2002 kawasaki 1200 voyager

Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager (Voyager XII): review, history, specs

Class: tourer

Production: 1986-2003

Also called: Kawasaki Voyager 1200, Kawasaki Voyager XII

Predecessor: Kawasaki ZN1300 Voyager XIII

Specifications

Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII: specs.

Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII: images, gallery.

Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII: video.

Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII: manuals, parts, microfiches.

• Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager: Service Manual, 1986
• Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager: Parts Catalog
• ↑ Motorcycle Consumer News (MCN) "Performance Index 2015" | Kawasaki Voyager XII (04/1999) | Average MPG
• ↑ Motorcycle Consumer News (MCN) "Performance Index 2015" | Kawasaki Voyager XII (04/1999) | 0-60 mph
• ↑ Motorcycle Consumer News (MCN) "Performance Index 2015" | Kawasaki Voyager XII (04/1999) | Top speed

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2002 Kawasaki Voyager XII

Back to 2002 Kawasaki Motorcycle Index Page

Click photo to enlarge. It makes a great desktop image. 2002 Kawasaki Voyager XII  

– 2002 Kawasaki Voyager XII .

The Voyager XII is dedicated to the concept of worry-free, comfortable touring with smooth shaft drive, wide seating areas, adjustable controls and on-board hi-fi stereo system.

Touring With Kawasaki When it comes to providing motorcycles with the amenities to turn long-distance journeys into exhilarating adventures, Kawasaki’s 2002 Touring line-up includes the most user-friendly high-mileage machines available. If the wind in your face and the road blurring past beneath two wheels is what vacation means to you, then Kawasaki has you covered.

In addition to the new ZZ-R1200, Kawasaki offers a cruiser lover’s touring machine in the form of the Vulcan 1500 Nomad™ Fi. With its stylish saddlebags, adjustable windshield and high-tech, fuel-injected engine, the award-winning Nomad is at home on the boulevard or the byways.

Then there’s the more traditional touring package in the Voyager® XII motorcycle. The quintessential luxury liner, this machine comes standard with spacious saddlebags, a large rear trunk, a full fairing with a wide windshield for weather protection and luxury features, such as electronic cruise control and an integrated stereo system. Its nimble-handling nature and maneuverability are icing on the cake, as is the Voyager’s surprisingly affordable price.

Also available from Kawasaki is the more sport-oriented Concours™ motorcycle. It combines a comfortable riding position and detachable hard luggage with the high-performance characteristics and handling of a sportbike. The Concours is particularly appealing in its ability to give riders the best of both touring and sport-riding worlds at an affordable price. Concours owners are among Kawasaki’s most loyal and vocal enthusiasts.

And at Kawasaki there is more than one way to go V-twin touring. Look no further than the Vulcan 750 with its available Tour Package that makes your cruiser tour worthy. It’s in a class of its own.

For the truly adventurous, Kawasaki offers the KLR650 with available soft luggage to take you to those hard to reach places where the roads may or may not be paved. You’d be surprised what you may find at the end of the road.

For the sporting adventurer, the new-for-2002 Kawasaki ZZ-R1200 sport-touring motorcycle is the ideal vehicle. Designed specifically for motorcyclists interested in a performance-oriented ride, but who also seek the comfort and style of a bona fide grand-touring bike, the ZZ-R1200 can’t help but please.

The Kawasaki Concours™: Official Motorcycle of AMA Tours

Specifications: Model ZG1200-B16 Engine Type 4-stroke, liquid-cooled In-Line Four Displacement 1,196cc Bore x Stroke 78 x 62.6mm Compression Ratio 10.0:1 Valve System DOHC, 16 valves Cooling System Liquid Carburetion Keihin CVK30 x 4 Ignition Electronic with vacuum advance Starting Electric Transmission 5-speed with positive Neutral finder Final Drive Shaft Frame type Double-cradle, high-tensile steel with removable right downtube Rake / Trail 30 / 4.8 inches Wheel Travel, front/rear 5.5/3.9 inches Wheelbase 63.8 inches Suspension, Front 41mm equalized air fork with remote filler Suspension, Rear Equalized air shocks with remote filler and adjustable rebound damping Tire Front Tubeless; M130/90-16 Tire Rear Tubeless; M150/90-15 Brakes, Front Dual discs Brakes, Rear Disc Seat Height 29.7 inches Fuel Capacity 6.1 gallons Dry Weight 728 pounds Color Luminous Vintage Red/Metallic Phantom Silver

Specifications are subject to change without notice, in accordance with national regulation and legislations.

