A Word from the Chairman - American Voyager Association

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Index
Chairman’s Message, Mike McGee.………………………………. 4
Board Members Bios…………………………………………………….. 6
Webmaster, Ron Riggs…………………………….……………………. 6
Badgerland Voyagers Toy Run, Dion Liphart………………….. 7
Palmetto Voyagers Maggie Valley Ride-In, Doris Falvey... 8
Tech Tips for Voyager 1700, Don Medina......................... 9
Baderland Voyagers Christmas Party, Dion Liphart........... 9
A Perspective on the 2013 Rally Experience, Bob
and Char Jones………………………………………………………… 10
Riding in Deer Country, Dave Wirtz…….………………………. 11
Holiday Gift Ideas, Don Medina…….…………………………..… 12
1700 Bearings and Brake Update, Mike McGee, IMS &
No-Mar Tire Changers Jerry Zimmerman ………….………… 14
Winterizing Your Motorcycle Checklist, Paul Manni...….. 15
Featured Bikes, Hank & Gert Thompson………………….….. 16
Clearview Windshields, Don Medina……………………………. 17
Featured Bikes Bob Falvey, Jim & Jan Loiselle..…………… 18
100K mile Trisha Blue 200K mile Don Medina Jr ............ 19
AVA International Rally Registration …………………………… 20
AVA Membership Registration…………………………………….. 22
Mike in Center with Dave Wirtz, present 1st place Cruiser plaque to Ray
Bartlett
New Chapter Forming
The Northeast is interested in getting a new chapter in the PA,NJ,DE,MD,NY,OH area. AVA member, Kevin
Wanner, would be willing to get one started if he can get enough people interested plus a couple of people to
rely on for help. See the AVA Roster for Kevin’s contact info.
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A Word from the Chairman
Mike McGee
Greetings to everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful
Thanksgiving holiday and Chanukah. The main theme
of Thanksgiving is giving thanks, and family. Having
the ability to be with our families, loved ones, and
friends is always wonderful. I hope each one of you
had the opportunity to be a part of that tradition.
As we roll into the Christmas season, many of you
have put the old "steed" to sleep for the winter. Others
are continuing to ride as weather is available.
where you live.
Most people who have ridden any amount of time
know that many bikers and motorcycle organizations
in general; are a chartable and giving group of people.
Many chapters have in the past made the holiday
season a time to share with others by having food
drives, visiting veterans' homes, or children shelters.
Many of us take this time of year to donate to worthy
causes and charities. If you know of a member of the
AVA who is alone or does not have family, keep them
in mind for some of your holiday festivities. I'm sure
they will never forget it. If you have the opportunity to
be involved through your church or local
organizations, please spread goodwill wherever you
go. It seems we need more of it these days, no matter
The AVA elves (Board) have been working hard for
you since last July on the next rally, memberships, and
the Voyager's Voice, and spend countless hours on all
the details.
As we enter a new year, many of you will begin to
dream about spring or gear up for the upcoming riding
season. After the first of the year, people begin to think
about the upcoming rally, which will be in Ashville,
North Carolina. Our 25th annual rally registrations will
begin to trickle in, and as we get closer to the days of
summer, those registrations will go up.
On behalf of all of the Board of Directors of the
American Voyager Association, we hope you and your
families, and your friends, have a wonderful holiday
season!!
AVA YEAR PINS
The AVA has run out of 1 year and 23rd year, AVA year pins. We need to order more pins, but the setup fee and minimum
order of 50 pins is expensive for the AVA at this moment. The AVA will be ordering them for those who are waiting. While
speaking with Board members, I mentioned that I don’t wear my past year pins, only the most current, which is the same with
some board members. So I’m asking if there are other AVA members who are not wearing or displaying their past year AVA
pins, the AVA would really appreciate it if you’d recycle those year pins. Please place them in a sturdy envelop (padded
manila) and mail them to Bronson Barth. I’ll be mailing Robin’s and mine back immediately. Thank You for the help.
Happy Holidays
I just wanted to wish every AVA family member a very happy and healthy holiday season! Enjoy
every moment with family and friends; I look forward to seeing you all next year in Asheville.
Happy Holidays, Robin
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Bronson & Judy Barth
AVA Membership
Judy and I have been married 47 years. We have three children and
four granddaughters. We, also, have nine great-grandchildren that
keep us busy. I worked as a heavy equipment operator for 45 years
and have been retired for 10 years.
I started riding in 1977 on a KZ 400 Deluxe, then moved up to a KZ 750
LTD and then got hooked on a 1986 KZ 1200 Voyager. I am now riding
a 1700 VV. Recently bought a Kawasaki 650 4 x 4, I even have a zero
turn mower with a Kawasaki engine. “Can’t kill em"
In 1997 a group from Michigan went to the LaCross Rally and when
they returned, decided to start a chapter. I said it sounded like a good idea and they said "OK, you
are president." Great Lakes Voyagers is still going and I'm still president.
