Contemplating making the leap to a Voyager

[Sneezer]

Hoping to get some input/feedback from everyone. I used to ride a great deal in college (commuting, weekend rides, bike camping) then life got in the way (wife, kid, money). I sold my first bike, a Vulcan 750, about 15 years ago for financial reasons, kept my Zephyr ZR1100 and rode it for another couple years until it had some carb/fuel issues and got sidelined. I am now in a position where I can potentially pick up another bike to 1) get back on the road again and 2) hopefully allow me to do some of the bike related things I had always planned, but never got around to. These would include extended tours (weekend and long weekend type stuff) to include camping off the bike, getting back to some of the more scenic and twisty roads I used to enjoy way back then, and overall just get back on two wheels here and there.

I plan to work on the ZR and get it back to running condition - I always enjoyed it, and it has more than enough power to keep me happy, but it will take some time as I have too many home and life related projects to tackle it with any gusto right now.

I was initially intrigued by some leftover KZ1000P police bikes. I have seen a few with verified low mileage and decent condition, and I have always had a soft spot for the KZPs (likely due to growing up with Jon and Ponch as a kid) and thought they would make an excellent around town and light tourer option.

While looking for options I stumbled on some old Voyager XIIs and they caught my eye. I was never a fan of Goldwings and the like, but I am sort of drawn to the Voyager as an option. Admittedly it would be a far better choice than a KZP I think with the huge cargo capacity and comfortable cockpit. However - I haven't had anything in that weight range before, and I think a good deal of my riding short term will be around town and the odd weekend morning ride to help blow out the cobwebs.

My dad, back when he was riding, had a Honda Valkyrie tourer which I did get a chance to ride a little. While it had good power for a bike it's size, I really did not like the experience. It was big, heavy and long. It fell over once in his garage and he could not get it lifted back up. I came over and was barely able to get it upright. Eventually he added an outrigger trike kit to it, which solved many of his issues, and then sold it when he was no longer able to ride.

The KZP, while still heavier than my ZR, is still pretty easy to maneuver for quick store runs, and I could easily strap a dry bag or two to the back for camping/touring. I am a solo rider - my wife can't stand bikes, has no interest in getting on the pillion, and never will, and I love her too much to try and force her to give it a try. Thus I really don't need to worry about riding tandem, and my son is 15 now and would much rather learn how to ride instead of being on the back, so no worries there either.

If I could get both I would, but my garage will not easily support 3 bikes, and I am not sure I could easily justify having 3 in there anyway.

So there you have it. I have spent a significant amount of time perusing Voyager posts, KZP threads, and still don't feel any closer to making a final decision. My son thinks I should get a KZP, because it would be cool to motor around on an ex cop bike in his mind, and it is probably the logical choice as it would fit the bill for local and light touring, which is really what I see myself doing these days. Still, part of me thinks having a Voyager would be a really nice, comfy way to get out on the road for the weekends. Just looking for some honest input/experiences to help me make an informed decision on my next purchase.

[cranky]

... you almost sound like me... try/buy the Voyager...

It handles quick and feels good... I came over from riding a Kaw
Vulcan 1500 '01 Nomad and it was a heavy machine!!! I was always
worried about dropping it... but, when needed, there were folks around...

I dropped the Voyager once and it was wasy to lift, the weight is 100#s less
and the weight is lower...

It get's great mileage... I can get 50 on a long trip.. and ramp up to
multi-week trips!!!!

Make it work for you!!! I needed an Air Hawk to "fix" the seat and
then a wooden bead cover to cool the hawk down!!! GBG

The Voyager has more power than sense!!! Lucky, I have enough
sense for us both... I've never open'd 'er up in first or second...
the damn thing just screams!!!!

Get one of the newer ones and the later engineering level will make
it a good machine... I keep frequent doses of Seafoam in the gas
so I don't hafta worry about the carbs gettin' $#)%#$%)*!#'d up!!!

My biggest withold of gettin' this scoot was the carbs and the Seafoam
keep's 'er purring!!!! Idles nice and smooth... well, a little searchin'....

Learn from this site for all the "how to's" and best things to do...
the are out there and not too expensive and fairly lo miles...
and I've been assured this motor is bullet proof and can
run for 250,000 miles!!!

It's a nice road maching and the speed control is nice addition!!!!!
I don't use any of the other gadgets.... storage is on par with my
'Nad (I added a trunk...) and like you, I don't carry a passenger
so a canvas duffel bag/etc... over the second seat gives me a
ton'a room!!!! Hope it's a great experience for you!!!! Enjoy!!!

