Kawasaki Voyager 1700 Problems

The Kawasaki Voyager 1700 is a powerful cruiser motorbike with an impressive 1700cc engine. However, it’s important to note that some Kawasaki Voyager 1700 problems have been reported by users, which can somewhat dampen the overall riding experience. These include issues such as short wiring for the ignition, low stock strength, and bogging down of the engine. Furthermore, this motorbike also features advanced ABS braking and electronic cruise control, making it a popular choice for motorcycle enthusiasts despite the problems above.

These issues can arise from various causes, like restricted ECU settings, clogged air filters, or electrical faults in general. Therefore, if any of these problems occur to your motorcycle, you should identify the cause before attempting to fix them or seeking professional help. For those wishing to try setting themselves, we have guided you on resolving all three common Voyager 1700 issues.

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Kawasaki Voyager 1700 Problems and Solutions

Experiencing an era of over eight decades, the well-known cruiser bike segment features the Vulcan series from a prominent manufacturer, Kawasaki. Adding to the legacy, the Voyager 1700 emerged, bolstering the Vulcan series’ reputation. Its noteworthy recognition comes from incorporating the advanced K-Act II (Advanced Coactive-breaking Technology) ABS, marking an innovative step in the industry.

However, throughout the timeline, the celebrated motorcycle has encountered three noteworthy difficulties. Each issue will be briefly highlighted, setting the stage for a comprehensive understanding of potential solutions.

Problem	Reasons	Solution
Short ignition wiring	Several factors may lead to this electrical complication.	Inspection and rectification of ignition wiring and battery connections are necessary.
Limited engine stock power	The manufacturer intentionally restricts the engine power via the ECU.	Flashing the ECU could potentially alleviate this limitation.
Engine bogging or not getting enough air	Air filters and fuel injectors could become clogged.	Servicing or replacing the injector, spark plug, and air filter may resolve this issue.

Consequently, Voyager 1700’s prominent challenges have been brought to the forefront. The discussion will delve deeper to explore and understand the solutions thoroughly.

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Problem 1: Short Circuit in Ignition Wiring

Kawasaki USA recalled 11836 units of its Voyager 1700 from 2009 to 2015 due to a short circuit caused by the ignition wire rubbing against the fuel tank. This issue was caused by multiple electrical wiring due to inappropriate design. An official statement by Kawasaki explained that this posed an electrical hazard, leading to potential stalling and could cause a short circuit.

To resolve the issue, owners must fix or replace their wiring so it does not come into contact with the fuel tank. The company also advised customers who bought one of these vehicles between 2009-2015 should take them back as soon as possible to do any necessary repairs or replacements.

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Here are some tips for repairing ignition wire short circuits:

Short circuits in the ignition wire and battery wiring can cause concern. While some riders might feel inclined to solve the problem independently, seeking professional help from Kawasaki or other motorcycle mechanics is advisable for the best possible results. However, if you are keen on tackling the issue yourself, here are some steps that may come in handy:

• Disconnect the battery terminal and negative cable with a wrench
• Pry off the left side panel with a Phillips head screwdriver
• Remove the seat using an adjustable wrench
• Disconnect the black ignition coil from the green connector
• Find 10mm bolts securing the ignition switch
• Pry off the bolts and disconnect the white connector of the switch
• Install a new button with 10mm bolts
• Connect the ignition switch connector to the new switch
• Secure seat, battery negative cable, and left side panel

These steps should help resolve short-circuit problems in your motorcycle’s wiring. If not, inspect the engine and battery wiring more closely before calling a professional mechanic.

Problem 2: Engine power is restricted

The Kawasaki Voyager 1700 is a powerful cruising motorcycle with a V-Twin 1700cc engine. It has digital fuel injection facilities, making it one of the most efficient and consistent cruiser engines. However, many riders have reported dissatisfactory power output from their engines.

Kawasaki says this limited stock power isn’t due to any design or construction issues; instead, they have purposely limited the engine power through their ECU (Engine Control Unit) for safety purposes. This can be seen as disappointing for some riders who need help to fully use the 106lb-ft torque capacity offered by this liquid-cooled engine with its 102mm bore and 104mm stroke dimensions. The DFI (Ducted Fuel Injection) facilitates enhanced performance and aiding fuel efficiency.

Nevertheless, users may flash off the ECU to further increase the power produced by their Voyagers if they so wish – allowing them to experience even more thrilling rides on these powerful machines!

Here are some tips to enhance the power of your stock engine by delimiting the ECU:

The Kawasaki Voyager 1700 ABS is a powerful machine that offers remarkable performance. To increase its power utilization, one must consider resetting the ECU system of the motorcycle. Doing so allows for an upgrade of the stock engine power and ensures improved performance overall.

Regarding modifications, three levels are available – levels 1, 2, and 3 – each offering different engine boost levels based on the user’s budget and requirements. For instance, an average mod can provide 10-15% more power than initially offered, while advanced mods could produce 20% more output from the same engine.

