1987 Voyager XII- known issues?

[Thud300]

Hi, new forum member here, looking into the possibility of acquiring a Voyager XII to add to my stable of older Kawasaki's... there is an attractive price on a 1987 model not very far from me. Having never seen one up close, are there any common issues that I should look for, or things particular to the 1987 model?

My present daily rider is a 98 Concours which I dearly love but would also like a full dress tourer for some 2-up riding.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[Dnjiemor]

I'm also new to the voyager but I'm told they are bullet proof. Depending on the price for one its a very good option. I got a 95 with 23k miles for under 2k . Almost a no brainer. Lovin mine

[Lance McCaw]

I love my 1987. Had it 3 yrs now. First thing is make sure it has the good ignition box on it. I have to look at the part number again unless somebody does before me. I also learned that the Elite 3 tires are the most preferred tires. Thats what I have and it handles great. Welcome to the club. Theres so much info here and great people to help you. Keep checking everyday and somebody else will help with other thing and advice. I am not far away either. 25 miles south of the Quad Cities.

[broksonic]

Lucasind wrote:

OK to use a unit with the last four digits ending -1248.
The 1986 and some 87 model years units ended with the last four digits -1179 do not use this one.

Heres the whole thread on that quote..

https://amervoyassoc.org/forum/viewtopi ... ion#p69773

And welcome also..

I have only been here for about 2 months now and love it..
AND I'm not that far from you either..im just north of Peoria, il.

[Barry]

The 86-87 models also have a smaller starter chain that is very difficult to replace. I bought my 87 eleven years ago. It had 33,000 one owner miles on it. I immediately replaced the igniter box because the original one advanced initial timing and was linked to starter chain failure. That didn't stop my chain from failing at 49,000 miles. I am not aware of any 86-87 models make it past 45,000 miles on the original chain. Kawasaki redesigned the chain and eliminated the failure problem. How many miles are on the bike you're looking at? Does the owner have any service documents showing the chain was replaced?

[broksonic]

The 86-87 models also have a smaller starter chain that is very difficult to replace. I bought my 87 eleven years ago. It had 33,000 one owner miles on it. I immediately replaced the igniter box because the original one advanced initial timing and was linked to starter chain failure. That didn't stop my chain from failing at 49,000 miles. I am not aware of any 86-87 models make it past 45,000 miles on the original chain. Kawasaki redesigned the chain and eliminated the failure problem. How many miles are on the bike you're looking at? Does the owner have any service documents showing the chain was replaced?

Hmm don't guess theres any easy way to check that chain is there? My 87 is a 3rd owner with no service docs and just turned 47k.

[chevyman1]

If you put the updated (1248) igniter on you should not have a problem unless the chain is already noisy.
I had 1986 Voyagers that had 65000+ miles on them with the original (1179) igniter .

[broksonic]

ok.. gonna check that igniter box out Friday, but just looked for them on E-Bay.. is there gold in them things?! $250 was the lowest price I seen.. the highest was $600

Seems a bit high for used parts..

[Lance McCaw]

ok.. gonna check that igniter box out Friday, but just looked for them on E-Bay.. is there gold in them things?! $250 was the lowest price I seen.. the highest was $600

Seems a bit high for used parts..

Carl is where I got my Igniter box.
Luckily my 87 has already been totally rebuilt with new chain and box.
The original owner took great care of this bike. And I am continuing to to that.

[cushman eagle]

Another thing to check is the ignition switch harness,which goes along the left side of the frame up to the ignition switch.That is often tied too tight to the frame,so when you turn the handlebars,it bends the harness tight and sharp,eventually cracking wires in the harness.Do a search on this forum and you can check it out.

[Thud300]

The one I'm thinking of has 51k miles on it. So if im understanding correctly, low battery plus old igniter equals strained or snapped starter chain requiring engine case split to replace...?

[chevyman1]

That is correct

[voyager55]

get a later year bike, then you don't have to worry about those things. Voyagers are cheap.

[Thud300]

Well, I had planned to check out this '87 this past weekend but plans have a way of going askew. Today, thanks to early dismissal from jury duty I took my Connie out to enjoy some awesome riding weather and do a ride-by to see if the bike was on display. It was under a cover in the far end of the driveway, and the house does not appear to have a garage, so any further caveats of wisdom from the forum members?

I've bought both my bikes on Craigslist, but they were both garaged.

[ghostler]

Unless the 1987 is in such good condition that it looks like or almost like new, or unless you get it for a song, I think the advice to pass it up and wait for a later model might be wiser.

