I been riding since 1969 I've owned eleven Harleys and three real Indian Chiefs. I've only had full size bikes no sporsters. I have a 46 Chief a 72 FLH and a 98 Fatboy now. I was actually looking at a Kawasaki Voyager. Japanese bi 9:40 kes don't have good resale value so you can get a heck of a deal on a used one. I'm 70 and want t do a big ride without spending the price of a Harley Davidson touring bike..
I have the beautiful 2018 candy cardinal red and silver vulcan voyager. I've had her over a year and still when I walk into the garage looking at her my heart skips a beat! Incredible comfort, awesome ride. I'm a seasoned rider and I will admit at first the heaviness of the bike was a bit challenging riding 2 up when coming to a stop sign, but now its just a comfortable old shoe. Love it! You won't regret getting one and 1/2 the price of a Harley.
I traded my ZRX1100 for a 2019 Voyager. There’s a big difference between that sport bike vs a big Vtwin cruiser. I love my Voyager but damn if you don’t require a lot more skill to handle that beast at slower speeds and when riding 2 up. I have to remember that it doesn’t tuck as well in turns as my old ZRX did either. I did get Ivan’s flash on my ECU. Talk about waking a sleeping giant. I was so glad I upgraded to the big Kawi!
Jones Bros Garage, thanks for your honest and thoughtful video! I enjoyed watching your video and listening to your comments. I believe cruisers are better than sport motorcycles. Cruisers are marathons and Sportbikes are sprints. Great things take time so don’t rush it.
Bought mine earlier this year and it was a move from the Versys 650 for me. I was so tentative riding it out of the dealership but then spent the first 45 min doing nothing but slow residential riding. Some 5,000km later, I'm riding it with such confidence in all sorts of situations. Love how balanced it feels, the wind protection is amazing, and the seat is so comfy. It really is such a joy to ride. Enjoy!
Voyagers are great bikes. I never thought I’d have a Touring bike. I bought mine new in 18 and love it. My GF loves sitting back and relaxing being cradled in.
Man, your head is on right. Nice to see such open mindedness and unbiased view given. Enjoy the risk taking, hope your travels are safe and you enjoy this great two wheeled life a long time. I am coming up on 50 in a couple years. Love my WR, my old carbed BMW thumper and VStrom. But the day is coming the kids will be old enough and the wife will start riding with me again and I want to try something new. I imagine the Voyager would suit me awesome.
Great Video, I too just bought a bagger, and I love it. Years ago, I bought a new (2009) Buell Ulysses XB12XP (nice seeing that your friend Bruce riding a Uly). I bought the Buell to satisfy my two needs (at that time), Speed and Maneuverability and its (sort of off road capability) I did ride the Buell from Denver to Deadhorse Alaska without and problems . But I wanted another bike and began searching for something that would fit me and give me comfort on long rides with my wife. My riding buddies always said that I looked like a bear riding a mini bike when I was on the Buell (I'm 6'4" and weigh around 275 pounds). After a year of research, I found that the best all around bike for me is the Voyager. I found a 2013 with low miles and I pulled the trigger. I am so happy that I did, Spent a few weeks this summer riding all over Colorado. The bike handled better than I anticipated. I still take the Buell out and get it dirty in the hills. But nothing compares to the joy in listening to some old school rock and cruising through the mountains! I loved your video, Ride safe and enjoy! Mike
Bought a 2013 voyager a few days ago. 1st bike I ever bought. Had rode a dirt bike here and there as a teen. I'm 6'7" so needed something big enough for me. That thing has some serious power. Looking forward to the long haul trips. Incredibly comfortable.
I traded in my 06 harley dyna glide for a 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan voyager 1700 last year. Love my bike. Since July of 2019 to now, I put on 9000 miles. Once I got use to it, I don’t miss the smaller bikes. My lady enjoys the comfort and the tunes. We can ride longer between breaks. Enjoy the ride. I’m in state college pa area. I ride toward Johnstown a lot in the summer. Enjoy the ride
When I had my crotch rocket I use to talk shit about baggers too until I got one. It takes alot more skill to ride a big bike compared to a sport bike.
Had an 18 street glide. Loved the Bluetooth option with built in gps. Had to get rid of it for financial reasons. (2020 screwed me.) I’m gonna get the voyager when the time comes. I won’t ride anything but big bikes ever since I bought my first bagger. The voyager is about 10k less brand new compared to the Harley. Not as much torque as the Harley, but it does the job. Kawasaki made a really nice bike there. Great video. P.s. I always wore full gear and a full face helmet myself.
