New Voyager XII Owner

[ghostler]

Hi all, I became a 2001 Voyager owner last Thursday. Have had it for 5 days and have only been able to put 260 miles on it. I really like this bike, it's my first tourer. It's got only 33,000 miles and everything including the cassette radio and cruise control works. It was garage kept, it is in showroom condition.

In 1979, my first motorcycle was a used 1971 Honda CB100 while a college student in Hawaii. It's when I got rid of a gas guzzling 1968 Chevrolet Caprice. Insurance dropped from $330 to $50 per year, University parking fees dropped from $50 to $5 per semester. Instead of a 1/4 mile hike from the parking structure, motorcycle parking was next to every major campus building. I loved it so much that for the next 2 years I wore out 3 back tires and one front. After several more back and front tires, it's now on its second engine and 3rd speedometer. I still have it and the ABS hard bags I used in college, once mounted I'll have my bagger again.

Being a minimalist, previous ride to the Voyager was a 1987 Suzuki LS650. With low mileage and show room condition, got it in 2003, have ridden to Chama and southern Colorado, in Gallup area to Zuni and Navajo Reservation (NM and AZ), Panhandle Texas (Groom, Pampa, Amarillo, Plainview, Lubbock, Snyder, Colorado City, Brownfield, etc.) Rode it in Okinawa, Japan when my civilian employer moved me there for 2 years. Was riding home to Clovis from work in Alamogordo NM on weekends until retiring last summer.

I got tired of the vibrations near redline at Interstate speeds (I told others it was preparing me for a hard frame engine mount Harley Sportster ), topping oil every other fill (200 miles), refueling every 100 miles, bugs in my clothing and face shield, etc. I kept up with bigger bikes at Interstate speeds (it's a 650 after all, I'd have to remind people of what they rode in the 1960's, a 650 then was a big bike). It's 4 valve head gave spirited acceleration. However it's forte is rural back roads, commuter and weekend less than a day rider, sweet spot 55 MPH at 3,900 RPM, redline 6,500.

Thought at first taking a step up to a Voyager twice as heavy as the Savage was too agressive, but the short time I've ridden it, found that it balances well, handles comfortably, rides and corners well, like a convertible cage with the top down. I guess all that time in the Savage both as a daily commuter and weekender paid off.

Now that I'm retired, I've got my Geezer Glider and am really happy with the Voyager. Having become a patched member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association for past 2 years, now I have the right tool for attending the various functions riding with them.

I look forward to meeting other Voyager riders.

--
Sincerely, George Hostler
Clovis, NM

2001 Voyager XII
1987 Suzuki Savage
1971 Honda CB100

[gearheadfla]

Welcome to the family and Kawaski's best kept secret

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

Yes Welcome! This is one of the best motorcycle families on the net and on the road (much like the CMA) with tons and tons of great people and great information. I too have a 2001 and although the colors were by chance I love them. At the time of my purchase it was nearly the exact color of my truck. Always been a fan of red tones so the Wine and Cream (as I refer to it) look both classic and rich! The ride is every bit as good as a Caddy cage!

[gearheadfla]

Yes Welcome! This is one of the best motorcycle families on the net and on the road (much like the CMA) with tons and tons of great people and great information. I too have a 2001 and although the colors were by chance I love them. At the time of my purchase it was nearly the exact color of my truck. Always been a fan of red tones so the Wine and Cream (as I refer to it) look both classic and rich! The ride is every bit as good as a Caddy cage!

I often say, "It floats down the road like a 70's Caddy"

[debron]

George, welcome to the forum. You are just in time to come to the annual international American Voyager Association rally in Logan, Ohio July 8 through July 11. You could ride up to Denver and meet the NorCal voyagers and ride with us to Logan. We'll be arriving in Denver the evening of July 2nd. Let that XII stretch it's legs! Info here!

[96desertXII]

Howdy............there a great bike.........enjoy!

[ghostler]

Thanks all for the encouraging words. Yes, I look forward to riding together; looks like I have a choice between joining the Texas or New Mexico AVA chapters or both. Regarding the American Voyager Association rally in Logan, Ohio July 8 through July 11, although it sounds tempting I'll have to pass. My son's wife is expecting our first grandchild around then and I am already planning on CMA rally about the same time.

