To buy or not to buy?

[radioguy65]

First off, I'm new to the group so Hello All.

Second, I have a question for the group. But first a little history. I'm in Canada and I currently ride a 2003 Vulcan 1600 Classic and enjoy it. Lately, though, I've been feeling the itch to get back onto a touring bike. In the past I have ridden an '84 Yamaha Venture Royale so I'm not new to the idea of riding a touring bike. My problem is I am 6'2" with a 32" inseam so not just any touring bike will do. I have tried Wings and the riding position is not right for me with the foot controls, though I did love the feel and handling, it was a 2000 anniversary edition, very nice. I also had a go on an '88 VR and found the same thing, even worse the seat had me pushed right up against the false tank. Neither bike was very accommodating for my wife either.

While researching the VR, I came across an article comparing the VR to the XII and it piqued my interest. I started searching and finally came across a '95 at a dealership close by so I went and had a look and ride. Apparently it has been there for about a year and when I took it out there seemed to be some issues, none of which I thought were insurmountable. It seemed to be tricky shifting from 2nd to 3rd but that might just have been my not being used to the bike but this post, http://www.amervoyassoc.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7240, scares me. There also seemed to be some wobble but that could have been due to pressure in the forks not being right. The saddle height and foot controls seemed to work as they were set and I imagine they would be even better when adjusted for me.

The price is currently at $3999CDN and for that money I'd like them to do a front end job and pull the clutch apart and give it a going over. Am I being unreasonable with that? Kelley Blue (American) lists the bike, in excellent condition, at around 2300USD and Nada lists it at between 3100 and 5000USD for VG to EX condition. My situation won't allow me to keep both bike so the Vulcan would be a trade.

Ultimately I know the decision is mine but what I am looking for now is some input and feedback on price and potential problems I might run into on a bike this age. Kawasaki's reputation is pretty good when it comes to longevity when properly maintained. I'm handy with a wrench in one hand and a soldering iron in the other so I'm not intimidated by the idea of getting my hands dirty.

Any thoughts, suggestions or ideas would be appreciated.

Thom

[cushman eagle]

I would like to know more about the 2-3 shift before I made a suggestion The front end wobble could be the tire or it's pressure,or an out of adjustment steering stem bearing.I am a fan of the Voyager 1200,as I bought a '99 in 2009 for $5000 with 22000 miles on it .I have since put almost 47000 on it and enjoy it very much. If you have any more questions,please ask.

[radioguy65]

I got a call from the dealership owner today and he told me that the shifting problem seems to have been related to a hinky heel-toe shifter that the previous owner had installed. The techs in the shop removed it and ran the bike through its paces on the road and there were no shifting problems.

As a bonus, the bike does come with a thirty day warranty upon purchase. Don't know the conditions of same but something is better than nothing.

This, http://www.brantfordmotorcycles.ca/moto ... 041f38.htm, is the bike in question.

Of course, there is also this one, http://www.brantfordmotorcycles.ca/moto ... 041f38.htm, but its 3.5 hours away.

[Jimvoyager01]

I would try the bike again,,,just to see if the dealer is tru to his word,,

[Neal]

If it has the stock Dunlop 404's that would explain the 'wobble' NOTHING will correct that ! Tell them you won't take delivery until they install other tires, as even the cheapest #$^(*&^%$# will improve handling.

[Thud300]

I'm new to the V-XII, but so far mine has had no issues on a 2-3 shift compared to any others.

During my search I steered clear of bikes equipped with heel-toe shifters and floorboards instead of the rider pegs.

[radioguy65]

I would try the bike again,,,just to see if the dealer is tru to his word,,

I'm hoping to head up again on Saturday and bring my wife to try it out again.

If it has the stock Dunlop 404's that would explain the 'wobble' NOTHING will correct that ! Tell them you won't take delivery until they install other tires, as even the cheapest #$^(*&^%$# will improve handling.

Thanks for the heads up, I will make sure and check that when I am there on Saturday.

[HarryL]

From the moment I drove my new 03 Voyager home from the dealer, it never shifted easy from 2nd to 3rd. Always rough with a lot of grinding. After me nursing it along for 116k, it started jumping out of third gear.
I found a wrecked 91 with 47k miles on it and swapped out the motor. I had always questioned myself that it might be me but that 91 motor shifts so nice.
Anyway, long story short, after getting some advice and pointers from Carl Leo, I bought a used transmission gear set off of eBay and split the case on my original motor. The shifter fork for 2nd and 3rd gear was bent with one whole side of the fork wore down which then caused excessive wear in the shifter groove.
It's hard to know if the fork was bent from the factory or I bent it with all the rough shifting over all those miles, but it is very nice to have a motor that really shifts good.

I would definitely take the bike out for another test ride before buying.

These are great bikes which is why I'm rebuilding my old motor so I can have a spare as I plan to keep it for at least another 116k.

Good luck.

Harry

[cushman eagle]

I do not know how complete the 30 Day warranty is But you can tell a lot in those 30 days on the condition of the bike The picture of it shows it to be a great looking bike

[Jimvoyager01]

Neal is for sure,,,stay away from 404 s

[ghostler]

Recently was talking to a retired Harley-Davidson mechanic now working for an independent bike repair shop. I mentioned the Dunlop D404 tire not recommended for the XII because of its handling. He told me that it was due the XII's geometry. On other bikes, cruisers like Harley's they do well. I found his point interesting.

Of also interest, occasionally someone will bring a metric bike to be worked on by the local H-D dealer. Their overhead rate is lower than in large cities and they have decent mechanics.

[radioguy65]

Well, don't I feel silly.

Forgot it's Canada's birthday today. No visit to the dealership today.

Leaning towards a trade with the dealership, going to see if some of the above checks out.

[radioguy65]

Well, I went back to the dealership today with my wife.

Long story short, she felt comfy on the back and when I took it out for another ride, the shifting problem had cleared up after the removal of the heel toe shifter. The tires were not Dunlops but for the life of me I can't remember what they were. Anyhow, I am now the owner of a 1995 Kawasaki Voyager XII.

And now onto the fun of working on and riding my new mount.

Thanks for the advice and insight. I'll be back here for sure.

Thom

[Jimvoyager01]

Lots of good info on this site

[triton28]

Congrats on your purchase. I'm sure you will enjoy the ride.
Dave

[ghostler]

Congrats on your new ride. Looking forward to seeing photos of your "new" scoot.