2003 looking to buy

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Hello everyone. This might be in a simple question. I found a 2003 voyager with under 40,000 miles and the price seems right. What in particular should I be looking for before I would buy this. Could there be something wrong that parts are no longer available for that could bite me in the you know what later? I’m just looking to trade up and have something a little bit more comfortable with more power for me so my wife or son can take day trips on.

Thanks in advance




https://gattocycle.com/Motorcycles-Kawa ... 7e00fa4c93

[Nails]

The ad just has marketing drivel. The photos look very nice, but no real information about this bike. That price seems on the high end to me, and I'd expect the bike to be pretty-much perfect for that. Check that the cruise control and all the radio crap works. Ask about maintenance, especially fluids. The front-end should be really nice -- no suggestion of shimmy. The handling should make you want to pound some curves. The motor should give electric power. The trans should work well, even if a bit agricultural.

These old bikes can have a lot of minor issues, like still having original shock oil. (It's fairly easy to change.) The front-end often has issues that usually are minor, like installing Progressive springs. (Ask about upgrades like that -- this one is a must-do.) In curves, the bike should hustle, giving you enough confidence to feel the suspension working well.

Search here for "new owner" and stuff like that. This has been answered many times.

Good luck. It's a great bike, surprisingly capable of carving. It's not just for droning.

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Thank you for your reply. I’ve been reading a lot of post the last few weeks here. In a way, this group has already influenced Me more toward this bike than a Goldwing which was my first choice.

[lucky13]

I agree with Nails. The xii is a great bike. I see you are coming off of an 1100 vstar, exactly my story too just last year. You will notice a huge difference in handling and be pleasantly surprised at how nimble these bikes are (once its moving of course). Definitely look into the progressive springs as advised by just about everyone on here; it seems the way to go. If you cant afford them right off the bat, certainly should check out the "Superbrace" for these bikes. Easy easy install and massive difference in handling right off the bat. Have fun shopping...like the colour on the 03s!

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Thank you.

The only other thing since you brought it up is color.

This color soooo calls me... not sure why :-)

https://www.cernics.com/inventory/2002- ... 4-2434100i

[Nails]

I'm a cheapskate -- I can reach into my pocket and pull out the exact change. So I bought a much cheaper XII that ended up needing a ton of work. That's the bad news. The good news is that I got to mod it the way I like, including paint.

I'm just saying that if your time isn't really worth anything, you can buy a diamond-in-the-rough for cheap. Folks practically give them away, maybe without even identifying why they don't like it anymore. And on these bikes, many of those kinds of problems (especially suspension and handling) are solvable for cheap. If you pick your problems well, you can end up with a swell ride for super-cheap. Plus have an ample excuse to mod to your heart's content, not to mention "deep" maintenance. YMMV

Re handling, my '97 XII, with fairing and saddlebags but cut-down windshield, no trunk, and no radio crap, reminds me a lot of my '75 Goldwing -- naked in those days ("when it was still a bike"), but I added hard bags and a triple-clamp mount windscreen. Both hustled through corners in a similarly exhilarating manner.

[GrandpaDenny]

I'll second that, Nails. Got Gertrude dirt cheap, have been having a blast getting her right. So far nothing has really cost a lot (except the tires and labor). From the dirty, fat, lazy slob of an elephant she was when I bought her for $800, she has come a LONG way, and is now a gazelle. A right speedy one, at that. Fast, cheap, handles great, rides tolerably well (OK, she's a cadillac without doors). It's just been matters of catching up on neglected maintenance items (like tires, fluids, and spark plugs), draining the carb bowls (new fuel filter is on order), and minor tweaks and improvements. I also have cut down my windshield, but not as drastically. I'd say I've taken 5-6" inches off. Added some lights, USB ports, heated seats, and assorted doodads. I'm still discovering annoying things breaking, but nothing's been really expensive. Takes a while for some parts to arrive, though.

It's gorgeous out. I'm going for a ride.

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With them being over 20 years old, I’m okay with the repairs and added up kept it will need. I’m just hoping by paying a little extra and getting it checked out first, I can get at least 1 good season in before It’s being worked on

Thanks every one again

[GrandpaDenny]

I went for a ride Sunday. Just a little hundred mile jaunt. Knock-off air seat on order

[cranky]

... Air Hawk works for me, had to cover it with wooden beads to cool it down...

[lucky13]

So, forgot to ask. When you choose your favourite, don't forget to show me (us?) some pictures!

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Most certainly will. Hopefully it isn’t not of me pushing it the rest of the way home haha

[mrbmoran2]

Hi, just registered for the site. I recently bought a 2003 with a little less than 13k on the odometer. Love it so far, only issue is one of the hardcase tops had blown off with the PO and is scratched, and now the rear trunk brake lens is cracked. It hit the top of my trailer tailgate on the way home after buying the bike. My fault really, but heart breaking to say the least. It's missing the passenger radio controls, but everything else works. Has aftermarket Saddlemen seat.

I agree the price for the one you're looking at seems high. Mine was on consignment at a dealer, original price was $3795, it sat a while on their floor, and I bought for $3200.

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Good to know. I’m going to see how long both are on the showroom. I’m hoping to get one of them around the 3500 out the door. Time will tell and thank God for eBay

[mrbmoran2]

Yea, I'd say that's doable. With tax, I'm at the $3500 range. I like the color of the 2003 better, just my preference. These aren't that easy to find, but when you do they've been sitting. Mine seems to be in great mechanical condition, and for the most part good cosmetic condition. If it wasn't for the hard bag cover and broken brake light lens. Good thing it's a small hole on the bottom of the trunk. New part is $400, you can't just buy the lens. That's Crazy !!

[GrandpaDenny]

Check eBay, and our friend Carl Leo in Florida. I'm sure somebody has a taillight lens around somewhere, too. As for the saddlebag lids, especially the left one are made of Golden Unobtanium. Put tethers on them. Allow me to reiterate: put tethers on the saddlebag lids. "The Voice Of Experience".

[mrbmoran2]

I'll check with Carl, I've just joined the forum, is he the classified ad for parts?

Also, it is the left lid that is scratched up, but at least it's still there. Thanks for the info.

[cbrfxr67]

Then what happened? Did you get the bike??? any pics??

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Sorry for the long pause lol

I went 2 weeks ago and checked it out. It was clean, but looked as if it was sitting a LONG time. They had it on Consignment, but yet kept telling be they could not tell me about its history

Soooo

I ending up with a 03 Goldwing haha

[mrbmoran2]

Details on the wing please...

How much $$, if you don't mind me asking. How many miles, thoughts on it so far?