Positioning:
The Kawasaki Voyager XII (ZXT10A) was positioned as a premium, full-dresser touring motorcycle for the American market in 1986, competing with other large-displacement tourers of the era.
Competitors:
Primary competitors included the Honda Gold Wing series, Yamaha Venture Royale, and possibly the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.
Features:
Characterized by its large fairing with ample wind protection, integrated saddlebags and trunk, comfortable seating for rider and passenger, and a powerful inline-four engine. Often featured amenities like a radio/cassette player and cruise control (depending on trim).
Engine And Drivetrain:
Detailed coverage of the 1196cc inline-four engine, including disassembly, assembly, lubrication, cooling system, ignition system, fuel system (carburetors), and exhaust.
Transmission And Clutch:
Comprehensive instructions for the 5-speed transmission, clutch assembly, shifting mechanism, and associated components.
Suspension And Steering:
Covers front telescopic forks, rear monoshock suspension, linkage system, steering head bearings, and adjustments.
Brakes:
Detailed procedures for front dual disc brakes and rear disc brake, including hydraulic systems, caliper maintenance, pad replacement, and bleeding.
Electrical System:
Extensive information on the electrical system, including wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting, instrumentation, and ignition components.
Fuel System:
In-depth coverage of the Keihin carburetors (likely CV-type), fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel pump operation.
Bodywork And Chassis:
Instructions for fairings, body panels, seat, fuel tank removal/installation, frame inspection, and related components.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain adjustment, brake adjustments, fluid level checks, and lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems related to engine performance, electrical issues, braking, and starting.
Component Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete disassembly, inspection, cleaning, repair, and reassembly of major components like the engine, transmission, and carburetors.
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, tolerances, electrical specifications (resistance, voltage), and diagnostic data.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for experienced mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Digital Quality:
High-resolution scans, often with searchable text capabilities for PDF versions.
Print Quality:
Professional printing with clear diagrams, illustrations, and text. Durable paper stock for workshop use.
Binding:
Spiral bound or comb bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment (for printed versions).
Paper Type:
Durable, coated paper to resist grease and shop wear.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, inline-four
Displacement:
1196 cc (73.0 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
70.0 mm x 78.0 mm
Horsepower Est:
Approximately 105-110 HP at 8000 RPM (manufacturer data often not precise, but this is a common estimate for the era).
Torque Est:
Approximately 70-75 lb-ft at 6000 RPM.
Carburetor Type:
Four Keihin 32mm constant velocity (CV) carburetors
Fuel Capacity:
5.8 US gallons (22 liters)
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition (CDI)
Overall Length:
Approx. 95.9 inches (2435 mm)
Overall Width:
Approx. 37.6 inches (955 mm) including saddlebags
Overall Height:
Approx. 58.7 inches (1490 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 660 lbs (300 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically specified in manuals, but significantly higher than dry weight.
Safety Ratings:
Motorcycles of this era did not undergo formal crash testing or receive NHTSA ratings. Safety emphasis was on rider skill and effective braking/handling.
Braking System:
Front: Dual hydraulic disc brakes. Rear: Hydraulic disc brake. Features for the era included prominent caliper designs and potentially braided brake lines on higher-spec models.
Suspension Stability:
The large mass, long wheelbase, and sophisticated suspension contributed to stability at highway speeds.
Fairing Protection:
The large aerodynamic fairing provided significant wind protection for the rider, reducing fatigue and improving comfort.
Lighting:
Dual headlights for improved visibility at night.
Audio System:
Many Voyager XII models were equipped with a factory-installed AM/FM radio with a cassette player and speakers integrated into the fairing.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control systems were available, adding to the touring comfort.
Traction Control:
No electronic rider aids such as traction control or ABS were available on the 1986 Voyager XII.
Connectivity Features:
Primarily mechanical and basic electrical systems. No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports.
Dashboard Features:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, and indicator lights. Often included a clock and voltmeter.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 6,000 - 7,500 miles (check specific recommendations).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 7,500 miles or annually.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 12,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or similar motorcycle-specific oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.6 US quarts (3.4 liters) with filter change.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for exact specification).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Common Wear Items:
Cam chain wear, carb synchronization issues, regulator/rectifier failure, and brake component wear are common on high-mileage bikes of this era.
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harness degradation and connector corrosion can lead to intermittent electrical problems.
Kawasaki Heritage:
Kawasaki has a long history of producing high-performance motorcycles, known for their innovative engineering and powerful engines, particularly in the sportbike and touring segments.
Voyager Lineage:
The Voyager line evolved from earlier Kawasaki touring models, culminating in the sophisticated ZXT10A Voyager XII, which was a significant step up in displacement and touring amenities.
Production Years:
The ZXT10A Voyager XII was produced from 1984 to 1987. The 1986 model is a mid-production example.
