Longevity

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

Moderators: the2knights, Highway Rider

Post Reply
grumpy72
Traveler
Traveler
Posts: 189
Joined: Thu Nov 07, 2013 6:45 am
11
Current bike(s): 2013 vstar 650
99 shadow 1100
93 voyager 1200
Has liked: 1 time
Been liked: 15 times

Longevity

Post by grumpy72 »

I owned a 92 parts bike, then an immaculate metallic green not sure what year. Shoulda kept that one. Then briefly a 6 cylinder. Bought for a 100, sold for 400. Now my 2000 model. Once some things are fixed its a keeper. I guestimate with routine upkeep these motors go 100,000 easily. The 10 to 1 compression is worrisome.
User avatar
Scott-(Altoona, PA)
King of the Road
King of the Road
Posts: 1108
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2008 1:22 pm
17
Current bike(s): 2001 Voyager XII
Location: Altoona, PA
Has liked: 87 times
Been liked: 149 times
Contact:

Re: Longevity

Post by Scott-(Altoona, PA) »

Grumpy72, there are many, I repeat MANY Voyager XII's with 100k, 200k and some with 300k miles.
Basically as long as you keep up on routine maintenance & oil changes these bikes historically will last and continue to provide a wonderful riding experience 😀
These users liked Scott-(Altoona, PA)'s post:
cushman eagle (Fri Feb 21, 2025 5:43 pm)
Rating: 11.11%
Mid-Atlantic Voyagers chapter secretary {"scribe"}
2001 Voyager XII
We may not know them all, but we owe them all! Thank a Veteran today!
Conrad
Traveler
Traveler
Posts: 117
Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2022 12:13 am
2
Current bike(s): 93 kawasaki voyager xii
89 yamaha venture royale
Has liked: 27 times
Been liked: 61 times

Re: Longevity

Post by Conrad »

That's what I'm hoping for, my '93 only has about 43,000 on it. My biggest worry is discontinued parts, i went through that last winter with radiator hoses etc.
User avatar
Scott-(Altoona, PA)
King of the Road
King of the Road
Posts: 1108
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2008 1:22 pm
17
Current bike(s): 2001 Voyager XII
Location: Altoona, PA
Has liked: 87 times
Been liked: 149 times
Contact:

Re: Longevity

Post by Scott-(Altoona, PA) »

I personally know no less than 3 owners who have joined the 100-thousand mile club. I also know of more who have hit 2k and remember one fellow who was pissed when his Voyager let him down when it only had 315,000+/- miles in it. I laughed like a fool when I read it thinking "these aren't diesel engines, but they must be bullet proof!"
Mid-Atlantic Voyagers chapter secretary {"scribe"}
2001 Voyager XII
We may not know them all, but we owe them all! Thank a Veteran today!
cushman eagle
King of the Road
King of the Road
Posts: 2017
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2011 10:08 pm
14
Current bike(s): '99 Kawasaki Voyager 1200
1958 Cushman Eagle restoration has been finished,and have put 3030 miles on her!
Location: Orrville,Ohio
Has liked: 881 times
Been liked: 304 times

Re: Longevity

Post by cushman eagle »

My '99 has 116,450,and still runs like new,uses no oil and has had no internal engine work :thmup:
I did change the water and fuel pump.I also had the alternator and starter rebuilt,as a prventive measure.I also replaced coolant hoses and O-rings over the 15 years I have had it.
These users liked cushman eagle's post:
Scott-(Altoona, PA) (Sun Feb 23, 2025 1:39 am)
Rating: 11.11%
'99 Voyager VXII,'58 Cushman Eagle
User avatar
GrandpaDenny
King of the Road
King of the Road
Posts: 1111
Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2019 4:24 pm
5
Current bike(s): 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500
Has liked: 495 times
Been liked: 444 times

Re: Longevity

Post by GrandpaDenny »

Gertrude had 114k miles at the time of the accident and would hold her own against a Concours 1000 which was only slightly faster. 45 mpg, do 120 all day long, used no oil, no leaks, would start right up if you just looked at the starter button. Shame she got totalled - she and I had been through so many adventures - such as frame bolts falling out and replaced by the DSPO with machine screws about six inches long, airbox fire that kronked the original carbs (also during DSPO's ownership but it took me 45k miles to finally replace the carbs and air box), bad wheel bearings that had been diagnosed by a "tech" at the dealership as "fine" - that also took out my forks. Only time she ever leaked anything was on cold nights the coolant pipe o-rings would leak. Every winter I'd tell myself "when it gets warmer I'll fix them" and then when it was warmer they didn't leak and I was too busy riding to fix them. Oh yeah and the Mexican Jumping Saddlebag Lids, let's not forget them. That was cured by Gene Kap adjusting the latches and also I installed tethers. Also kept the lids locked. Only things that actually broke during my 60k miles of ownership was the speedo gear (the stamped metal thingie) wore out, I broke a speedo cable, broke a choke (excuse me, enricher) cable, and the clutch leaf springs went. So whilst I was in there I replaced the clutch pack (a rare item to wear out on these) because all those miles in Philly traffic and stop signs and/or traffic lights every block or two made it about time to replace it.
Dennis Fariello
Philadelphia, PA
2000 Voyager XII "Gertrude" - deceased
1993 Vulcan 88 "Emily"
2008 Ford CVPI "Myrtle"
1971 Com-Pac 16

SJ Retreads, PGR, WWR

VXII Manuals:
https://amervoyassoc.org/zg1200manuals.php
Post Reply

Return to “General - Voyager XII (1200 Four)”