Looking to Purchase Voyager next Season

[jlicht]

Hi to all,

Firstly I am new to the forum and website. Secondly I am really interested in getting an older Voyager XII next season. I have doing some research and there are quite a few listed out there on cycletrader, craigslist etc. The prices range from as low as $1500 to $3500 for an older voyager. My questions are these:

What sort of mileage is common for older voyagers - or more to the point what would be considered average mileage for a 2000-2003 voyager?
Are there any mechanical/parts issues I should be on the lookout for ( i.e. parts that are known to fail)

I would appreciate any help or advice from anyone who has a good deal of experience with these bikes. Currently I am riding a Ninja 500 - just completed my first season of riding and I would really love to actually do some longer distances next season. The voyager seems pretty indestructible but so do the Goldwings! The only issue that seems to keep coming up for Goldwings is the stator issue.

Thanks again for any help!

[gearheadfla]

You have picked the right bike and the right place to ask about them, 1st, about the mileage, they have been known to go over 300k with some TLC, 2nd, the biggest problem was with the 86 and some 87's, they had a igniter that would cause problem when trying to start the bike with less than a fully charged battery and would break the starter chain and maybe the engine case, if you look at those years be sure the igniter has been updated to a 1988 or higher, other than that they are darn near bulletproof, there are a few tricks to know to maintain them if you get one and are covered very well on this site. You can't go wrong with a XII, it's a great bike for what you want to do, burns reg. unleaded gas and mine get 50mpg on the highway, you can also get your Ninja fix on them too, these things FLY when asked to . The Goldwing stator problem means engine out to fix, if the XII alt fails, it means two bolts and a wire and your down the road, takes about 10 mins to fix, the XII is simple and easy to work on. I am very glad I picked a XII over the Wings I was looking at, lots bigger bang for the buck in the price range that I was in. Another thing I like is I don't see 60 of them at bike night like you do the others.

[jlicht]

Hi Jim,

Well you have certainly convinced me to go with a voyager rather than the goldwing. I did get a chance to ride one last week that my friend has...only around the neighborhood but I can see how much fun this bike would be on the highway! Talk about comfort!

Thanks for your advice! I really appreciate it and I will certainly put it to good use.

Jon

[Lucasind]

....... welcome jl....... I got my voyager 12, 11 months ago. bought mine 2.5 hours away from my home in toledo. rode it home in less than favorable december weather !! so don't worry about having to travel a ways to get a nice voy 12 . that was 5000 miles ago, and the bike has performed perfectly, even riding 2-up pulling 400 lbs behind it to the 2013 rally and other trips. there may not be as many accesories available for our 12's ,as compared to the multitude of "stuff" available for the wings . one feature that I like about my 12 is the easily adjustable handlebar position, if you look at your friends bike , you will see a set of dots on the "tooth" area of the bars. factory/dealer set up says most guys like the dots to line up. before I go on a trip ,I bring the bars in a position or two , It helps with the upper back strain. heck, I sold my wing over the summer that Ive' had for decades... didn't ride it anymore. the power and performance of the in-line 4 engine blows away the opposing flat 4 engine. also you will notice when you start shopping for your 12 ,is that they can be purchased for far less than a used wing........ enjoy the hunt !!!!

[Mr Jensee]

Welcome JL. I joined this site back in 2008 looking for info on Voyager XII's. I located mine in the middle of Texas and bought it in 2009. My suggestion is that you inspect any bike you are interested in and make sure it has been taken care of. An abused machine no matter how well made is likely to cause you a lot of grief down the road. Check the clutch and brake reservoirs to make sure the fluid isn't the color of root beer. Make sure the tires are not originals (tires have production dates stamped on them). Look for leaks in the drive line, wet oil spots under the engine. Make sure the shocks don't leak fluid. If the bike has low mileage, what is the age of the bike? How often has it been started and run. Look for damage and cracks to the plastic. A Voyager XII has a lot of plastic. Has the oil been changed on a regular basis? Then once you are satisfied with the bike and it meets inspection don't over pay. I paid $5750 for mine, a 2001 model in 2009. Today that bike would probably not bring $4000 in the same condition I got which was pristine. Extras on a bike are nice but they don't increase the resale value. So don't be conned into thinking that if it has extras like a backrest or extra chrome, or floor boards they can ask for more money. These guys here are happy to answer any question you have about the bike. And yes indeed for your money the Voyager is a much better deal than a comparable year Goldwing.

[jlicht]

Thanks to all who have given me the great advice! I am know definitely convinced that I will be looking for a Voyager! I already wish next riding season was here! I also know where to go to get good advice on these great machines. Thanks again!

Jon

[Lucasind]

..... just a thought.... just before x-mas guys need money to make their peeps happy !! no need to wait for the next riding season to get a good buy. in fact after being in the biz for decades ...., I know,, if you got the dough.... now is the time that you have the greatest leverage... I got my prestine 12... 1200.$ below the price. oh yeah.... just to mention .... take a pocket full of hundreds....you know how it goes...they start HIGH .... you go LOW....then meet in the middle somewhere.... negotiating is the art/fun of the deal......

[gearheadfla]

And don't be afraid to flash those hundreds, they say this much, you say that much, they say no way, you put the bills back in your pocket and turn to walk, bet you don't get to your car before they say, hold on a sec. I have bought a few bikes by walking away with the cash in my pocket.

[biker_mmci]

I'm thinking of selling my 88 voyager . I have a voyager trike kit on it , I would probably sell it with or without the kit .
I live in PA and am in not any hurry or need to sell either .

[jlicht]

I'm thinking of selling my 88 voyager . I have a voyager trike kit on it , I would probably sell it with or without the kit .
I live in PA and am in not any hurry or need to sell either .

I might be interested in purchasing your voyager...would it be possible to send me some pics and any info regarding the maintanence on it? Also possibly a price if you are inclined. No pressure... Thanks!

Jon

[viper]

You seem to be convinced on purchasing a Voyager XII and I can also confirm you are making a great choice. I've had both, a 1984 Goldwing and a 2000 Goldwing, and my Voyager will beat both of these in performance and in ease of working on them. Also, as stated by others, these Voyagers are the best bang for your bucks. Good luck in your search.

[biker_mmci]

did you get my e-mail Jon ?

[jlicht]

I'm thinking of selling my 88 voyager . I have a voyager trike kit on it , I would probably sell it with or without the kit .
I live in PA and am in not any hurry or need to sell either .

Hi! No I am so sorry! I don't think i received it. Can you send it to jlicht71@verizon.net. I am so sorry I did not respond earlier...Thanks!

Jon

http://www.amervoyassoc.org/forum/posti ... 15&p=56323#

[forplay]

Merry Christmas to everyone.
I some what disagree with the statement by Mr. Jensee that accessories to a voyager doesn't increase the value. Add ons are getting very hard to come by. If there is a a very well cared for XII out there that has a few OEM accessories I feel it does increase the value! For example. If you can find a complete CB with filters and everything needed to install I have seen them go for $600. Rotor covers and caliper covers are very hard to come by in good condition. How about Cobra pipes. Sure if you want a rusty piece of junk you can find them. I have a 2001 XII with some nice OEM and aftermarket accessories. It's NOT for sale but if I even thought about selling it I wouldn't give it away for $4000.00 That being said. If your looking for a completly stock XII and the accessories are over the top then yes I wouldn't pay for them either. But that might not be the right bike for you!
Just my two sense.