In 2006 at the St. Ignore rally we were asked to think about being AVA board members. We joined
the board 2007 as membership directors. It has been a great experience working on the board. For me, it's not a job because I enjoy doing it for the AVA
membership.
AVA Webmaster Report
By Ronald Riggs
Since the last issue of the Voyager’s Voice I’ve been busy working on the AVA forum and website, mostly behind the scenes stuff. On the forum I’ve made
a number of subtle cosmetic enhancements, most of which you probably didn’t consciously notice. These give a more consistent look with the website.
Similarly, on the website I’ve continually tweaked the cosmetics. More substantial enhancements include an “About Us” page that gives a short history of
the AVA, thanks to Bob Jones, one of our founding fathers. Also, the Board Member page now has biographical
information about most of the board members.
The most ambitious efforts are the new photo gallery pages, thanks to AVA member Jim Loiselle. He provided photos for
all of the AVA Rallies from 2007 through 2013. There is now a separate photo gallery for each of those seven rallies. I’m
still looking for more photos of older rallies. If you have any you can email them to me at webmaster@amervoyasso.org
or if you have them posted on the web (such as at Photobucket or some such place) just send me a link. I’m also looking
for photos of AVA members, with or without their bikes. These photos give the AVA website personality and let visitors
know we are real people who do things! It also lets them know we are an organization with history and not some
Johnny-come-lately!
Another ambitious effort has been developing an online membership application and renewal process and online rally registration with the ability to pay
via PayPal. This is now ready to go, and hopefully these additions will be up and running by the time you read this!
Merchandise Directors,
By Bob and Jean Decker
I am a steamfitter by trade and have had some very interesting jobs, from working in Cheyenne Wyoming in an oil refinery to working on nuclear power
house to GM auto plant in Janesville Wisconsin. I retired in February 2011.
I bought my first bike from my brother, a 76 Kawasaki KZ650 in 1978. We rode it until we saw a VoyagerXII one day and
we thought we needed one of those. We found a used 1986 in Watertown WI in 1995 with only 28000 miles on it. We
joined the Wisconsin Badgerland chapter then and met Bob and Char Jones, who had a big influence on our lives and
motorcycling future. In 1996 we attended the Kawasaki ride in celebration at the Lincoln Nebraska plant. Just before
going we bought our first Bunkhouse camper. Later that summer we attended the AVA rally in Kalispell Montana, and
we have attended everyone since. We have always enjoyed helping at the rallies with anything we could do. After the
rally in 2001 at Red River, New Mexico we were asked if we would like be merchandise directors. Well, it did not take
much thought about this as we really enjoyed helping and meeting new friends.
Our duties include stocking merchandise, shipping it, getting merchandise to and from the rallies. We try to stock merchandise that will make people
happy and want to buy at an affordable price. After last year’s rally we donated what merchandise we had left as it has been around for a long time and it
had run its course. We will be looking at a new line and hopefully getting it stocked up this winter. If anyone has suggestions please let us know. Please
remember it needs to be affordable and yet good quality.
We have made so many good friends through the AVA that has been a big influence on our lives. Bob and Char Jones are two of the biggest ones, but not
the only ones. We are looking forward to serving all of you in the coming years.
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Badgerland Voyagers
Toy Run
By Dion Liphart
We made our Stuffed Animal drop Saturday Nov. 2nd in the afternoon to Fire Station # 2 Beloit, Wisconsin. The firemen were glad to
receive the toys. Then they gave us a tour of the fire station. big thanks to them we had help this year collecting animal from the Newark
Beloit 4H Thanks for their help proud to know such good people here in Wisconsin.
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MAGGIE VALLEY RIDE-IN SEPTEMBER 20-22, 2013
PALMETTO VOYAGERS
By Doris Falvey
Most of our participants for the Ride-In
arrived on Thursday afternoon or early
th
evening on September 19 : Bob & Doris
Falvey, Rob & Karen Rae, David & Dot Wirtz
and Mike McGee. Usually we have the
Lairds from New Jersey and other club
members join us but they were predicting
some bad weather up their way and had to
cancel out. We all missed them. We had
dinner and much conversation at the
restaurant next to our motel.
Friday morning we were joined by David
Habermehl and his buddy as we were all
getting ready for our scheduled ride of the
day, The Rattler. It was a beautiful sunny
day with some fog which cleared out later
in the morning.
This ride is new for most of our group of 9.
We left the motel at 9:30 and headed east.
We took exit 106 towards Clyde onto route
209. Several miles along this route there is
a sharp right corner with a gas station,
small general store and snack bar called
st
Ferguson’s. We took our 1 break here at
the sign for the Rattler, it is 24 miles and
290 curves.
It is somewhat similar to The Dragon, but
not nearly as many curves and not nearly as
scary for this passenger!!! After several
miles of twisties and beautiful sunshine and
nd
wonderful scenery we took our 2 break at
a small gas station, general store and
restaurant in the itty bitty town of Trust, for
the comfort station, soft drinks and
conversation. This stop is a little more than
half way through the Rattler.
