1993 Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII
Summary:
Best bang for the buck in touring bikes!!
Faults:
Fuse box, fuses, carb rebuild when I let it sit too long with old gasoline; nothing other than that.
General Comments:
I bought it after reading numerous reviews and determined it was the cheapest way to get into a touring bike (I wanted all of the amenities), and after reading the club message boards. Everyone liked them! I couldn't beat it for the money paid, and I still feel the same today.
It's a bit cramped for me though (6'2") and wish it was a bit more roomy. Clearly Kawa didn't update virtually anything in its 16 year run, so the competition ran away from it with their newer models. But, the cost to own it dropped all the more over time, and I still like it to this day. Sure, its dated design is evident, but everything works great. No problems with the CB, cassette radio, intercom system, speakers, trunk light, cruise control or anything like that. After adding great tires, fork brace, and progressive shocks, most all of the criticisms that I read about were cured. There's plenty of power and mileage ranges from 37-51!!!
Gripes: saddlebag lids need a connecting wire to the bags themselves, and better locks on them as well. Too little legroom for people 6' or more.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th April, 2008
3rd Feb 2011, 18:41
I have owned three of these bikes (two for riding and one is for parts). I agree with everything this reviewer says. For the money though, this bike cannot be beaten. Kawasaki made the same bike for 17 years and only changed the colors. I am running an electrical part from my 1988 parts bike in my 2002 Voyager Xll - I must have 30,000 miles on that part. I am planning on taking this bike to Alaska this summer, and maybe to South America next year. Since this bike is a 1200, it has plenty of power, but IS NOT good for around town - it is too big unless someone wants to work real hard.