New to me Voyager and a road trip

[scottolds]

Hi Everyone,

Here is a little back story on how I ended up with a Voyager XII.

My current motorcycles are a 1987 Super Magna, a 2009 KLR650, and a 2011 Ural Gear Up.

2015 was not a good year for my motorcycles in that I had an issue with slick pavement on the Magna in a corner and went down causing enough damage to total it in the insurance company's mind ( I was fine ATGATT). My Ural decided to have one of the connecting rod bearing self destruct, and the KLR engine locked up due to a bad counter balancer bearing which caused the balancer chain to fail and lock up the engine pretty much ruining the bottom end while on my way to Colorado for a 2 week riding adventure)

So I got a replacement for the Magna which needs some work before I can ride it, the Ural is currently in 1000 pieces in different parts of my garage because I decided I would just restore everything on it, and the KLR was fixed 2 weeks after it blew so I could still do my Colorado trip.

This year, I have a conference in Las Vegas in mid-April and planned to take the KLR since it has gotten me out west as far as AZ & UT twice, to Colorado once, and out to Big Bend, TX once. Among all kinds of trips up and down the east coast. All for a total of almost 70,000 miles.

The plan was to take the KLR to Vegas. To make it easier, I was going to trailer it to Austin, TX to a friends house and then ride from there. That would cut out about a 2400 mile round trip of riding I did not really care to repeat. Now my tow vehicle started exhibiting transmission issues and a few other things I just don't have time to address now before my trip. So, it seemed like finding a comfortable touring motorcycle that could eat up highway miles as well as enjoy the backroads at a reasonable pace would be a good idea. So my search began. I started looking at GL1200's since I liked the looks of them and ST1100's. I also looked at older Concours. I even considered a Cavalcade. While researching the Cavalcade, I found a review that compared a Gold Wing, a Cavalcade, a Voyager XII, and a Harley. Based on that review, I set my sights on doing more research on the Voyager XII.

Anyway, I found a decent deal on a 1994 Voyager that has been serviced with recently new tires, brakes, oil change, and had the carbs synced within the last year or so and it was not ridden terribly far after. Also, the battery is about 1.5 years old. The catch is that it is about 650 miles from me.

So, I am going to check it out and if I like it, my plan is to buy it and ride it back to my house thereby having 650 miles to see how things perform. If all goes well, I will be home Sunday and anything I find I want to take care of will be done next Mon-Thur since I plan to leave for Las Vegas April 8th.

I am not afraid of things mechanical and have a bit of an aptitude for fixing and troubleshooting stuff, so this type of long distance test drive doesn't really make me too nervous.

Not being very familiar with the Voyager XII, what are some suggestions on what I might want to have with me tool wise. I know exactly what is needed on the KLR or Ural, but I don't know if Voyager's have a tool kit and what is in it.

My plan is to bring a portable air pump, tire plug kit, a phillips and a regular screwdriver, a digital multimeter, a pliers, a few sockets and allen wrenches.

Any other suggestions on tools to carry or items to check or look out for?

I will be doing a ride report as I go to Vegas which I find keeps me sane while on a long trip by myself and lets my family and friends know what is going on.

My previous trips can be found here if you are bored and want to see some pictures from out west. http://www.rokkitrider.com

Thanks

Scott

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

Scott, welcome and by the sounds of it (to me at least) you are more than prepared and shouldn't have any issues other than being able to scratch your head with your helmet on. I say that cause you'll wonder if you are really on a touring bike as these Voyager XII's have a very sporty feel and response, something that catches nearly everyone off guard at first.
I'm sure you'll be very happy with the bike!
Again Welcome!!!!!

[Mr Jensee]

I know you said the bike was serviced within the last year but when you pick it up before you get too far down the road stop and pick up a can of Seafoam. Put a few ounces in the tank and again at every fillup enroute home. This will ensure the carbs are indeed clean. Ask the owner what oil was put in the crankcase. Hopefully it won't be an energy conserving oil. The Voyager should perform well. It loves the highway.

[scottolds]

Thanks for the tips.

I look forward to experiencing a nice comfortable ride. I expect it will be way different than my KLR on the interstate.

Good suggestion on the Seafoam. I will definitely stop and grab some.

What is an average range between fuel stops for these bikes? Every motorcycle I have ever owned have had carbs and a fuel petcock with a reserve.

I guess since this has an electric fuel pump I need to keep my eyes on the miles, gauge, and any warning light for low fuel that may come one?

Thanks

[kjsett]

Thanks for the tips.

I look forward to experiencing a nice comfortable ride. I expect it will be way different than my KLR on the interstate.

Good suggestion on the Seafoam. I will definitely stop and grab some.

What is an average range between fuel stops for these bikes? Every motorcycle I have ever owned have had carbs and a fuel petcock with a reserve.

