1986 Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII

Summary:

Best bike bar none I have ever owned

Faults:

Alternator replaced at 50000.

Speedometer cable at 45000.

Carburetor number 1 replaced at 46000.

Three rear brake light switches over the 23 years I owned the bike.

General Comments:

I couldn't recommend this bike enough; other than regular routine maintenance, repairs have been extremely minimal.

I'm 6'1" and feel there is plenty of room if you have a spill bar with floor boards, so you can kick back on long trips. Even the clutch is original.

I would honestly jump on this almost 29 year old bike and drive it anywhere with absolutely no reserve.

I also have a matching Kompact Kamp trailer that I tow behind the bike, and have no issues as she has plenty of power to spare.

My Voyager has plenty of custom chrome and has sceneries painted on the bags and trunk, along with wide white wall tires. It's as beautiful as the day I bought it almost 23 years ago. I've won many bike shows with it; even with its dated appearance, she is absolutely a looker.

You can pick these bikes up rather cheap, and I say don't even second guess your purchase. I've seen these go over 200k plus miles.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th July, 2014

1993 Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII

Summary:

Best touring machine for the price -- can't be beat!

Faults:

Flooded battery failed, replaced with an AGM (only type I will use from now on...).

Replaced the fork springs, and oil-filled, air shocks on rear, with Progressive springs, and 412-Series shocks -- worth every penny.

Water pump leaked coolant, replaced seal.

Water temperature sending unit's wire came off (known issue, can be difficult to re-attach due to cramped space -- use a 10", hemostat).

Mirror mounts come loose: pry off plastic rim, tighten nut inside, behind glass mirror, re-attach plastic rim/trim using RTV silicone sealant.

General Comments:

This is the best touring bike for the money, bar none! They can be had, with 50k miles, for typically around $3,000, and the engines will last for 200,000+ miles! The engines are amazingly reliable, dependable, and require minimum maintenance.

The passenger seat slides back/forth, to adjust for the comfort of the driver; the rear trunk slides forward/back to allow room for the passenger. An after-market trunk-extender can be purchased, which really helps by moving the trunk back around 3", which makes a huge difference for both the passenger, and the driver.

The radio is there, but with modern intercoms having radios built-in, and MP3 player compatibility, the radio is irrelevant to me. An aftermarket backrest, for the driver, is a must! A vented windshield helps, too. Saddlebag liners, if not included with the bike, can be bought from JC Whitney -- they come standard equipment, from the factory; they make loading/unloading the bike a snap.

My wife and I both drive, taking turns sitting in back, on long tours. We both love the easy handling, and tremendous, smooth power this bike offers. The cruise control is something we will never be without again.

Incredible bike. Would recommend it to anyone interested in a touring machine. It will take you, two up, wherever you want to go, as long as there is smooth paving ahead. Cheers!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 2012

1993 Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII

Summary:

Best most reliable bike I've owned, with years of good road left in her

Faults:

Reupholstered the seat. Otherwise, with good maintenance, no problems.

General Comments:

Very solid machine. I have ridden in NYC and the open road. Handles well in both environments. Put a new battery in after 2 years of storage.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th June, 2011

1986 Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII

Summary:

I'm sorry they don't make them anymore

Faults:

Alternator at 38,000 miles.

Rear shocks at 46,000 (my fault for the shocks).

General Comments:

This bike is very agile and quick, with a very low center of gravity.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2008

22nd Feb 2010, 09:36

Had one about 10 years ago and loved it. If they still made them, I'd be riding one now instead of a Royal Star Venture (which I love too). Best feature: It handled like a much smaller and lighter machine, superior to the handling of my prior bikes, '79 and '80 Gold Wings.

7th Dec 2010, 17:50

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a 2000 Voyager. Is there a heated seat and grips I could add, and is it hard to do?

4th Nov 2011, 20:52

I bought the Heaterz 1" Bars (WRONG); you need the 7/8 inch ones. Real easy to install, and they work great here in the Northwest.

Cheers.