looking at 2001 voyager

[grumpy72]

Is there anything to look at on certain years? I know some of the earliest have starter chain issues and was remedied on later models.

[bugawug61]

I'm no expert but have seen responses to this question before.......buy as late a model year as you can find with the lowest mileage.

[Barry]

Do a search on this site for "U joint". Many people have had problems with 2000-2003.

[SgtSlag]

The 86's had the starter chain issues, along with the early 87's? The 2000-2003 models were cast from molds which were wearing out, so they have some issues related to that.

Buy any year from 1987-1999, the lower the mileage, the better. The engines will go 300,000+ miles, as long as they are maintained (read: regular oil/filter changes, with the proper viscosity oils).

I purchased a '93, with 53k miles (currently 65k). It had been somewhat neglected, but I've gotten most of the kinks worked out. We ride it two-up, just us, no one else, touring hundred's of miles from home. We don't worry about the bike -- we're consumed with the sights, sounds, and smells, no time to waste on frivolous concerns! Just got a new clutch at the end of this season. Looking forward to riding next Spring!... The V-XII is a great bike, fun to ride, fantastic to tour on. I would recommend one to just about anybody who is looking for a superbly affordable, superbly reliable, touring bike. Cheers!

[grumpy72]

I found a 2001 with 68,000 miles for 2100 dollars.135 miles from me.Now I am afraid of this u joint thing someone wrote about.sounds expensive.

[Lucasind]

Cruiser Lover ,Just saying, ....read up on anything that your about to dive into, first.If your Loving the look of the 2001 Voyager(my favorite color combo ,by the way)
Changing out a drive shaft on a Voyager XII ...aint "rocket science" Think of it this way...
after your done doing it the first time, you will say, "that wasn't so bad " then you won't have to worry about that ever again ! For as CHEAP (less expensive) as a used Voyager is , compared to a WING who cares what a drive shaft costs ! ( don't quote me on this )
but a think a new drive shaft is less that $ 200. bucks (last time I inquired at the dealer)even WAY less getting a good used one ,
All I'm saying is...don't let this reason, be a "deal breaker" for NOT buying a XII !
(buy a BMW, and see what happens there ! ) The XII is the "poor man's" touring bike !
(and I for one, am PROUD to be in that classification !)................Tony

[kjsett]

I found a 2001 with 68,000 miles for 2100 dollars.135 miles from me.Now I am afraid of this u joint thing someone wrote about.sounds expensive.

I own a '03 that early last year at about 40k had it's ujoint start to come apart. Carl Leo recommended buying a low mileage one from ebay. I found one (35k) for about $35. He thought that the new ones on the shelf are from the stock that they built to build the '01-'03 from. Odds are it would only survive another 35-50k also. I went with his advice.
I survived the experience by talking with Carl for advice, then getting help from my wife to put it back together. Issues like having a trailer hitch did add complications, but not that much. By the way, you might want to upgrade the bolts that hold it on (if you have one) as I found them to be of too low of strength (if you have a trailer hitch).
Anyway, you can survive it and not spend more than $100 in the process. Now of course I spent a lot more since I needed to disconnect the Shocks, I went ahead and replaced them with Progressives (just ordered the front to finish the conversion).
So, With that mileage, it was probably already replaced as they usually fail long before that many miles. That is what I think, but it is your decision.
I believe you will enjoy that bike, most who have purchased, do.
Just thinkin,
Ken
Oh and Merry Christmas

[Mr Jensee]

I have a 2001 and it is a great bike. Since I have owned nearly 7 years now, it has performed like a brand new bike. I have only had an issue with the system that keeps your headlight functioning when you burn a filament in the bulb. I ended up having to defeat that system but if that is the only problem I have to deal with then I'm happy. Hopefully your 2001 will be as well cared for as mine was before I got it.

[ekap1200]

I agree with Tony, drive line not a deal breaker... And if all else fails in finding one Carl Leo did find a direct replacement, U-joint for me from a Prarie four wheeler. Same casting number, same dimensions, solid cross NO cross drilled for grease fitting. Going on 45,000 miles with it replaced in my shaft.
What you do want to look for is TINKERING with the wiring harness's or allot of needless and poorly done, add on accessories .
If you see some oil on the left around the kick stand or on the header pipe. also not a deal breaker but some leverage on the price. It happens to most 1200 and is easily repaired. It is either 90W gear oil or engine oil , OR both
Also on the back of the cyl's there are drains for the spark plug well's that can look as if the head gasket has been leaking. Let us know what you finally get for a ride...

Gene Kap.