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Touring riders are supposed to be rich as Midas, with saddlebags full of money they're practically panting to spend. Maybe so, but for those of us with buying power a few clicks down, Kawasaki offers its Voyager. If you want proof by the numbers, try these figures on for size: At $8700, the Voyager is $1100 less expensive than the next priciest tourer, Yamaha's Venture; $2800 less than Honda's GL1500; and a whopping $4300 less than Harley-Davidson's FLHTC Ultra Classic.

Kawasaki's Voyager is also the quickest in its class. The liquid-cooled, 16-valve, five-speed inline-four provides acceleration both from 0 to 60 mph and through the quarter-mile that whips every other big-rig tourer. It complements that impressive speed with an almost ethereal smoothness (courtesy of twin gear-driven counterbalancers), a broad powerband, tack-sharp carburetion and instantaneous throttle response. The Voyager's the class lightweight, too—at least of the big Japanese tourers. Only Harley's FLTC and FLHTC and BMW's K100LT scale under the Kawasaki's 803-pound wet weight.

But then, the Voyager entered the high-stakes touring game in 1986 with those attributes, as the quickest, least expensive and one of the lightest. Not much has changed since then. In 1987 the Voyager gained a cruise control, rear speakers for the AM/FM cassette deck, winglets on the fairing's trailing edges and different paint. Otherwise, the firm's flagship tourer remains the same, with steel-tube frame, triple-disc brakes, manually adjustable suspension, 16-inch front and 15-inch rear wheels, hydraulically adjusted valves and a multitude of adjustments for rider and passenger accommodations.

Out on the superslab, in the land of chicken fried steaks and bottomless cups of coffee, a rider rarely feels he's had to give up much of consequence in trade for the Voyager's bargain-basement price. The fairing offers good wind protection for average-height riders, the riding position is roomy and relaxed and, set in the lower range of its adjustment, the suspension lets the bike fairly float over a wide variety of road surfaces. There's abundant small-item storage, the stereo offers decent sound quality plus a host of adjustments to amuse the rider, and the cruise control works competently, exhibiting only a slight jerkiness in maintaining speed on downhills.

Still, there are shortcomings, and first among them is the saddle. The soft, thin padding practically guarantees you'll be ready to take a break well before the bike runs through its 6.1-gallon fuel supply. The Voyager lacks a particularly refined sense of straightline stability, too. The Dunlop Gold Seal F21 front tire follows rain grooves and pavement ruts, and even on a smooth surface the bike wanders slightly. And a passenger will complain about both a shortage of weather protection and a surfeit of wind noise.

Once a rider reaches the bright lights of the big city, he'll be thankful he's not paying for some things most other tourers have aplenty; namely, weight and clumsy low-speed handling. The low mass, 16-inch front wheel and tillerlike handlebars help yield remarkably light, quick steering, making the Voyager one of the most agile touring bikes at slow speeds. That same steering quickness, though, exacts a penalty. It's tough to maintain a precise course at slightly more than a walking pace, especially if the bike's burdened with a full load and passenger.

Many of those traits characterize the Voyager's twisty road behavior as well. The bike feels nimble, with slot-car steering response that gets it in and out of corners quickly. Such assets help rank Kawasaki's Voyager—again—near the top among touring bikes for back road handling. Still, a rider needs to exercise a gentle hand at the helm. Flicking the bike into turns makes the front end feel rubbery, and discourages further exploration of the rather limited cornering clearance; the footpegs touch down first and at a lesser lean angle than almost any other modern motorcycle.

For a solo rider, setting the suspension to eight psi in the front, 25 psi in the rear (5.7 to 8.5 psi and 21 to 36 psi are the suggested ranges, front and rear) and clicking the shocks' rebound damping to the fourth of their four adjustments gives the best compromise for ride and handling.

Unfortunately, the Voyager's lengthy roster of bests and mosts is accompanied by a similarly long list of annoyances. Of all the available adjustments to the handlebars, trunk, passenger saddle and windscreen height, only the bars offer any useful range.

