New Owner

[DDDDDMORGAN]

Hello All,

I was given a 1998 Voyager! My brother in law decided I needed a bike and there you go!

I'm looking forward to it of course. A couple of questions; One saddle bag is missing the top, suggestions to locate one? Secondly, I'd like an owner's manual and can't seem to google one up, I found the service manual but again, any suggestions?

Thanks

Dan

[GrandpaDenny]

A couple of questions; One saddle bag is missing the top, suggestions to locate one? Secondly, I'd like an owner's manual and can't seem to google one up, I found the service manual but again, any suggestions?

Well, Dan, welcome to both groups - The AVA, and AVA members who have lost their saddlebag lids! With absolutely no knowledge of you or your bike, I'd say I've got an 80-85% chance of guessing which lid is missing: the left, correct? Sad experience... when I bought Gertrude she was missing her left lid, and I've lost two more (one tethered) since.

As for the owner's manual, here you go. From '86-'03, other than paint colors, and no cruise control on the '86 (oh and let's not forget the igniter problem on the '86s), these bikes are all the same.

These are awesome bikes right out of the box. Yes, there are of course some improvements that some of us have made, and some recommended improvements, and of course a few foibles and weirdnesses, no different than any other old machine. Comfortable, fast, maneuverable, fuel efficient, and reliable. 100,000 miles is easy; a couple of folks are approaching 200k. I think someone has exceeded 200k? Not sure. I just took Gertrude on an 1800 mile trip without doing anything special to her beforehand, and have done nothing since coming home. Absolutely no issues. Wonderful bikes!

[Nails]

Search this site for "new owner", and you'll find plenty to get you started: the common issues, the must-do upgrades, and all the best sources.
And enjoy your new ride! I can't say you paid too much. But I can say that these bikes are fantastic values, even if you have to pay actual money for them.

[DDDDDMORGAN]

Thanks for the welcome, and thanks for the manual.

I was looking over the specs on the bike and sheesh! 100 hp! and 45 mpg?

My biggest concern is getting comfortable riding, I"ve never been on anything this big. I've ridden on and off over the years. I jumped on my first 100cc Honda at 16 and never found any need for instruction since then. However with Idaho moving into the 20th century I now have to take a class for my motorcycle endorsement and I'll schedule that soon.

I'm going to try and get time riding the bike once I have it registered, new tires and the license. The goal is to be ready come spring for the wife and I to start taking trips, she's excited. I'm going to work on some of the recommendations I've already come across like the progressive springs and such.

And no, well I'm not sure... the bag missing the lid is on my right as I sit on the bike. Tether?

Thanks

[Nails]

with Idaho moving into the 20th century I now have to take a class for my motorcycle endorsement and I'll schedule that soon.

I'd have to recommend borrowing something smaller, at least until you get some miles on this one.

Tether?

Search here for "saddle bag lids" to find out about tethers. I think any "new owner" replies would bring them up as well.

[Nails]

Okay, there used to be replies to "new member" and "new owner" posts like yours, but I just tried and couldn't find any of the better ones. They all talked about the tethers, progressives re-torquing the head bearings ... a list of all the topics a new owner should consider. I remember commenting to one that we should make it a sticky. I can't believe these were all lost when the whole website had to be re-created a while back.

I'm going to put more effort into finding that because it'll be more comprehensive than anything I could make up right now. If anyone else remembers something more specific that you can search on, please give it a go.

[Nails]

One tip regarding this website:

Go to AVA Home:

a1.jpg (18.13 KiB) Viewed 1017 times

And then the Tech Center:

a2.jpg (12.34 KiB) Viewed 1017 times

You'll want to check out "XII" and "Dollar4Dollar":

(Let me know if those first two screenshots don't show up for you. They're being weird for me.)

[cranky]

with Idaho moving into the 20th century I now have to take a class for my motorcycle endorsement and I'll schedule that soon.

I'd have to recommend borrowing something smaller, at least until you get some miles on this one.

Tether?

