Touring motorcycles are arguably the best choice for comfortable interstate cruising. And given the popularity of this kind of riding, almost every key player has something of this sort in the US today. That includes Japanese bikemakers. The Honda Gold Wing steals the show with sophisticated technology, unparalleled luxury, and unique underpinnings, while examples like the Yamaha FJR1300ES add a sporty twist to luxury touring. Somewhere in the middle, there is a forgotten Kawasaki luxury touring bike that ticks all the right boxes for being a cozy interstate companion. A lot works in its favor, chief among which is its heavy inspiration from American V-twin full-dressers.
Why Old-School Touring Motorcycles Nail Interstate Cruising
Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited cruising on the highwayHarley-Davidson
Touring motorcycles, specifically the cruiser-based or low-slung and stretched-out options, are the ultimate choice for interstate cruising. This is because of their focus on heavyweight, rock-solid stability, superior aerodynamic protection, insanely comfortable ergonomics, and features that improve mile-munching comfort and practicality. These motorcycles are mostly powered by huge, torque-rich engines that are overengineered and understressed for extended, stress-free riding.
A rider cruising on the BMW K 1600 B fast, on a scenic mountain road, front fascia cinematic shotBMW Motorrad
They get chunky front fairings and a huge windscreen to provide aerodynamic protection and create a bubble against the elements. This also helps prevent fatigue from wind buffeting. Massive storage capacity comes standard with all-weather side cases and even top boxes complete with pillion back support.
These touring-focused motorcycles also get curated technology features like adaptive cruise control, a built-in infotainment system with speakers, and on-board navigation. Ergonomics are top-notch with well-bolstered seats, relaxed rider triangles, and floorboards for the ultimate comfort. Heated grips and seats are a popular feature among flagship tourers.
But Japanese Options Are Limited
Rider next to a Black 2026 Honda Gold Wing Tour side shot in parking lotHonda Powersports
This segment is dominated by Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles. BMW comes next with its exciting and wide lineup of K 1600 luxury tourers. The big four Japanese motorcycle makers sadly offer a very narrow lineup of such touring bikes in 2026. In fact, there is only one that can truly lock horns with the lux-appeal and comfort of American full-dressers—the Honda Gold Wing.
2025 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero leaning into a cruving road, front fascia viewKawasaki
With Yamaha and Suzuki taking different approaches, Kawasaki comes to mind next. It has a seriously overlooked offering with the Vulcan 1700 lineup, comprising both a bagger and a full dresser with the zeal to take on the mighty American big-twin tourers. While limited in technology, the Vulcan 1700 transforms this downside into a serious edge by being an insanely affordable alternative to the big guns.
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A Forgotten Harley Rival From Kawasaki Nails Interstate Cruising
2025 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager corneringKawasaki
Just as we were done praising the Gold Wing for its impressive VFM proposition among luxury tourers, Kawasaki reminds us rather calmly of its Vulcan 1700 series. Its full dresser, the 1700 Voyager, starts at just $20,199. Even baggers from its rival brands are more expensive! Surely there are many sacrifices made to achieve this unreal price tag. But comfort, convenience, and two-wheeled luxury are not among them.
An action shot of the 2025 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager cruisingKawasaki
Being away from the spotlight makes the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager an underdog that quietly nails interstate cruising. While the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager is not as tech-savvy as some of its rivals, it makes up for this dearth with luxury appeal. Here, luxury lies in a comfortable, convenient riding experience over miles. Both saddles are massive to keep your backside relaxed, while the rider triangle puts the feet forward.
The Vulcan 1700 Voyager Doesn’t Compromise On Comfort
2025 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager is a fully-loaded touring motorcycleKawasaki
Diving deeper, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager offers laid-back ergonomics with forward-set footboards, a wide, pullback handlebar, and comfortable seats. This translates into a cozy rider’s triangle that offers consistent comfort for long hours in the saddle. The pillion is also given equal importance with wide footboards and standard back support attached to its huge top box. Its comfort is further complemented by a huge windscreen atop a chunky, wide fairing and integrated lower wind deflectors that divert air away from the rider’s legs.