[Nails]

I doubt you'll find exactly what you want because I don't think you really know. No offence -- I didn't either. You don't know how the bikes you're considering will fit you after a few hours. Honestly, there's no answer to a question like yours. You'll probable adapt to whatever you get anyway.
I suggest an XII because it's designed for touring and it's cheap enough to allow customization -- even a lot of customization. Dunno whether you're into that.
I rode the Dragon about a week ago, and it was most enjoyable. Had a swell time on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. See my recent threads.
I'm still touring, solo, with camping crap.
But have no way of knowing whether it'd work for you.

[Irish1]

Hey sneezer, I say go for it. I bought mine 3 years ago after a long hiatis for kids,work.Buy a newer model,prices are right(around 2 grand)
you won't regret it! I back road it all the time here in western mass. Up down twists and turns it handles well for a touring bike.Good luck
0n your decision!

[shifterkart26]

I've had mine for 12 years and I love it. Power, handling, comfort and great styling, what more could you ask for! Click on the link below to see a happy rider.

[cushman eagle]

I am very pleased with the '99 I bought almost 10 years,and 60,000 miles ago.
It had 22,000 when I bought it for $5,000 and would do it all over again
It is easy to handle running around town,and it was a joy to load the trunk,and bags and take to Summersville,adding 986 miles to the Odometer,getting 48.6 miles per Gallon.

[SgtSlag]

I've owned my XII since 2010. However, considering your post, I recommend you stay away from the XII...

The XII is big, heavy, and top-heavy. It is not like riding a smaller bike. All touring bikes tend to be top-heavy, compared to smaller, lighter bikes. I went from riding two-up on a 1979 Honda CB750K, with a Windjammer+lowers, trunk, and soft saddlebags, to the Voyager, in 2011; put 24k+ miles on my XII, thus far. I've modified it with Progressive dual-rate fork springs, and Progressive dual-rate, heavy-duty springs on their 412 shocks. It is still top-heavy, and just plain heavy, compared to my old 750. I miss the handling of my 750, as it was sooo much lighter, easier to handle, than this monster touring bike.

Don't get me wrong, I like my XII, but it is a heavy, difficult to handle, beast of a touring bike (sorry Forum members, but my XII has never been as all of you describe your's to be; mine has never, "handled as if it were on rails"). They are ALL heavy, top-heavy, and more difficult to handle than any mid-sized bike.

I also had a KZ440LTD, 6-speed. That was a true pleasure to ride. It had really fast acceleration, and with its belt final drive, it was smooth as silk to snick through all six gears. Light, nimble, and quick. I used to laugh out loud, beneath my modular helmet, every time I flew through the gears, cursing when I realized I'd just flown past my turn. This happened every time I rode it... The 440 was like flying an F-16 Fighter Jet, very agile, very nimble, but not a lot of power. The bigger the bike, the heavier it is, no matter what.

The 750 seemed heavy, and clumsy, until I rode the XII... Just being totally honest with you. You don't sound like you will enjoy the XII. As heavy touring bikes go, the XII is nice. I believe you will enjoy something smaller, and lighter. Cheers!

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

Bought my 2001 in February or 2008, test rode it while there was still snow on the ground and bought it that same day. First touring bike I've owned, but not the first I've ridden. I have had GS750, VT500, KZ440 and this ZG1200 (XII). I've ridden (not mine, family members) Harley baggers in the 70's, 80"s & 90"s, Kawasaki café racers, Vulcan's, Yamaha V-Stars and a few others. I'm sure so many more folks have much more of a resume but for me the Voyager XII is a great bike.

I don't think it's too heavy; sure, I'm not an idiot .... it has some weight to it but I've picked it up without hurting myself and watched others gently lay them down and pick them up multiple times just to prove that anyone above 130#'s can do it ~ if done correctly.

I can also say that the Voyager 1200/XII handles like a sport bike due to it's low center of gravity, twisties and tight turns aren't an issue if handled and approached properly. Wide sweeping turns feel like your on your couch watching T.V.

Seafoam is your friend regardless of which bike you ride, add it to every 2nd or 3rd tank of fuel to keep the carbs and internal areas clean.

Take one for a test ride and see if it's a good fit for you!

We (wife and I) were able to pack enough clothing for a 5 night stay while at the AVA rally this past week and had room to bring home the rally shirts and a few other items we picked up while there so room is not a problem.

Good luck with your decision and don't be afraid to lurk around and ask questions, that's how you learn!

[Mr Jensee]

You are welcome to buy mine. It is complete and ready to go. I cant ride anymore and the bike needs a good home where someone will ride her. Give me a call, my number is to the right of this posting. I would suggest you download and print the service manual. As these bikes get older doing most of the maintenance on them yourself is crucial. You will find a link in my signature for the complete manuals. If you are interested check the bike out in the AVA Classifieds.

