New to me Voyager and a road trip

[ekap1200]

Welcome to the AVA and the voyager. Once set up and gone over it is a very reliable bike. If you can find a member in Fla. that is near enough to you, ask them to meet up and let them look it over. Or if your close enough to Mr. Carl Leo, well there is no one better to answer any and all voyager questions. We are all very familiar with what to look for, what sounds normal and general condition. Sounds like you will be removing the front forks for oil seals, you can inspect most front end issues at that time.
Gene Kap.

[scottolds]

Thanks again everyone for the tips.

Other than the issues I mentioned, everything else went fine on the trip.

I did find that I do need a taller windshield. about two inches taller would keep it just below my line of sight and hopefully cut down on the buffeting. Not sure I can get one before I leave for Las Vegas next Monday morning. (originally going to be leaving this Friday but decided to change it since this bike can easily eat the miles and it gives me more time to be prepared with a new to me bike).

I did stop at Carl's on the way through Ormond Beach and he agreed to give it a look over for me. As a side note, Carl is a great guy.

My only concern after stopping there is the comment he made about never hearing a Voyager make the sound mine was making before

In a very short time, he had figured out the temp gauge and the shifter not returning to the up position. I believe he also found the source of my strange noise, but will have to wait and see. I ended up having my wife drive up from Orlando and left the bike with Carl. He is going to finish the fix and do a few of the other maintenance items. While I normally prefer to work on my own bikes due to past bad experiences with motorcycles and cars, I knew right away after talking with Carl that it is in much better hands. This way it will be ready for my trip and I don't have to take extra time off work trying to sort things out before.

I do plan on tearing into other things once I get back mainly just to get familiar with the motorcycle. I am one of those people that has to take stuff apart and put it back together to figure out how it all works

Once we confirm the noise is what Carl and I believe it is, I will post it up so others can avoid the same problem.

Here are a few pictures I took on the way back:







Also, I am pleased to say that the 1200 Voyager gets better highway fuel mileage than my KLR650. If I had be riding 70-75 (gps verified) mph on the KLR in the kind of winds I experienced, it would have been getting 40-42 mpg.

Click the fuelly banner if you want the details of the MPG. This was calculated using the GPS verified odometer rating. While the speedometer is about 7 mph fast, the odometer is almost spot on with the GPS. After 160-170 miles, it was only 2 miles off.

[6ft1_grand]

Maybe I can help you out with the headlight problem....maybe!

I had the same problem and studied the wiring diagram until I figured it out. The head lights are switched on by a relay that is turned on by the starter button. After they turn on and you release the starter button, the relay kept on by the power that goes to the head light. So the power that goes to the head light loops back around and goes to the switch side of the relay. The problem I had, sometimes that relay would catch, sometimes it would not. I had to do the same thing that was recommended to you, hit the starter switch to turn on the lights, sometimes I had to do it several times. I even tried a new relay and swapped it out with the other relays. My solution, I bypassed that stupid relay and put a switch in. Works when i want it to without fail. I would like to know why some work reliable and some don't, such as yours and mine.

At any rate, a switch solved the problem.

Enjoy the ride!!!

[scottolds]

Maybe I can help you out with the headlight problem....maybe!

I had the same problem and studied the wiring diagram until I figured it out. The head lights are switched on by a relay that is turned on by the starter button. After they turn on and you release the starter button, the relay kept on by the power that goes to the head light. So the power that goes to the head light loops back around and goes to the switch side of the relay. The problem I had, sometimes that relay would catch, sometimes it would not. I had to do the same thing that was recommended to you, hit the starter switch to turn on the lights, sometimes I had to do it several times. I even tried a new relay and swapped it out with the other relays. My solution, I bypassed that stupid relay and put a switch in. Works when i want it to without fail. I would like to know why some work reliable and some don't, such as yours and mine.

At any rate, a switch solved the problem.

Enjoy the ride!!!

Thanks for the information. It definitely was a relay problem. I left it with Carl and he already has it fixed

[scottolds]

Here is a bit more information on the clutch issue I mentioned.

When I picked up the motorcycle, I noticed there was a bit of a rattling noise at idle. The noise would go away as soon as it was put into gear and the the clutch released. So as load was applied, the noise disappeared.