I'm glad there are states that give you the freedom to do what you want in regards to helmets. But, like you said, I really don't get it. Is feeling the open air on your face worth dying for without you even making a mistake? No matter how skilled you are, everyone eventually crashes. I wanna get up and ride another day.
New rider here. Got my license last February. I've ridden an MT-07, a Yamaha Bolt, and a Suzuki C50T(small "bagger") and I loved the comfort and utility of the C50T. I ended up getting the Bolt because it was more fun to ride, but ended up quickly regretting the horrible suspension and lack of storage. It's no fun throwing everything that can fit in a backpack on your back for a long ride only to end up with sore neck and shoulders. Now I'm looking for a reasonably priced Vulcan Vaquero. That bike has the power I'm looking for as well as the comfort and storage. And it will fit my short legs just fine.
The most honest bike vid I ever saw. No macho BS, no expert techie crap. This dude will ride forever. Although I disagree with one thing....I loved that 250. Bought a 300 when they discontinued it. Heck, never met anybody from PA I DIDNT LIKE.. EXCELLENT VID.
Little tip for you on hill starts . When you come to a stop have the bike in neutral and hold the front brake on with one finger When you are ready to move off keep the front brake on put her in gear , gently let the clutch out when you feel the clutch bite you can release the brake then pull away as normal
Hey! I know this comment is old but just wanted to say this bike feels light to me now, using the brake and releasing it slowly as I start releasing the clutch is definitely the go to now! I don’t even put both feel down when I stop on this bike anymore lol
my friend almost lost his eye on a bird collision with a full face. thank god he had it. Have you ever caught a bug to the helmet going speed, enogh to make you wreck if you didn't have it. Not to mention getting into an accident
I like to look OVER the windshield, plus, I wasn't getting ANY air. So i replaced the stock height windshield with one 4 inches shorter. Much better! But I love the torque on mine. I also have the 2012 "creme & gold" but I get loads of compliments on it. I own a half helmet that I bought with my first bike, which was a Suzuki Volusia. But that bike was so loud that i bought a full face modular. I think it's all in your mind that people are watching you! Lol I tried riding on the highway once with no helmet but i was so scared the entire time, thinking about all the random things that could take me out. So i never got the road without. When i don't want to eat a helmet or gear, I take my convertible out!
Congratulations, what ever you do watch where you park your bike,park down hill it's pretty hard to back up. All heavy bikes should have reverse like the goldwings..😊..
I've worn a full-face helmet ever since a friend of mine described his dental college experience of lower mandible reconstruction - usually on motorcycle crash patients. You should wear gloves though, in any spill we put our hands out first to soften the blow! Good film, I agree with your attitude about liking everything on two wheels. I have a beemer but I'm contemplating migrating to Kawasaki Voyager, I like big twins. Good luck to you!
Yeah I feel really uncomfortable without a helmet. I rode without one, one time because I forgot to bring one for my girlfriend when I picked her up and gave her mine.. I felt paranoid the whole ride. And definitely agree on the gloves, I used to not always wear them only on this bike because I would skip songs on my phone… I’ve since made a playlist I’m happy with and never ever skip on the gloves anymore. The voyager is a great bike, I still have mine and likely will ride it til it dies. I’m used to riding European bikes (not cruisers) such as Ducati panigale, Husqvarna 701 and Japanese sport bikes like the r6, mt07, gsxr600.. this bike feels less refined than all of them, but not in a bad way. It reminds me of a more reliable Harley that you can get for a fair price.
Thanks for the video! I'm looking at picking up a 2011 Vulcan Voyager this week, and your video is the best I've seen so far. I currently have, and will be keeping, a Boulevard M109R, but I've been thinking about a second bike and a friend suggested the Voyager. Your video will help me make a decision after I check things out this week.
Have a 2014 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700 ABS that I too bought at Cernics in Johnstown. Great prices on new bikes. I too wear a SHOEI X12 FULL FACE HELMET. You can by the Y-connector to Bluetooth your radio right into your helmet if you have a Bluetooth communication system in your HELMET. You can pick those up for under $200.00. Since I don't care to have rear speakers, I set my FADE CONTROL up so if I select REAR FADE, The sound comes through to my Bluetooth speaker system in my helmet. I also have a waterproof GPS that I push through the Bluetooth speaker system in my helmet. Works great!
