Greenhorn From Oregon

This is for general posts and questions concerning only the Voyager XII (1200cc, Four-cylinder) Years 1986 thru 2003.

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kjsett
Grand Tourer
Grand Tourer
Posts: 396
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2012 5:28 pm
12
Current bike(s): 2003 Kawasaki Voyager XII
2009 Suzuki Vstrom DL650
Location: Ogden Utah
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Re: Greenhorn From Oregon

Post by kjsett »

Welcome Oregonian Voyager to the bike, site, and club. Born in Oregon, raised across the river just north of Vancouver, and live in Springfield from '80 to '91.
During that time I had a Suzuki GS450XL and then later, a 1979 Yamaha XS1100 with Windjammer fairing and detachable Samsonite luggage (really liked those).
Now in New Mexico after cutting loose from 6 years in Phoenix. Bought a 2003 off my son almost 5 years ago and have put on over 50k during that time (at least once a year to Portland area where I have family). Heading off for a 3 to 4 weeks ride with my wife to North/South Carolina, then up to Connecticut and then back. Wife rides a 97 Vulcan VN800a and loves it. I don't like maintaining the chain, but otherwise a good bike. Because of wind, vibration, and noise (she loves her pipes) she does limit my distance per day, but with Sena headsets we can talk or listen to our phones.
Anyway, I used E3's for over 44k on the Voyager but switched to Avon Cobras about 5k ago. I prefer their wet weather handling, but don't know if I will get the 22k/tire with them i got with the Dunlops. My wife is just replacing a Michelin Com II from her back wheel with another Avon Cobra. She got at least 20 out of it.
I have been using Shell Rotella T6 synthetic in both bikes and my Dodge Cummins for their life (with me). I have had no issues other than maybe shifting into 2nd occasionally (wife no issues at all) in the past, but just need to be firm. Extended oil changes (always put new filter on - Fram before, but prefer K&N now).
I started having seeping out past the O'Rings that are used with the water manifold that runs across the front of all 4 jugs and connects them down to the bottom of the radiator. With age they harden, then don't seal as well. You can get them from Carl Leo, but be sure to lube them well when putting, I didn't and had to redo them a few months later.
Enjoy, great bike and you are in a great area to ride (i love the coast from Astoria to south of Crescent City). :woohoo:
Blessings,
Ken Settles
If You Can See Me - There I Am
Ken & Shelley (Harley the dog now in heaven)
Ken - '03 Voyager XII - Shelley - '97 Vulcan VN800A
formerly: 1965 Honda CB50; 1972 Honda CJ350; '80 Suzuki GS450L; '79 Yamaha XS1100;
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