Thinking of buying a 1989 Kawasaki Voyager with 54,000 miles

[asigetic]

Hi my name is AL I'm thinking about buying a 89 Kaw and was wondering what to look for from a second owner who has no history from the first owner and only has put a new battery plugs and oil change since he just got it. Any and all advise would be helpful, Thanks in advance. He is asking 3700 but I don't think its worth that because there is no history with it. Here is a link to the craig's list add. http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/4021436177.html

[doug of so fla]

WoW!! that's one big windshield!!! Make sure that you check the PN# on the igniter should end in 1248, Igniter is under the false fuel tank on top of air box . Old # 1179 is bad and can ruin engine by breaking internal chain, If it is a 89 should be ok, but double check that before you buy. 86 & some 87 & 88 had bad chain's & igniters in them , but 89 is same color as 87 & 88, so make sure you have the 1248pn# Can you look at the MC in person? Depending on how it was stored could have a lot of dry rot problems that are hard to see. check for leaks if you can run it. Paint on that color had some serious flaws (spider webbing on the trunk). If you can look at it or find someone that know XII's to look at it would be a good idea. If it is great shape and been taken care of pay what you think is a fair price. That is not high miles for a XII that has been taken care of and ridden regularly. If you purchase it change "ALL" fluids in it just so you know it was done & done correct... Good luck with the transaction.. If you purchase you can find much info by getting together with the AVA...

[Me Again]

Looks like a pretty nice bike.
There's really not a whole lot of issues with the 89 that a little routine maintenance won't take care of.
Get the best deal you can.
Take it home and do your own PM on it .
Buy a nice trailer to put on that hitch,put the "better half" on the back and enjoy.
Don't forget to join the AVA.Best bunch of people you'll ever meet.

[debron]

Hi Al, Welcome to the forum! If you do buy this or any XII know that there are TWO oil drain plugs. One is obvious, next to the oil filter, the other is hard to see, especially if you are working from the left side of the bike as the plug is on the right side at the forward part of the engine. All three (drain plugs and filter) are 17mm and, I think, the only 17mm under the engine. It is vitally important to drain from both plugs, otherwise you will put too much oil in which causes leaks. This is a good reason to "change all fluids" as you don't know if the previous owner (or his mechanic) knew about the two drain plugs.

Note Doug's comments about the igniter except the bad igniters are 1179 (not 1149.) You want the 1248. If there are no numbers, then it's an 1179 and the numbers have worn off or been rubbed off by an unscrupulous seller on eBay or the like. Generally, if the bike looks good, starts easily, runs well, and rides well, all is good. When it comes time to change tires go with Dunlop Elite 3's. Stay away from Dunlop D404's.

. . . and that is one huge windshield!

[gearheadfla]

The ingiter on the 89 should be good to go, 86 and some 87's had to be changed, 54k miles is not a problem at all, I see the saddle bag lid has been replaced, that's a common thing, DO NOT RIDE WITH THE LIDS UNLOCKED, they have a habit of wanting to head off on their own journey if the get jarred by a bump if not locked, most here have made tethers for the lids, search it here and find out how. It is worth what someone will pay for it, give him a offer and go from there, if he don't want to sell it, there are more out there, I find that when I am out to buy a bike, take cash with you, give him your offer, lay it on the seat, if he says no, pick it up and walk away, most of the time he won't let you get back to the car, like they say "Money talks, Bul@@@@ walks.
PS, you could always make some of your money back in the winter by plowing snow with that windshield,

[Andydesperado]

Hi, I have just bought a 86 x11. I can't see any part number for the igniters. Sounds like someone rubbed them off. This coupled with the fact the engine won't run! I have had it going after a good long session starting it. I have got new batt, plugs, oil, filter, carbs out, dismantled and replaced, carb cleaner and used a compressor on these bits. Fresh UK fuel. The battery is fully charged, I turn the ignition on, light in, no probs, choke in full, again all cleaned and works. No throttle. I press the start and it just turns, nearly biting! I have had it going and revving. Before I dismantled, it would start but not Rev. I thoug carb issue and sorted that. If the igniters are knackered should it run at all and would it be rough?

If I do need new igniters how much are they and will any others fit?

Cheers



Andy b

[Steves]

Is the motor turning over or do you just hear the starter turning?

[Skibou]

Don't know if I understand you correctly, but if the bike has been sitting for more than a few days since you last started it, you may be experiencing the Voyager's notorious starter/fuel pump interlock. For some reason Kawasaki deigned this system so that the fuel pump only operates when the starter is engaged. If your carbs have had enough time for the fuel in the bowls to evaporate, it may take a considerable length of time to refill them -- and your starter will be cranking away the whole time. There is a simple fix for this, available elsewhere on this forum.

[Andydesperado]

Hi, I had cleaned out the carbs and reassembled. I have tested the float bowls and that's all fine, they dribbled out. The ignitor has no markings at all on it, e cent the Mitsubishi symbol. I did get it running yesterday, I was so happy. It revved and idled awesomely .it did stall out again after a few minutes but reassured me the system is sort of working and that the pistons are performing. I tried again today same problem. The battery is fine, there is fuel. I turn ingnition on, starter motor cranks over but it won't bite and fire......it's so close! After. A few goes it back fires. I've fuel there. I can check the two o/s plugs easily should I see if they are wet? Or how can I test the fuel pump? I could upload a YouTube video if that would help?


Appreciate any replies

Andy

[Me Again]

Andy.
Use your other thread to ask questions.By hijacking someone elses thread you may miss out on some valuable info

[cushman eagle]

As was said on your other post,if you do not have the 1248 ignitor,DO,NOT try to start it again.If your engine still turns over,your starter chain is not broken,but the old ignitor could cause it to break.Wait until you get a good ignitor.