We continued on to the end of the Rattler
which ends in Hot Springs with more curves
and great scenery. Yes there are hot
springs, they pump the hot water from
underground into hot tubs and you can rent
them by the hour. From Hot Springs we
took route 25/70 towards Asheville,
approximately 18 miles. We turned right
onto route 251/Riverside Drive which
follows along the French Broad River with
some very nice scenery and some nice slow
curves. Eventually we arrived at our lunch
destination, Bellagio’s Bistro on Merriman
Ave. in Asheville. Everyone enjoyed their
lunch along with more conversation. From
there we rode back down to the river and
took a short cut across the river to an Ingles
grocery store for some of the bikes to gas
up before our return trip. I purchased a
blue & pink balloon at the store to take
back to the motel. We returned via
Newfound Rd with more curves and
pleasant scenery, to Canton, a smelly paper
mill town and then back to Maggie Valley
and our motel. We had a little “Good Bye”
ceremony at the pool for David and Honor
Lee who we lost to a motorcycle accident
the week before. They had been members
of the Palmetto Voyager’s for several years.
We released the 2 balloons with their
names on them.
Picture middle right: David and Honor Lee from
Barnwell, SC
Picture far right: Dot and Santa at their favorite
Kawasaki dealer
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We will miss them a lot. David Habermehl
and his buddy left to return home to
Franklin, NC. It had been a wonderful and
beautiful day for riding and was enjoyed by
all. The remaining group enjoyed dinner at
an Italian restaurant along with more
conversation and storytelling.
On Saturday morning we were greeted by
rain, had our breakfast and decided it was
too wet to ride as planned. David, Mike &
Rob piled into David’s truck and headed for
Old Fort to pick up some parts for Mike’s
wrecked voyager. We ladies sat around
and gabbed before checking out a souvenir
store across the street. Bob, dressed in his
rain gear, left for a Pig Roast that some
friends of his were having rain or shine. In
the afternoon some of us went to the
“Wheels Through Time” Museum just down
the street from out motel. If you get the
chance it is well worth seeing. We had
dinner at the restaurant next to the motel
again as it was still raining.
Sunday after breakfast everyone loaded up
to head back home. Mike McGee had
already left about 6 am as he had a long
rd
ride to Florida. This is our 3 annual
Maggie Valley Ride-In; hope more will join
us in 2014.
Tech Tip for Voyager 1700
J&M Corporation part #VAS-100
A J&M replacement antenna will give your Voyager 1700 a more balanced look. The stock antenna is 23 7/8 inches tall. The J&M, CB
antenna replacement is only 17 ¾ inches tall. The Voyager 1700 radio antenna is 17 ¾ inches tall. (Editor’s note) I installed it on my
Voyager 1700, and it looks much more balanced. I have to take the Voyager somewhere to have them adjust the mast height. This mast
does come with simple and clear instructions
Thank you, Murray Kennedy
President CA-AM Voyagers
Upper Mast is OEM
Lower Mast is J&M Mast
Badgerland Voyagers Christmas Party 2012
By Dion Liphart
Some pictures from last year's Christmas Party Jan 2013 at the
Super 8 in Wisconsin Dells. We had our meal then a gift exchange. Then the party moved
down to the pool side where we had drinks and snacks, some even enjoyed the hot tub.
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A Perspective on the 2013 Rally Experience
Bob & Char Jones
The anticipation of attending the rally is
most always an awesome feeling just
because of the anticipated travel line and
meeting up with other attendees. By the
time we arrived in the state of Ohio and
started feeling the gentle turns and the
sweeping curves of the Ohio countryside,
thoughts came to mind of old friends,
stories, pranks, eating places, and road
tours of past rallies. Those Ohio roads were
pretty smooth and most smells were
enjoyable. I have to mention that my wife
believes me crazy because I appreciate the
smell of the occasional skunk. The
occasional river valley road brought back so
many memories for both of us since we are
West Virginia transplants. One never gets
over the feeling of being reminded of home
when traveling through familiar territory.
Some AVA members and other attendees
came to the rally after being at other
events and some had plans to move out
from the rally to more destinations before
heading home. Even those with but the one
objective still found excitement in the ride
to Ohio.
Once arriving and getting the lay of the
land, it took Char and me two days to learn
the way to the rally headquarters and back
to our motel. Getting confused just added
to our adventure. As we pulled into the
parking area we saw so many other bikes
with folks standing around and
congregating outside, inside, by the bikes,
at the tables loaded with personal items
being sold or traded, and even in the
hallway. I must not forget the guys in the
restrooms too. Everyone was anxious to
talk about the last year’s experiences and
let friends know what has changed since
the last get together. The thing about
meeting once a year is that old friends
shake hands, hug and kiss then begin
talking as if no time has passed since the
last gathering. Sure, some folks have gotten
a bit larger, grayer, and even less hair than
a year before, but the warmth of friendship
transcends all that stuff. Everyone gets
brought up to date with thrills,
disappointments, expectations, gains and
losses. Yep, a few tears are shared too
Attendees line up for the Pre-Rally Dinner
There were some up tight moments during
the rally but the entire staff of rally
organizers did a wonderful job seeing that
preparations were well in order and that
the program was uninterrupted.