The other thing it did which I don't think I already mentioned was sometimes when downshifting and then releasing the clutch, the clutch lever would pulse in and out

One of the maintenance items done on it was a new clutch and the information I was given was they used a Barnett clutch.

Carl mentioned he had never heard a Voyager make the same rattling sound. Since I had no experience with Voyager's, I figured it was normal.

After making sure the noise was not coming from the engine, it was time to investigate if the noise was coming from the clutch.

Based on some of the symptoms, it seemed there was an issue with the slipper clutch so it was time to dig in there anyway.

Carl took it apart and found the springs were shimmed up with spark plug washers and they used some Barnett clutch discs. But, the steel discs appeared to be the originals and they appeared to have overheated at some point. Also, Carl measured the thickness of the Barnett clutch discs and it was about 2.5 mm and the normal Voyager discs are about 3 mm. So, a stack height issue was suspected and it was decided to put OEM stuff back in there.

Carl called me today and said the noise is virtually gone and the clutch works nice and smooth.

Since I had just gone through replacing the clutch on my KLR, I was well aware of how important it is to get the correct stack height on reassembly.

So, if you are in the market to change your clutch, be sure to measure the thickness of all the parts coming out, then compare them to the specs. Make sure the new parts are in spec as well.

Special thanks to Carl for identifying the issue so quickly.

[scottolds]

The Voyager is pretty much ready for the trip from FL to Las Vegas and back.

It would be nowhere near being ready without the assistance from Carl Leo. The work done this week to get it ready includes:

1. Replace Clutch with proper parts to cure strange rattling noise
2. Flush forks, new seals, and progressive fork springs
3. Fix non-functional temp gauge
4. Fix sticking shifter
5. Replace relay for headlights to fix the non working headlights issue
6. Replace air filter
7. Replace oil and oil filter
8. change final drive oil
9. Replace numerous missing or incorrect fasteners
10. Fix loose windshield (and adjust to highest setting)
11. Replace rear shocks with Progressives
12. Replace air bladder seat with stock seat to fix that sinking feeling
13. Replace missing battery tie down strap
14. Replace cracked side case

Items left to do this weekend:

1. Install my highway pegs for additional leg movement options
2. Install my PIAA 530 driving lights (borrowing from my KLR)
3. Install a power socket in the trunk so I can charge things while riding
4. Install battery tender connector
5. Install heated gear connector
6. Change shrader valves in valve stems since there were no caps and add Ride-On to the tires.

There is a list of things I still plan to do, but nothing that will keep me from my trip.

I plan to do a live trip report and will post a link in case anyone want to go on a virtual vacation.

Thanks again for all the helpful tips.

Most people that I tell that I bought a 22 year old motorcycle on Craigslist and then the next week I am riding it to Las Vegas and back from FL think I am a little crazy. I don't necessarily disagree with them, but I have confidence in the machine to get me there and back.

[Tonyvdb]

sounds like a fun trip, I can tell you from experience the Voyager wont let you down. My first long trip was only a few months after I bought it and it was all the way down to Denver CO (the long scenic rout) and back. Put over 4500mi on it just that trip and not one issue :)

[trikebldr]

Scott, does your route take you anywhere near Kansas City? If so, we have a spare room, and always lots of must-goes (leftovers)! Also, if you do have trouble and need a lift, I have a trailer that can handle your bike. Have trailer! Will travel!
Looking forward to reading more about your trip. Yes, you are being awfully adventurous taking such a new-to-you bike out with so few miles to prove itself, but you've eliminated about 95% of your worries having had Carl go through it!

[scottolds]

Scott, does your route take you anywhere near Kansas City? If so, we have a spare room, and always lots of must-goes (leftovers)! Also, if you do have trouble and need a lift, I have a trailer that can handle your bike. Have trailer! Will travel!
Looking forward to reading more about your trip. Yes, you are being awfully adventurous taking such a new-to-you bike out with so few miles to prove itself, but you've eliminated about 95% of your worries having had Carl go through it!

My route out is going to be staying pretty much south with me targeting Carlsbad, NM. Depending on how the days are going, I may be on I-10 at least to Beaumont, TX or I may get off the Interstate around Mobile, AL and go north to US 84 and then take that across.