Anything but the farthest rearward position for the trunk and saddle cramps riders and passengers of average size, and the same riders end up looking through the top edge of the screen at its lowest position. Moreover, the narrow saddlebag openings force you to jam the bag liners in as if you were stuffing a turkey, and the stereo's main controls are too small for use with heavy gloves. Balancing that list are the easy-to-use two-stage mainstand, and the quick-detach saddlebags.

What's important to remember is that many of the Voyager's faults are largely inconveniences, and not due to the bike's fundamental approach to touring—one of low-buck; not low-ball. This motorcycle takes the basic touring-bike formula and folds in a generous mixture of speed, light weight and agility. For the rider who wants a full measure of amenities for the long haul, but who has to hold onto a dollar until that eagle grins, Kawasaki's Voyager still represents a sound investment.

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Kawasaki Voyager 1200 Specs, Manuals, & Info

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If you’ve got a Voyager 1200 that you’re working on, you’ve come to the right place.

Whether you’re doing a full rebuild or restoration motorcycle project or you just need to complete some routine maintenance, we’ve got all the information and links to what you need to do the job right.

On this page you’ll find:

• Links to the motorcycle service manual for your Voyager 1200.
• Where you can find used Voyager 1200s for sale to start a new motorcycle project or get a parts bike.
• Specs, details, and information about the history of the Voyager 1200.

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Voyager 1200 Specs & Details

The Voyager 1200, also known as the ZG1200 or Voyager XI/XII, was a touring motorcycle produced by Kawasaki from 1986 to 2003.

Specs for the Kawasaki Voyager 1200 include:

• Engine Displacement : 1196cc
• Cylinders/Engine Type: Transverse four cylinder liquid cool DOHC 4 stroke.
• Compression Ratio : 10:1
• Transmission : 6 speed
• Wet Weight: 698 lbs

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Once you’ve got the bike up and running, be sure to check back to our motorcycle registration and title guides if you need help getting plates (Especially if you’ve bought the Voyager 1200 without a title ).

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Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII Reviews - Page 2 of 4

2000 kawasaki zg1200 voyager xii from united states of america.

Best most fun bike comparably

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 from United States of America

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

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.

Review Date: 28th June, 2019

1993 Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII from Germany

Ride 200 miles without a visor on your helmet and still have a smile on your face when you arrive

Wrong alternator fitted by a previous owner (Suzuki) shorted and fried a lot of electrical (including the speedo/revcounter) components.

Clutch cage bearings worn out.

Speedo drive/gear rusted solid.

Turn signal cancelling stopped working.

I live in Germany and it's very difficult to get any of the plastic parts. However many of the components are used on other Kawasaki models. So with a bit of patience and the internet, alternatives can be found.

After a bad crash caused by a mysterious uncontrollable tank slapper at about 90mph, the fairing and trunk are destroyed and it's too expensive to get the parts second hand from the States to here (price + freight + import taxes + customs).

So it'll get rebuilt with the help of Vetter...

Apart from that, a wonderful bike that I enjoyed riding. Sure it had problems with the front end wobbling, but that was mostly a problem with fork pressure/tyre pressure and/or rear suspension set up.

It was a joy to ride either on the autobahn or in town, alone or two up with all our junk.

I'm thinking about buying another, but here in Germany they can be very expensive...

Review Date: 7th January, 2016

1993 Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII from United States of America

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

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.

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!

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.

4th Sep 2016, 06:59

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

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.

24th Mar 2019, 19:22

Definitely not a beginner's bike.

4th Apr 2020, 02:27

Neither is a Goldwing or an Electraglide Ultra!

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.

21st Nov 2020, 15:22

You are right, they are better!

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Voyager XII

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I have an opportunity to purchase a 2002 Voyager XII with 4,700 miles on it. In researching the cycling press reviews a recurring compliant is the tendancy to "wander back and forth" and have a hard time maintaining a straight line. What has been the experience of some of you who own Voyagers in this regard? Is it true? Is it correctable and if so, how? Also, is an intercom standard on all models? I have been unable to find any intercom connections on this bike.  

I've ridden dozens of them and never once has that crossed my mind.  

