1995 Revival

This is for general posts and questions concerning only the Voyager XII (1200cc, Four-cylinder) Years 1986 thru 2003.

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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by Nails »

2wrems wrote: Fri Jan 08, 2021 12:41 pmWell, i reinstalled the fuel level sending unit.
I mentioned this before: the low-fuel sending unit (that cylindrical thing on the stalk) often fails. There's a Mustang part that seems identical (identified in this blog somewhere) and seems to be "on the shelf" in the parts stores. You just need to melt some solder to replace it, and then figure out a way to connect the wire (soaked with gasoline). The sending unit is easy to get out, but I'm bringing this up again to consider testing it while it's out. I tried testing it installed and just ran out of gas somewhere. :help:
2wrems wrote: Fri Jan 08, 2021 12:41 pmI finally put actual antifreeze in the cooling system. I've had just water in it.
A heated garage -- sweet. My shop will be insulated, but just R11, with single-pane windows. I'll have a huge woodburner to heat it only when I'm working. I need to be careful with gasoline anyway.
2wrems wrote: Fri Jan 08, 2021 12:41 pmI was thinking as I'm working and maybe for the first ride just keep it in there.
I would. I overfilled the crankcase with a whole bottle of Seafoam, draining past the stuck rings. After a few days, the drained oil had a super-skanky odor that I think was mostly from the top-end. It made me want to sacrifice another oil change (cheap oil), doing a proper Seafoam treatment. As mentioned, even after all that, I still had hard oil crud on the pan. (I don't think your bike was in much worse condition than mine.)
2wrems wrote: Fri Jan 08, 2021 12:41 pmThe marker lights all had the wrong bulbs in them.
I think the "right" ones are LEDs.
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by 2wrems »

Got the back end mostly together. I really should have taken some pictures as to how all the things were ran. On top of the tank? Beside the tank? Under the frame? Beside the frame? It took awhile to get the wiring, shock air line, and antenna wire in what I think is the right place. I'm still waiting for some stuff to come. The fairings do have to come back off. Still waiting on the tank lining to dry too. It looks like a motorcycle again! My seat is pretty weathered/deteriorated, are there any options for seat replacements?
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by cranky »

.. I use a set of weeded beads one an Air Hawk, works great and I
don't care what it looks like... best to ya!!!
'03 Voyager - http://tinyurl.com/mqtgpwp VROC pics of Gina
Cranky - Bill Snodgrass AVA # 6544. VROC # 16804
Cranked >128K miles, Mtn bike-no motor!!!
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by SgtSlag »

If you want OEM replacements, contact Carl Leo. Otherwise, look up an upholstery shop in your area. You will be able to customize it, if you do.

With regards to seat covers and cushions, be aware that they can raise the rider and/or passenger up 1"-2", which can make the bike top-heavy. Wife and I are big and tall, and we've run into this issue, using cushions that save our butt's, but make handling far more delicate, and difficult. Just something to be aware of as a possible consequence. YMMV. Cheers!
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by 2wrems »

Well when I put the gas tank on I didn't realize that the fuel line had a kink. So last night I got it straightened out. I also went through the order I got in for kawasaki parts. It still amazes me how someone took the bike apart that much and just didn't save all of the fasteners. Anyway, I got all the new bolts and bushings where they belong. And got the bike more together than when I bought it. Next is take the fairings back off and replace some bulbs and put it all back together for good. I still have to get a license plate, maybe today.
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by 2wrems »

I got my license plate last night, along with insurance. Now I will be itching to take it up and down the street. With the weather being cold still it should give me enough time to take the fairings off one last time before riding though. Excited to see how she rides and handles.
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by Nails »

I'm jealous. Never mind that I already can ride mine.

One thing I notice with mine is that at slow speeds the steering is pretty heavy -- I have to push on the inside handlebar more than any other bike I've owned. (This is different from counter-steering, but you get my point.) It seems to be part of the package for such nice handling at speed. So, just wait until you can romp through some twisties!
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by 2wrems »

Years ago my friend let me take his goldwing for a spin. It was only like around the block, not a ride to see how it is. So I have never spent any amount of time on a bike this big. As weird as it sounds, it was nice to see it actually roll across the garage floor, it has been on the center stand since i bought it in August. Laid it over on the kick stand too. Just picking it up off the kickstand, it doesnt feel super heavy, even knowing it is. Tomorrow is supposed to be 42... Might have to take it out.
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by Nails »

I had a Goldwing, but before they came with a fairing. If you go from a d/s to that particular GW, this is maybe like going that much further again. I have to consciously make an adjustment, especially going from XII to d/s, else I won't turn the d/s enough and run it into the ditch.
I'm making this a bigger deal than it is. But it's a warning I give everyone who tries my bike.
I suggest at least taking some ramps on the freeway to see what I mean. If the traction is good, you can lean it way over. If there's a Harley behind me, it's see-ya-later-bye.
Of course, it'll munch superslab. But for jamming curves, it's also a fine arrow to pull from the quiver. It'll be hard to know that just going up and down the street, tho.
It's just too kool that you'll get to ride it after the great work you did!
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by 2wrems »

