Targeting a Voyager

[markus56]

I've been mulling something for about a year now and have come to a decision.........I'm going to sell my GL1200 Goldwing and buy a Voyager XII in the Spring. I have four Eliminators that I ride alot but I also enjoy touring with the wife on the open road when I can. I've had my 'Wing a couple of years now and have put up with this motor design as long as I care to. These "opposed" motors can be difficult to work on and since I do 90% of the work on all my bikes, I'm going to make it as easy and enjoyable as I can. The 'Wing is sitting right now with a set of carbs that need rebuilding which I will get to in the Fall to get readdy for the sale but even that will be more difficult than it would be on a Voyager. The simplicity of an inline four motor is much more enjoyable to work on than the opposed motors IMHO. Motor removal is nessesary on the 'Wing for things like stator or clutch service......on the Voyager, both are easily accessable through side engine covers!! My 'Wing is spotless and so will the Voyager be that I wind up replacing it with. I've talked to Furchin about them and would like to get others' oppinions or experiances with Voyagers. I'm particularly interested in any weaknesses or known flaws of the bikes and what to look for. I'll probably go after a later year model but would entertain an earlier one in awesome condition. I've been watching them for some time now so I am informed on prices, conditions, ect. of what's on the market where the Voyagers are concerned. Thanks in advance for any info or oppinions on them.

 

[harm]

What year Voyager are you thinking? Never had one but your reasoning makes sense to me.

 

[markus56]

The 2003 model was the last Voyager XII but I don't like the color so I'm thinking the 2002 model.

 

[ZLrider]

Sounds like you need a brand new wing. Hondas don't require much repair until they become ancient. My bro has a Voyager. He likes it, but when something breaks he's SOL for parts. If the budget doesn't allow for a new wing get one a few years old. They had a dramatic engine/design change.....oh maybe 5 years ago now? That's the one you want for two up touring.

 

[markus56]

Yeah, I know they're plush and all of that but the motor design is the same......."opposed" cylinders!! $$$ is not an issue.......motor design is!! Try pullin' the carbs on a GL1200 and then pull 'em on a Voyager XII.........you'll see my point immediately. If the new Voyagers still had an inline four, there would be one in my toy box as I write this but I'm not about to lay my $$$ down for a V-Twin. Besides, ancient is cool.........you ride an Eliminator don't 'cha?

 

[zlMark]

they still make the voyager


go ahead, I deserve it for that remark

 

[lowlife]

Fuel injection my man. I know nothing about any touring bikes....any one has to be better than what I ride!!!!! Friend had an 02 wing and sold it for the same reason you are...tough to work on...coincidently he had a stator go out....I could hear him a mine away.....not sure what he bought but it was another touring bike

 

[furchin]

Markus, maybe Jeff (Wuputt) will chime in here on this topic. He used to have one a number of years back. As far as colors go on the voyager I was always partial to the '96 year. Sort of a candy red with black inlays. get in touch if any questions.

 

[ZLrider]

Yeah, I know they're plush and all of that but the motor design is the same......."opposed" cylinders!! $$$ is not an issue.......motor design is!! Try pullin' the carbs on a GL1200 and then pull 'em on a Voyager XII.........you'll see my point immediately. If the new Voyagers still had an inline four, there would be one in my toy box as I write this but I'm not about to lay my $$$ down for a V-Twin. Besides, ancient is cool.........you ride an Eliminator don't 'cha?

You missed the point. HONDAS DO NOT NEED REPAIRS! The only guys working on Hondas, are working on very old ones like yours. The engine isn't the problem, it is the age.....how old is that 1200? Didn't they stop making those decades ago? You won't ever pull a carb off a newer wing, pretty sure they don't have any. You buy an old Voyager and you'll be wrenching. Your choice buy newer bike and just ride all the time, or get an older one and wrench a lot. Not dissing Voyagers just saying this isn't a logical solution to your prob which seems to be doing more wrenching than you would like. If you don't like carbs, simply buy a machine that has none and the newer the better.

edit: just saw what Mark posted. I thought they quit making Voyagers a few years back? Didn't they replace it with a mo-better sport cruiser?! If you plan on a new one, never mind my other posts. Although I'd compare repair history between Voyagers and Wings just for $hits and giggles. Like I said my bro has an older one and it's been pretty good for him. The only bad thing is he is riding around with broken pieces that he can't fine replacements for. I looked online and did not find any really active forums for them either.

