Rode a Kaw Voyager today

[SilvrT]

Got to take a test ride on a '09 Voyager. Was out for about an hour ... the only thing I didn't get to test was climbing hills.

 

Following is just my opinion...

 

Pro's

Well balanced, ample power, comfortable seating/leg/arm position.

Feels and handles more like my '85 Venture without the top heaviness ... in other words, it felt a lot lighter. Handled the twisties nicely and felt stable when going over bumps in a twisty.

Smooth ride on the highway @ 160km/h (thanks to a 6th gear).

Rumbles along nicely in 5th at lower speeds and accelerates reasonably well.

Great stereo sound quality.

Nice exhaust sound

Seat is very comfortable.

Engine/drivetrain is relatively quiet compared to the RSV

Nina experienced less wind buffeting than on the RSV

No "buzzing" feeling in hands or feet

Seating is lower for both rider and passenger.

I felt a lot more "in control" with this bike...it was very easy to drive and a lot better in parking lot maneuvers than the RSV.

Frame mount fairing .... bike is very stable in turbulence.

Tracks very well.

 

Con's

It's a V-twin so under hard acceleration, you know it's a V-twin.

Lots of reflection of the chrome parts on the tank in the windshield.

Seating/leg position for passenger is not as comfortable as the RSV (at least according to Nina but she is taller than most women)

I experienced more side wind than on the RSV

Not as powerful as the RSV but it still gets ya going quick enuf.

Clunky shifting, probably just a "nature of the beast"

Definately not as smooth as the RSV but that's what ya get with 2 cylinders versus 4 although I found the Harley Ultra just as smooth.

 

Overall I like the bike and it would be a strong contender if I was to sell the RSV although if Nina had found the seating position better .... hmmmm ... we might have... dang, I do like that scoot...

Edited May 21, 2010 by SilvrT

[SapperMedic]

Then don't try the Victory Vision Tour Premium. It handles better than the Voyager and is "oh my #$%^%" fast on acceleration. If you can get past the Buck Rogers style, the passenger rides very nicely. We tested them both a few months ago and when I finish school, I am getting one (yes, 50 year olds have to go to school).

[SilvrT]

Then don't try the Victory Vision Tour Premium. It handles better than the Voyager and is "oh my #$%^%" fast on acceleration. If you can get past the Buck Rogers style, the passenger rides very nicely. We tested them both a few months ago and when I finish school, I am getting one (yes, 50 year olds have to go to school).

 

Been there, done that ... same problem (Nina wasn't comfortable and she got more buffeting than on the RSV)

 

And, I just can't come to liking that styling.

[Mariner Fan]

I sat on the Voyager recently. It seemed to be about the same size as a Harley Ultra Classic. I felt like it was a bit small for my taste.

[frogmaster]

SilvrT,

 

Here is a quote from above..."No "buzzing" feeling in hands or feet". Wonder if your hitting on 3 cylinders or a Carb Sync is in order??? Just trying to help ya out bro, because if Momma is not happy then nobody is happy .

 

Good Luck

[FreezyRider]

SilvrT,

 

Here is a quote from above..."No "buzzing" feeling in hands or feet". Wonder if your hitting on 3 cylinders or a Carb Sync is in order??? Just trying to help ya out bro, because if Momma is not happy then nobody is happy .

 

Good Luck

 

I don't think he meant that his RSV gave him the buzzing, I think he was comparing it to the standard V-Twin buzz that is felt in the grips and footboards. That was my take on it anyway.

[SilvrT]

SilvrT,

 

Here is a quote from above..."No "buzzing" feeling in hands or feet". Wonder if your hitting on 3 cylinders or a Carb Sync is in order??? Just trying to help ya out bro, because if Momma is not happy then nobody is happy .

 

Good Luck

 

Carbs were sync'd recently and definately running on all 4. Since you mention it tho, I'll check them again...got the tool and I'm sure I can fit 10 or 15 minutes into my busy schedule for it .

 

Now, this "buzzing" is not very pronounced and certainly, for the most part, goes unnoticed but it does exist. It does not exist on the Kaw. What does happen on it is more of a shuddering feeling when accelerating ... V-twin related. I will say tho, that particular feeling seemed much more pronounced on the Voyager than I've noticed on either a HD Ultra, Victory Vision, or even my son's 1200 Sportster.

[Dave77459]

Got to take a test ride on a '09 Voyager. Was out for about an hour ... the only thing I didn't get to test was climbing hills.

 

Following is just my opinion...

I recall a lot of words about the engine on the Kaw being really hot. Was that not your experience?

 

Dave

[SilvrT]

I recall a lot of words about the engine on the Kaw being really hot. Was that not your experience?

 

Dave

 

Not really and I did test for that although the daytime temp here when I rode it was only about 22 celcius. I did feel some "warmth" when sitting at idle after I'd been running for a while so the bike was up to full op temp but it didn't seem to be any more than I can feel on the RSV.