We continue touring with four more Full-Dress Tourers...
KAWASAKI VULCAN 1700 VOYAGER
Kawasaki has had a strong following for their Vulcan cruiser range and the Vulcan 1700 Voyager is the flagship, giving touring riders a “metric” alternative to the American V-Twin cruisers. Kawasaki gave the Voyager some modern touches such as the liquid-cooling the alternator to keep it cool when running multiple accessories; the Kawasaki Air Management System which channels the engine and exhaust’s heat away from the rider; dual primary engine balancers and rubber engine mounting to reduce vibration; Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology with ABS for effective and safe braking.
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager - courtesy of Kawasaki Motors
MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS
Looks like Batman has a bagger. Although it’s named after the B-17 Flying Fortress WWII bomber, it looks nothing like it, while giving the “Batwing” a new meaning. The MGX-21 is MG’s latest take on the cruiser/touring concept because while the dash doesn’t look like it has any feature except two large clocks, it actually contains a 50-watt audio system with MP3 capability and AM/FM radio. There are also three riding modes with customizable traction control level, and electronic cruise control. The brakes are Brembo calipers (in red). And of course, Guzzi’s trademark transverse V-Twin – 1380cc in this case.
Moto Guzzi MGX-21 - Courtesy of Moto Guzzi
TRIUMPH TROPHY SE
The Triumph Trophy SE may not ring a bell immediately for touring riders, but Triumph kept up with evolving the bike to make it lighter, more comfortable and handles even better than before. The windscreen is electrically adjustable, the seat height is adjustable, the new audio system is Bluetooth and iPad compatible; there’s cruise control and traction control and a 6.6-gallon fuel tank. But what truly sets the Trophy SE apart is the electronically-controlled WP suspension with three modes (sport/normal/comfort). Braking power is courtesy of twin Nissin four-piston calipers gripping 320mm discs up front and a 282mm disc at the back. Applying the rear brake will apply brake pressure to two pistons of each front caliper for better braking balance. The inline-Triple has a flat torque curve and produces 88.5 ft. lb. of torque and 132 bhp.
Triumph Trophy SE - courtesy of Triumph Motorcycles
YAMAHA STAR VENTURE TRANSCONTINENTAL
The Star Venture is all-new, replacing the Royal Star Venture. At the heart is a new 113 cubic inch (1854cc) air-cooled V-Twin with dual spark plugs. The big Yamaha employs counter-balancers and composite (instead of rubber) engine mounts to isolate the rider from the engine’s vibration. Other features include an assist-and-slip clutch to lighten the clutch lever while allowing for smoother downshifts. Also new are the Touring and Sport ride modes, as well as traction control. The integrated luggage lock electronically and the trunk could hold two full-faced helmets. There is also the new electrically assisted Sure-Park system to assist in moving the bike forward or backward for parking.
Yamaha Star Venture Transcontinental - Courtesy of Yamaha Motors