Thoughtful Convenience Features Round Up Its Touring Capabilities
Studio shot Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager trunkKawasaki
Practicality takes charge here, with every feature designed to make the Voyager a stress-free touring companion. Its standard top box is huge and can easily accommodate two full-sized helmets. The side cases are weatherproof and lockable, with a total storage capacity of 20 gallons. That’s ample to load luggage for a weekend getaway for two.
Other standard features that offer convenience and assistance include a detailed cockpit with two LCDs and four individual analog dials, dual-channel ABS, cruise control, and an audio system with front fairing-mounted speakers. Since its starting price is so aggressive, even adding all its optional features will still give this Kawasaki full dresser an edge over its rivals, as the final price doesn’t breach $24,000. The optional features include:
- Taller windscreens
- A helmet speaker kit
- More comfortable gel seats
- A passenger communication kit
- Removable inner bags for the top box and side cases
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Powered By A Refined Big Twin That Has Character
Studio shot of Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager engineKawasaki
The 1700 Voyager is powered by Kawasaki’s biggest engine of 2026. The 1,700 cc liquid-cooled V-twin, unchanged since 2009, strongly evokes the essence of an American big-twin. However, thanks to its then-superior features, this mill is more refined and capable than many current-gen big-twins from America. It has a distinctive 52-degree layout that Kawasaki claims gives it character and a unique rumble, helping produce 82 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. Peak muscle is available at just 2,750 RPM, with the surge starting from as low as 1,500 RPM. This trait is particularly helpful to mask this behemoth’s curb weight of 895 pounds.
A rider tackling twisty road on a black 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 VoyagerKawasaki
Power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual coupled to a maintenance-free carbon-fiber belt final drive. Aiding its superior touring ability are the first and sixth overdrive gears, which help the engine run more relaxed and offer a smoother cruising experience. It gets ride-by-wire, which is a testament to the Voyager V-twin’s overengineering.
Complemented By Strong Underpinnings
A side profile view of the 2025 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager acceleratingKawasaki
Like the engine, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager gets seasoned, old-school, and robust underpinnings. The engine sits in a sturdy double downtube cradle frame. It is suspended on 43 mm telescopic front forks with 5.5 inches of travel, joined by twin rebound-adjustable air-assisted shocks with 3.1 inches of travel.
Braking duties are taken care of by twin 300 mm discs coupled to two-piston calipers up front. The rear gets a single 300 mm disc coupled to a two-piston floating caliper. It gets linked braking to aid with superior stopping confidence, especially given its heft. Its old-school charm and muscle are complemented with chunky 130-section front and 170-section rear tires wrapped around chrome-laden 16-inch alloy wheels. All of these components come together to help the Vulcan 1700 Voyager be a stable motorcycle at all times.
The Only Worthy Japanese Rival To The Honda Gold Wing Tour
2025 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager hd wallpaperKawasaki
This is the only other full-dresser Japanese motorcycle on sale today. The Honda Gold Wing Tour sure has a serious edge over the Voyager in terms of technology, performance, and unique underpinnings. But does the Honda tourer have enough edge to justify its near-$9,000 premium over the Vulcan 1700 Voyager? We think not.
The primary criterion one looks for in a luxury tourer is long-distance comfort, convenience, and reliability. The Voyager delivers on this with similar vigor as the Gold Wing. The aerodynamic deflection is solid, the seats are well-padded and spacious, and the rider and pillion sit comfortably. There’s just enough electronics to aid the rider during cross-country tours. Furthermore, performance is not a concern here, as we are not tracking the 0–60 times or top speeds of these 800-plus-pound land yachts.
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The bottom line is that the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager does interstate touring with the same vigor as the more sophisticated and stacked Honda Gold Wing Tour. As for the Kawa’s downsides, its insanely affordable price tag justifies it well. Which team are you on— Team latest-and-greatest with the Honda Gold Wing Tour or Team timeless-and-old-school with the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager? Chime in with your thoughts in the comment section below.
Sources: Kawasaki and Honda Powersports
