Looking to buy 1st Voyager, any advice?

[treecol]

Hi, I've just test ridden my 1st Voyager at my local dealer (UK) & was very impressed. In the past I've had a GL1800 & HD Ultra. I was surprised at the heat - but not much different to a HD. Other than that really like the bike & the wife is super comfy on the back.
Can you offer any advice? Are there any issues with the bike I should be aware of; ie gear box issues, head gaskets etc? The bike I'm looking at is 2010, 5k miles & spotless.
Cheers if you can assist.

[HMB Don]

Welcome to the forum,

I ride a 2012 Voyager with the KAMS kit, so heat is no real problem. My ODO has just gone past 76,000 miles. I haven't had any problems, I did break a drive belt at 30,000 miles, it had a hole in the middle of the belt from a rock that went through the belt. I was able to ride 10,000 miles with the hole in the belt.

It used a bit of oil when new but after 20,000 miles it stopped using oil, changed the front fork springs and oil, changed the rear shock oil. I change the engine oil between 9,000 and 12,000 miles, with oil filter. Oil I'm using is Amsoil 10/40, Amsoil oil filter, K & N air filter every thing else is stock.

This year I've taken two long trips across the USA with no problems of any kind.

[treecol]

Thank you, sounds a great bike. Does it take a long time to change the belt? Kawasaki tell me 3-4 hrs, I would plan to do it myself though.

[David (N. Alabama)]

There are tricks to get the rear wheel off faster than what the service manual says.

My 2010 had a wire from the ignition rub against the tank and short out the main fuse leaving me stranded. Recommend that the first time you pull the tank for service that you inspect the wires and put some wire loom around them.

People wrap the pipes, and change the coolant to Engine Ice to help with the heat. There is a KAMS kit available as well.

I have 44,000 miles on mine. Don't ride it as much as my Concours and Versys. Mostly used for two up and cold weather riding.

Very comfortable bike.

I did have the front forks rebuilt with Gold Valve Cartridge Emulators, springs, bushings, etc.

[treecol]

I've decided I will buy the bike. Is there a thread on here to tell me how to check/adjust the belt? Also do I need to buy a gadget to do this? I notice when slowing down without braking, there is a weird noise (reminds me of an electric tram noise!) which I presume is the drive belt.

[David (N. Alabama)]

I've decided I will buy the bike. Is there a thread on here to tell me how to check/adjust the belt? Also do I need to buy a gadget to do this? I notice when slowing down without braking, there is a weird noise (reminds me of an electric tram noise!) which I presume is the drive belt.

There is a belt tension gauge. Not expensive. The manual should discuss this. If not, the service manual does. But, if you have had a chain before, it is a similar concept.

[NSASarge]

My service technician told me to buy a fish scale to check the tension. I think it was 10 pounds (American) at the inspection hole. Just hook the fish scale and pull down to see if it comes to the line.

Also, since the bike is 4 years old, ask if the brake fluid, antifreeze, and fork oils have been changed. If not, consider doing this soon, especially the brake fluid.