Search here for "saddle bag lids" to find out about tethers. I think any "new owner" replies would bring them up as well.

Nails, I got my tether kit from Cheyvyman1... might try there first, seem to work fine for dangling lids...

[DDDDDMORGAN]

Again, thanks for the input. The dollar for dollar is great.

I'm not afraid of riding the bike, I"ve been on various ones for years on and off, I'll wind it up and take it easy, they have a tendency to keep themselves going. All I have to do is go 10 or so miles to get home, then tires, registration and the class. I'm thinking by the end of August I'll be ready to ride.

I want to change the oil and such before going anywhere and as the weather cools I'll take it out for some rides to gain experience and comfort with how it handles.

I'm really looking forward to it.

[Nails]

Okay. I got my endorsement on a '75 Goldwing, back before there was any MSF. It was fun, actually.

Off the top of my head:
1. Source: Everything I'm saying, I got from this website. So you can find more details by searching here.
2. Manual: Somebody just posted this, maybe even in this thread.
3. Carl Leo: He knows everything about these bikes, but he's at least semi-retired. He's a swell guy, and he has a ton of spares.
4. Front suspension: Progressive fork springs will do wonders. I understand that cartridge-emulator systems can be even better, but they're more expensive. Dextron in the forks works very nicely for me. I suggest keeping the air-fork manifold but adapting it to have minimal headspace -- and then running with the factory-recommended fork oil level. Otherwise, you'll find alternative oil level recommendations here. (I completely dumped my fork manifold, but wish I had kept it to allow releasing built-up pressure.)
5. Front stability: Besides the suspension (above), the XII front end is kinda picky about lots of things, but the short list is a) Dunlop 404's -- they just don't work on the front; b) the headset bearings usually need adjustment (visit with Gene here about a special tool for this); and c) there are frame bolts under the right fairing that usually need tightening. If your front end is at all wonky, check these. There are other potential problems, but most are fairly easy to fix.
6. Rear suspension: You'll want to change your shock oil, and I like Dextron there also. Others here are big on Progressive replacement shocks, but I'm only suggesting that if the shocks leak. The stock shocks work amazingly well with fresh oil.
7. Brakes: Visit with Don (here) about braided lines and upgrade pads.
8. Carburetors: Most folks here are big on trying Seafoam gas treatments first. At the least, flush some gas out the float bowls (look for gunk). These are a bitch to remove (take them out the left side). Consider taking them to a reputable shop -- the very best you can do is to beg Carl Leo to rebuild them. I bought a sonic cleaner and did mine. You'll probably have to replace plastic tee's, gaskets, &etc -- these bikes are old.
9. Other old stuff: Spark plug wires, any and all hoses (replacement radiator hoses can be problematic), O-rings (especially in the thermostat housing), you know the drill. Also ALL fluids, including the rear axle (don't overfill it -- search here). Some of us use Seafoam or something similar in the crankcase, too. I strongly recommend a Prestone radiator flush.
10. Rear driveline: My bike has low miles, but I need to get into here this winter. And while there, clean/lube the swingarm.
11. Throttle cables: Lube them. You'll probably need to adjust the cruise control unit, under the right fairing. See the manual.

I elevate these above routine maintenance. Most of these bikes seem neglected, so you'll want to get on the recommended schedule.

And next are farkles, like LEDs, a switch to defeat the starter relay (allows filling the float bowls without cranking the engine), bypassing the overdrive switch to allow using cruise in 4th gear, and the list goes on.

I'm sure others will straighten out anything I got wrong or left out.

[GrandpaDenny]

I was looking over the specs on the bike and sheesh! 100 hp! and 45 mpg?

Yup, and easy 100k+ reliability.

My biggest concern is getting comfortable riding, I"ve never been on anything this big. I've ridden on and off over the years. I jumped on my first 100cc Honda at 16 and never found any need for instruction since then. However with Idaho moving into the 20th century I now have to take a class for my motorcycle endorsement and I'll schedule that soon.

