Voyager Common Maintenance Issues

[usmalenurse]

Bought my '97 Voyager in July of 2010 ( I think) with only 19,000 miles on it. Alternating between it and my Vulcan Classic it now has 74K on the clock with only regular maintenance issues that I take care of myself. Replaced the speedometer cable which seems to be a problem spot but cheap and quick to repair. I replaced it in the parking lot at the Rally in Logan Ohio and now carry a back up in my truck (which luckily someone else had done to provide me with the speedy repair). I upgraded the seat just because I wanted a back rest and added the Progressive front springs. The only times it's left me stranded was operator error and ran out of gas....yes even with an idiot light to remind me. Doing some routine maintenance now to get her in shape for a couple of trips this summer...the Rally in Kerrville being one. About 1500 miles to Kerrville and not worried about the bike at all. And the wife loves it and yes she has been know to fall asleep many times on the interstate!

[Mr Jensee]

I too am getting mine ready for Kerrville. Just added a panel where the CB radio controls would go that includes a volt meter, cigar lighter power supply and two USB ports. I also modified my Ram Mount to accept my Apple I phone. I had already upgraded the bike to Progressive suspension and two LED driving lights. Anxious now for June to come.

[Arkvoyager]

I bought an 86XII 4 years ago it had 29xxxx miles on it, have done nothing to it except 3 sets of tires, oil changes, new brakes and other routine maintenanc. It now has almost 40,000 miles and still going. Handles like a sport bike rides like a Cadillac. Thinking about buying a 2017 Goldwing but I am not getting rid of the Voyager. It is like owning a piece of history.

[Neal]

3 sets of tires in 11,000 mile,,,? ? ? That's scary. I usually average around 24K to 28K on tires. Something must be wrong.

[voyager55]

Are you buying used tires? As stated, something is wrong going thru 3 sets

[cranky]

3 sets of tires in 11,000 mile,,,? ? ? That's scary. I usually average around 24K to 28K on tires. Something must be wrong.

... I blinked on that one also....

[cushman eagle]

My '99 had a 404 on the front when I bought it .And it probably would have about a 4,000 mile life.My E-3 an the front is nearing the end of it's life with 20,000 now.
I get about 25,000 on the E-3s on the rear
My last front E-3 only lasted about 17,000 miles

[Arkvoyager]

I guess it has only been 2 new sets of Dunlops, can't count the worn out set when I bought it, plus I am in Arkansas,(need I say more). Some roads here are like riding on cheese grater. They wore even, with very little or no cupping down to wear indicators.

[51Duck]

I can certainly relate direct experience to you. I had a 1987 Voyager XII for couple of years when new, and it was one of the best bikes I ever rode. Above all, the handling and fuel economy were unsurpassed, and comfort to boot!

For years I down sized and rode XS650 Yamahas and KZ1000s, and a '79 KZ1300 with a 1420 Turbo kit WO did that thing go fast!

In early 2006 I decided to go big again and tried hard to find a clean Voyager XII. I got impatient and bought a new Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe - almost same as the Venture. I did ride it for 9 years and 50000 miles but always felt it was just too much work, so top heavy and the handling is ponderous at best. I install Works Performance rear shock and the RaceTech lowering and gold valve kit in the front. Also a skinnier profile front tire, I think 130/90 instead of stock. This all helped the handling especially at low speeds but it was still a lot of work to drive it. The best way I can describe it is that I could never just relax and let the bike walk through curves...I had to consciously "drive" it all the time.

After a long trip in late 2014, I decided enough was enough and bought a 2003 Voyager XII. It had unsealed forks and shocks so was riding low on no air, but it was still like riding a dirt bike after the Royal Star. I was grinning ear-to-ear before I got home! I now have Progressive springs and new seals in front and new Progressive air shocks in the rear, as well as a Superbrace fork brace. WOW! This is what a touring bike should be, and at least for me I have never ridden anything to compare. And with the help of this forum, you should be able to keep one going indefinitely. Aldo there are a gozillion parts on eBay since they made them for so long.

Hope that helps...

[ekap1200]

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?

Not only for hours on end, I've done that for days on end on 7,000 mile trips

[joerod777]

I have a 2003 Voyager. Great bike and virtually maintenance free. Easy to do oil and filter change. Super reliable. I have done a 7,000 mile cross country ride with no issues. Some bikes have a front end wobble. I installed the super brace on the front forks and they pretty much eliminated the wobble. You can cruise for hours at 75 mph.