2000 Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII

Summary:

Best most fun bike comparably

Faults:

I ride my bikes hard. This is the 6th Voyager I've owned. The previous 5 were all 84's with the 6 cylinder which were a lot of fun. This 2000 I have now is a 4 cylinder, but lacks no power. Recently went to North Carolina and rode the Tail of the Dragon (318 curves in 11 miles), and scraping pegs in almost all the corners was a blast.

I absolutely love the Voyager and recommend anyone interested in a big bike to check it out before buying a Goldwing.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st June, 2020

29th Dec 2021, 20:45

Where can I get an antenna mast for a 2002 Kawasaki Voyager II? I cannot find one. They discontinued that part.

2002 Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII

Summary:

I like the low cost of a high mileage tourer. Best value tourer

Faults:

Oil leak.

General Comments:

The Kawasaki Voyager 1200 is dated but still a rock solid performer.

Best touring bike for the money. Less cramped than a Gold Wing.

Lots of power, storage, comfort.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th June, 2019

1993 Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII

Summary:

Fast, top heavy, forks tend to shimmy easy, and is low maintenance

Faults:

Well, it's a very well engineered machine, as every Kawasaki I have owned through the decades has been. Fairly low maintenance machines. After 80,000+ miles, keep some synthetic 20-50 weight oil on hand.

General Comments:

Well, the main issues with this particular bike are that the forks tend to shimmy at take off at times, and when sharp bumps (holes, rocks, etc) are hit. Also, try to keep both hands on the handlebars, as it will start to shimmy a little going down the road sometimes, and could get uncontrollable. I'm looking at adding an aftermarket superbrace to see if that controls the forks shimmy issue.

The other issue is that it is very top heavy. You sit higher than the other full dress 1200+ bikes. Reminds me of my 1960s, and 70s Honda CBs; top heavy and 800-900 lbs, plus a rider sitting even higher, can get to be quite a workout!

Overall, it should still be on the road for much longer, as it's a "Kow", built in Nebraska!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 2015

1st May 2016, 03:45

If the front of the bike shimmies, your tires are cupped due to low pressure. If you keep the tire pressure slightly higher, tires will not cup as easy and the bike will be very smooth even if you remove your hands from handle bars briefly. You will notice when tires are brand new there is no tank slapping or shimmying.

In reply to 1st May 2016, 03:45

4th Sep 2016, 06:59

The Voyager 12 is a wild mustang. Hold on or it will buck you off.

In reply to 4th Sep 2016, 06:59

16th Mar 2017, 23:26

Why do you say it will buck you off?? Is it not stable at high speeds?

20th Jul 2017, 17:07

The shimmy problem probably with the front was most likely a tire problem; cupped, low pressure, the tires on a shaft drive cup and cup more on the right side and it's noticeable more if the bike has been driven hard, and if the bike had stock front springs the air pressure might have been low also; you can't use a bicycle tire pump to put air in with, there is a special pump to pump them and the rear air shocks up with; any Harley shop will have one.

And these bikes have a low center of gravity; it's a very nimble bike, yes it's not as low as a sports bike, but it's lower than the other big touring bikes.

The only complaint I have with these bike is the seat; it's 1980's tech. And it gets to you. On long long rides, I got an air seat pad I use.

In reply to 4th Sep 2016, 06:59

24th Mar 2019, 19:22

Definitely not a beginner's bike.

In reply to 24th Mar 2019, 19:22

4th Apr 2020, 02:27

Neither is a Goldwing or an Electraglide Ultra!

In reply to 20th Jul 2017, 17:07

24th Aug 2020, 15:09

Every one of the dozen or so I've owned have done this to a certain extent. I don't know what does cause it, but it ain't the tires.

In reply to 4th Apr 2020, 02:27

21st Nov 2020, 15:22

You are right, they are better!