All the self-guided tours were so very well
chosen with interesting views and with
roads surfaces that were easy to navigate.
A thought for future tour considerations
may be to have larger print on the
directions sheets. Some of the older eyes
need all the help possible.
Lots of folks commented on how efficient
the parade was conducted and how well
the local police cared for all the riders.
Super thought went into the bike judging
and light show sequence, too. The
efficiency of arranging the bike show and
light show contestants into categories at
the front of the parade followed by all
other parade units proved to be very
efficient and wasted no time. Kudos to the
organizers.
During the bike and light show some of us
had an opportunity to talk with local folks
and got to brag on our organization, its
members, and leadership people. During
conversations we mentioned that about
everyone rode to the area on their
motorcycles and came from as far away as
California, Washington, Florida, the
Midwest, and Northeast. People were
amazed. Comments like, “You rode that
far?” were said often. The hunger for
adventure was apparent in lots of eyes as
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distant locations were mentioned. Many
seemed to be thinking, “One of these
days…”
The efficiency of the rally caterer improved
one hundred percent after the opening
night barbeque. Participants were pretty
laid back and the waiting staff really did do
their best for the group. The breakdown
probably occurred during the food
distribution. As is so often the case the
number of service lines is directly
proportionate to the amount of time it
takes to get one's food. The serving
organization needs a strong heads up on
this point. They did prove to be quick
learners in time for the next dinner as the
AVA leadership placed a well needed
message with the food organization.
How about Mother Kawasaki’s donations of
drawing prizes? No one left empty handed
due to the generosity of Kawasaki USA and
ROK. The ticket pullers seemed to get tired
of the task as did the distributers of gifts.
That’s a good feeling; to know everyone is
being recognized as a winner.
Everyone ate more than enough during the
closing ceremonies and awards banquet.
The only thing missing may have been
entertainment from the leadership. Come
to think of it, maybe we did have some
entertainment, Bronson anyone?
Banquet Hall, Rally attendees enjoying themselves
Ken Knight 1st place skills games
Riding in DEER Country
By Dave Wirtz
With the advent of several of our riders
hitting deer this year, I thought this may
be a good time to pull this article back out.
Several years ago I researched riding in
deer country because we were having our
national rally in southwestern New York
located north of the Allegheny National
Forest. The Allegheny National Forest
stretches over a half million acres across
northwestern Pennsylvania, a rugged
landscape of rolling hills, meandering
streams, and virgin hardwood forests. All
of this natural beauty offers abundant
opportunities for deer to grow in size,
bucks 150 lb. to 300 lb. & does up to 200
lb., with estimates of 15 to 30 per square
mile. Many of us have had the misfortune
of hitting a deer with a motorcycle, car, or
truck. Having only hit one with a car and
seeing the damage it caused, I don’t even
want to think about being on a bike.
There are a lot of “booby traps” that we
can ride into, including raised pavement
edges, railroad tracks, loose sand, sunken
manhole covers, tar snakes, and white
arrows glued to the pavement. Most of
these hazards occur in the city. Out in the
country on those twisty back roads we
love to ride, we can expect some different
types of “booby traps.” One major trap
that can spring up on us is a wild animal,
especially a wild deer. Deer are so
delicate and demure that it’s hard to think
of them as a hazard. But when we come
upon the sickening sight of a deer head
along the highway, we are again reminded
of the danger, both to the animal, and to
ourselves. Animal strikes are a significant
hazard for those of us who enjoy longdistance travel. Statistically speaking
vehicle collisions are a major motorcycling
hazard, but as motorcycling experience
builds and we get a little smarter, our risks
of a car/bike collision should decrease. But
the risk of animal strikes remains high
because animal are so difficult to predict.
Wild deer are found in large numbers all
over North America, their population is
increasing and they have habits and
instincts that put them on a collision
course with our motorcycles. The typical
deer strike occurs with the animal
suddenly leaping in front of us, often at
night. The bike slams into the deer, with
sickening consequences. What’s startling
is the amount of damage even a small
deer can do to a speeding motorcycle. The
odds are high that both deer and biker will
be seriously injured. What’s so insidious
about motorcycle/deer collisions is the
unpredictability. To understand what to
look for and what to do about deer, let’s
consider their instincts and habits. Deer
are cautious, and prefer to hide in trees.