For optimum performance gain without affecting the reliability or longevity of your bike, consider these:

• Check for quality parts when making any modifications
• Ensure compatibility between components used during the modification process
• Follow the instructions provided carefully while modifying or flashing ECU

A precaution for mods:

Care should be taken when resetting the ECU or upgrading a motorcycle with mods. The wrong modifications could harm performance, voiding any warranty and causing rapid engine wear and tear. To avoid such risks, it is recommended that an experienced mechanic oversees all ECU resets and modification processes.

The following drawbacks of stock engine power increase and mods are essential to note:

• Voiding of the warranty immediately
• Potential for quick engine wear & tear
• Possibility of considerable decline in engine performance

For these reasons, we advise users to ensure that all ECU resets and Voyager 1700 modding are under professional guidance to minimize potential risk while enjoying enhanced bike power output.

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Problem 3: Engine experiencing insufficient airflow

The Kawasaki Voyager 1700 is a powerful motorcycle that needs enough air supply to its engine to function at optimal levels. Without adequate air, the engine will start underperforming and reach a standstill. Clogged or blocked air filters, fuel injectors, and spark plugs are some of the most common reasons behind the inadequate air supply problem in this motorcycle’s engines.

It is vital to identify precisely which one of these elements is causing poor performance in your Voyager engine before attempting any fixes. Once you have determined the source of the issue, several solutions are available to rectify it.

The following tips can help restore consistent airflow into your Voyager 1700’s engine:

• Clean out clogged/dirty air filters
• Check fuel injectors for blockages or leaks
• Replace damaged spark plugs with new ones
• Make sure all valves and other components related to the intake system work correctly.

How to Clean an Air Filter:

The Kawasaki Voyager 1700 requires regular maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly. One of the most essential maintenances is cleaning its air filter, which allows fresh air to enter the engine. To do so, locate the filter cover on the left side of the engine and unscrew it before removing and inspecting the filter. If it is too dirty for cleaning, a new one should be purchased at approximately $20 – $30.

Generally, an air filter needs replacing every 15000 to 20000 kilometers or sooner if excessively dirty or damaged. This will help maintain optimal performance from your motorcycle while ensuring no debris enters its system and causes damage over time. It’s, therefore, best practice to check your air filters regularly for any signs of wear or dirt buildup and ensure you replace them when needed to keep enjoying trouble-free rides with your Kawasaki Voyager 1700 motorbike!

How to Fix a Spark Plug:

At certain junctures, a vital component, such as the spark plug, may accumulate grime and fail in its essential function to generate sparks for engine ignition. This failure leads to engine bogging and, consequently, a stark reduction in performance. In such circumstances, thorough cleaning of the spark plug is necessary. If this action does not rectify the situation, replacement becomes the next logical step.

This piece will now outline the steps for handling the spark plug:

• The spark plug, found at the engine’s bottom side, must be located.
• Detachment of the wire from the plug must be carried out, followed by removal of the spark plug using a wrench.
• Close examination of the spark plug should be done to identify any residual buildup, which can then be eliminated using a brush.
• If cleaning proves ineffective, procurement of a new spark plug is recommended. This new component should then be installed within the engine.

A thorough scrubbing using a wire brush often rectifies the issue at hand. However, one must consider purchasing a new spark plug if this fails. The expected cost for this replacement part ranges from $10 to $20.

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Have you considered replacing the fuel injector?

Fuel injectors, an integral part of the engine’s operational system, boast a considerable lifespan averaging between 80000 and 100000 miles. Nonetheless, premature wear and tear might inflict significant damage, necessitating a replacement. Alternatively, cleaning the component might rectify the issue.

Here are the instructions to follow when replacing or cleaning the fuel injector:

• Locate the injector under the cover on the left side of the Voyager 1700. The seat in front of the battery should be removed to access it.
• Proceed to disconnect the battery from the fuel injector. The injector can be pulled out after removing the two securing nuts.
• Inspect the injector for any debris and clean it using a wire brush.
• If the O-ring seal is damaged or broken, it can be replaced with a new one to ensure the fuel injector is adequately sealed.
• In the case of excessive wear, replace the existing injector with a new one.

By adhering to these steps, the engine’s air supply can be maintained appropriately, preventing any potential bogging down and ensuring optimal power delivery. Regular maintenance activities such as cleaning the fuel injector, air filter, and spark plugs are crucial for the Kawasaki Voyager 1700 motorcycle. These tasks should be performed consistently during monthly and bi-yearly maintenance schedules.

Final Thoughts on Kawasaki Voyager 1700 Problems

The Kawasaki Voyager 1700 is a powerful motorcycle, but it is not without its flaws. It is critical to acknowledge that the Kawasaki Voyager 1700 problems, including electric wiring issues and limited stock engine power, are among this model’s most frequently encountered issues. To identify and address these issues, it is essential to check the source of the problem before taking any further steps.

Modifications can be done for those looking for more power from their Voyager 1700 to increase their output. However, this should be considered optional as its V-twin 1700cc engine already delivers impressive performance. It’s worth mentioning that while addressing the Kawasaki Voyager 1700 problems can enhance the riding experience, any modifications will void the warranty on your bike, so caution must be taken when considering resetting or modifying your ECU or other components of the cycle.

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FAQs About Kawasaki Voyager 1700 Problems