I HIGHLY recommend classes. After taking the beginning class, and getting some time on your new bike, take an intermediate class with your bike. It will astound you what you can do with her, and will make you a much safer rider, and have more fun too. Nothing wrong with taking the beginner class over again too.

These are big, OK let's say HUGE, bikes. It is going to take you a while to get used to not only handling at speed, but stopping, holding the bike up at lights, and such, not to mention low speed maneuvering. I highly recommended taking her to an empty parking lot and practice slow speed maneuvers (like U-turns and weaving) and emergency stops. Also practice picking the bike up in case you drop her. There is a pretty cool technique for picking up big bikes - ass on seat, hold passenger grip and handlebar, walk backwards to get bike upright. Look for a video on youtube by motorman about how to do it. His 90 lb. wife can pick up an Electroglide by herself.

I'm going to try and get time riding the bike once I have it registered, new tires and the license. The goal is to be ready come spring for the wife and I to start taking trips, she's excited. I'm going to work on some of the recommendations I've already come across like the progressive springs and such.

Your wife will love it. The passenger seat is, from what my passengers have told me, way more comfortable than the driver's seat. I've sat on it a few times while taking breaks, and one fell asleep with my feet up on the handlebars.

And no, well I'm not sure... the bag missing the lid is on my right as I sit on the bike. Tether?

Oh, wow, I was wrong. Well, like I said, 85-90% chance it is the left. Yes, absolutely tether the new one! Also, make sure the latches are adjusted so they close snugly and evenly. Since Gene Kap adjusted my latches, I haven't had a lid work loose. Thanks, Gene!

[drtechnology]

Thanks for the welcome, and thanks for the manual.

I was looking over the specs on the bike and sheesh! 100 hp! and 45 mpg?

My biggest concern is getting comfortable riding, I"ve never been on anything this big. I've ridden on and off over the years. I jumped on my first 100cc Honda at 16 and never found any need for instruction since then. However with Idaho moving into the 20th century I now have to take a class for my motorcycle endorsement and I'll schedule that soon.

I'm going to try and get time riding the bike once I have it registered, new tires and the license. The goal is to be ready come spring for the wife and I to start taking trips, she's excited. I'm going to work on some of the recommendations I've already come across like the progressive springs and such.

And no, well I'm not sure... the bag missing the lid is on my right as I sit on the bike. Tether?

Thanks

I feel ya here. I had a 300cc scoot was 600 lbs thought IT was heavy. These are even heavier and thats just dry weight with fuel ouch. I also had automatic trans on my old 2 wheel spin handle and go. NO clutch and braks on both handles, no foot brake. So getting usd to all the differences. Hardest thing for me was parking it in an angled parking stall. Had one uphill angle and nearly fell bike sideways when braking the angle just was weird and i lost balance, and the heavier bnike was hard to hold once it was falling - luckily I was able to stop it just before the side bag hit the ground. whew!!! Tho I was not moving so would not have been a huge issue i hope, if it fell all the way.

2nd was on a downhill space, never thought anything of it. Parker perfectly but leaving, cars on both sides, well, to back that up as in pushing it reverse up a small hill, oh man took me like 20 min I just could not seem to be strong enough I felt like a wimp. Eventually got it and I see I need more practice too.

I did sign up for a riders course through HD just to use one of their heavy touring bikes and have a pro to help me master all the clutch, foot brake vs 2 handlebar brakes lol. After letting go of clutch too soon going into 1st and not being enough rpm (did not wanna jump bike fwd) and stalling, I see I need some learning of the sweet spot. My only issue is soonest course is late sept/early Oct. UGH! I may try n practice more on my own till then or park it and wait still deciding, I did travel from Zion to here (Vegas) without issue so idk we will see. Other than that great bike love it!!!!! And the faults are all my own I am not used to such a beast!

Good luck to you I know you will get the hang of it over time.

[drtechnology]

Speaking of Tethers for lids, my bike has no lid tethers - anyone here still has some or recommend which ones to buy online? This thread just reminded me I want to put some on BEFORE my lid(s) fall off lol

[drtechnology]

Again, thanks for the input. The dollar for dollar is great.

