Voyager Question!

[rcooksey]

Have been glancing at the New Voyager and keep seeing there are 2 models available the ABS and non-abs models the abs one is $1100 higher in price but is it as simple as ABS braking system? Really would like to put a fairing and trunk and paint job on my 06 nomad but think for what it would cost me I could upgrade to a new bike for couple $1,000. Plus my wife just bought a new diamond ring she blamed it on me saying I'm getting a new bike and..... Well sounds like I may have just upgraded without asking.

[cactusjack]

I guess you could say it's not just a simple ABS braking system. It's Kawasaki's K-ACT braking system. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything about it on the Kawasaki website.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Here is a little information on the K-ACT braking system.

From launch the 1400GTR had the option of an anti-lock braking system (ABS). In 2010, Kawasaki added KTRC, a traction control system, and replaced the previous ABS systems with K-ACT ((Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology), an improved system with power-assisted brake force redistribution.[4] K-ACT is also a combined braking system in which both the front and rear brakes are applied in differing amounts depending on whether the front brake lever or rear brake pedal is used. The rider is able to select, using a handlebar switch, the amount of front brake force applied when the rear brake pedal is used.[5] The traction control uses the ABS sensors to detect when the front and rear wheel speeds differ—reducing rear wheel speed by telling the engine management system to reduce power output.[5]

[Dave]

I don't think I'll ever own a bike again without ABS.

[Idaho]

After reading the description of the K-ACT braking system it looks like there is a new Voyager in your future. Lucky.

[dank]

I like that they made ABS an option. Wish they would ad it to the Nomad and Vaquero. I'll never get another road bike, especially a big touring cruiser, without it. It adds to the cost, but the weight transfer and one or two second, or maybe even fraction of a second time span in a true panic stop makes it almost impossible to avoid skidding the rear tire on a non-abs bike. (I'm not talking about a planned hard stop with no deadly obstacle at the end or before the end of your braking distance while practicing in a parking lot.) ABS is also a great comfort on a tourer during inclement weather.

[paul]

Well, if you're looking to upgrade then now is the time. In and around our town , Houston, tx., there are a number of dealers still in possession of 2010 Voyagers. I have seen the ABS model offered for as low as 14999.00. It's all I can do to keep away. Better hurry, before the wife finds work.

[ponch]

It's also known as integral ABS. I think the Gold Wing and Vision use it. BMW uses partial integral where the front brake activates both front and rear fully and the foot brake just does the rear itself. I like that better as it's hauls down speed much quicker (I think I could do a stoppie on it). When I rode the Vision, it felt mushy. Even the Voyager's brakes were just ok, but it really is all relative as the Voyager's brakes are better than the brakes on a 1600 Nomad. No matter what, ABS is a godsend and the Voyager is a great value.