This scooter is a real blast to ride.

--
Sincerely, George Hostler
Clovis, NM

2001 Voyager XII
1987 Suzuki Savage
1971 Honda CB100

[gearheadfla]

Remember, any question at all that comes up, throw it out there, with all the people here, when have managed to break, strain, or strip just about anything that can be on these horses, and have figured out how to fix it all. A couple things we tell all new XII owners. Oil, 3qts 22oz with filter change, no more, no less, most use Rottella diesel oil, yes diesel oil. the oil site glass, forget about it, it lies to you. If the bike is going to be parked for a few day, invest in a Battery Tender, the radio draws on the battery all the time and will drain it if parked for a couple weeks, plus your battery life will be longer, I have one hard wired to my battery and every time I park the bike I just plug it in. Last but not least, Seafoam, GREAT STUFF, add it to your gas about every 4th or 5th fill up, it cleans carbs, valves, and take the water out of the poison gas made these days. I think about anybody here can say they use it. MOST IMPORTANT, CARL LEO, He is the guru of the XII world, he can and has fixed bikes over the phone with mental waves, I have witnessed it myself. One of his bikes has clocked over 300k and never been in the engine. He has kicked back some here in Florida now but still can help with advise and parts. We also have Pete the Radio God, he can update your radio with a I-Pod jack, change the LED to the color of your bike and make it default to time instead of what radio station your on and replace the 20 year old belts in the tape deck. Be very careful, XII's can be addicting, I started out 4 years ago with one, and now have 3, it's a sickness.

[kjsett]

Welcome. I will be leaving on my 2003 in the morning on my way to Colorado Springs from Phoenix. My son (who sold me my ride) currently lives there in Clovis. He has opted for a Harley (for show) and a Yamaha 1300 V4 V-Star Royal or something like that (for go). If you see a red V-twin pulling a Whiskey keg on a trailer, that's him.
Enjoy this forum, if they don't know it, it's not worth knowing (especially Carl, the resident guru).
Ken

[ghostler]

Remember, any question at all that comes up, throw it out there, with all the people here, when have managed to break, strain, or strip just about anything that can be on these horses, and have figured out how to fix it all. A couple things we tell all new XII owners. Oil, 3qts 22oz with filter change, no more, no less, most use Rottella diesel oil, yes diesel oil.

Interesting, this is the first time I've heard of using diesel oil; perhaps because of its high temperature properties?

The oil site glass, forget about it, it lies to you. If the bike is going to be parked for a few days, invest in a Battery Tender, the radio draws on the battery all the time and will drain it if parked for a couple weeks, plus your battery life will be longer, I have one hard wired to my battery and every time I park the bike I just plug it in.

Thanks for the advice on the site glass. I've got a battery tender, will get it wired in place.

Last but not least, Seafoam, GREAT STUFF, add it to your gas about every 4th or 5th fill up, it cleans carbs, valves, and take the water out of the poison gas made these days. I think about anybody here can say they use it.

Interesting, I've never used the stuff. I'll invest in a bottle of it.

MOST IMPORTANT, CARL LEO, He is the guru of the XII world, he can and has fixed bikes over the phone with mental waves, I have witnessed it myself. One of his bikes has clocked over 300k and never been in the engine. He has kicked back some here in Florida now but still can help with advise and parts. We also have Pete the Radio God, he can update your radio with a I-Pod jack, change the LED to the color of your bike and make it default to time instead of what radio station your on and replace the 20 year old belts in the tape deck. Be very careful, XII's can be addicting, I started out 4 years ago with one, and now have 3, it's a sickness.

Thanks for the wrench guru and radio guru. I'm familiar with wrenching, have a good assortment of tools, replaced fork seals, overhauled brake cylinders, replaced hydraulic hoses, pulled top end off, overhauled an SL125 motor, done several cage engines, etc. I've got a motorcycle jack, just wondering if there is anything that I need to be aware of in using it.

Welcome. I will be leaving on my 2003 in the morning on my way to Colorado Springs from Phoenix. My son (who sold me my ride) currently lives there in Clovis. He has opted for a Harley (for show) and a Yamaha 1300 V4 V-Star Royal or something like that (for go). If you see a red V-twin pulling a Whiskey keg on a trailer, that's him. Enjoy this forum, if they don't know it, it's not worth knowing (especially Carl, the resident guru). Ken

Ken, I haven't seen a Yamaha with a trailer like that, but then I haven't been looking out for one either. I've been by Colorado Springs in the cage. That ought to be an exciting ride, except for the recent heat. (To you, a cool day must be 95 Deg F.)