They like munching on tender foliage. So
in the summer, expect deer in forested
areas where the trees and underbrush
provide lots of cover and fresh food. That
nice roadside grass the highway
department keeps mowed is a dinnertime
favorite. Deer seem to prefer hiding in the
shadows in the daytime, feeding at dusk
and dawn, which means the risk of deer
strikes increases during these times. It’s
definitely something to think about when
you are considering a night-time transit on
a highway passing through these scenic
forests. At night, brown deer-hide doesn’t
reflect much light, but deer eyes will
reflect a brilliant white from your
headlight, similar to a reflector. How do
you tell if the reflector you see is on a
post, or on a deer? Easy: the deer eye
blinks. If you see a reflector winking back
at you, odds are it’s a deer and it’s facing
in your direction.
Why do you think those yellow DEER
CROSSING signs get put up along certain
sections of farmland or scenic forest
roads? Do you think they hire people to
count deer migrations across the road?
WRONG. What really happens is that the
road crews tallies the number of carcasses
and shattered grills, and if the numbers
are high on one section of road, morning
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after morning, they put up a sign. Those
DEER signs are a big advantage to
motorcyclists, if the situation registers
between our ears. One good step is to
slow down. Decreasing speed gives you
more time to spot an animal, more time to
react, and a greater ability to maneuver.
OK, you may think, but what about that
car or truck on my tail. Why not be polite
pull over and let them go first? I
recommend reducing your speed by ten
miles per hour once you’ve spotted the
sign. Can we really spot a deer ahead in
time to react? And what should we do if a
deer leaps out? Unlike an aggressive dog,
deer seem to react more to proximity than
to sight or sound. A deer may not show
much interest in you until you get close,
the deer may glance up at you, then
nonchalantly go back munching again. But
when you get within 60 feet or so, the
deer suddenly springs into action, jumping
first straight ahead, then a random zigzag
pattern. If it isn’t obvious, the deer first
leaps in whatever direction it’s facing.
That’s why hard braking is a smart evasive
tactic.
What about deer whistles? There are
many different versions of ultra-sonic alert
whistles available. The theory is that
whistles moving through the air make a
high-pitched ultrasonic noise that alerts
animals to your approach, and warns them
to get out of your way. Given the potential
for animal strikes, a passive animal
warning device sounds like a great idea.
Editor’s note: both these vehicles hit deer. Both
belong to AVA members.
Gift Ideas
Dunlop E3
The Dunlop E3 is tire of choice of many AVA members for both Voyager 1200 & 1700. The bias-ply Elite
3 features the same shape of modern radial-construction tires and offers many of the same benefits.
The rear tire is a Multi-Tread (MT), the rear tire incorporates a long wearing compound in the center of
the tire, and a lateral grip compound on each shoulder. The E3 tread patter helps provide class leading
wet-pavement performance.
Dunlop American Elite
nd
Dunlop 2 generation American Elite is the premier for cruiser touring motorcycles, in search of tires
that deliver extended tread wear. The rear tire is a Multi-Tread (MT), the rear tire incorporates a long
wearing compound in the center of the tire, and a lateral grip compound on each shoulder. Available in
in a variety of sizes and sidewall styles, including black, narrow-white-sidewall and wide-white-sidewall.
Metrix Audio
KVR Power Kit 4405-0288
The KVR Power kit includes our KVR 150 watt amplifier which comes premounted on a steel plate that bolts into the inner fairing using factory
hardware. The kit also features our KVR-52 replacement speakers and a plug
and play wire harness. The installation video will show how easy the kit is to
put in.
KVR 52
Speaker Kit 4405-0262 $109.95 www.metrixaudio.com Phone 705 719 6361 (Canada)
KVR-52 was designed as direct bolt in factory replacement speaker. The speakers have been "tuned" to
enhance the areas of sound most sensitive to human hearing so they will "cut" through exhaust and
wind noise at speed.
1200 Accessories: With a decade since the last Voyager 1200 left the Assembly Plant
Mirror Extensions www.j.aynes0316@gmail.com
Phone 910 988 3987
When you tire of looking in the mirror and only see your shoulders, try these, simple bolt on, with
fantastic results.
Fork Leg lights
These Fork Leg Lights are just the thing to dress up the
front end. Simple bolt on, with bolts included.
Light Bar
You’re riding at night when you want more light, and a set of fog lights would be nice. But there’s really
nowhere to mount them, this light bar is a simple 30 minute bolt on.
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Marvellas
www.marvellas.com
Trailer Hitch for Voyager 1200
Simple bolt on with some modifications required. Have been used by many AVA members $159.99
1700 Trailer Hitch for Voyager
This kit is simpler to install then the Hitch of the 1200. $159.99
2nd Tail Light & Luggage Rack
For those that wish extra visibility and extra luggage capacity on Tours, for both the Voyager 1200 & 1700. You’ll have to have a Marvellas
Hitch installed.
Grab Rails for Voyager 1700
These grab rails make for a very happy passenger, very simple bolt on for the Voyager 1700.
Will not fit if you’ve fitted your Voyager 1700 with Kawasaki’s rear speaker kit.