Well I couldn't take it any more. At a whopping 29 degrees I took it out. I was just going to let it idle for a bit outside, but said screw it. She definitely has some power! All seems to be well with the power train. Only got to third gear. Makes me feel better at least knowing it actually works! I did notice the front suspension low, checked pressure when I got back and nothing. So I gotta see what's going on there. If I can't get it to hold air I'll probably get the progressive springs. I never checked it before I changed the seals so I don't know if it was holding air at all.
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by 2wrems »

Nails wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 6:35 pm I had a Goldwing, but before they came with a fairing. If you go from a d/s to that particular GW, this is maybe like going that much further again. I have to consciously make an adjustment, especially going from XII to d/s, else I won't turn the d/s enough and run it into the ditch.
I'm making this a bigger deal than it is. But it's a warning I give everyone who tries my bike.
I suggest at least taking some ramps on the freeway to see what I mean. If the traction is good, you can lean it way over. If there's a Harley behind me, it's see-ya-later-bye.
Of course, it'll munch superslab. But for jamming curves, it's also a fine arrow to pull from the quiver. It'll be hard to know that just going up and down the street, tho.
It's just too kool that you'll get to ride it after the great work you did!
Yea, it's amazing how different each bike handles. Going from my KLR650 to the Versys 650. That's the one thing i was wondering how the voyager handled, curves. It is a nice feeling to know that i brought it back from near death and it functions as it should now.
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by GrandpaDenny »

I'm going to second what Nails said about how well these bikes do in the curves. They are amazing. I ride some weekends with a couple who have a Concours 14. They are regularly amazed at how well Gertrude does in the twisties - I keep up with them pretty darn well. On the straights, well, we're talking 200 more pounds and half the horsepower, so... nope, not a chance.

If you look at my profile picture, you may be able to see where the highways pegs are scarfed up. That's from running the Dragon with them down, before the Progressive front springs install. Almost every day I run down a road here in Philly called Lincoln Drive. Nice and twisty, speed limit 25. I can easily run 50-60 without a problem, no scraping. Then again, cars do it too LOL.

As for the low-speed handling, yes, it does seem that a LOT of handlebar input is required, but that's simply because the bars are so wide. Proper steering inputs and counterweighting, and one can do circles within two parking spots dragging the pegs at a surprising speed.
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by Nails »

2wrems wrote: Thu Jan 21, 2021 10:15 amIf I can't get it to hold air I'll probably get the progressive springs.
My forks did hold air -- they had like 50 PSI when I bought it! When I installed the Progressives, I plugged the air holes in the forks with JB Weld and put a hose clamp over it. If I had it to do over again:

1) I damn sure would've switched to Progressives right off the bat.
2) I would've kept the air manifold but shortened it as much as possible. I think it's better to minimize the headspace. (I know, the tubing has minuscule volume -- still, it's the principle of the thing!) I also have been dumping unnecessary weight. (Another matter of principle, dammit!) But a real reason is to periodically bleed off pressure that develops secondary to the high concentration of fun that occurs with Progressive springs.
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by 2wrems »

Nails wrote: Thu Jan 21, 2021 2:44 pm
2wrems wrote: Thu Jan 21, 2021 10:15 amIf I can't get it to hold air I'll probably get the progressive springs.
My forks did hold air -- they had like 50 PSI when I bought it! When I installed the Progressives, I plugged the air holes in the forks with JB Weld and put a hose clamp over it. If I had it to do over again:

1) I damn sure would've switched to Progressives right off the bat.
2) I would've kept the air manifold but shortened it as much as possible. I think it's better to minimize the headspace. (I know, the tubing has minuscule volume -- still, it's the principle of the thing!) I also have been dumping unnecessary weight. (Another matter of principle, dammit!) But a real reason is to periodically bleed off pressure that develops secondary to the high concentration of fun that occurs with Progressive springs.
You may have convinced me to just order the progressives and be done with it. Thinking about what could be the problem, the only thing that i messed with was pulling the fork tubes off the bike. The o rings on the cross connection bracket for the air are the only places that could be the problem. So the only thing i can do is pull the forks off and maybe try to clean them and reinstall the forks... I sure don't wanna spend 5$ per o ring times 4 of them to fix it, if that's what it needs. I do remember doing new springs on my KLX250 and my KLR650 and thinking that i should have done it right when i got the bike.... Soooo..... maybe progressives it is. At least the hard part is done, the fork seals. :rolling:
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by GrandpaDenny »

Maybe it's just because of these nasty Philadelphia roads, but I run 8-10 psi in the front forks with progressive springs. I also weigh, in full gear, close to 280 lbs.
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by 2wrems »

Yup, I ordered the progressive springs. When i take the forks back off i will see if i can figure out why they aren't holding air, but i just didn't want to have to trouble shoot another problem. I guess I'm getting excited to ride and I am being hopeful of nice days in the near future.

