New owner report

[Mapper]

I'm a new Voyager owner having just made the switch from a. Vstar 950 Touring model. The bike is a used 2011 model w/ 20K on it and no extra accessories like CB. I have been riding steadily for 7 years and 40,000K/25,000 miles but have been riding on and off since the late '60's & I have noticed some things w/ this bike.

I have noticed the 'wobble' or shake when cornering and from what I read here, this appears to be normal. I have had no stalling issues and as a matter of fact it idles very nicely! I do however hear a rather high piched 'rattle' noise that starts about 60K/40mph that sounds like a key vibrating on metal. It does seem to be drive train related and even pulling in the clutch I still here it. It is more prevalent when you lean forward and down toward the dash area. It doesn't sound right and I am trying to determine if this is indeed normal or if I have a engin/trans problem..any ideas??
Since I haven't had it from new I have no baseline to go by. I have tightened all the bolts I can easily access around the fairing and dash/tank area but no change.

That being said... I love this bike!!! It has a great ride and predictable handling. The brakes are solid. I feel planted on it and the cross winds are not too much of a problem. The seats are comfortable and plush; cruise is spot on; speedo is only off by 5K/3mph and storage is decent.

The downsides are... When the 'FUEL' light activates there is no remaining distance to empty counter to go with it as on my Vstar. I can't seem to get a 'clear' sound from the speakers.. sounds muffled and far from clear. I hope it's just a setting up problem cause they sound good a low speed. I suppose the addition of rear speakers would help but again at a cost of $350!! Getting to the rear shocks to adjust the air or rebound settings is a job for a contortionist and the setting is hard to see. The bike touches early in the corners and getting two full size helmets in the trunk is not easy.

Also, the extras you have to buy...MP3/GPS/IPOD cables are expensive and the in helmet intercom system has at least 5 items I will try the 5th gear/ higher RPM suggestion to remedy the fuel consumption as well. When it is all factered in it's still a great bike & I hope to have many years of riding it.

Gary (Ottawa, Canada)

[David (N. Alabama)]

Welcome Gary.

I don't recall any wobble when cornering except when I let a front tire wear and start cupping. That is when I learned that the factory recommended front tire air pressure is too low. You might want to check your front tire.

For some there is a rattle from the chrome tank trim. I solved mine by putting clear vinyl moulding around the ignition and along the bottom of the tank trim.

When the "low fuel" first comes on you can toggle the mileage indicator with the right handlebar control and see your mileage, but the miles remaining is really a joke anyway. It is based on the assumption that you will maintain the same throttle setting until you run out of fuel. I guess it is kind of accurate if you only ride on flat roads.

Can't help with the speakers, mine sound great.

To adjust the rear shock you just open the saddlebag lid and use a zero loss hand pump with a 0 to 60 psi rating. Just screw it on the valve and pump. You should also have the rear suspension hanging free to get an accurate value. No air in the rear shocks is preload for a 150 lb rider with no luggage or passenger. Since you are complaining about the bike touching down in the curves you might want to put 30 PSI in the shocks and adjust from there. Also set the rebound a little firmer should help.

To fit two full size helmets in the trunk it is best to lay them on their sides with the openings facing each other.