New to cruisers

[itlives+]

So, on Craigslist last night looking for truck. Up pops a 1995 Voyager....looks kind of cool so I check it out. Knowing nothing about Voyagers, I open this site and begin reading.....dang! This looks like a pretty good bike.
Now, I've never owned a tour bike. I'm a adventure bike type. But, I've been thinking about a cruiser/tourer. (What is this thing anyway?l
I'm a SS1000 guy. I like to do one a year on the first day of what I call my "big trip". I get to do a big trip once a year...it's my gift to myself for being a caretaker (mom).
So, I don't have it yet but am waiting for a call back. It looks in real good shape. I've talked to owner. Even if this doesn't pan out, I'm going to get a Voyager. What sold me is the hydraulic valves.
I HATE the valve checks on all my other bikes ive had. I always feel "violated" by the time I get the bike back.
Checking out CycleTrader, there's some great deal to had....
This one I'm looking at has 57K on it and he wants $1500.
Glad I found Voyager!
Thanks for having me - Mike

[cranky]

Welcome .. best to Ya!!!!! I like mine and it's a good road scoot.... I did put in
Progressive front springs, and I"m sure you'll want to "fix up" your new
machine... enjoy!!!!

MUCH good info on this site!!!!!

[Lucasind]

...Welcome ! ...buying a older Voyager XII, may have it's initial issues...(most of which come COMPLETELY from previous owner neglect)...but once you iron out these issues and make this machine "right" ...it will give you many years of faithful service. There isn't a better touring bike to be had, for such little money ......if you are at all handy with wrenching , and have tools and a place to work on the bike , along with the help of the great folks on this forum ......by all means , go get that bike !...just my 2 cents worth of input here

[cranky]

... AAANNNDDD to start off!!! GBG I fixed my seat with an Airhawk and
it was hot to me so I covered it with wooded beads... Now I can run
12 hour days.....

[itlives+]

Thanks for the welcome guys. I am now an owner. Just got back from picking it up.
Turns out to be a '94 with just under 60K.
I'll be asking some newbie questions....like " does the Voyager have a choke?"
It was hard getting it started after I got home.
I do need to attend to the front shocks. Both front rotors look pretty eaten up , too.
I am handy with tools and will be wrenching a lot on my own.
I did see a link to service manuals last night when reading. Could some one point it out?
Thanks!

So, now I will off and reading.

[Lucasind]

..Glad you went and got the bike !,, most times the issues with the front suspension is due to fork o-rings ,allowing the air pressure to escape, sagging front end. This was the case when I bought my first Voy XII years ago , I chose to eliminate the air ride , and update to Progressive springs in the front , and Progressive rear shocks , search this forum for tons of talk on this topic. These Voyagers respond very well to this update , like a whole new bike when done, as far as the rotors ....give them a good clean up , and ride the bike for awhile, make the decision to replace after some time.disc brakes get funky from sitting un-used . Thumb lever on the left handlebar operates the choke , if the cable is broke , you can still choke the engine by reaching down to the carbs , Pull the choke slider rail from the left .....or PUSH the rail from the right side ......change all your fluids,so you know it has been done........

[cushman eagle]

...Welcome ! ...buying a older Voyager XII, may have it's initial issues...(most of which come COMPLETELY from previous owner neglect)...but once you iron out these issues and make this machine "right" ...it will give you many years of faithful service. There isn't a better touring bike to be had, for such little money ......if you are at all handy with wrenching , and have tools and a place to work on the bike , along with the help of the great folks on this forum ......by all means , go get that bike !...just my 2 cents worth of input here

I agree 100% Tony! I can not think of a bike that would give you more bang for your buck than a VXII.
Mine is a 99 with 85,000 miles on it and still runs as good as it did 10 years and 63,000 miles ago!
I do preventive service on it every winter,change the oil every 4,000 miles and tires when they get to the wear bars and ride!

[cranky]

.. while thinking of long term suggestions.....

- when ya put in new plugs... use Iridium... they give it a noticeable kick!!!
- When ya first start use'n er... run about 5 tanks of Seafoam thru'er..
then about every 4th tank.... and if ya let it sit...

[itlives+]

Cranky , my brother owns an import automotive shop and sold my on BG products a long time ago.
He sold me some stuff for the gas and even though the bike runs and idles very smooth, it's even better now!
I also ran a crankcase cleaner in the old oil, then changed the oil (Rotella T6).

Once I get the shocks changed out and the fork brace on, I'm sure I'll like it a lot better.
Can stand slow speed turns right now!

[cranky]

... was also real serious about the iridium plugs.. noticeable kick... JM2C

[Thadbaker86voyager]

I agree with Cranky on the iridium plugs. They make a big difference!!

[cbrfxr67]

Any update on this one?

[voyagernation]

Welcome. I myself am a newbie to owning a Voyager and I will admit, I love my Classic and everyone here that i’ve come in contact with are amazing members. Good Luck on the build