Hello
I just purchased a 1995 XII. Wow what a sleeper. I never even considered a Kaw. I've been a rider since the early 60s, all Harleys. This bike has 51 thousand and some change. The guy I got it from had it for around three years and as far as I can tell he put a grand total of maybe 2000 miles on it if that. The original purchaser put the rest on it going from Portland Oregon to NYC. And I have every piece of paper work,the guy really took care of the bike.
My ? is, Has any one ran Michelin Commander II tires, also about the oil, Mobil 1. Any yeas or neighs on the two? I have a really good feeling about this bike. Oh yea the guy I bought the bike from turned me on to this site. I'm sure glad he did. He also told me that the radio only had sound thru the headset,I don't use one,and said that there is a screw at the back of the radio that is the problem. Any info on that? What a smooth machine. I'm sold.
Stay Safe and keep it upright
curt in oregon
Many of us use Rotella T15-40W oil. $12 a gallon at Menards. Also popular with Goldwing owners
Also Dunlop E3 tires are very popular, Michelins are fine to
In so far as the radio HS screw being loose, Pete Franchi is the go to guy for all things radio.
Go down one forum to Tech Tips- Voyager XII and see the first posting "This is how to set up the Volume on the Radio" to get Pete's contacts.
Dave
Welcome to the Voyager site. I'm sure you will enjoy the Voy XII. 51k on the clock is just getting broke in. I'm running Michelin Commanders right now. They seem to last longer but I think Dunlop E3's handle better. No experience with E4's yet. I have Mobile 1 in the crankcase right now, no problems, mostly used AMSOIL 10w40 in the past. I don't know about the back of the radio, first just try the H S button. If that doesn't work, I just had that trouble with mine and the trick I used was to remove the 3 amp fuse, turn on the key and the radio, hold the HS button with one hand then replace the fuse. Worked for me. If nothin' else works, contact Pete Franchi
Just put 2,100 miles on a new, rear, Michelin Commander II tire, in all conditions: gravel, rain, road construction, grooved pavement, etc. Tire handled quite well. Will be putting a matching front tire on it soon. Cheers!
I'm also from Oregon and also have a '95. This site is an awesome reference tool. It has saved me lots of time and money. I've had my Voyager about 2 years now and have been into several parts of my machine doing repairs, maintenance and upgrades. I keep learning more and more about this bike and a good portion of that knowledge comes from this site.
Hey John where abouts in Oregon? Medford area here. I'm going to take this bike on the Brittney Ride in Oct. in amongst all those Harleys. That'll be fun. That commander II tire is a good tire and last longer. I run them on my 93' Electra Glide and soft tail. I really am liking this Kaw. So far that's what I've been riding instead of the EG. There are a few things: the dang shifter, it's as bad as a Goldwing. It needs like a heel toe shift or something. And what a pain to change the plugs. Oh well only have to do that every so often.
Thanx for the acceptance
Stay Safe and keep it upright
Welcome to the site and you'll love the Voyager for sure. As the others have said, the Michelins are fine for this bike. I ran them on my Voyager front and rear until I decided to go "darkside" a couple of years ago. Still run the Commander on the front. Again welcome to the Voyager world!
Charles Hairr
1997 Voyager XII
2016 Honda Goldwing
All diesel oils are free of friction modifiers, and safe to use in wet clutch motorcycles -- assuming proper viscosity, and proper API rating ("SN" is the current version, as far as I know). Always check the donut for the absence of "Energy Conserving" words. All of the diesel oils have blank space in the donut where this stuff is on most automotive oils. Cheers!
Hey thanx for the info on that oil. So today I put around 200 miles on the bike. I noticed a couple of days ago that the overflow bottle was empty, so I put the recommended 50/50 in. When I got back from my jaunt I checked the level again, nothing in the bottle. No leaks that I can see. Time to start tearing into the plastics and a more thorough check is in order. I did smell antifreeze briefly, didn't think much about it. The bike didn't get warm, ran like a champ. And it was a steady 20 miles uphill for awhile. Another thing I noticed was that when I went into a slight corner,well any corner,I would hear a whine or whirr from the rear. Then I would stand the bike upright it would go away. Any ideas?
Stay Safe and keep it upright
Welcome to the AVA. This website is awesome and full of info on these bikes. RotallaT is in my bike and it performs well. As for tires I went with the Avon Cobras and I love them!! I feel much more confident on these tires over the Dunlops that were on the bike.
Stormryder
West Michigan
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Welcome to the Voyager site. I'm sure you will enjoy the Voy XII. 51k on the clock is just getting broke in. I'm running Michelin Commanders right now. They seem to last longer but I think Dunlop E3's handle better. No experience with E4's yet. I have Mobile 1 in the crankcase right now, no problems, mostly used AMSOIL 10w40 in the past. I don't know about the back of the radio, first just try the H S button. If that doesn't work, I just had that trouble with mine and the trick I used was to remove the 3 amp fuse, turn on the key and the radio, hold the HS button with one hand then replace the fuse. Worked for me. If nothin' else works, contact Pete Franchi
