general voyager question

[grumpy72]

I found a nice 86.I know a little ,like some voyagers had a 6 cylinder, most are 4 cylinders.This is a 4,probably the only way they were made then.question, how is this motor different than one in a kz 1000? I have 2 kz 1000 motors and womdered if any parts interchange.Also, I know some models had fuel pump issues and starter chain issues.Certin years more prone to that?input appreciated.

[gearheadfla]

The 86 was the first year for the Voyager XII (1200) the six cyls was before the XII's and was 1300's, your 86 and some of the first 87's are the ones with the starter chain problem, what you need to do is check the number on the ingiter, it is under the fake gas tank on the top of the air box on the right side, it will have a vacuum hose going to it, I can't remember the bad number but someone will chime in with it, any ingiter from the 1988 models and up will be the updated one, the problem is when you try to start the bike with a low battery it can break the starter chain and sometimes it will break the engine block too, that is a engine out and split the case repair IF it don't crack the case, if it does it is a engine swap, in the mean time for now just keep a battery tender of some other smart charger plugged in when it is parked in the stable, the radio draws on the battery at all times and can drain the battery in a few days if not ridden, other than that it is a bullet proof bike and can go over 300k miles with a little TLC, update the ingiter ASAP, (warning, if you find one on E-Bay, DO NOT buy it unless the numbers on it are clear) some sellers rub them off the old ones to sell. You should also repost this in the 1200 tech section and anybody here will be glad to help you with any and all questions you have about a 1200. Congrats on finding Kawasaki's best kept secret, you will love it.

[debron]

I believe the 1300 Voyagers (inline-6) were sold in the US until '87 or '88 and in Europe until '89. so an '86 can be either. If it's a XII it will say "Voyager XII" on the side covers below the seat.

You said you "found" an '86, did you buy it yet? If not, you may want to look for an '87 or newer simply because in '87 they put on larger front forks, wind deflectors on the fairing, and cruise control. Also I think the trunk rack became standard equipment in '87 though I'm not sure on that.

If you do get an '86 (or and '87) be sure to check the igniter like gearheadfla said. The "bad" igniters end with 1179. I think the good ones end with 1248.

I'm not familiar with the similarities between the KZ-1000 and ZG-1200.

[grumpy72]

Thanks guys.I did not buy the bike.The year model scares me.I will look for 88 and newer.I have had 2 used bikes recently, both cratered on me.I do not want to buy another with known problems.Kinda like the 82 virago with the junky starter system i bought.I really like the voyagers though.I am not a fan of the v twin version.harley clone to me.

[debron]

Keep an eye on Craigslist and eBay. They pop up all the time.

[Lucasind]

....... also go to the Yakaz website, just keep typing in different years in the search box, You will find more Voy/12 bikes and parts than"you can shake a stick at" ..................................tony

[lockwoodjohn]

There is some nice looking Voyagers on Craig's List right now, Was just looking at them last night. Check Binghamton, NY and Elmira,NY.