Cycle Transformers
Providing 3 Wheeled Dreams
Cycle Transformers; Selling Trike kits from both Champion Trikes and California Sidecar Inc. Champion trike kits start at $8,145.00, while
California Sidecar’s, Kruze kit starts at $7,895.00. Kit installation labor starts at $1,200.00.
Remember as you select more options, prices increase rapidly.
Phone 540 894 8260
Team Winnebago Land
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
www.teamwinnebagoland.com
Phone 920 233 3070
This month they’re having online close out specials on Alpinestar gear, Jackets, pants, gloves and boots. In store sale prices on most
Kawasaki merchandise , as well as smart battery chargers. Phone 920 233 3070 www.teamwinnebagoland.com
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BEARINGS AND BRAKES UPDATE for Voyager 1700
By Mike McGee
Just a follow up for the 1700 owners on the hot brake disk I reported on last issue. I took the bike to Palmetto Kawasaki under my
extended 3 year warranty, just 5 months out of warranty. I had him feel all three disks when I arrived. The front right was hot, the other
two were warm from an 8 mile highway trip.
I got a call a couple days later asking me if I had ever changed the brake fluid. The bike is 3 years old and the fluid should be changed every
2 years. I considered that and asked how much for a fluid flush? After I woke up from fainting from the $150 answer, I remarked that the
system is still sealed from the factory. The fluid still looked good; not clear, but just a slight tint of yellow. So I challenged them and asked
them that if I spend $150 and the problem is still there, then what? They said let us check a few things and we will call you back. A heard
back a couple days later that the VN1700 and the Concours have the same ABS brake system. The Concours has had a problem with the
braking system. They had to order parts. When I went to pick up the bike, I was told the ABS pump under one of the side covers was bad.
AND, they told me the brake system would be flushed under warranty, so there was no cost at all. Just so you know
IMS and No-Mar Tire Changers
By Jerry Zimmerman
As you know I went to the motorcycle show in
San Mateo to have No-Mar give me another
demonstration on dismounting/mounting the
front tire on our 1200 Voyagers. I have struggled
to change the front tire! I have little or no
trouble changing out the back. So this is the
story.
Jerry still smiling
I took the front wheel/tire off my 02/white bike
and took it with me to the show. I immediately
went to the No-Mar booth to get a
demonstration of changing and balancing the
tire. They had the exact same machine there,
but the guy would not use it, because it was not
at the front of his booth, first disappointment. I
asked him if he had ever changed the tire on the
1200 Voyager, he said "I have changed $400,000
worth of tires just this year, so yes I am sure I
have done many of these" -- blowing smoke up
my #%*. So he puts it on the machine of HIS
choice and immediately runs into trouble. He
asked his assistant to help. I want to do this
alone and not depend on someone to be there.
By this time he is sweating (not as much as me
but..). Then he decides to use the tire spoons
(which I have never used on any tire) and gets it
about half way on -- with more help from his
assistant and decides to switch to the
mount/dismount bar (that I always use for both
taking it off and putting it on) and completes the
job. By now he is sweating quite a bit (still not as
much as I do). It has taken him a lot longer than
he said it would and at this point tells me if he
did another one he would not use the tire
spoons but just the mount/dismount bar.
I asked him to do it again just using the bar but
he declines because he had others that wanted
their tires done with a demonstration, 2nd
disappointment. He airs up the tire and passes it
off to the assistant to balance. He struggles for a
long time and does not seem to be able to
balance the tire. Then the lead guy comes over
checks it for about 5 seconds and says it is fine,
it just needed lots of weight. I tell Bill at that
point when we get home I will be balancing the
tire myself as I do not think it is done correctly.
So neither the demonstration for removing and
replacing the tire nor the demonstration for
balancing was helpful. Once he started
struggling with the process it was no longer a
demo with questions answered, it was just get it
done and get me out of there!
Bill and I attempt to balance the tire at my shop.
No luck. each spin stops at a different place. So
we decide to break the bead and at least rotate
the tire to line up the dot with the valve stem.
When we start this we notice one side has NOT
been seated! Bill tells me he thought he had only
heard one pop when the guy aired it up. Yes, Bill
says he probably should have said something at
the show. So we break the bead on the one side,
line up the dot with the valve stem and try to
14
seat both beads. That second side will not seat!
So, I really lube the tire with No-Mar tire lube
and try it again, finally it pops. We balance the
tire with little problem and mount the tire on
the bike.
Nope, story is not over. We take the bike for a
ride and it rides really bad, like it is out of round!
So I go back home and park the bike. I am just
plain sick of screwing with this tire. A couple of
days later I put the bike on the rack and raise the
front wheel. I then place a welding magnet next
to the wheel and give it a slow spin to check for
out of round. Nope not out of round. So I move
the magnet to where it is almost touching the
tire and slowly rotate the tire. It touches the
magnet in one area for about 2 inches. There is a
very slight bulge on the tire about 2 inches in
length across the whole tread. Son of a
@#%$!!!! I have had this tire in my shop for
about a year purchased from Amazon. I am
thinking this not going to go well. I happen to be
going to my local Kawasaki/Yamaha dealer to
pick up a part I had to exchange (another story).
