Top 5 Kawasaki Voyager 1700 Problems: How To Fix Them?

Kawasaki Voyager 1700 is a compelling and luxurious motorcycle with a powerful engine. Despite the excellent service it gives, the riders sometimes face problems riding this bike. 

Some common Kawasaki Voyager 1700 Problems include a slipping clutch, short ignition wiring, momentarily kicking out of second gear on heavy acceleration, engine halting, stopping power reduction, etc. 

Let’s explore these issues in detail with some easy to follow solution ideas-

Troubleshooting and Fix for Kawasaki Voyager 1700 Problems

If you have recently got a new Kawasaki Voyager 1700 or are planning to buy this motorcycle, it’s better to know the downsides or problems you may face while using it. 

Let’s discuss the possible issues and their troubleshooting in detail-

Kicking Out of 2nd Gear Momentarily or 2nd Gear failure in engagement

Many Kawasaki Voyager 1700 riders frequently encounter a problem with the motorcycle’s second gear. The issue arises when accelerating hard in second gear, particularly at higher speeds around 4000 rpm. 

For a brief moment, the bike seems to lose power, which can be quite confusing. Some might mistake this for running out of fuel or a problem with the motorcycle’s emission system.

However, the real issue lies in the bike’s transmission system, specifically with the transmission dogs or slots. These parts are essential for shifting gears smoothly. 

Over time, these slots can wear down, which reduces their contact surfaces. Consequently, the gear struggles to engage properly, leading to the power loss experienced.

The most effective way to resolve this issue is to replace the worn-out gear. Once this is done, the motorcycle should be able to operate smoothly and without interruptions.

Read Also: 5 Common Kawasaki Z900RS Problems and Their Fixes

Engine Halting or Shortage of Airflow in the Engine

Engine bogging in the Voyager 1700, often resulting in rough running, can be due to insufficient air intake. This may be caused by dirty air filters, a clogged fuel injector, or faulty spark plugs. 

To fix it, replace or clean severely dirty air filters and inspect the fuel injector’s o-ring seals, replacing or cleaning as necessary. 

For spark plugs, remove, check for damage or dirt, replace if needed, or clean and reinstall tightly. Proper maintenance ensures optimal power supply and smooth running of your motorcycle.

Electrical Issues or Short Ignition Wiring

Kawasaki USA issued a recall for 11,836 Vulcan Voyager motorcycles, produced between February 2009 to March 2015, due to widespread complaints about electrical issues. 

The problems, which range from battery issues to issues with the starter or charging system, increase the risk of a crash. 

One key issue involves the ignition wire chafing against the fuel tank, potentially causing a short circuit and engine failure. 

Simple issues can be diagnosed with a multimeter and potentially fixed at home. However, as most problems stem from manufacturing errors, Kawasaki advises contacting them. 

They can instruct your dealer to install additional shielding and padding to prevent short circuits.

Read Also: Kawasaki Concours 1000 Problems: 7 Issues With Fixes 

Fuel Pump Does Not Work

Owners of Kawasaki Voyager models produced between 2009 and 2015 often face issues with the fuel pump, which are usually attributed to internal malfunctions in the fuel filter and pump itself. 

These malfunctions can lead to a clogged fuel filter, making it difficult to fill the fuel tank.

If your fuel pump stops working, replacement is a viable option, but for cost-effectiveness, you could consider repairing it instead. 

Likewise, if the fuel filters or lines are blocked, they can be either cleaned or replaced. 

However, it’s crucial to first inspect the fuel pump and fuel injectors before deciding to replace or repair the filter. By doing this, you’ll ensure that you’re addressing the correct issue.

Low stock strength

The Kawasaki Voyager 1700 features a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 52-degree V-twin engine with six-speed transmission, which some users perceive as having low power. 

While Kawasaki doesn’t officially state the horsepower, it’s estimated to be around 82 hp.

Some riders express dissatisfaction with the engine’s horsepower, but Kawasaki maintains that the power was intentionally limited for safety purposes, making it a matter of personal preference. 

To boost engine performance, consider using average modifications, which can enhance engine power by 10-15%. 

For a more significant increase, advanced modifications and ECU flashing could potentially increase power by up to 20%.

Read Also: 4 Common Kawasaki W800 Problems With Solutions

Tips To Prevent Kawasaki Voyager 1700 Problems

You should maintain your Kawasaki Voyager 1700 well for good long-term performance. Here are some tips that will help you to prevent these problems.

Using High-Quality Fuel

Users have claimed that high-quality fuel makes the motorcycle run long. According to the customers’ reviews of this cycle, you should not use ethanol-blended fuel as it has a record of damaging the fuel system.

Tire Maintenance

Always try to check the tire pressure regularly, and also check the wheels and brake pads.

Battery Maintenance

Keeping the motorcycle’s battery healthy is essential. Check the battery charge and check the terminals regularly for corrosion. Clean the terminals with a wire brush or dielectric grease to prevent deterioration.

Read Also: Which Kawasaki KLR 650 Years To Avoid & Why?

Should You Buy a Used Kawasaki Voyager 1700?

Yes, you may buy a used Kawasaki Voyager 1700 if you are on a budget. Many bikers want to experience the long-distance riding of a Kawasaki Voyager 1700, but, at the same time, they don’t want to spend much. 

Used Kawasaki Voyager can give you the service like the new ones if you look for some specific things before buying it. These are the things you must check in a used Kawasaki Voyager 1700-

• Check the engaging ability of the transmission slots and see if the gear is changing smoothly.
• Check the cruise control.
• Check if the Kawasaki has a stalling issue.
• Check if the fuel pump and filter are in proper condition.
• Check if the heat shield works enough because many riders complain about the hot leg issue after riding this bike. But according to the reviews, you will get used to it after 16000-17000 miles.

You can buy a used one within 10k-13k dollars if all these things are okay.

Read Also: Kawasaki W650 Problems: Four Common Issues And Their Fixes

FAQs

After reading the mentioned content about the problem of the Kawasaki Voyager 1700, some common questions may arise in your mind. Let’s look into the answers to these frequently asked questions from the readers.

Final Words

Kawasaki Voyager 1700 problems are easily detectable and fixable. You can fix the mentioned problems if you follow our guidelines correctly, or you can always seek help from an expert. 

Don’t forget to give us feedback after using the troubleshooting methods. Also, if you face any other issues besides those mentioned, comment down.