I love that you’re still wearing a full face helmet but you did a ton of talking about how everybody has accidents all while not wearing gloves.. I had an instructor once tell us “when you fall, what’s the first thing you do - even without thinking? You put your hands out. We all do. It’s natural. If your hands hit the pavement without any protection - even as low as 30 miles an hour, you’re gonna destroy them. How are you gonna wipe your a$$ if you can’t use your hands?? If you wouldn’t be comfortable asking somebody else to wipe, wear your gloves..” the message stuck with me. I live in Florida where it’s hot as hell and I totally get not wanting to wear a full jacket and pants and boots every ride.. for me though, ever since that instructor, it’s helmet and gloves, every ride, no matter what.. not judging or telling you how to live, just food for thought.. safe travels bud
I went from an r6 to Honda shadow 750 then to my voyager . At first the weight is scary but once you get used to it , it’s no problem . I love my voyager and will never get rid of it ! I will say someone needs to be at least 5’9 for both feet to touch the ground !
It’s the opposite for me. I’ve never been on a crotch rocket. That would scare the crap out of me if I ever got on one😬. I’m not at all interested. I am a bagger type of guy. I like to cruise. I am looking at a Voyager right now. It’s not my dream bike, but it’s in my price range.
The best thing about riding the baggers or the full dressers is that you can PACK ON THE MILES/HOURS. I can ride all day, everyday. With other bikes, I might want to ride an hour or two tops. Now, 10 hours is nothing. 12 hours is good too.
Heck wait till you get old like me & need both knees & hips replaced, that is when you might worry about holding that scooter up. But I do it every day as I just won't give up. The 1700 is a GREAT bike. Whole lot cheaper than a Harley, not knocking Harley. You will love that scoot out on the road.
Takes some time for sportbikeriders to acclimate to these kinda bikes. This bike you change gears on lower revs because the torque lives there. Don't be afraid to change gears sooner.
I just bought the same exact bike in March! I upgraded from a Honda VTX1300. I was after the same things you were. More room, bags, stereo etc. Oh the stereo is shit. Just like you said it’s a hoss. I myself is trying to get used to the weight. I’ve already changed out the windshield and got a Klock Werks. I plan on keeping the old stock one for winter riding. Overdrive will soon be your best friend. I’ve still kept the VTX because it’s still fun to ride and there is still room in the garage. Go to the FB forums on this bike and you will see that people are getting their ECU’s reflashed or “Ivanized”. Everyone swears by it. Mine already came with it. It’s a $400 feature but riders swear by it. This bike is KNOWN to run hot as well. There’s a fix for that as well, KAMS. Look it up. It’s also expensive. I got lucky with that one as well. I’ve already upgraded the filter to a K and N. Up next will be the exhaust. For now and for the money you should try to drill out the baffles and all the other shit that’s in the pipes. This simple mod will save you money until you get the real loud 4 inch exhaust everyone desires. When drilling out you want to drill IN and not AROUND the baffle. Look for the vid or on one of the FB groups. I fucked up one of my pipes by looking at the wrong vid. Reach out and I’ll send it to you. Be careful with this bike so you don’t get a hernia!
Thank you so much for all of the tips! It took me awhile to get used to the weight but I'm finally really confident on it. I'll probably start with the mods next season. 👍
Watching this, I was like "Whoa, I know where he's riding!" I'm hoping to pick one of these bikes up soon, they really are righteous little land yachts.
@@JonesBrosGaragehello Jones Bros. I was wondering if its a bike that I can use as an allrounder. Do a bit of commuting into London( think New York traffic) as well. I am also a bit short. 5.6. Will this bike still suit me.
@@NutFamousYet I’m sorry it took a year to respond and I doubt you still need my answer but yes. I’m 5’6 and this bike is amazing for that style of riding. You can open up the vents by your feet and maybe get a smaller wind screen as well to get some more air flow at low speed and stay cooler.. then if you ride in cooler months you can reverse those changes and be warmer
@@JonesBrosGarage Np man, although i just bought a continental gt650 last week. But i know for future and may be do some more test rides. Do you still have the bike and happy with it?
@@NutFamousYet yes it’s actually my most ridden bike and I really love it. My only complaint is I wish it came with Bluetooth connection for the music but you can get a connector for that or use a plug in Bluetooth device. Aside from that I just got a shorter windshield and swap between them depending on the ride. This is the only bike I ever use to ride my wife on and it works amazing as a passenger bike
I have a 2002 Yamaha vstar 650 classic (cruiser) ride full helmet every time. And I didn't see your left hand the whole time...but I'm 90% sure all the voyagers have self canceling blinkers homeboy! Want to upgrade to a voyager so I've been doing a lot of RU-vid and Google looking n found your vid!