I am telling Mike (the parts manager) my story
about the tire. He says he happens to have one
in the back a customer never picked up and he
would swap me if I had his service department
mount the tire. I said why not. I went home took
the wheel off the bike brought it back to PCP for
them to do the swap. Of course they had to
verify the bulge. It took them awhile but finally
they concurred. Three hours later and $30.00
poorer I am on my way. This is the reason I
bought the No-Mar changer in the first place -time and money. But I figured by the time I paid
shipping and all the hassle it was worth the
$30.00. Funny thing the new-new tire took the
same amount of weight as the first new tire,
which was a lot, so my wheel must be out of
balance. The next time the tire is off I will have
to check this. If I remember.
WINTERIZING YOUR MOTORCYCLE CHECKLIST
Tips From Bay State Voyagers
I cannot believe I am even
considering this yet! I am so not
ready for the winter cold.
1. Fill the Tank and Add Fuel
Stabilizer - Fresh fuel is best. Make
sure that you use fresh stabilizer as
well – a bottle is only good for two
years after you open it.
5. Wash and Wax the Bike – It’s
important to clean all the salt and grit
off the bike.
you’ll be good to go. Do not apply
chemicals or lubricants to brake
pads, brake rotors, or tires.
6. Lube the Chain and Pivot Points Spray chain lube on the chain and all
pivot points (if applicable). It
prevents rust from forming.
2. Change the Oil - You should
change your oil, even if you did it
recently. The byproducts of used oil
are very corrosive, and you don’t
want that sitting all winter. Warm
your engine to operating
temperature, then turn it off. Change
the oil and restart the engine to
circulate the new oil. You do not
need to change the filter although
some folks choose to. Do this while
the engine is still hot -- it gets more
junk out.
7. Remove the Battery or Hook Up a
Trickle-Charger - You can do either. A
battery maintainer charges the
battery only when it needs it; connect
one to your battery, and you’ll be
able to start the bike right up when
spring arrives. It’s fine to remove the
battery entirely as well.
11. Support the bike so that neither
tire is touching the ground and let all
the air out of the tires. If this is not
possible, fill your tires to the proper
air pressure and put the bike on its
center stand. Rotate the tires
periodically so that the same part of
the tire is not touching the ground all
winter.
3. Drain the Carburetor - Turn off the
main gas valve from the tank. Next,
open the petcock and close the valve
when it stops flowing. (Turn the fuel
petcock to the OFF position and run
the engine until it quits.)
8. Check Antifreeze and Coolant –
Dip the suction tube of the coolant
tester into the radiator. Suck up
enough to make the indicator float,
and read the protection level. Change
the fluids if they’re not up to par.
9. Spray Fogging Oil in Cylinder(s)- to
keep the rings and cylinder walls
from rusting.
12. Push the brake pads away from
the brake discs.
13. Store your bike in a dry, wellventilated garage.
14. Cover it with a cotton cover or
blanket rather than a plastic tarp to
prevent moisture and condensation
from getting trapped under the
cover.
15. Attach this checklist to a
handgrip - This list works as reference
and checklist for getting your bike up
to speed in the spring.
4. Keep the Mice Out - Fill a few
sandwich bags with steel wool, and
put them into the air intake and
tailpipes. Stick a piece of brightly
colored tape or caution tape on so
you remember to remove them
before you begin to ride the
motorcycle again.
10. Spray the Bike’s Exposed Metal
with WD-40 (but not the brakes) – Do
this after you’ve washed and waxed
the motorcycle. It helps prevent
corrosion. In the spring, take it to a
car wash and hose it down – and
15
Paul Manni, Pres Bay State Voyagers
Hank and Gert Thompson
What year is your motorcycle: 2009
What make and model: Kawasaki Voyager VV1700/ABS
What type of engine: 1700 CC twin, partially water cooled
What oil weight and brand used: 40 wt. Kawasaki
What oil filter: Genuine Kawasaki
What tires front & rear, air pressure do you run: Front: use BT45
mounted backwards, 40 lbs of air, rear are two auto style tires, 22 lbs
of air each
What year did you buy this motorcycle: 2010
What was the motorcycle before this one: Honda Shadow Spirit, before
that Honda CB750, then another CB750, then BSA 441 Victor & others
How many miles does the ODO show: 11,800
City and State you live in: Sacramento, California
Do you ride with a passenger: Always
List modifications on motorcycle:
KAMS Kit
Rider and passenger SENA communications gear
Rider and passenger highway pegs
Custom factory made and installed CORBIN heated seat
Heated handgrips waiting to be installed
Homemade antenna mounts for CB and Ham antennas
Homemade gas can holder mounted on trailer tongue
Stoplight blinker for safety (blinks tail lights when stopping)
Do you pull a trailer, if yes what brand: Yes, a Hannigan 2005
anniversary model
When did you have motorcycle converted: Purchased December 2012,
completed install in April 2013
What brand kit: Champion, Independent Rear Suspension
How many miles on the kit: Almost 8,000
Who was the dealer that did the conversion: Freedom Rides in Lincoln,
California
How was the dealer's work and service: Perfect, no complaints; I did
have a small trunk leak, they replaced entire trunk door gasket, and
we have also received free T-Shirts
16
Hank & Gert on the way to Logan OH
Hank ready for skills games
Receiving Longest Distance 2-Up
Award at 2013 AVA Rally Logan
Polished up for the Show 'n' Shine
2013 AVA Rally Logan
Clearview Windshields
By Don Medina
All of us that are riding touring motorcycles know the
importance of a windshield. Some of us also know when that
windshield gets pitted and you are riding into the morning or
evening sun, you wish you didn’t have a windshield. Or you’re
out on a ride in late Fall like now, and you stay at your favorite
overlook just a bit too long and the day starts cooling off about
halfway home. You still have an hour and a half left on the ride
and the temperature begins dropping like a rock. In the back of
your mind the though works its way forward about getting a
larger windshield to get some of that cold air off of your hands
and shoulders. Or, during those hot summer months the
thought of getting a bit more air flow onto you with a vent in the
windshield.