I own a 2000 voyager. They run great, but the front end does wander a little. You can get a superbrace which supposedly fixes it. The superbrace costs about $100. I love the bike and the way it rides. It is tight in corners and runs straight. The only time it wanders is on very bumpy roads. I have not riden a bike yet that doesn't Basil  

join the voyager forum and we wil help you to get it oke  

My wife and I tour on a 1988 Voyager XII. It doesn't wander. The fork brace would be nice as the forks DO flex a bit in hard corners but the bike doesn't wander in a straight line. I personally would have liked to have taller front and rear tires (they are 16" and 15" respectively) for a better ride as the smaller diameter tires ride a bit harsher over choppy roads than do taller tires... I always liked the 19" / 18" combo but it isn't that much of a problem. The AVA site and links to the Wizard's site from there will provide about as much tech stuff on the Voyager as you can stand.  

DrJ said: I have an opportunity to purchase a 2002 Voyager XII with 4,700 miles on it. In researching the cycling press reviews a recurring compliant is the tendancy to "wander back and forth" and have a hard time maintaining a straight line. What has been the experience of some of you who own Voyagers in this regard? Is it true? Is it correctable and if so, how? Also, is an intercom standard on all models? I have been unable to find any intercom connections on this bike. Click to expand...

First off ,straight line tire tread will make ANY bike wander, go for cross pattern always... Second, airshocks need to be adjusted to load conditions, dah! I have 25yrs experiance on roadbikes, with 40,000 miles on my 2000 Voyager XII alone. Anybody says they can't drive in a streight line on a Voyager needs to stop drinking and driving !!!  

I've owned 2003 and no issues. Note my only bad happening with the bike is the air shocks must be adjusted with correct air pressure. I had it lose air pressure on bumpey road, noted after a stop I started out and found out front end was total mess.... could not maintain control till i placed air in front shocks carry small pump now!! This was a crash happening moment so Voayager riders beware! Air Shocks need to be looked at and maintenance done.  

armrests I have looked all over for armrests for my 2001 voyager with no luck anyone know where I could get some? Thx:smile:  

try OEM Parts Kawasaki Voyager XII (ZG1200-B15) 2001 2001 ZG1200-B15 (QI) KMM.LUMINOUS VINTAGE RED / PEARL LUSTER BEIGE - Cheap Cycle Parts  

armrest thx went on the site didn't see any armrest for the voyager just the wings. Also their is no image when you log on. Was trying to get a set before rolling thunder. I looked on the whole website and couldn't find any. Meatloaf  

Arm rests for the Voyager XII can be done using the Honda GL1200 Arm Rests sold on e-Bay: Passenger Arm Rests Goldwing GL1200 - eBay (item 380316378520 end time Feb-19-11 19:11:48 PST) . They attach using a bolt, just below the passenger seat, along the frame. They are pretty much a universal arm rest -- they can be attached to any bike that has a bolt in the right place... I bought mine, brand new, after-market accessory, for around $130. I used them on my 1979 Honda CB750K, first, then I moved them to my 1993 Voyager, when I bought it as my main touring machine. They are fully adjustable, except for vertically. I bolted them onto my Voyager, and they are at the perfect height. Wouldn't ride without them. Cheers!  

I test rode one a 2002 Voyager II priced at $4k (32k miles) and the noisy transmission turned me off. Kawasaki uses straight cut gears that are more durable and noisier. They are a great used motorcycle value for sure. Afterwards i test rode a 2006 Honda Goldwing with only 8k miles. There was nothing I did not like about that Goldwing. But, the dealer was asking $17,900 for it. The Goldwing has a much lower center of gravity than the Voyager and is easier to handle around town.  

I ride a 1999 Voyager. I had a set of Dunlop tires on it that made the ride fell like mush. I upgraded to Contenental's with stiffer sidewall and it made a big diffrence, (Road rain groves are less noticable). Also added a Superbrace. I watch the air pressure in the shocks but it doesent need adjusting very often. On my trip down The Dragon Run I was quit impressed with the handling, Fully loaded and two up. This Spring I will replace the fork oil, Seems to be some confusion on the proper amount to have in the forks, but I will sort that out. All and All very happy with this bike. 1/3 the price of a Wing.  

The proper amount of oil in Voyager XII forks is 335 cc per leg, and 15w or 20w fork oil. This info was told to me by the service manager at my kaw dealership.  