I guess since this has an electric fuel pump I need to keep my eyes on the miles, gauge, and any warning light for low fuel that may come one?

Thanks

1. This bike gauge is not accurate. It has a sensor that is supposed to come on with up to 1.25 gallons left in the tank. Unfortunately that sensor is well known to fail as the bike gets older (my opinion). Normal is about 42 to 50mpg. I would fuel up at about 150 miles the first couple of tanks to find out what it averages. On the norm, I look for fuel after 200 just to be safe, but have gone a lot further. On trips I pull a trailer and travel with my wife who rides her own bike and needs fuel about every 150miles (97 vulcan 800).
2. Tires - The stock Dunlops generally feel kinda squirrelly so take it easy if that what it has.
3. Run more pressure rather than less on the air shocks. If they leak down it can make you so low to the ground you could catch a peg cornering and cause you to have an accident (been there, and did happen thanks to 90 corner on country road and slick dust causing me to go down although basically almost stopped).
Lots more but most can be learned with searches here. Enjoy your road trip. I found with the stock seat that a cushion from Wally world helped double how long I could ride in a day. Since then I have Corbin seats on it. Would have liked to have tried the Russel Day Long, but I got my seat for 1/2 what they cost (ebay).
If it doesn't have a backrest, bring a pack or something to tie on and create such.
Just realized that you may be a very experience rider and all this isn't needed.
Well enjoy your trip,
Ken from Phoenix

[scottolds]

Just realized that you may be a very experience rider and all this isn't needed.
Well enjoy your trip,
Ken from Phoenix

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the tips. The Voyager will be new to me so I take all the advice I can get.

I believe it has Michelin Commanders on it. I will know for sure Saturday

If all goes well, April 15 or 16 I will be riding Hwy 60, then over to Roosevelt Dam to camp for a night, then skirting around north of Phoenix making my way around to Prescott and eventually to Las Vegas. I have to be in Las Vegas mid-day on the 18th and I leave FL on the 8th. My plan is to ride long days to my friends house in TX, spend a day or so there, then finish riding over to Carlsbad, NM and then slowing down and enjoying the scenery and road. I guess I will see how close I can stick to my plan.

I have an Airhawk on my KLR that I hope will fit the Voyager. I just need to find where I put the attachment straps when I pulled them off the KLR last week

[usmalenurse]

The Michelin Commanders run well on the Voyagers. I ran them for a few years on mine and still have one on the front but opted for a car tire last time on the rear.
As stated, you should be able to go at least 200 miles on a tank and I regularly run to about 225 before refueling. For what it's worth, my fuel light has never came on so I wouldn't count on it at all. I have been planning to pick up a small gas can to pack away and run it till the light comes on or it runs out of gas to see if it really works or not but keep putting it off.
The only issue I ever had while on a trip with mine was the speedometer cable breaking. No biggie but the cruise control will not work if it's broke so you might want to lube it up good when you get home. And as one of the other posters stated...they do feel more like a sport bike than a touring bike.
Enjoy and keep us posted.

[scottolds]

The Michelin Commanders run well on the Voyagers. I ran them for a few years on mine and still have one on the front but opted for a car tire last time on the rear.
As stated, you should be able to go at least 200 miles on a tank and I regularly run to about 225 before refueling. For what it's worth, my fuel light has never came on so I wouldn't count on it at all. I have been planning to pick up a small gas can to pack away and run it till the light comes on or it runs out of gas to see if it really works or not but keep putting it off.
The only issue I ever had while on a trip with mine was the speedometer cable breaking. No biggie but the cruise control will not work if it's broke so you might want to lube it up good when you get home. And as one of the other posters stated...they do feel more like a sport bike than a touring bike.
Enjoy and keep us posted.

Thanks for the information Charles. It is much appreciated.

I will update this thread with pictures and a summary of the ride once I finish it.

[Tim in NC]

To use the cruise control on the Voyager, you have to be in 5th gear. The "OD" light should illuminate when you're in 5th.
Just mentioning it because my CC doesn't work. There's a sensor down by the shift pedal, that tells the bike when you're in 5th gear, and I haven't been able to adjust mine properly (yet). If the "OD" light doesn't come on, CC won't work, even if you are in 5th gear.
Ride safe!

[misft]

Mostly you just need to take lots of money for food and lodging because there's always something to see farther down the road. Although last summer (after like 15 years) the fuel pump did quit on me in Nebraska. No worries, take along a points file, it can be fixed on the side of the road if necessary. There is more info on that in the tech tips section.

[scottolds]

On the road and did my first gas stop. Using the GPS mileage, it got 51 going from Knoxville to Greenville, SC. Had the cruise set between 65 & 70 according to GPS.

I do have a few issues.

1. The shifter doesn't return to up automatically. Any time I down shift, I have to lift the lever slightly to downshift again.