I love all bikes in the 650 class! And that's what's up! I'll always stick to a full face, I care too much about my face lol. And they do it's really nice. Thanks for checking out the video 👍
@@JonesBrosGarage that's awsome it's much more enjoyable and still could add speed to the ride and enjoy the twistys . That's pretty kool your that young and like a cruiser. Of you ever decide to test ride other cruisers. Test out the newer goldwing.
@@phillipvazquez284 my dad recently had a brand new 2019. I absolutely loved it and if it was in my price range I would’ve bought it.. I’ll probably end up with one eventually
I enjoyed watching this video more than I`d expected . Why ? The other day I bought a 2012 Voyager . I`ve had the same issues as you in getting used to it .I got it with intention of hauling a heavy sidecar (Ural) The big Kwaka will make a great tractor for the job . It will mean I can keep riding well into my later years ( not far away )Should be camper/shopping trolley .Pity about the Gopro though .
Hay man I just got my 2010 Kawasaki Voyager in February last year from a dealer in Reading pa. I love it so much. I got off a sport tour triumph. Oh my goodness it's so much better. As far as the Bluetooth for the radio. I put bt on mine for just $20. It plays right off my phone. Trust me don't replace the radio it will screw up the whole dashes looks. Plus the radio is specially built to take the vibrations and the hits of a motorcycle at highway speeds unlike most car head units.
That Kawasaki is heavenly. Harley sucks...you are a bagger at heart. I love it. I just got another Vulcan 1500 and metric cruisers rule. Also, I found a $50 action camera on Amazon that rules.
i am English and have ridden big bikes all my life. Well not quite all my life. I notice you have a tendency to rev the big girl a little too high. No need to rev it just let that big crank rumble you along. Then you will really feel those great ride feelings. I have had over 35 bikes so far. Goldwing, Stratoliner and a venture and a Rune, and an elite Indian road master those i have now and still love riding all of them all. My commute is a Honda foresight scooter
I just bought 2003 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic touring. I have not had it out yet because of the weather. Looking forward to the long trip. As for you Camera take a look at Drift Ghost XL has all the features of GoPro and better battery life. Good look wit your bike and enjoy the road.
Talking about the full face helmet, if you get in a hard rain you will be glad you had 1 on. If you get behind a gravel truck you will be glad you have 1 on. If you hit a buzzard like I have done you will be glad you had 1 on. And mostly is if you get in a wreck with a car undoubtedly your face will hit the pavement & you will be glad you had you face protected.
You need to hone your technique for riding a bike that has torque :-) Glad to see a young person appreciate the virtues of a land barge like the Voyager.
I have the exact same bike same color the only issues I have is the starter. I have 9975 miles on a 2012 the starter is making all kinds of noices. I used a sand disk and hooked it up to the stereo that sounds good enjoy your bike
Just enjoy your rides, no worries about what others think. As for the go,pro its a purposeful design fault to get you to buy another, choose another brand plenty out there. Personally i don't use one, as the good old police can use them to incriminate you with you footage sad but true here in Blighty (England) Ride safe enjoy life.
Yeah I’m seriously considering getting one of these because I just can’t see paying 30 grand for a Harley that breaks all the time plus you need to spend another 20 grand for upgrades. Honda goldwing I like but the new DCT models are in the high 20s. I can’t see that either. I can do 17 or 18 grand for a brand new Japanese model bagger.🤙🏾💯
I agree big time. This and the gold wing are the only big bikes I’d buy currently. I wanted a victory originally but the part support is dieing off for them sadly.
Never rode a Harley never will. I bought a 2006 voyager last year and I love it I’ll never sell it but I want to go on a long trip that’s the one I use and when I want to run around town I’ve got the second best bike Honda, VTX 1300 S 2003. I love both my bikes and I also have the VTX 1800 C and that bike is a beast. Thanks for the info dude go pro what’s up?
I found that I got more helmet buffeting with the full face on the bagger vs my VROD without a windshield. Maybe that's why riders wear half helmets, or none at all?
I have no idea. I think the buffeting really just depends on the design of the bike. For instance on my Husky 701sm if I sit normal it does a lot but if I sit very straight up (where the average person probably is since I’m short) I noticed it got better. I think it’s just a mix of not caring (which is fine, whatever people wanna do) and also ego, thinking they’ve rode for a long time so they can’t wreck.. which is really dumb
Do you have any info on the difference between model years 2012-2016? Or newer ones? Like vibration, bluetooth connection, fuel consumption etc. Thanks!
