Seems Roadworthy

[Tim in NC]

I've been putting miles on the bike for about a week now. Put 90 freeway miles on it today, and she's a smooth as silk.
I filled the gas tank, and 90 miles later my gage is at 3/4 full. I know the gages aren't very accurate, but I think I can go 200 to 250 miles on a tank. The red gas light has never come on, but it works... lights up when I turn the key. I'll continue to put miles on it over the next few days, and calculate my mileage after the next fill up.
Once I'm satisfied with the bike's reliability, I'm going to take some day trips around NC. I can be down to Wilmington in about 3 1/2 hrs. Looking forward to some warm weather riding.

Ride safe,
Tim

[Highway Rider]

Yes at that rate you should be able to go 200 miles easy and when the fuel fight comes on you should have about 1 gal of fuel left

[trikebldr]

Tim, your story fits my situation exactly! Although I have made two 120 mile trips to Topeka and back now, I'm still a bit leery of going far. We went out for a very close local run the other evening and to show off the rig. When we got to a friend's house it wouldn't restart. Sounded like a dead battery. Just didn't want to turn it over fast enough to fire. We easily bump started it and it didn't seem to want to stay running smoothly at idle. It would start just fine with a jump, so the starter circuit is fine. I put it on charge and it took a charge just fine and seems to run fine again, so it looks like a bad battery inside.
So, although I have taken a few 50+ miles runs on it with no issues, it still hasn't convinced me it's ready for the "high seas". When I test everything I can't find an issues, but these ARE 30+ year old bikes, so anything can happen. I'm quite impressed with ScottOlds' recent trip to Vegas from Florida on his new acquisition! Not so sure I would be that brave on mine right now!
Don't the Voyager XII's have a reserve on their tank petcocks?

[Tim in NC]

yeah, my bike has spent a lot more time in the garage than on the road. Seems like there's always some little (and sometimes big) thing that I need to do before I'm comfortable with it. It's got new engine oil, radiator fluid, brake fluid, and final drive oil. I replaced the battery last month, and I keep it on a float charger. I've fixed the oil leak at the water pump, and finally found that pesky coolant leak (loose hose clamp). I'm starting to think that I like working on bikes more than I like riding them.

[Me Again]

yeah, my bike has spent a lot more time in the garage than on the road. Seems like there's always some little (and sometimes big) thing that I need to do before I'm comfortable with it. It's got new engine oil, radiator fluid, brake fluid, and final drive oil. I replaced the battery last month, and I keep it on a float charger. I've fixed the oil leak at the water pump, and finally found that pesky coolant leak (loose hose clamp). I'm starting to think that I like working on bikes more than I like riding them.

Sounds like you should find a good 1300 . they are very labor intensive , but worth every smile of it .

[Tonyvdb]

Don't the Voyager XII's have a reserve on their tank petcocks?

Nope, no reserve on the XII. Just like a car when the "low fuel light" comes on time to fill up.

[SgtSlag]

After you finish changing out all of the fluids, front to back, top to bottom, and then put what upgrades you want in place, you will have a very reliable bike... Our '93 is rock solid, comfortable, and reliable. We wouldn't hesitate to ride it coast to coast, if possible.

With regards to 30-year-old bikes, we rode our 1979 Honda CB750K (12,000 miles on the clock) around Lake Superior, in 2009. Bike was actually overloaded: full saddlebags, trunk, tank bag, and Windjammer pockets! We rode 1,935 miles total, riding in four days of rain, in Canada. We only had one issue with the bike: the throttle grip came off in my hand in Thunder Bay. We visited the local H-D shop, two blocks away, where we were given a solvent-soaked rag, and a tube of throttle glue; 20 minutes later, we were on the road. It was our first real tour -- we were greener than green beans, and our gear was less than stellar, but we had the most incredible time. We still talk about it fondly, every month or so. Looking forward to repeating the trip on our Voyager in 2019, if not sooner. Cheers!

[trikebldr]

You're right, Sarg! It seems the most fun is had when the equipment is less than perfect and then it's an adventure to get through the trip! Hope you had good rain suits!
Actually, once I've had mine for a while I will know it well enough to have fixed everything for reliability. Like Tim, I'm just weeding out all the hickups!

[krasmu]

[quote Just like a car when the "low fuel light" comes on time to fill up.[/quote]

Be advised to carry a small gas can with you when get around 175 miles. These bikes are known for not having working low fuel lights. Yes they come on when you turn on the key but most (as I hear it from Carl Lea) do not work when they get low on fuel. Carl told me that I won the lotery when I told him my light does actually come on when my fuel gets low. So for the first time you try to test it, just have some fuel with you incase it doesn't actually work and you run out. Good luck

[Mr Jensee]

If your trip meter works expect to go at least 220 miles before you need to start looking for a filling station. I have found when I reach that mark and I might add with most city riding, I stll have a whole gallon in the tank at fueling.

[Tim in NC]

I put another 80 miles on the clock today. Man, this bike is MADE for the freeway.
Cruise control continues to work well, and the transmit range on my CB looks to be about 10 miles.
My FM radio reception is crappy, it acts like the antenna isn't working right. I'll have to check the cable, maybe a bad connection at the radio. The cassette player sounds great.
In 80 miles my gas gage went from 3/4 to 1/4. I think my range at 70mph will be about 200 miles.
Weather forecast is for T-storms for the next couple of days, so my road trials will be on hold for a while.

Ride safe,
Tim

[Mr Jensee]

You cant rely on the gas gauge. Everybody's 1200 does the same thing. It has to do with the shape of the tank and way the float works in the tank. This is why I say use the trip meter. Use the gas gauge to remind you when you are getting low but do not rely on it to keep you rolling.

[voyager55]

Ahhh Yes, it's a touring bike

I put another 80 miles on the clock today. Man, this bike is MADE for the freeway.


Ride safe,
Tim

[sir old dirt]

Tim,
Us AVA members can just imagine the feelings you are having testing that Voyager. You make us feel like wanting to be there as you experiment with that most dependable machine. It would be fun seeing the grin and the bobbing of your head as you scoot along. Welcome to the big secret.

[Tim in NC]

I've got the day off this Sunday, and I'm looking at some day trips around Greensboro, NC. The forecast is sunny and 80 degrees. Should be a good opportunity to ride to the coast and back. Seafood for lunch!

Ride safe,
Tim