I do appreciate the offer and if my return route ends up being more north, I will let you know.

[Bill O]

The Voyager is pretty much ready for the trip from FL to Las Vegas and back. ............

Scott,
When you get to Vegas, If you have any issues (probably won't) with the Voyager, there are a couple of us Voyager riders here who know our way around the 1200. (We also keep Carl on "Speed Dial")
Both of us also have suitable trailers if the unthinkable happens.

Bill O

[scottolds]

Scott,
When you get to Vegas, If you have any issues (probably won't) with the Voyager, there are a couple of us Voyager riders here who know our way around the 1200. (We also keep Carl on "Speed Dial")
Both of us also have suitable trailers if the unthinkable happens.

Bill O

Hi Bill,

I will definitely keep you in mind if I run into any problems.

Good to know there are some Voyager people out in Vegas.

On my return trip I am considering taking 50 across Nevada. Are there any places out there where the Voyager fuel range might need to be supplemented with a gas can?

When I was on my Overland Expo 2012 trip on the KLR, I ran out of gas outside of Roswell, NM. Fortunately, I did have a gas can with me. The KLR can easily go 230-240 miles on a tank before reserve. What I didn't take into account was riding into high winds really knocked that range down and I was empty at 180 miles.

So far, the Voyager seems to handle the wind better and doesn't seem to take a big a MPG hit with winds. But I have only dealt with 20-25 mph winds so far.

Thanks

Scott

[scottolds]

So not leaving today as planned due to some unexpected issue at work I needed to handle. As a bonus, it gave me time to address why my airhawk seat pad kept deflating

I was using a gel pad with a sheepskin cover which helped with the seat but it wasn't much better than the stock seat other than raising me up an inch. So yesterday I decided to pull out the airhawk and see how it does. I had fair results on the KLR and managed to get the same one to fit the Voyager.

Here is one of the two holes:


Here it is all patched up:



Here it is on the seat:



I also decided to take my KLR 1/2 cover instead of the full cover since it is fraction of the size and weight. Not to mention it is much faster to deploy and take down. It covers from the fairing and over the trunk and hooks to the passenger floorboards.

Here is the comparison:


Also, keeping with the theme of using KLR parts on the Voyager, here are the KLR driving lights robbed and mounted on the light bar I got from Carl.



One thing I realized when putting that bar on between the crash bars is how much those engine guards flex. The left side one was bent in pretty good from the previous owners use of the highway pegs. Carl pointed that out to me. So, for anyone with a Voyager and highway pegs that does not have some type of support bar between them, you really need to get one. It keeps the whole thing from flexing and moving when your feet are on the highway pegs.

New plan is to leave tomorrow morning for Las Vegas. And looking at the weather, I should have some rain in the FL panhandle. So, this is pretty much par for the course every time I head west. Maybe it is a good sign

[scottolds]

So I have been on the road since Wednesday morning and am posting this from a McDonalds in Artesia, NM. After spending a quiet and cool night in Dog Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, I needed a touch of civilization.

First, the Voyager has been running very well and even with the very strong cross winds in Texas and NM, it is doing fine. A couple issues cropped up that I will have to address when I return, but nothing that would be a show stopper.

1. Intermittent small coolant leak from coolant tube O-rings. Most of the time doesn't leak, but can weep a little after sitting for the night.

2. Intermittent small gas drip from #1 carb.

3. Probably needs new plug wire caps and maybe new wires. Found out in some torrential rain that it does not like a lot of moisture. this was probably a good thing since it forced me off the road to a sheltered spot to wait out the storm for 2 hours.

4. A fairly pronounced low speed wobble which was not there when I left (that I recall). Not sure if it is due to the bike being loaded down now or if it was always somewhat there and the load is making it more pronounced.

With me leaving 5 days later than I wanted to, my ride report was never started

So, If anyone is interested, here is the somewhat real time map that updates fairly regularly as long I remember to turn on the GPS updates

https://spotwalla.com/embed.php?id=1052 ... refresh=no

https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id ... 9b04380d2a

There are tools available to see more than just the last 1 day.

Here are a couple pictures since life is better with pictures.