My '95 VII does wonder a bit. It tends to follow the contour of the surface I am riding it on, but I just go with the flow. Of course, it has 80,000 miles on it and I am running a B.F. Goodrich GT Radial on the back and it has 30,000 miles on it. It really wonders when I bolt the sidecar to it. I have a new pair of E3's out in the shop which I will be putting on in the very near future. That might improve the handling a bit. It might need wheel and steering head bearings. I almost bought a GL1500 this week, but I wasn't fast enough. Oh well, I still have my $6000 and I don't think the VII will leave me stranded for at least another 50,000 miles.  

I have owned 2 Voyager 12s. Tire tread will make for a slight wander when driving straight. Highway tread will end that problem. The noisey transmision is a simple adjustment ( I remember living with the whine for a complete 10,000 mile trip). The Voyager 12 is one of the lightest full up cruisers and you must adjust rear shocks when loading it down. That said if traveling any stretches of dirt or gravel road I preferred it by far over my GW.  

You may also want to try putting progressive springs in front shocks.  

i have 2001 voyager 28,000 miles getting noise, sounds like from final drive anybody have similar condition?  

DrJ said: I have an opportunity to purchase a 2002 Voyager XII with 4,700 miles on it. In researching the cycling press reviews a recurring compliant is the tendency to "wander back and forth" and have a hard time maintaining a straight line. What has been the experience of some of you who own Voyagers in this regard? Is it true? Is it correctable and if so, how? Also, is an intercom standard on all models? I have been unable to find any intercom connections on this bike. Click to expand...

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2002 Kawasaki ZZ-R1200 | Road Test Review

In the large-displacement sport-touring segment this year, our motorcycle cup runneth over. Off the top of my head, the lineup includes the Aprilia Futura, Honda Interceptor, Triumph Sprint ST , a passel of BMWs and Buells and the Ducati ST2 and ST4s. Others, like the Honda ST1100, Triumph Trophy, BMW R1150RT and Kawasaki Concours have larger fairings, and, in some cases shaft drive, but you can argue that they should be on that list, too. And by the time you’re reading this, the new Honda ST1300 and Yamaha FJR1300 will be on their way to dealerships.

A squinty-eyed look at that list of sporty tourers tells you–what? For one thing, the Kawasaki Concours is a nice motorcycle, especially at $8,199 for 2002, and it practically created the category in which it’s pegged. But we’re talking essentially a 1986 design, and next to that crowd of newer machines, the Concours is showing its technological age. The Ninja sportbike line has been getting racier by the year, too, so until this model year the sport-touring Kawasaki was slowly becoming an endangered species.

Filling the gap is the new 2002 Kawasaki ZZ-R1200 . When Kawasaki announced the imminent arrival of this silver Euro sport-touring bike, on paper it sounded promising. Essentially a cross between the current ZRX1200R and Ninja ZX-11 sportbike last seen as a 2001 model, at the heart of the ZZ-R1200 is the liquid-cooled, transverse in-line four from the ZRX. But instead of its 36mm CV carbs, the ZZ-R gets a new water jacket and head bolt layout to accommodate a bank of 40mm downdraft CVs with a throttle-position sensor. Kawasaki says the larger mixers enhance low- and midrange power (though larger carbs are usually added to gain top end). Tougher pistons from the Ninja ZX-12R are used in the ZZ-R, and the bike’s rebalanced crankshaft is said to increase torque.

The revised powerplant is hung in a ZX-11-type aluminum perimeter frame with tubular-steel front downtubes that are removable for engine service. Thicker rails and a new reinforced steering head stiffen the aluminum chassis for better handling. Steering rake and fork offset were both reduced to “maintain a light-steering feeling,” and the aluminum box-section swingarm was lightened and pivots slightly lower in the frame to improve traction and squat characteristics. To accommodate the extra weight and stress from a pair of hard saddlebags, the original aluminum seat subframe was replaced with a stronger steel unit.

To firmly position the ZZ-R as a sport-tourer, Kawasaki says it will offer a pair of color-matched hard saddlebags for it made by Givi in Italy. Although not yet available at press time, they are similar to the aftermarket company’s E360 series ( www.giviusa.com ) and will cost about $700 with mounts. Corbin is also finishing up a color-matched pair of his Beetle Bags for the ZZ-R as I write this-see www.corbin.com . And you can always stick some clear shelf paper or the motorcycle-specific equivalent over those bulbous side panels to protect them if you go with soft saddlebags.