2. The headlight went out. I have no high beam, low beam or indicator. Noticed that in a tunnel. It worked when I left.

3. Temp gauge isn't working. PO said it stopped after the cruise cables was changed, but he says it comes on occasionally.

4. Where is the oil fill on this bike? I found the sight glass hidden way underneath, but can't for the life of me find the fill for oil.

I have about 400 miles to home, but will have to stop before dark if I can't get the headlight issue resolved.

Any ideas?

Getting back on the road and will check at next stop.

Thanms

[Tonyvdb]

Ok, I'll answer the ones I can.

The headlight/signals not working at all could be a fuse or the wiring along the steering tree has broken. There is a tie strap that was installed at factory that was putting too much stress on the wires. Could also be a connector that's come loose or as gotten wet and some corrosion has set in.

Temp gauge not working could be a bad ground or the wire connection right at the base of the rad on the front has corroded or broken off.

The sight glass is not accurate, have you changed the oil yet? There are three places that you must drain from. Two drain holes, one at the front on the base of the motor. A second near the rear of the base of the motor and of course the oil filter as well. You must drain all three places.
https://amervoyassoc.org/techtipsXII2.p ... 0Locations" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Tim in NC]

The oil filler cap is on the same side as the sight glass & shifter. It's at the top of the side cover. Draw a line straight up from the sight glass, and you'll see it.

[triton28]

Scottolds;
In case you need an owner's manual go to:
http://www.kawasaki-techinfo.net/showOM ... ng_code=EN" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Note, the rear tyre size listed in the specifications is an incorrect 16" listing.
For service manuals go to https://www.amervoyassoc.org/zg1200manuals.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Dave

[scottolds]

I have not change the oil yet. I plan to do that when I get home. It was changed over a year ago, but did not have many miles put on it.

I mentioned the headlight not working to the PO and he said to try hitting the start button while holding in the clutch. Amazingly, that worked. So, something must be amiss with the circuit that kills the lights when starting.

Is this common?

Easy fix?

I stopped about 400 miles from home and only rode about 280 to get accustomed to things and the winds were really blowing today.

First impressions are it rides pretty nice, but it seems near impossible to keep it straight and level down the road. Part of it could have been the winds. It is just a bit odd. I had a rider on an ST that was riding a nice straight line behind me and I was constantly correcting something.

I am pretty sure it is probably all suspension related. I did notice some oil on the left fork after riding it for a while. Also there is 20lbs of air pressure in the front and rear shocks. Also, the front tire was at 40 psi and the rear was at 36.

I also noticed oil on the rear brake switch cover.

And, since I have never rode a Voyager I don't know if it should sound like it does. It has some gear whine which is expected. Then there is a bit of a rattle sound at idle that goes away when the rpms go up. I also noticed a bit of a howl at certain speeds under load, but those same speeds on the flats did not produce the same noises.

I think I need an experienced Voyager person listen to it.

Anyway, for tomorrow I will finish the ride home. Debating if I want to stay on I-95 for the speed of it or try out some back roads. Either way, it is a 400+ mile day.

[cushman eagle]

You should not have over 8lbs in the front fork.I run 4lbs in the forks and 30 in the shocks.You may want to check your steering head nut torque at 95 inch lbs,as that can cause steering wonder.

[scottolds]

You should not have over 8lbs in the front fork.I run 4lbs in the forks and 30 in the shocks.You may want to check your steering head nut torque at 95 inch lbs,as that can cause steering wonder.

I will bleed off some air before I head out tomorrow. The steering head bearing will have to wait until I actually get home.

Thanks for the information.

[Tonyvdb]

Each voyager has its own sound from the straight cut gears in the rear drive, some make more noise than others but making sure the gear has the right level of oil and tires are inflated right (around 38lbs) is important.
These bikes love to cruse at around 75-80mph and usually the "whine" from the drive is silent at that speed.

Some contact cleaner sprayed around the stater sw and clutch handle could solve the issue as it's likely just a dirty contact.

[misft]

The Fairing lights (head light, dash lights, running lights) come on when the start button is released. The fuse box is up near the steering stem next to the radiator cap under the dummy tank. If you are having trouble with the temp gauge you might want to make sure the radiator is full. The oil fill cap is on the left side behind the triangular plastic chrome cover (be gentle when removing plastic cover so not to break the two little tabs that fit into rubber grommets). To use the oil sight glass I get down low and use a flashlight. If I don't see the top of the oil level I start the engine and watch for the level to drop. You may think you see the oil level when in fact you see the shift linkage. A misadjusted shift linkage or lever may be the reason you are having some shifting trouble.

[vxiirider]

When you change the oil be sure to pull both drain plugs and remove the filter. Then refill with 3qt 22oz and then ignore the sight glass, it is not a reliable indicator of the correct oil level. If the sight glass is totally dark the crankcase is over full. Over filling will cause the crankcase oil to foam and cause valve lifter clatter.