I know all about crappy PA roads Granpadenny, I live in Pittsburgh. A Dualsport is probably the best bike for a Pennsylvanian. :lol:
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by GrandpaDenny »

Yeah I'm kind of thinking of getting a d/s, but then again I'm also thinking of getting a Concours 1000. And a Ural Gear-up. Fortunately my eyes are much bigger than my wallet, and I certainly ain't getting rid of Gertrude. I'm using my next stimulus check to get her up to 100%. Just ordered the carb floats and CB antenna from Carl Leo. Went with a Cobra 75 WX ST CB and the stock CB antenna & mount for appearance. Got the CB for $20 from a Ham about three hours away, and of course turned that into a two-day adventure in the snow. Yes, I rode Gertrude in the snow. Yes, she came out from under me right at the top of my friend's driveway as I was leaving (top of the hill). Other than that no problem, but boy oh boy is she FILTHY. One of my planned to-dos for today is to give her a good washing. With water, even. Like taking the bags off and getting all the greasy parts clean. I'll have to take pictures quickly, because of course she won't stay clean for long! My bike is for riding, not for sitting around and looking at.

Put a new windshield on her last weekend, a clearview that Gene K. sold me. Guess it's the stock height. It's about perfect height. And if I duck my head down I can see through it.

When Gene gets caught up on his latest projects, assuming he doesn't add one or two or three more (again LOL), Gertrude's going in for major surgery. Carb rebuilds, new lower airbox, new plugs, and probably new coolant and fuel hoses.
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by 2wrems »

That's awesome to see these bikes out still being used for what they were designed for. If and when i decide to sell it i shouldn't have a problem. I might like it enough it hangs around awhile though. I keep looking at the other bikes, and wondering if i should buy some of the parts i don't have, Cruise module on the fake tank. I'm really interested in the rear rack, not so much the speakers. The rack would be nice. I doubt i'll use the radio much. I have had a sena bluetooth in my helmet for years, and it is awesome. Can talk to my buddies I'm riding with and listen to music and not disturb others. I still wont be used to all the storage and dashboard. This bike has way more stuff than I am used to, and it still doesn't have all the goodies some of them do. At 30K miles my bike is just getting broken in.
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by Nails »

GrandpaDenny wrote: Thu Jan 21, 2021 2:05 pmAs for the low-speed handling, yes, it does seem that a LOT of handlebar input is required, but that's simply because the bars are so wide.
I got rid of the too-wide bars long ago. My bars are 29.5" tip-to-tip. I'm guessing about 1.5" of that is smaller bar-end weights. So, I have less leverage, but I think it's more flickable. My hands are completely out of cold wind (a disadvantage when it's stinkin' hot) and I can see more than my elbows in the mirrors.

The photo shows my tall windshield.
2wrems wrote: Fri Jan 22, 2021 1:36 pmCruise module on the fake tank.
My "cruise module" is in the red circle. I'd give you my old "module", but I'm pretty sure I raped part of it for this mod -- I cut off the plug, at least. If you want to wait a few months I'll be able to see whether I saved anything else.

The two lights are the bottom ones, and the push switch down there turns the CC off. I originally had bright LEDs, but this is another circuit where the current can flow either polarity. The chin of my helmet blocks these lights most of the time anyway.

That other light comes on with the fan, which is kinda stupid because it only comes on when I'm going slow and can hear it.
2wrems wrote: Fri Jan 22, 2021 1:36 pmI doubt i'll use the radio much.
Don't think I will, either. The blue circle opens to an intake were the Kawasaki badge used to be. The green circle is where the radio controls used to be -- good riddance. The "tape/radio" switch is now the CC "on".

My radio, speakers, antennae, gobs of wiring, and various switches, controls, and brackets are now their ultra-light versions. But it plays awfully quiet.

I plugged the old CC module holes before painting the fake tank.The map holder has elastic around the edges, but it fried in the sun. I've since modified it with a clear sheet of something I had laying around, with velcro around the perimeter. I can put lots of stuff under it, including my phone.

Since this photo, I've added blind-spot mirrors were the speakers used to be -- mostly blocked with black tape to keep the sun out. I also mounted a TPMS unit to the plastic over the handlebar clamps -- easy to remove the whole thing for recharging.

It works for me. :thmup:
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Re: 1995 Revival

Post by 2wrems »

Oh, that's alot of info to take in. Things to think about.

I got the progressive springs today. So when installing them the oil filter stays out and no spacer at the top right? Just the spring, and top plug?
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