Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager? Makes me wonder..........

[BigLenny]

Hi All,

 

You know? I was just taking a gander at the Kawasaki site. Just looking at different bikes they sell. I made my way to the Vulcan Voyager section. It just freakin amazes me how they can list that bike for $10K less than the other competitors in the market. It is water cooled, fuel injection, ABS. I have personally test driven this a couple times, and I have even stated on this forum my dislikes about it (flimsy plastics, no intercom system, no rear speakers, no heated seats and such. But, I still wonder how they can list this bike for waaaaayyyyyy less than the competition, and still make money? It lists for $17499.00, and I had a dealer a few months ago through a mid $15,000.00 number at me. You can buy that water cooled VTwin, with ABS, and fuel injection for mid $15's!

 

I don't know how they do it and make money. Or, Yammy, Honda, and Harley are loading up with profits.

 

Just wondering........

 

Big Lenny

[AABBCC]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]112907[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]112908[/ATTACH]

 

After test driving a couple of times now, would you buy one? Or would you spend more to get something else?

Edited June 5, 2018 by AABBCC

[DanielM]

I tested one. In terms of value for the money spent, could be a great option for some. For me though, didn't come close to the SVTC and I wasn't looking for the best option on a budget

 

Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk

[SilvrT]

Wife and I test rode one when they first came out ... didn't like it at all ... but it does look good.

[BigLenny]

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=112907http://www.venturerider.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=112908

 

After test driving a couple of times now, would you buy one? Or would you spend more to get something else?

 

I don't really think I would buy one. But, it sure is intriguing.

 

I agree with others when saying it is not near the level of overall fitness and quality feel as the SVTC, or even the RS Venture. But, the value buy is certainly a valid discussion to be had. I saw a Kawi dealer south of Houston Texas today advertising on you tube that you can buy this bike, 2018 model that lists for $17,499.00 for in the high $13K's. After rebates and such. That to me is crazy talk! I know Kawasaki makes very good quality stuff. So, common sense tells me the bike will last. But, when I actually test rode the 2 times I did, it just felt less smooth, and the plastics were certainly less sturdy feeling. I also forgot to mention it has linked brakes that become unlinked below 18mph.

 

It comes with a factory 3yr unlimited mile warranty, and, for less than $700.00 you can buy another 3yrs of Kawasaki factory warranty. If you bought the thing for $13,900.00, and added the warranty, the Kawasaki accessory rear speakers, the CB, and the intercom system, you're into this bike for $16K, and still waaaayyyyy less than the other brands.

 

I don't know, it just seems kind of crazy to me. But, I'm pretty simple minded, I think. Lol.

 

Big Lenny

[AABBCC]

I don't really think I would buy one. But, it sure is intriguing.

 

I agree with others when saying it is not near the level of overall fitness and quality feel as the SVTC, or even the RS Venture. But, the value buy is certainly a valid discussion to be had. I saw a Kawi dealer south of Houston Texas today advertising on you tube that you can buy this bike, 2018 model that lists for $17,499.00 for in the high $13K's. After rebates and such. That to me is crazy talk! I know Kawasaki makes very good quality stuff. So, common sense tells me the bike will last. But, when I actually test rode the 2 times I did, it just felt less smooth, and the plastics were certainly less sturdy feeling. I also forgot to mention it has linked brakes that become unlinked below 18mph.

 

It comes with a factory 3yr unlimited mile warranty, and, for less than $700.00 you can buy another 3yrs of Kawasaki factory warranty. If you bought the thing for $13,900.00, and added the warranty, the Kawasaki accessory rear speakers, the CB, and the intercom system, you're into this bike for $16K, and still waaaayyyyy less than the other brands.

 

I don't know, it just seems kind of crazy to me. But, I'm pretty simple minded, I think. Lol.

 

Big Lenny

 

So it meets the classification of a touring bike, checks off everything on the list. It just lacks refinement. Now I don't think you'll have any less fun on it. And with the cash you save, bonus.

[SilveradoCA]

I'm a homebuilder by profession, and one of the things I see often is people who buy a new home, and six months later still have bedsheets hung over the windows instead of blinds or curtains. You see, they spent their whole budget on the house, probably all new furniture too, and kept nothing for incidentals. A year later when we do their 12 month review, they complain how high the property taxes are.

 

I've also learned that people have all kinds of different expectations from what they buy, and tastes differ like the weather.

 

Budgeting for use as well as purchase is an important concept. On the RSV I bought this week, I had a budget of about $8500, if I found the right bike.

 

For the price I paid on the one I did buy, I covered insurance for the year, a new rear tire when it's due, and about 2 weeks worth of touring on the road, all for the same total budget.

 

That Kawasaki isn't for everyone, but it is for someone to... Buy It. Ride It. Smile.

[rickardracing]

I did 40 mile test ride on one and loved it. It is a definatley an option.