1989 Kawasaki Voyager XII (ZG1200-B3)
A fantastic machine - One Retired Kawasaki Dealer Owner 1989-2010
Nicely Optioned & Accessorized - Just Serviced - New Tires - Runs & Rides GREAT!
PLEASE WAIT FOR ALL PHOTOS TO LOAD!

Original finish throughout, very few flaws to paint and plastics throughout commensurate with the 55,200 miles from new. The bike was purchased in 1989 from his former dealership in Texas where he spent most of the 1970s and 1980s selling and servicing thousands of Kawasaki motorcycles. It was always garaged unless on a long road trip and properly serviced; hence it runs and rides very well.

The Voyager XII rides on air forks and air shocks in the back - all bladders hold as new and make for a great ride, even when pushed into corners. The new Dunlop Elite III tires are barely broken in and good for the next 10-15k miles without breaking a sweat. These also improved stability over the old Elite IIs.

You will note minor abrasions to the right upper fairing just behind the turnsignal, the original owner scrubbed the side of his garage with the bike a long time ago. The fairing lower is also missing a screw since the tab behind it is gone, it hasn't gotten worse so I've left it alone. There are also minor scuffs to the bag tops but much less than I generally see on bikes with 1/4 the mileage. Generally, the finish, chrome and accessories are all quite nice for a bike with half the age and miles, let alone this!

Note the accessory rear trunk guard and the always-missing rear speaker covers.

You don't see these very often.

This bike also had the optional CB radio. The original DIN plug headsets are gone but you can still listen to the CB. Both this and the factory on-board AM/FM Cassette work perfectly.

The bike is a real long-haul touring machine that also handles very well - better, in my opinion than the Gold Wing of the same era as well as most of the latter-day BMW LTs and other big heavy tourers. The trunk and side cases hold two weeks of luggage easily.

Whether hiding your helmet or hauling your laundry or camping gear, the trunk alone holds more than most pairs of side panniers! Note the shaving mirror and first aid kit behind it - they've been there from new. There's also an air shock pump in the bag on the left.

Another rare set of items, the factory Kawasaki soft luggage that fits in the hard cases like a glove. What a great way to travel!

Unlike most older tourers, the seat on this Voyager is original and in fantastic shape. It remains comfortable, supportive and has no flaws.

As you can see, the stereo system and the instrumentation all works as it should. In this photo, I just cut the choke off and it idles beautifully at around 800rpm.

In addition, the cruise control works great as do all the bar controls. Forgot about the newer Slipstreamer windshield, too - the original had begun to check from age.

The Garmin Zumo cradle and RAM mount are not included unless you want to add another $125, I move these from bike to bike. You also don't get my garage door opener, but I'll leave the Velcro strip there for you to put yours there! I will also leave the pigtail for the old Battery Tender that I'll include with the bike. There's additionally a cigarette lighter plug in the right glove compartment for a heated vest or radar detector. I think I've also got a touring cover for the bike that I can throw in a case for you as well as a factory service manual and a few spares.

The Keihin CVK carbs were overhauled last season - the original owner thought that the bike was always somewhat cold-blooded. All four carbs had their emissions plugs on the bases and a couple of the pilot screws had been bottomed in from new. Sorting these out solved the idle issue completely. The pan was off to address a somewhat-stripped oil drain plug - we ended up putting a NOS oil pan on. The brake fluid was completely flushed out with DOT 4, the antifreeze changed and lots of other fettling has been done to make the bike run as well as it can.

Most Voyagers on eBay or other classifieds - let alone most big older tourers - have not been most recently owned by their original owner AND a stickler for near-perfection like me who could look at it outside the box and deal with things a long-term owner came to expect of the older machine. As a result, I would feel very comfortable inviting you to fly in and ride home almost anywhere that roads can take you in comfort, it's a very nicely sorted bike.

who am I/why am I selling?

I'm Chip Lamb, collector automobile journalist and niche market parts supplier among other things. I've been active with motorcycles on and off since childhood and I guess I just wanted to try a big tourer for a while. I just prefer a sport-touring machine and have decided to limit the number of bikes in the stable to just those I would take almost anywhere with few exceptions. The Voyager is fine for longer trips but I just don't use it most of the time since I prefer something more fun to use in the twisties. That being said, this is a shockingly capable machine for its size on back roads - the brakes are great, the suspension remains very taut (while still comfortable). I'll add that the original owner was a short guy (5'7") and rode the bike as comfortably as I do at 6'3", so as long as you're happy dealing with the (well-balanced) weight, it's a super bike. Heck, I was on a big Harley recently that was heavier and FAR less versatile than the Voyager.

If you live in Virginia and purchase this bike, I'll even have it inspected for 2012 as it's up for inspection this month. It's just something I'm happy to do for you. I still encourage you to come here with your helmet, boots and gear and ride away happy, since I think you'd find it fun if time allows. Otherwise, bring your trailer and tie-downs or I can recommend plenty of good interstate bike shippers to you - feel free to ask.

If you have never ridden a large touring bike, are new to motorcycling and/or have been out of the saddle for a while, I'll make the gentle suggestion that jumping into a large machine like a Voyager is probably inadvisable before honing your skills a bit. This is by no means a difficult bike to ride but it is not for the novice.

Riders who desire to take a test ride of the Voyager must provide me with proof that should they drop or damage the bike on their test ride that they agree to purchase it on the spot for the Buy it Now price. That's just common courtesy. I live (and the bike is garaged) in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia. I may also use the bike a few more times prior to your purchase so the mileage may increase slightly. I'll fill the gas tank back up if so, how's that?

payment/shipping/pickup

Payment is expected within seven days of auction close via cashier's cheque, cash or wire transfer. I bank with Bank of America - if you do as well, I'll provide you with the means to transfer funds instantly within Bank of America to my account. Cashier's cheques must clear my account before bike can leave. Cash is king, if you come with your trailer or to ride off in person, that is the preferred method. I have a clear title in hand and as soon as payment clears my account I can send you the title to register it immediately. If you live outside the USA, clearing customs et.c. is your business, not mine and you will be expected to comply with the terms of the auction unless cleared with me in advance of your bid.

Shipping/pickup is expected within fourteen days of auction close. Contact me if you intend to comply with payment time but need a little extra time to pick up. It shouldn't be a problem but I've got a busy August and want to make sure we can get this done while I'm around.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? CONCERNS?

E-MAIL ME OR CALL 804-357-4926