I was looking for a Voyager two years ago. Road all the way out to Brownville, TX, 3 hours away. The 2003 had less than 30k miles (or 130k, doesn't have a 100k digit). It had CB, but it was very badly weathered being stored outdoors for years. Would have to reupholster the seats and trunk back, repaint the entire bike. I decided to pass.

About a month or 2 later, I came across an almost new looking 2001 with 33k miles on it and with everything working on it (radio, cassette, cruise control, etc.). I paid $4,800 for it, which was more than book, but given at least its cosmetic condition felt it was worth it. It also had custom aftermarket rear shocks on it. Since recently installing Progressive springs in the forks, it now is a very smooth riding machine.

All I need to do now is maintain it. This weekend plan to head to Post, TX. When I return will have over 50k miles on it, getting ready to put the 2nd set of tires on it. (Installed a new set shortly after I got it.)

[chevyman1]

Well, I had planned to check out this '87 this past weekend but plans have a way of going askew. Today, thanks to early dismissal from jury duty I took my Connie out to enjoy some awesome riding weather and do a ride-by to see if the bike was on display. It was under a cover in the far end of the driveway, and the house does not appear to have a garage, so any further caveats of wisdom from the forum members?

I've bought both my bikes on Craigslist, but they were both garaged.

I would stop and see what kind of money they want for it or how low they will go.
see what condition it is in, you will be able to see if it was taken care of.

[Thud300]

http://bn.craigslist.org/mcy/5233967324.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looking at the pics, the bike appears to have single exhaust tips where most others I see have a "dual" appearance... this doesn't appear to be a stock exhaust? Or does this indicate an 'early' 87?

My understanding is, the 87's had several updates during that year's production... aside from the ignitor number, are there other indicators that distinguish an early 87 from a later one?

[Barry]

That is a Cobra exhaust system. It does sound slightly louder than stock, but isn't offensive. Other than the igniter there are no other things to check.

[ghostler]

http://bn.craigslist.org/mcy/5233967324.html

Looking at the pics, the bike appears to have single exhaust tips where most others I see have a "dual" appearance... this doesn't appear to be a stock exhaust? Or does this indicate an 'early' 87?

Thud300, Barry just clarified as I was typing this as a Cobra exhaust. On my 2001, the stock exhaust has 4 muffler exhaust outlets total, giving the appearance of one per cylinder. On each muffler, one is active, other is a chrome dummy. So, if it has only one muffler outlet on each, mufflers are a 2 into 1, this should be no cause for concern.

My understanding is, the 87's had several updates during that year's production... aside from the ignitor number, are there other indicators that distinguish an early 87 from a later one?

I don't know the 1987. I do know this. I needed to replace the right fork strut assembly on mine. (Someone buggered the Allen bolt head on the bottom trying to remove it using the wrong tool.) I purchased one from a 1987 off E-Bay, replaced seals and it fit my bike perfectly. The 1986 won't fit (different fork).

Does it have cruise control? There will be a module mounted to the tank with 2 switches (on, set). on the right grip there is a thumb control switch (forward = set/decelerate, back = resume/accelerate). If it works, if properly adjusted, is a boost to riding comfort, works just like a car's cruise control. Also, if it has 4 speakers instead of 2, then it is like the later models. In mine, the radio gets louder the faster you go, and quieter the slower. Passenger has wired a remote on the left. It has a velcro cover. It's mounted to a moveable arm, allows them to change stations, cassette tracks, adjust volume and use the CB (if equipped).
We are talking of a Goldwing class luxury touring motorcycle.

Oh, and BTW, I don't want to discourage you, if you feel this is a go. I met someone at a CMA NM State Rally in Black River Valley, who had a Yamaha Venture of same vintage. Cruise no longer works, but otherwise bike looked pristine. He had it for many years and still loves it, he and his wife rides it regularly.

With 96 HP under the hood, when I want to scoot, I just roll the throttle and watch the cars behind me disappear. Also got a tow hitch on mine and sometimes pull a Harbor Freight small trailer behind me.

[broksonic]

http://bn.craigslist.org/mcy/5233967324.html

Looking at the pics, the bike appears to have single exhaust tips where most others I see have a "dual" appearance... this doesn't appear to be a stock exhaust? Or does this indicate an 'early' 87?

My understanding is, the 87's had several updates during that year's production... aside from the ignitor number, are there other indicators that distinguish an early 87 from a later one?

Looks like mine, except for tips and this one is missing my pinstripes.

Mine had about 45k on it and paid $1200. Was a steal in my eyes. I would say this one would be a steal too as long as it runs ok.