To compensate for changing loads, the ZZ-R’s 43mm cartridge fork has adjustable spring preload, and the new single shock in back offers both a remote hydraulic adjuster knob for preload and a four-position rebound-damping adjuster. Hot days in the East Texas hill country and cold nights and electric vests require more cooling and electrons, so a more powerful 600-watt alternator and larger 14-amp-hour battery help power a pair of radiator fans and an accessory outlet under the large dual seat.

Stylish new bodywork on the ZZ-R affords more wind protection with a larger fairing and wider, taller windscreen than the ZX-11’s, and that cushy new dual seat sits atop a fatter tailsection with a new taillight/clear turn-signal combo that looks from behind like the face of an alien. Searingly bright and sleek-looking twin-beam headlights and integrated clear turn signals cap the front of the bike, and the expanded instrument panel houses a digital clock and analog fuel gauge, as well as the usual indicators. The coup de gr‚Äöce was moving the ZZ-R’s handlebars back and its footpegs down and forward, which Kawasaki says gives the bike all-day touring capability with a new and comfortable riding position.

Our ZZ-R test bike fired up instantly every time, and a gear-driven counterbalancer in the engine makes it very smooth throughout the powerband. Twist the grip hard and the ZZ-R will flatten your eyeballs against the back of your skull, too-nothing stays in its way for very long. Even at a standstill on the Borla Performance dyno and therefore without any benefit from its twin ram-air induction system, the ZZ-R delivered 137.1 peak rear-wheel horsepower at 9,650 rpm, and 81.3 pounds-feet of torque at 8,100. That’s almost 25 more horsepower than the ZRX1200R (remember those bigger carburetors?)-for that matter it’s more than most bikes we’ve dyno-tested. The torque curve stays above 70 pounds-feet from 4,100 to 10,000 rpm, too-redline is at 11,000-so no matter when you ask something of its powerband, the ZZ-R delivers right now. The clutch is a bit stiff at the lever, but shifting through the ZZ-R’s gears is otherwise smooth and clean.

On the highways, and in the canyons and corners on our two-day ride to the Central California coast with the ZZ-R, we found that it absolutely loves smooth, fast sweeping turns, where it feels like it’s on rails. On the highway you’ll find yourself streaking along at 90 mph without even realizing it, thanks to the prodigious power and smoothness.

Tighter turns and bumpier, slower roads aren’t as pleasing, as the bike turns slowly and heavily for a sport-touring machine, and a good bump mid-corner can overwhelm the softer suspension settings that work best everywhere else. Braking from the triple discs is very good front and rear-linear in feel, with no locking of the rear brake-but hard, downhill braking sometimes requires four fingers on the front lever. Stock tires are reputable Bridgestone Battlax radials that stick well, but we noticed some wiggling on freeway rain grooves-a more compliant set would probably help the ride, too.

Though all of the changes made to create the ZZ-R add a little more competence on long rides without any additional weight, the ZZ-R still measures 603 pounds wet-only one pound less than the old ZX-11, and the ZZ-R holds 0.2-gallon less fuel. True, it will smoke any of its competition in a straight line, but most of those bikes weigh about 10 percent less, even with bags, or have more wind protection, standard saddlebags, shaft drive and other features and weigh 5-15 percent more.

The ZZ-R’s revised powerplant does make gigantic power and torque, but if memory serves, it actually steers more heavily than the old ZX-11 and still puts a lot of weight on your wrists-the handlebars are too low for such a large motorcycle, so riding it is work. Kawasaki seems to realize this, as it says that a pair of 1-inch risers will be available, either through its accessory department or directly from the American vendor. Still, on anything but the smoothest roads the bike’s harsh suspension beats on you and pitches you out of the saddle, even on the softest settings, so that after a full day on the ZZ-R I needed two aspirin and a hot tub. Bar risers will help a little, but the bike really needs adjustable compression damping, too.

True, I’m getting old, and Danny DeVito is probably in better shape. But if it tells you anything, I’d much rather ride a powerful, light, nimble sportbike like the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-9R ( Rider ‘s 2002 Top 601cc and Over Sportbike) than the ZZ-R1200. The ZX-9R’s seating position may seem slightly less comfortable at a standstill, but after several hours in the saddle its lighter steering, lower weight and more supple suspension will not have worked you over as badly.

