1999 Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII

Faults:

I have upgraded the suspension to progressive springs. I haven’t had any issues other than normal maintenance, doesn’t vibrate apart!!

General Comments:

My 99 Voyager is very lightweight and easy to handle. I don’t have tighten things up after riding, it does freeway speeds with ease.

Stereos on these always fail, so it’s not a big deal.

In town I can get over 200 miles from a tank of fuel. I had a 2007 Ultra Classic and I preferred riding this. I like the speed and power and being 65 y.o. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, I got it for $1900. A great bike for the money $$.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th July, 2023

2001 Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII

Summary:

Comfortable

Faults:

Bought this motorcycle cheap, and intended to only keep it for a year, and use it for three trips to Mexico, from California. I've now owned it for 18 months, only did one trip to Mexico. For the last 6 months, I've been using the bike as a full time commuter. The first year of ownership no problems. When I got to the one year mark, is when I began having problems. The oil gasket cracked, and I ended up getting oil in the water pump as well. 2 months after that, the clutch failed. Every plate needed to be replaced. The repairs are costly. Bike is running good now, I'm hoping all of this is out of the way, and I won't have any future problems.

General Comments:

The bike is very comfortable, and a lot more affordable than a Honda Gold Wing, of the same age. The girlfriend is very comfortable on the back, there's plenty of luggage space.

I think the major issue with this bike, is that dealerships here in America, will not service a bike that is over 15 years old. I had to find an independent mechanic that was willing to repair it. Not many of them wanted to touch it as well. Also hard to find parts for this bike as well.

As time goes on, and if there are no other major repairs, I would be happy to give better grades.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd October, 2022

2002 Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII

Summary:

If only the idiots at Kawasaki hadn't given up

Faults:

Radio fuses, carburetor problems due to that d## alcohol fuel gum.

Stiffened front forks, very little else not normal upkeep.

Finally caught the oil drain plug on an obstruction and ripped the filter housing out of the bike. Obvious design flaw that I was never smart enough to put a skid plate over. I really hate myself for that.

General Comments:

Rides great in any circumstance as long as you don't pretend it's a crotch rocket. Decent fuel mileage. Low center of gravity, anyone who calls this top heavy has never ridden any of the other baggers.

I destroyed the motor in my current 02, entirely my fault even though it's a design flaw, I saw it, never got around to putting a skid plate on. I've been shopping all over the map for a newer bike, cause they stop building these in 02, the idiots. It's the best one of all the ones I've ever owned, but there ain't no more. I've looked at every bagger still built, they are all too tall for a short guy, me. They are all called top heavy by the people who own them, I hate that. They all seem to come from the shop with built in flaws. I never owned a BMW, and after looking at the reliability ratings, I'm not going to. Worse than a Harley? How can anything be worse than a Harley? I've come to the conclusion I'm going to put a motor in my 02 and ride on. I hate the thought, it's a horrible job, but I can't find anything I consider a reliable option. Just my opinion, after 55 years of riding.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2020