Just picked up a 86 XII have questions

[KennyK]

Hello every one I live in the foothills of NC and just picked up a low mileage 86 Voyager from an lady whose Father passed away 9 months ago. She only knew that her father bought it new. She advertised the bike as "86 Kawasaki Voyager it runs and has a new windshield in box $900 but don't be afraid to make me an offer. I paid $600 for it. The paint is faded on the trunk and bags pretty bad. She told me her Father never had a cover and the only time it got washed is when it rained. I have washed the bike a couple of time but it still needs that full weekend cleaning. I only had to put a front tire on it. to get it road worthy. I did have to clean that main plug just past the fuse box, every thing fine now. I have rode it back and forth to work a couple of times 66 miles round trip. Adjusted handle bars to fit. Only real problem I have found so far is radio not working. Now I plan on Changing plugs, oil, fuel filter and service rear end. It has no owner manual. Now I will quit rambling and on to my questions.
1. Where is the fuel filter, pulled side covers, pulled seat can't seem to find it.
2. Air pressure for suspension, based on past experience I put 18 in front and got 40 in rear
3. Is there any one the knows the radios that I could send it to get it checked out?

[gearheadfla]

Welcome to the family
The radio, check the 3 amp fuse in the fuse block under the fake tank, there is also 2 fuses behind the head light, the wires to those holders have been know to break inside the holder it self, mine did , I just went to a local auto parts store and got replacements for them, HOWEVER, we are lucky enough to have a radio guru here, Pete AKA suzib6sw, he can update your radio and add a jack for a I-Pod, change the color of the display to match your red 86 and make the display default to time instead of the radio station you have on.
Air Pressure, 7 lbs tops in the front, 40 is good in the rear, better yet, upgrade to Progressive springs in the front and shocks in the back and say good bye to the air pressure pain.
When you go to change your oil, use 3qrts 22oz of oil, no more , no less. more can cause a oil leak on the left side by the shifter and also can cause a lifter tap.
The 86 and some 87's had a problem with the igniter, when starting with a less than fully charged battery the can break the starter chain, and thats a engine out and split repair, not fun, I don't have the part numbers off the top of my head but someone will chime in, a igniter from a 88 and up will be the updated ones.
All in all, the XII is a bulletproof horse and have been known to run over 300.000 miles with a little TLC

[KennyK]

Thanks for the feedback and advice. I will adjust the air pressure in the front. As a side note the previous owner has mounted a car battery in the left side saddle bag, I will be exploring into that. I want to give the bike a good once over and replace some rusty hose clamps, check brake pads, change fluids etc. Once I have given it throw going over and make sure there are no problems I will do a few mods like the springs and shocks.

[skippy344]

Hey Kenny,

This is a great site with a TON of good info, and folks who really know their way around these Voyagers.

The fuel filter is behind the chrome cover, on the right side, but I found it easier to access from the left side, after I removed the coolant fluid overflow reservoir.

It is on a bracket with the fuel pump. You can see it, on the right side.

[biggersm]

I agree with what everyone said.

Find the igniter under the tank and make sure it is numbered 1248 (not 1176)

Be sure to get both drain bolts when you change the oil This is a common mistake for someone changing the oil on an XII for the first time. If you also include the oil filter than there is a total of three things that need to be unbolted when changing the oil. If you don't find both bolts you will of course have too much oil and this will cause your hydraulic valves to get air bubbles and not run very well.

Other than what I just mentioned the the XII is pretty easy to work on...enjoy

[kjsett]

I agree with what everyone said.


Be sure to get both drain bolts when you change the oil This is a common mistake for someone changing the oil on an XII for the first time. If you also include the oil filter than there is a total of three things that need to be unbolted when changing the oil. If you don't find both bolts you will of course have too much oil and this will cause your hydraulic valves to get air bubbles and not run very well.

I posted awhile back pictures of my oil change. It will give you an idea:
http://www.amervoyassoc.org/forum/viewt ... f=3&t=6359

Along with many others here on the forum, I run Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 oil. Yes it is for Diesels, but it works great in motorcycles as well (yes it is approved).