Newbie with dumb questions.

[ClayMaker]

I have read through stuff and tried using the search feature on the site and Google. First dumb question how do you change the oil in this bike? I see on the bottom of the pan where I believe the oil filter is and the drain plug but is there any other things I should know about. Also where can I get info on how to remove the back tire. And the last dumb question is I have what I would call rally lights on the crash bars and I can't figure out how to turn the darn things on. I live in Wisconsin and it's deer country around here so if I could get help turning those lights on that would be great.

[triton28]

Start with these sites; http://www.kawasaki-techinfo.net/showOM ... ng_code=EN" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
and https://www.amervoyassoc.org/zg1200manuals.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
There are 2 drain plugs and a filter under on the oil pan you were mentioning,so when draining and changing the filter, fill with 3qts and 22ozs of oil. DO NOT overtorque the drain plugs or the threads will strip in the oil pan.
The running lights usually are controlled by an accessory on/off switch but I can't say where yours would be. Normally they will operate on ACC or RUN of the ignition switch.
Dave

[vxiirider]

There are two drain plugs plus the oil filter, be sure and remove them both or you will over fill the crank case. Also remember to refill with 3qts and 22oz , 4 quarts is too much and the oil will foam and cause valve lifter clatter. The lights are an add on that is not standard equipment so the PO must have added a switch somewhere. Mine is under the lower small door on the left side lower faring that is normally used for the OEM CB radio.

Good luck with your "new bike" and welcome to the group.

[Highway Rider]

Here is a picture of the oil drain plug locations
https://www.amervoyassoc.org/techtipsXI ... 0Locations

[ClayMaker]

With the 2 plugs is one of them hidden? And when filling oil is there the one filler opening on the left side behind the crome side cover?

[Highway Rider]

There are three thing to remove on the bottom side of the oil pan. They all use a 17mm wrench. The large round cover that will have the oil filter behind it.(it is about 3" across). Right beside it there is another plug that you will use the 17mm wrench on and it is the main oil drain plug. Then there is one that is located closer to the front on the oil pan and you need to remove it also as the best way to describe it is that the oil pan is divided and if you don't remove it when you refill with oil you will have to much oil.

Did you check this out: Here is a picture of the oil drain plug locations
https://www.amervoyassoc.org/techtipsXI ... 0Locations

When you go to reinstall the plugs do not over tighten them as these will strip out from over tightening.
Manual says;
Oil plugs torque to 22 ftlbs (2 of these)
Oil filter cover torque to 14.5 ftlbs (1 of these)

The oil fill cap is located on the drivers side,it is what you described as behind the chrome cover usually it is removed by hand no tools needed.

When you put the fresh oil in you will only need to use 3 quarts and 22oz no more or you will be back here asking why you have lifter noise and there reason for that is, if you put in 4 quarts it will start to in-train the oil with air and therefor causing the added lifter noise.

[Jimvoyager01]

Welcome to the AVA from Minnesota
There are no dumb questions---only unasked questions,,The 1200 voyager service manual has all or most of the information you will need ...This forum has many people willing to answer any of your questions...The AVA rally this year is in Hurley Wisconsin----not far from you,,,I have a 1200 voyager service manual for sale,,,I will have it for sale at the rally ...regards

[doug of so fla]

When you remove the filter, pay attention to where the parts go on the filter there is a can, spring & (WASHER) & o-rings, as it is your first time changing the oil you should change the o-rings, (most filter brands come with the o-rings, make sure the large one is the thin one.
The (WASHER) is thin & flat and sits on the bottom of the filter between the filter & spring, keeping the spring from the rubber grommet on the filter. The (WASHER) sticks to the grommet and sometimes it gets tossed out with the filter if you forget to pull it off..

[ClayMaker]

You guy's and this site is just about the best info I have found on the net. For these bikes. But I'm gonna switch gears a little bit so I don't clog up the forum.

I found the switch for my rally lights and took the fairing apart to follow the wires. What I found was the wire wasn't even on the battery for the lights and it also had a f2al250v fuse in it(the fuse was toast) . Am I wrong to think that 2 amps isn't enough for 2 lights?

[triton28]

The standard fuse for a stock 55Watt headlight is 15 Amps.
Dave

[Mr Jensee]

Claymaker please click on the link below my signature for a digital copy of the Voyager XII service manual. If nobody has mentioned it it is recommended that 15W 40 Rotella T Diesel oil be used on the Voyager. It has antifoaming properties and is well suited for this engine. The bonus is that a gallon is like $13 at Walmart.

[Mart656]

I just changed the oil on my bike. I did not take the front plug out. How much extra oil do I now have to take out. Or would it be better to just start over. I did take it for a ride yesterday and did not get the lifter clatter that I could hear. thanks in advance.

[Jimvoyager01]

Question---how much oil did you put in??

[voyager55]

Read the manuals people posted

https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=25f882b6 ... CA8D%21173" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mart656]

I put in 3 quarts and 22 oounces. I just did not unscrew the front plug I just removed the oil filter plug and the back plug.

[Tonyvdb]

You will have about half a quart too much if you did not drain that front plug. Drain it all out and start again as you can't go by the sight glass.

[Mart656]

I put in 3 quarts 22 ounces

[Mart656]

thank you sir. I will definately do that. I appreciate it.

[SgtSlag]

Be sure to search this site for ideas on how to mothball your bike for the Winter. Come Spring, all I do is let the fuel pump push gas to the carbs, then start it -- as if it was parked last week, not last Autumn. Cheers!

[JohnT]

And I will chime in with be SURE not to over torque the drain plugs. I came oh so close. Had that sinking feeling of feeling threads start to strain. Luckily I felt it and stopped, backed it off and gently tightened it.