary “Z 1300”.
Kawasaki as other large motorcycle corporations, followed the trend of cruiser production. Very much different in relation to the others, in the sense that they always tried to make a strong one, if possible, the strongest “monsters” ( just a reminder….several times they were at the top in terms of the fastest serial motorcycles in the world ). So in this category Kawasaki is also significantly different from its competition. This category, for years, adorns a series of cruisers justifiably called “Vulcan”. Previous story has been told because we have found and bought the 2009. model Kawasaki VN 1700 Voyager.
With attractive and imposing appearance, great handling characteristics, large volume, VN 1700 Voyager easily engages in the fight with the most powerful models in this category, and of which it is realistically much more affordable.
While we live too fast, we forgot to enjoy the little things, such as noticing the great scenery while traveling. Technological development has imposed a struggle and competition in the fastest and most powerful motorcycles, which, in addition to enjoying power, still do not allow the user to enjoy some natural beauty that awaits us right behind the next curve. In the world of motorcycles – our world – the best way to discover these small but so important driving pleasures is “cruiser” orientation. This “cruiser” from Akashi conquers various fans of this category of motorcycles with its appearance. Strong, driveable, manageable, relaxed….
The attractive curves, which it takes from its stronger brothers (e.g. VN 2000), radiate strength and massiveness, although in fact it is a very refined and sleek motorcycle. Voyager will take You to the end of the continent, fully equipped to delight You as the kilometers on the odometer multiply. There is one extremely sweet place (on the same odometer), and that is 120 km/h where he feels very good and comfortable and of course You and Your co-driver with him.
This motorcycle is another additional cruiser on the long list of touring motorcycles in offer, but at Kawasaki, this category (as we’ve already mentioned) is taken very seriously which Voyager every step of the way. Large and comfortable, with plenty of luggage space, it has all the necessary accessories for a comfortable trip, from built-in diagnostics through cruise control, through a sophisticated sound system to an amazing system of adjustable suspension. There is of course also the already famous K-ACT braking system.
The market niche for this motorcycle is very wide, but Kawasaki with this model especially touched those users who admire and happily remember the “muscle era” of motor vehicles (Barracuda, Firebird) ….
In any case, here we are talking about a motorcycle that is a perfect mean of travel. By the way, as You drive it, people will turn their eyes and be sure that You will get a lot of nice comments. It is not a coincidence that this motorcycle was chosen among the top 10 touring motorcycles of all time in competition with the famous “Gold Wing”, “Electra Glide”, “Roadmaster” and others.
After all, the Kawasaki combination of modern and traditional has given birth to this great and unusually tempting travel motorcycle. There is much more about this motorcycle that we would like to share with You, our dear customers, but we want for You to discover something new with this motorcycle. Therefore, we are pleased to introduce Kawasaki VN 1700 Voyager. Produced in 2009. Through pictures and specifications, enjoy the offered model.