I'm not afraid of riding the bike, I"ve been on various ones for years on and off, I'll wind it up and take it easy, they have a tendency to keep themselves going. All I have to do is go 10 or so miles to get home, then tires, registration and the class. I'm thinking by the end of August I'll be ready to ride.

I want to change the oil and such before going anywhere and as the weather cools I'll take it out for some rides to gain experience and comfort with how it handles.

I'm really looking forward to it.

far as changing oil idk where I found it - think on a link on an old thread here from like 2016 or 2017 (yea, I read thru the entire forum back to when it started lol - this covid thing gave mne a lot of time on my hands)

Go to youtube and type in voyager xii oil change I think the video comes up, the guy walks u thru entire thing. I will post link below gonna find it for ya. I feel condifent doing it myself it looks so easy but I never used nor do I have a torque wrench nor do I know how to tighten front ones to 22 I think he said in video to avoid stripping - and back one idk what torque to do it to. So I guess I needa learn how to use a torque wrench then go buy one lol

https://youtu.be/UpWNwD_96d0

[drtechnology]

Again, thanks for the input. The dollar for dollar is great.

I'm not afraid of riding the bike, I"ve been on various ones for years on and off, I'll wind it up and take it easy, they have a tendency to keep themselves going. All I have to do is go 10 or so miles to get home, then tires, registration and the class. I'm thinking by the end of August I'll be ready to ride.

I want to change the oil and such before going anywhere and as the weather cools I'll take it out for some rides to gain experience and comfort with how it handles.

I'm really looking forward to it.

Also, if not installed already, buy these - great guy, and once installed I notice a huge difference works great!

https://www.amervoyassoc.org/osclass/pa ... nders_i723

[SgtSlag]

A couple of points on these posts...

ALWAYS lead with the rear (foot) brake! This will prevent the nose from diving, on ANY bike, when braking -- it will be MUCH more stable during any braking event, but especially during emergency braking situations. You only need to lead by 1/4 to 1/2 second. The difference in loading the front suspension, is amazing... The bike will brake level, the nose will not dive, it will not lift the passenger up, you will find the bike very much more stable, and easier to control.

Second, a Torque Wrench is a must, for doing oil changes. Harbor Freight sells them for cheap: $19.99, without a coupon! It is sooo nice to set it for the correct torque, twist until it clicks, then pull again, for another click, to ensure you have it set to the full torque. You will never worry about stripping the pan's thread. You will know that it is right, and tight.

Search YouTube for Voyager XII videos. The one on adjusting the cruise control slack, is pure gold. It solves most CC issues.

The Dexron Automatic Transmission Fluid was used extensively, in the 1970's, for fork oil. It is a constant weight of 8. Regular Fork Oils come in various weights, 5 to 15; they, too, never vary in viscosity, which is why the ATF works. ATF is cheap, even for full synthetic, Dexron VI (synthetics last twice as long, around four years). Most Fork Oils clock in around $15-$20, and the Dexron VI is around $11, for a quart. The 8 weight is soft/stiff enough, for me. The higher the viscosity, the stiffer the front suspension will be.

If you opt for the Progressive Dual-Rate Fork Springs, you will need to remove the spacers, and forget about adding air pressure -- no air is needed, but it will stiffen the suspension if you do add any. Only use a hand air pump for adding air to the front forks! They have a maximum pressure limit of 12-15 PSI. The pressure limit on the OEM rear shocks, is 35 PSI? Don't remember, as I switched to airless Progressive rear shocks, and fork springs, right after I got mine, in 2010. Cheers!

[Nails]

The thing I like most about trail braking is that just a short touch more on the rear brake makes a great mid-corner correction if you start to run wide, especially if you also see loose gravel along the edge of the tarmac. It'll straighten the bike up to lessen the chance of washing-out the front, a concept that can mess with my mind on these heavy bikes.

I'm not talking about racing, just avoiding some sphincter pucker on that one evil corner that crops up every time you start really grooving a curvaceous hustle.