"Kawasaki claims that the new Voyager was inspired by 1960s sports cars, but I suspect it would struggle to say exactly which cars inspired any particular aspects. That's because the bike is clearly inspired by – and pitched directly against – Harley-Davidson's Electra Glide Ultra.
Many would be hard pushed to tell them apart, suggesting that Kawasaki has at least got the styling right. For all its kitsch appearance, the Voyager is a convincing rival visually.
Where many bikes fail in taking on Harley, however, is in matching other qualities of the troubled Milwaukee marque. To be convincing, the Voyager must be an effective tourer and have a good stab at matching the less easily defined qualities that have persuaded more than 50 per cent of big-bike buyers in the States to buy Harley-Davidsons.
Some of the detailing will be given nods of approval, such as the white-on-black, simple serif script on the clocks, the chunky chrome ignition switch and of course the overall look of the big V-twin engine, which looks air-cooled even though there's liquid and a tucked-away radiator.
What you get on the Kawasaki is a consistency of quality that Harley still struggles with. The finish and detailing are to a high standard generally (luggage aside) and you know you won't start seeing major components corrode as soon as you roll it out of the showroom. Kawasaki also comes equal first with Honda in reliability, and the VN1700 is getting on for £4,000 cheaper than an Electra Glide.
THE FACTS
PRICE/AVAILABILITY: From £13,499/Now
POWER/TORQUE: 72bhp@5,000rpm/108lb ft@2,750rpm
TOP SPEED: 105mph (est)
FUEL TANK/RANGE: 4.4 gallons/ 175 miles
ALTERNATIVES: Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic, £16,980. Victory Vision Tour, £15,495
VERDICT: Looks the part but lacks the Harley feel it needs and has shortcomings as a tourer."
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