The ZZ-R’s passenger accommodations are excellent, with good grab handles and legroom, and no buzziness. There’s lots of storage under the seat, a large 6.1-gallon fuel tank (though we only averaged 33.5 mpg-shhhh), and plenty of wind protection and ample tank-top space for a magnetic or strap-on tankbag. And we generally like Givi’s luggage products, so the hard saddlebags should be pretty cool.

Some of the other details on the ZZ-R are good, others not so good. Mirrors, headlights, instruments-all super. Both the brake and clutch levers are adjustable, and there’s a useful helmet lock. Kawasaki’s Positive Neutral Finder system makes finding neutral at stops a snap, and load capacity is pretty good at 391 pounds. The remote adjuster knob for the rear spring preload is very handy for quick changes. But the fork adjusters are half-covered by the clip-on handlebar design, limiting you to short swings of an open-end wrench for adjustments-don’t slip. A solid centerstand comes on this bike as well, but it requires too much effort to put it on the stand, even without bags or a load on the back.

Kawasaki has an excellent line of motorcycles, from the Ninja 250R to the ZX-12R (see sidebar), from the KL250 dual-sport to the Voyager XII. At $10,499 the new ZZ-R1200 is priced OK, and for dedicated Kawasaki fans, it fills the gap between the plusher Voyager and Concours on the one side, the sportier Ninjas on the other. But to our minds the ZZ-R either needs recalibrated suspension, lighter handling and less weight, or more wind protection, more upright seating, and maybe shaft final drive and factory integrated bags. Kawasaki says the new ZZ-R was originally conceptualized for the European market, and I can see it blazing down the autobahn or autostrada at triple-digit speeds, its rider tucked in and confident in the bike’s firm stability and sleek aerodynamics. Until we lose the speed limits on our highways and freeways, however, most American riders will find the translation incomplete.

2002 Kawasaki ZZ-R1200 Review Specifications: Base Price: $10,499 Warranty: 12 mos., unltd. miles

Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse in-line four Displacement: 1,164cc Bore x Stroke: 79.0 x 59.4mm Compression Ratio: 10.5:1 Valve Train: DOHC, 4 valves per cyl. Valve Adj. Interval: 7,500 miles Fuel Delivery: 40mm Keihin CVKD40 carburetors x 4 Lubrication System: Wet sump, 4.4-qt. cap. Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated wet clutch Final Drive: O-ring chain

Electrical Ignition: TCBI w/ digital advance and K-TRIC Charging Output: 607 watts @ 8,000 rpm Battery: 12V 14AH

Chassis Frame: Aluminum perimeter w/ tubular-steel downtubes and seat subframe, box-section aluminum swingarm Wheelbase: 59.3 in. Rake/Trail: 25 degrees/4.1 in. Seat Height: 31.5 in. Suspension, Front: 43mm cartridge-type fork, adj. for spring preload w/ 4.7-in. stroke Rear: Single shock, adj. for spring preload and rebound damping w/ 4.4-in. travel Brakes, Front: Dual discs w/ opposed 4-piston calipers Rear: Single disc w/ opposed 2-piston caliper Wheels, Front: Cast, 3.50 x 17 in. Rear: Cast, 5.50 x 17 in. Tires, Front: 120/70-ZR17 Rear: 180/55-ZR17 Wet Weight: 603 lbs. Load Capacity: 391 lbs. GVWR: 994 lbs.

Performance Fuel Capacity: 6.1 gals. incl. 1.2-gal. res. Average mpg: 33.5 Estimated Range: 204 miles Indicated rpm at 60 mph: 3,200 Acceleration, zero to 60 mph: 3.35 sec. zero to 30 mph: 1.78 sec. Top-Gear Roll-on, 40 to 60 mph: 3.72 sec. 60 to 80 mph: 3.34 sec. Braking, 60 to zero mph: 129.0 ft. 30 to zero mph: 29.7 ft.