P.S. If you are worried about the weight the Voyager weighs in at 800 lbs. It is top heavy as any big bike is until it is moving the weight disappears. Progressive suspensions got rid of the leaky air suspension and added some sportiness though slightly rougher ride.

[Nails]

Divergent opinions here, hyperbolically.

Look guys, it's definitely heavy; and it definitely does not handle like a sport bike or even a naked. It has a huge freekin trunk, ferchrissakes. But it does "hustle" enough to feel the suspension working like it should. That's enough for me.

I found it to be plenty clumsy at first, and I dropped mine a few times in uneven parking lots. But no damage and I could grunt and pick it up. Suspension mods helped. Not an issue now.

A test ride can mislead because XII often have suspension issues that really screw up the handling and ride. That's the bad mews. The good news is that it's cheap and easy to go from sucky to swell. So I'd look closer at ergos (my handlebars still are a little too far away), and not get too fussy about minor nits with the suspension and steering.

Don't spend too much so you can give it some time ... as long as it takes to sell it and try something else. That's why god made cheap used bikes in the first place. I bet you'll like the basic setup and motor, and pretty much everything else is fixable.

[Nails]

I've seen Michael's (Mr. Jensee's) bike. It's farkled and well-maintained. I'm also sure his "find a good home" comment is as sincere as it gets.

[Sneezer]

I've seen Michael's (Mr. Jensee's) bike. It's farkled and well-maintained. I'm also sure his "find a good home" comment is as sincere as it gets.

I have seen his pics. Of all the colors they did over the years, I have a preference for the 94/95 years with their contrasting blue/black and the 2001/2002 red/silver/beige. The 94 that was close to me sold as I was corresponding with the owner. Still trying to sort things out - my son says get the KZ, because he wants to tell friends his dad rides an ex cop bike! If there was a way I could get both within my budget I would, and figure out storage later! Honestly I think I would be happy with either, they both scratch different itches for me, one a little more immediate and one definitely longer term from a goal standpoint.

Lafayette is within driving distance for a weekend trip, so I will definitely keep that in mind.

[Nails]

Somebody took a picture of me on the Dragon, and they just sent it to me.
See? Definitely not a sportbike.

(I found an avatar.)

[Sneezer]

Well as I was about to make the drive to secure the KZ I got a text that he just sold it. Bummer. Still looking. There is a XII in the area with a trailer I might go look at so not done yet. However the pics he sent me give me some concern - torn seat at the seam, missing the knob for the trip meter, looked like a couple screw caps on the frame might be missing too. Might see if he would be willing to sell the trailer only then I could explore a trip to Lafayette. I wouldn't mind being able to set up base camp somewhere and explore for a weekend on the bike. Trailer would make that easier, although I would prefer a pop out Moto camping trailer instead but those are hard to find in my area. I've only seen a handful over the last couple years.

Love the new avatar!

[Mr Jensee]

Sneezer if you remain interested get with me later today on a video chat and I will pull out the bike and do a walk around so you can be relieved of any concerns buying it. I know I asked a lot but everything I have involving motorcycling is going with it, helmets, jackets, communications helmet radio, an extra volume control set for the rear speakers (just purchased off of Ebay) as well as my service manual. My phone number is next to my avatar.

[Sneezer]

Well not so sure I will be making a leap anytime soon. My grandmother passed away a couple weeks ago. She had reached 102 though, but we had hoped to see her one more time as she lived in FL and we went out to visit every year in August. Running joke was she might actually outlive all of us, but a recent fall brought her to the end. Family plot was up in OH so we had to make an unscheduled trip to OH for the funeral, reconnect with family, etc. While on the trip the guy with the KZ lets me know the prior buyer (ebay) flaked out and never came to pick it up. Another couple Voyagers that were in town also resurfaced for sale as well. Thought maybe things would work out, but now that I am home and looking at the state of my garage, my wife's long overdue plans to finally put new flooring in this old house of ours, and the financial hit of the trip means maybe now is not the time to pick up another motorcycle. I still hope to get back into it, just not sure when that will happen now.

Sucks being a responsible adult sometimes. I was really looking forward to one or the other if I could make it work.

Hopefully I can scrounge up some time and cash and I will try to pull my old ZR out of the garage and see if I can get it running again.

However - my son and I were successful in changing out the plugs on my 2005 Dodge Magnum (which will be his first car in September when he gets his license) and it is now running quite smoothly. That was a big weight as I wasn't sure if it was going to need more than just plugs, as it was popping multiple misfire codes and running really rough after having sat for a year.

I'll still pop in, seems like a good group here, and technically I think my ZR can trace its lineage to the Voyager as the engine is based on the XII mill, but they changed a lot to make it a different beast (air/oil cooled engine, etc).