 

[zl1000 pilot]

so will the voyager engine fit in a ZL

 

[furchin]

You buy an old Voyager and you'll be wrenching. Your choice buy newer bike and just ride all the time, or get an older one and wrench a lot. Not dissing Voyagers just saying this isn't a logical solution to your prob which seems to be doing more wrenching than you would like.

I have to whole heartidly dissagree with your statement about wrenching on older voyagers. I own an '86 model year voyager XII and have not done a **** thing to it other than plugs and oil changes as far as upkeep. Now understanding that routine maintenance must be followed on any and all bikes, It is not uncommon for these machines to routinely go upwards of 300,000 miles

 

[markus56]

Thank you for your positive input Martin..........couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[rkerg]

You buy an old Voyager and you'll be wrenching. Your choice buy newer bike and just ride all the time, or get an older one and wrench a lot. Not dissing Voyagers just saying this isn't a logical solution to your prob which seems to be doing more wrenching than you would like.

I have to whole heartidly dissagree with your statement about wrenching on older voyagers. I own an '86 model year voyager XII and have not done a **** thing to it other than plugs and oil changes as far as upkeep. Now understanding that routine maintenance must be followed on any and all bikes, It is not uncommon for these machines to routinely go upwards of 300,000 miles

300,000 miles! Holy crap, no wonder they had to stop making them, too **** reliable. LOL.

 

[paulfun]

I dont think people get it!

Markus I'm with you on this. I have seen what you have to do to work on the honda as compared to the kawi and would opt for the kawi as well.

I am not big on the new bikes and wouldnt even consider something with a computer in it. Not to mention when it does break it posses the same problems with the extent of what needs done to make simple repairs or should we say a simple repair turned into a nightmare!
What people think when they say newer bike is beyond me? When I think of how they built the newer bike I think how much harder it will be to keep it going when it gets old as compared to a simpler older machine?
and if everyone thinks that hondas dont break down think again! they do and they are usually harder to fix and more expensive.

 

[furchin]

300,000 miles! Holy crap, no wonder they had to stop making them, too **** reliable. LOL.

Oh, I forgot to mention one of the most important concepts of the voyager in at least regarding the engine is that it has hydrolic valves that never need adjusted. Not like our ZL's. Just makes things easier.

 

[furchin]

so will the voyager engine fit in a ZL

No. Too high on the valve cover area. Suppose you could make some mods if needed. Believe me I have looked at this. Imagine it could be done with the right tools and concepts.

 

[kawboy]

No. Too high on the valve cover area. Suppose you could make some mods if needed. Believe me I have looked at this. Imagine it could be done with the right tools and concepts.

That would be a torque monster!

 

[zl1000 pilot]

i belive that the ZRX1200 engine is a common conversion and here the youtube link those crazy germans PLEASE WHATCH THIS ITS AWSOME


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v27iDPH0Mw



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD6ahTPQvec

 

[markus56]

i belive that the ZRX1200 engine is a common conversion and here the youtube link those crazy germans PLEASE WHATCH THIS ITS AWSOME


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v27iDPH0Mw



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD6ahTPQvec

How does this video have ANYTHING to do with this thread!

 

[markus56]

I dont think people get it!

Markus I'm with you on this. I have seen what you have to do to work on the honda as compared to the kawi and would opt for the kawi as well.

I am not big on the new bikes and wouldnt even consider something with a computer in it. Not to mention when it does break it posses the same problems with the extent of what needs done to make simple repairs or should we say a simple repair turned into a nightmare!
What people think when they say newer bike is beyond me? When I think of how they built the newer bike I think how much harder it will be to keep it going when it gets old as compared to a simpler older machine?
and if everyone thinks that hondas dont break down think again! they do and they are usually harder to fix and more expensive.

You're exactly right Paul.........All bikes need repairs and routine maintenance!!!!!!!! The Goldwing I have has always been well taken care of but I've still done a ton of work on it! Not because it falls apart or has left me on the side of the road. I "maintain" it because I don't want to be broken-down!! If I wanted a new bike, I would buy one..........that's not what I'm after.