Here it is loaded up and ready to go:


My last stop in FL:


Stopped for some good lunch in Albany, TX


A few pictures from around the Dog Canyon area








For this trip I decided to go all high tech and not bother with any maps (actually forgot the maps )

Anyway, my technology strategy doesn't work very good when there is no cell data coverage (thanks Sprint) and when my Basecamp application refuses to launch. So for now I will plot some routes manually into the GPS and use some old fashioned intuition to get me where I need to be.

Enough for now

[scottolds]

Forgot to add my cruise cable seems to have gone out of adjustment in west Texas.

And it sure is windy here.

[voyager55]

I've been to many spots you traveled, My brother lives in Las Cruces NM

[scottolds]

Can the steering head bearing adjustment be done easily while on the road or is that more of a take a bunch of stuff off and need special tools type of thing?

That is the only thing that bothers me, but fortunately I am typically going faster than 10-15 mph and it doesn't seem to affect the high speed riding.

[scottolds]

In Flagstaff now. Sure glad I decided to take the 10 minutes to hook up the heated gear power. Seems like it has been a bit colder than normal here. Woke up to 27 degrees this morning. Yesterdays riding was mostly in the 40-60 degree range.

Here are a few pictures from the trip. Not sure if you can tell by the pictures, but this Voyager sure is growing on me

I also love the scenery and roads of the southwest.















Here is the map link again for those that like to see progress and routes. It defaults to the last day, but clicking on the trip name drop down at the top of the map and then selecting adjustments, you can edit how many days you see.

https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id ... 9b04380d2a

Thanks

[SgtSlag]

I suspect the stuff piled on top of the trunk is off-balancing your bike -- it is too high. Move the gear to sit on top of the saddlebag covers, if possible. Make certain you put your heaviest gear in the saddlebags, which will lower the Center of Gravity of the bike. Try to keep all gear within the load triangle (link to article on topic, MSF).

When the bike's load is too high, balance, and control, will be difficult. It will also be very dangerous to try and ride like that. Been there, done that, two up... Had to re-pack before traveling. Cheers!

[scottolds]

Made it to Vegas with no real problems and time to spare

The dry bags on the trunk are not heavy. The small yellow one is rain gear which barely weighs anything. The larger blue dry bag is cold weather gear. Mainly a fleece hoodie, sweat pants, gloves, stocking cap (the stuff for camping in the cold) and the heated gear (jacket and gloves). All together it doesn't weigh much at all. It is just bulky which is why it is in the roll on top.

All the heavier stuff is in the saddle bags. An assortment of tools scattered between the two and an air pump are the heaviest items. Then there is the quart of oil I didn't need and the quart of anti-freeze which I don't need yet (fingers crossed). Then there are the Kawasaki saddlebag liners with my extra riding and walking around clothes. A pair of shoes, some snacks, and other bathroom items.

On the passenger seat in the large black dry bag is the camping gear set which is tent, pad, sleeping bag, pillow, liner, hammer, small shovel, towel, and some flip flops. This is the heaviest solo bag, but it isn't too bad either.

In the trunk is my laptop, various chargers, and some misc.

All together, the total weight is about 140 lbs with my tool kit probably the heaviest single item (I tend to carry more than I probably need)

Now I need to change the oil before I start back on Friday. Just rolled past the 3000 mile mark around Flagstaff. I did notice it used a little bit of oil since I can now see a small void in the top of the sight glass, but very small. At least I am pretty sure it is a void since that has to be the most awkward place for that thing and with the shift rod in the way I never know if I am seeing its shadow or not.

I have the machine unloaded now and plan to take a few side trips in the afternoons to places around Vegas like Red Rock and Valley of Fire. I rode through the Lake Mead recreation area around the lake which was nice on my way in, but being in a hurry I didn't really stop for much so I may go back there and get some use out of my National Park Pass. With it unpacked, I will see how the wobble is.

[trikebldr]

Take lots of pics of Valley of Fire. That's where I got married the first time. Reserved three adjacent day-use areas for three days and set up generators for lights. Had about 50 people camping around the area before and after the wedding. Partied all night after the wedding. Honeymoon had to wait a couple of days! Was a great time! Beautiful area for riding! I'm jealous!