[gearheadfla]

Motorcycle Jack, You will need to either buy or build a adapter to lift the XII, the pipes and oil pan are lower than the frame rails, Carl Leo had some at one time, call him to see if he still does, I made my own adapter and will post a pick if needed.

[ghostler]

Jim, to have three of these bikes is impressive. For now I'll stick to the one.

if you could post a photo of that jack adapter, would be greatly appreciated. Still learning the bike. If you could point me to a link on jacking (if you have one handy) would be appreciated also.

[AZTommy]

Have had my 2001 for a year. 3,200 miles Prescott AZ to Penticton Canada & back, last Aug. & Zion on my 72nd BD in Oct. Denver & back this coming Oct. on my 73rd. Trouble free fun miles. Great bikes Best color, just my 2 cents Managed front & rear tire changes with a Craftsman MC jack & small chunk of 2/4 but not recommending it.

[gearheadfla]

I had lunch with Carl last Monday, he does not have anymore adapters.

[filbert]

Hello all, I just purchased a mint condition 2003 XII with 27000 kms. I have been riding sportbikes for years and decided to get something that my wife and I can ride. My mechanic told me if you can find a Voyager in good shape that they are worth a look (he has a 1300). It was with a bit of sadness that sold my 02 zzr1200 (quick bike) but I am really starting to like this bike. More importantly, my wife likes it.

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

Filbert, I think in a very short time you too will "like" your Voyager. You may even fall in love with it like so many of us have. They are great and built tough, easy to maintain and work on. This site along with http://www.abbikeboard.com/ are very good sources of information. Ask any question and in a very short period of time you will have answers, trustworthy answers.
Congratulations on your new ride, change the fluids (oil has 3 drains), check the brake fluids (should be clear not brown), check the air in your shocks and tires/tyres and ride. Oh yeah if you can find it (not sure where you live) get some Seafoam and add a few ounces to the fuel and ride, ride, ride!

[doug of so fla]

Ghoster: or anyone , I know of a Mortorcycle Jack adapter set for the XII that is for sale it is in Fla, but the owner of them is in MN. Let me know if you want it. about $50.00 I think, + frt.. it is the one Jim Pepin mfg I think..

[ghostler]

I know I have been enjoying my 2001 Voyager XII. Returned Sunday from a rally in Chama, 700 miles of riding. It was a Christian Motorcyclists Association National Rally, spent 4 days, rode up with a friend. Have had it about a month now, already put 1,500 miles on it. Now I have no excuse to visit family on the east coast 1,500 miles away.

Thanks for pointing out the possible option of an adapter for $50. I've took a look underneath, may manufacture my own from wood. Doesn't look that daunting. It took a little while to get used to raising the bike on it's center stand. I'm glad this bike comes with that feature, that some others have left off on their tourers / baggers.

[HMB Don]

NorCal Voyagers rode through Chama, NM last Thursday on our way home from the AVA Rally. As we entered Chama from the south, we had stopped in Los Ojos, to vist Terra Wools, I saw a sign for the CMA and lots of motorcycles. Our group had two Trikes and a 1700 Voyager a 1200 Voyager and a gray Honda Civic. Wonderful roads in the Area.

For any of you that want to attend a rally the AVA Western Regional Rally is coming. Dates are August 20-22, 2013 the offical Hotel is Harrah's Reno 1 888 726 6311 for Reservations $40.00 plus tax per night, Group Code S08AVA3

Don Medina
President
NorCal Voyagers Club

[ghostler]

Don, Chama CMA rally had 750 attendees, and a bike parade through town 1pm Saturday with over 100 motorcycles and bike games following. Voyager 1200 worked out really good for the trip, carried all my camping gear. Ride was very comfortable.

Found your AVA Western Regional Rally in Reno, NV at http://www.norcalvoyagers.org/events/20 ... R_Form.pdf

Sounds like you folks are having an exciting time there. A little short winded for us, may be a good opportunity in successive years. We used to live in Sacramento some years back.