Voyager Common Maintenance Issues

[bstjohn1966]

Hello folks,

I know I'm probably getting ready to ask a question that's been asked a million times before and I also know that some will say "try the search button". However I'm hoping to get some fairly unbiased feedback.

In the next 30 days I'm planning on buying either a BMW K1200LT, a 1500 Goldwing, a Royal Star Venture, or a mid 90's to 2003 Voyager. My primary question to this group of fine individuals is: What are the common maintenance issues that stand out on the voyager? What should I look for when shopping for a Voyager?

I currently own a 2012 V Star 950 for around-town riding and back and forth to work. I am looking for a touring bike that will be good for anywhere from 2 hour trips up to 10 hour single day rides with my wife on the back.

Any additional feedback from experience on the other models listed would be greatly appreciated.

[cranky]

... personal issue, biggest holdback on the 1200 Voyager would be that it has carbs,
Would MUCH prefer fuel injection!!!!!!

[bstjohn1966]

Agreed. I love my fuel injected 950.

[bstjohn1966]

Are Voyagers 2 carbs or 4? Any issues syncing them?

[Mr Jensee]

The last 2 years the Voyager 12 was made there was a lack of lubrication of the drive shaft. This resulted in some drive line failure. I have a 2001 and haven't experienced that problem. However I just got it repaired for a defect in the 3rd gear cog. Carl Leo who owned a dealership for the entire life of the Voyager 12 says this is the first one he has come across. Lucky me. All years had an issue with the way the wires were secured with a tie wrap at the steering head. This has resulted in electrical problems. Owners have been told to cut the tie wrap.

[bstjohn1966]

Good info, thank you.

[triton28]

4 carbs;
simple to synchronize.

[Neal]

I'm not sure that BMW ever did address the drive shaft/rear-end issues they had with this model.......I have 2 different fellas locally who had a Voyager of one year or another and now have the Royal Star...BOTH of them wish they still had their Voyager. The Goldwing 1500 had it's own recorded things, but if one of the later years it should do pretty well. Even though it will probably cost much more than a good used Voyager.

[bstjohn1966]

So realistically, is there any reason to doubt that a 1994 thru 2003 Voyager would be as good as any for long distance touring? My wife and I, along with another couple, are planning a couple of Gatlinburgh / Pigeon Forge trips this coming summer. we live in central Indiana. Other than normal upkeep we should be good to go? Will the 1200 hold up well at interstate speeds (70-75) for hours on end?

[Neal]

ABSOLUTLEY........That's what they were made for. And not for just 75 or 100 thousand miles, but with fairly minimal service..for a few hundred thousand miles.

[bstjohn1966]

Thoughts on this deal?

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/199 ... -122677224

[Mr Jensee]

For one thing the Voyager 12 is lighter than any 1500 or 1800 Goldwing. It handles (once it has the progressive suspension) better than a lot of sport tourers. It has an enormous storage capacity. it's four cylinder 1200cc engine is not only powerful but torquey. It has no problem climbing mountains or traversing deserts. Yes it has a lot of plastic on it but all of it is replicable when damaged. I have had smaller bikes, an 1100cc Kawasaki ZRX and a Suzuki GS 1000LN and my Voyager handles as good as either of them did. Not to mention it is pretty easy to work on unless you pull the carburetors.

[Neal]

Only if it's in GREAT shape. Paid $2000 for my 2002 with 18 K on it three years ago

[bstjohn1966]

Good to know. Thank you.

[Jimvoyager01]

The Royal Stars are more top heavy than the Voyagers and or 1800 Goldwings

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

Bruce,
By all Voyager XII's I've been exposed to &/or are spoken of that is a "Low" mileage bike. There are several Voyager XII's in the high 200,00 mile range and a few that have hit and surpassed the 300K marker. Oil changes can be completed in mere minutes without removing any plastics, the low center of gravity make it feel like a sport bike and handle like one as well. My wife really didn't like riding motorcycles but on the XII changed her mind, she is comfortable on it and rides without any argument. So if your wife is already comfortable on bikes then she'll love a Voyager XII. I put rear passenger arm rest on for her as well as additional foot pegs so she has multiple positions to put her feet, those two things made her ride so much more enjoyable. We've talked to many rear passengers who've fallen asleep while on the back, they ride great!!!
Go for it, if you aren't happy drive the XII to me and I'll pay you what you paid for it.
Oh one last thing, WELCOME to the family. Guaranteed, if you buy the Voyager you'll fall in love with riding deeper than ever!

[BigBlue871]

My 98 XII is very reliable. I call it the Toyota of motorcycles. The only failure I've had is a front brake light switch and front fork oil seals when I put too much air into the forks (I've since had Progressive springs installed). Other than that, it's just maintenance items. I had a 2001 earlier and it was just as reliable. I do wish it had a screw-on oil filter like most modern bikes.

[bstjohn1966]

I've owned a 2008 Royal Star Venture and it was amazingly comfortable. It's only problem was that it was extremely top heavy. I'm just dumbfounded at the deals that are out there on Voyagers. I don't understand why I can find Voyagers for $2500 yet comparable Goldwings (year) are $3500. The voyagers I see are normally (at least visually) nicer when I compare.

[bstjohn1966]

Bruce,
By all Voyager XII's I've been exposed to &/or are spoken of that is a "Low" mileage bike. There are several Voyager XII's in the high 200,00 mile range and a few that have hit and surpassed the 300K marker. Oil changes can be completed in mere minutes without removing any plastics, the low center of gravity make it feel like a sport bike and handle like one as well. My wife really didn't like riding motorcycles but on the XII changed her mind, she is comfortable on it and rides without any argument. So if your wife is already comfortable on bikes then she'll love a Voyager XII. I put rear passenger arm rest on for her as well as additional foot pegs so she has multiple positions to put her feet, those two things made her ride so much more enjoyable. We've talked to many rear passengers who've fallen asleep while on the back, they ride great!!!
Go for it, if you aren't happy drive the XII to me and I'll pay you what you paid for it.
Oh one last thing, WELCOME to the family. Guaranteed, if you buy the Voyager you'll fall in love with riding deeper than ever!

That's good to hear. Thank you Scott. Happy wife, happy life.

[cushman eagle]

I bought my '99 in November of 2009 with 22,000 miles on it for $5000,and have never been sorry, nor have I ever been disappointed with my purchase.I have almost 72,000 on it with very little in repairs,and am not afraid to take it on a long trip.My bike did have the ignition switch harness too tight at the steering head,resulting in rewiring the harness during a winter service.I also installed a starter relay disconnect switch,so if it sets over a week,I can prime the carbs.
I am very happy with the reliability,comfort,performance,and fuel economy of this bike.