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2002 Kawasaki Voyager

2002 Kawasaki Voyager Motorcycles for sale

2002 Kawasaki VOYAGER

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Wyoming, Michigan

Make Kawasaki

Model VOYAGER

Posted Over 1 Month

2002 Kawasaki VOYAGER,

Wilson, North Carolina

Model Voyager

2002 Kawasaki Voyager,

2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic

Foxborough, Massachusetts

2002 KAWASAKI Voyager, Bike is in great shape for the year.

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000

KCMO, Missouri

Category Cruiser Motorcycles

2002 KAWASAKI VOYAGER,

Kawasaki : Other 2002 zg 1200 kawasaki voyager

Canton, Illinois

Category Touring Motorcycles

Engine 1200

5 speed liquid cooled touring bike has: RadioSaddlebagsTravel TrunkLuggage RackNew R. BrakesBike has been maintained very well

Trim ZG1200

2002 Kawasaki Voyager XII

Palmer, Massachusetts

Model KLX 140

The KLX®140 off-road motorcycle is fun for both kids and adults alike. It features a push button electric start, smooth power and a chassis that can take on trails with confidence.FeaturesPush button electric startHigh-revving 144cc air-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke engine5-speed transmission with manual clutchLow 30.7-inch seat height7.1 inches of front and rear suspension travel to soak up bumpsFront and rear disc brakes provide strong progressive stopping power

Greeneville, Tennessee

Model Voyager XII

Engine 1196cc cc

Long, relaxing days in the saddle are what the Kawasaki Voyager XII motorcycle was built for. This machine lays claim to all of the features of a luxury tourer, from its spacious saddlebags and large rear trunk to its massive full fairing with wide windshield and deeply cushioned seat that’s good for all-day cruising comfort. Passengers also benefit from an equally comfortable seating position, with grab rails, their own floorboards and an adjustable backrest. Truly, the Voyager pampers all of its riders.

Clinton, Tennessee

2002 Kawasaki Voyager XII,

Lexington, Kentucky

2002 Kawasaki Voyager , Radio/cassette player, speakers in front and back.Two tone burgundy/grey color, garage kept comes with full face helmets, waterproof bags, and motorcycle cover. Fully tuned up and ready to roll down the highway $3,800.00

Paw Paw, Michigan

RELAX IN STYLE! Long, relaxing days in the saddle are what the Kawasaki Voyager XII motorcycle was built for. This machine lays claim to all of the features of a luxury tourer, from its spacious saddlebags and large rear trunk to its massive full fairing with wide windshield and deeply cushioned seat that?s good for all-day cruising comfort. Passengers also benefit from an equally comfortable seating position, with grab rails, their own floorboards and an adjustable backrest. Truly, the Voyager pampers all of its riders.

Eustis, Florida

Houma, Louisiana

Contact Shane directly @ 1-888-901-5987 to schedule your test ride today! Contact Shane directly @ 1-888-901-5987 to schedule your test ride today! Long, relaxing days in the saddle are what the Kawasaki Voyager XII motorcycle was built for. This machine lays claim to all of the features of a luxury tourer, from its spacious saddlebags and large rear trunk to its massive full fairing with wide windshield and deeply cushioned seat that?s good for all-day cruising comfort. Passengers also benefit from an equally comfortable seating position, with grab rails, their own floorboards and an adjustable backrest. Truly, the Voyager pampers all of its riders.

2002 Kawasaki VOYAGER XII 1200

Mesa, Arizona

Model VOYAGER XII 1200

Bike has been garage kept well taken care of everything is working include cruise control front seals have just been redone new brakes and tires

2002 Kawasaki Voyager XII 1200

Windsor, Virginia

Model Voyager XII 1200

Engine 1,200 cc

2002 Kawasaki Voyager XII 1200, Nice condition touring bike, low miles, only 22,000. Some dings and blemishes but mechanically perfect. Cruise control, AM/FM/cassette 4 speaker stereo, new tires (1,500 miles old, Dunlop Elite 3's), new windshield, new battery, just inspected. Super bright LED auxiliary lights (you WILL be seen), extra LED brake light, custom diamond touring seat (not shown in pics), air suspension. Possible extra helmets/accessories/spare parts depending on price offered. Great reputation among touring bikes, 1200cc water cooled four cylinder, 5 speed. Not a beginners bike, don't show up expecting to ride it unless you have cash and a motorcycle license. Cash in person only, no trades, Paypal, transport etc... If the post is up I still have it. Text, email or call $3,900.00 7578990490

Billerica, Massachusetts

2002 Kawasaki Voyager XII 1200, Well maintained. Service includes battery, tires, clutch, starter, water pump, tune up, synthetic oil. Great highway bike. Tons of storage. $2,175.00 6173128209

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