The Voyager is nothing like any of the other bikes you mentioned. It's not a sports bike, it's not a Ducati it's a full blown 400kg (900lb) 1700 cruiser. Forget everything you know about those bikes. A cruiser is for a long day on the open road enjoying the ride not bragging about how fast you can go or how quickly you can get from A to B. This one with its heaps of torque, 6 speed and cruiser control make it idea to hit the open road. I can only see the view in front of you and your hands. If you're making motor cycle videos wear safety gear especially gloves. Others will be watching a taking notice - if they weren't why would you be making videos - a full face helmet is a good plug but no gloves is a no go.
i think it is great to see sport bike riders ride cruisers....Seems like they know you can stay in a gear longer than 3000 rpm.. I have a concours and street glide. Learned on YZF 600 ... Thanks for showing me what the bike can really do... LMAO!!!
Hey Jones.... your remark about being young and on that bike....... they were probably wondering where you got the coin to afford the thing. .. lol . Yeah helmets and ATTGAT .... that's all fine and good till you take a spill head-on and your Neck goes " Crunch ". ,...... " Game Over" ..... Helmet mfg's never think about your noggan's pivot-point ...... So yeah attgat is great, but Ride for the Slide is a good Mantra. Stay Safe
I agree on ride for the slide! And I get that look in/on a lot of my vehicles but I work hard for what I have! I feel pretty confident in a proper helmet after watching MotoGP wrecks.. they don’t often have neck injury despite not having dedicated neck protection aside from their helmet and air packs in the suits. Ride safe!! 👍
I have a 2011 kawasaki Vulcan Voyager its the best decision I ever made got mine in June once you get adjusted to the weight of the bike its easy to ride also I said the same exact thing about Harley davidson why the hell would anyone get a Harley davidson over a Vulcan Voyager there literally the same bike but one is dramatically cheaper than the other the only thing a Harley has over a kawasaki Vulcan Voyager is better speakers and bluetooth and both of those things can be added to a Vulcan I paid $8000 for my bike a Harley 2011 would cost you at least $14000 and maintenance is even more expensive a total rip off
I agree completely. At only 5'6, I'm on the balls of my feet and I'm used to featherweight dirt bikes and superbikes so I was pretty scared at first. Luckily I already had tons of skill with balancing lighter bikes so I never dropped it and now I'm completely comfortable with it and it's such an enjoyable, easy ride. I couldn't be happier with my Vulcan! And I was looking at new Harleys and the ones I liked were all like $30k+. As a "Supersbike" lover I could never justify spending that on anything other than an exotic superbike. (Not to mention the Harleys aren't worth that at all.) I've also heard Harleys aren't very reliable and I know I can rely on the Japanese manufacturers. Swapping sound systems for one with more depth and Bluetooth capability is the only mod I have planned for this bike, everything else is beyond good enough already!
Yo Jones, I see your riding 2 up. How is the comfort for your lady back there and could you do a video that talks to that? I like these bikes as well and have heard good things about it. Just want to know about two up comfort as I do that a lot.
JP yes I will good idea 👍 and she loves it. Huge improvement in comfort for both of us over the ninja 650, which was already pretty comfy. The wind protection is great too!
Regarding Harley Davidson motorcycles, Harley's are designed for people who like to "tinker around". With a Harley Davidson , your bike is subject to spend more time with the mechanics versus that of the Japanese bikes. It has been proven that the Japanese bikes are a lot more reliable and dependable then that of a Harley Davidson. The Japanese bikes are a lot cheaper to maintain and parts are a lot cheaper. You will have more time with your bike than what the mechanics would other than for routine maintenance. With a Harley Davidson equivalent of this bike, you would buy a bike for $35,000.00 that would be $20,000.00 for the bike and $15,000.00 for the name.
All gear is important , helmet gloves leathers. Most baggers prefer modular helmets., the kawasaki is equivalent to a 103, one difference in a harley and kawasaki is the quality of the platics and wiring and paint...yes thevharleys are priced high but it honestly is better materials btw i own a vulcan voyager and you can add bluetooth to it i did. Lastly j&m replaces go pro lenses for 25 bucks plus shipping.
I really hate to hear people say a grandpa bike, I'm really tall baggers are the only thing I can ride comfortably, well with modified handle bars, and floorboards, it's ok to ride baggers, and big CC's 900'lbs or more it's OK!!!
i have a 2019 voyager.............it IS a beast! it's like riding a land barge! lol its a great bang for the buck! check out my bike on my channel bud anonymous biker usa.............curious of your thoughts...............my GP 8 flew off the bike and smashed..........same lens, i get it...........the 9 now is replaceable..................cool vid manne
American doesn't Car about personal protection...no gloves, no jacket...if you are in Europe..you can't do that... Safety First....your life worth everything.... Be safe and thank you 💐