At Clearview
Windshields they
don’t run a batch
of windshields for
this motorcycle
and then another
batch for a
different
motorcycle. You
Windshields at the factory ready to ship
place your order,
and that’s when Clearview Windshields will start the process of
manufacturing your Clearview Windshield. Remember, the
whole process will be done by real people.
There are a few windshield
manufacturers that will supply
you with a windshield for a
Voyager 1300, 1200 and the new
1700. The company that this
story is about is Clearview
Windshields. Clearview was
started by Craig Stenger at the
age of 18. Craig was getting
ready to start collage and needed
to earn some money. With an
idea and plenty of youthful
energy, he started making
windshields. Fast forward to
2013, Clearview now has a vast
inventory of molds for Touring,
Adventure Touring, Sport Touring,
Cruiser and Scooters. For us in Voyagers Voice land, Clearview
Windshields offers windshields for every AVA member’s needs.
Whether on a Burgman scooter or the latest model Harley
Davidson, or anything in-between, most Voyagers Voice readers
will be able to find a Clearview windshield that is perfect for their
bike.
I went to Clearview Windshields’ web site
www.clearviewshields.com and was surprised by the number of
options for both the Voyager 1200 and 1700; the Voyager 1300
has only one windshield offered. Prices are for base model
windshields. Voyager 1300s start $174.00, Voyager 1200s start
$166.00, and Voyager 1700s start $95.00. Remember as you add
vents, oversize and tint, the price will increase. So stop by the
website and be surprised by the many options for your
motorcycle.
I’ve had three Clearview Windshields. My first was purchased at
the 2006 AVA Rally in St
Ignace for my 2002
Voyager 1200, it had a
vent. The next year I
bought a new Clearview
Windshield at the 2007
AVA Rally in South
Dakota, this time it was
tinted light gray, 2
inches taller, 4 inches
wider than stock and
NO vent. My Voyager
18 1/2 inch V1700 windshield
1200 and I rode with
that Clearview Windshield for 100,000 plus miles. In May 2012 I
bought my third Clearview Windshield, this was for my new 2012
Voyager 1700. This new Voyager 1700 windshield is small
compared to my 1200 Voyager. I was told when I picked it up at
the factory that it would give better wind protection than the
stock windshield! My
test was two days later
when I rode from
Denver to Los Angeles
in seventeen hours.
They were right; I
loved my Clearview
Windshield.
In October of 2013, I stopped by the Clearview Windshield
factory to have a look around and see
what goes into the making of a
Clearview Windshield. First I saw that
these Clearview Windshields are
MADE IN THE USA; the raw plastic,
the molds and the equipment all
seemed to have made in the USA
stickers! Next, everything is done by
hand from cutting the pattern,
heating the plastic, inserting the
heated plastic into the mold,
removing the new windshield from
Oversize 2x2 1200 Voyager
the mold, polishing the edges of the
windshield, applying the black tape to the bottom of the
windshield and last packaging your new Clearview Windshield.
Clearview display at Bowling Green Rally
17
Featured Motorcycles
Bob Falvey Can-Am Spyder Rt-SM5
I purchased the 2011 Spyder in June of this year with 3000 miles on ODO. I have had Kawasakis
for most of my riding years and loved them all. The Spyder took some getting used to, but I
have mastered it very nicely. I have put over 6000 miles on it since June, so it doesn’t sit idle for
long. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that you can get for it, but it gives a great ride.
My wife, Doris, and I live in Leicester, NC about 12 miles NW of Asheville (site of the 2014 Rally).
We moved here in the fall of 2006 from NH, where we lived for more than 30 yrs. We love this
area and the longer riding season. We have been AVA members for 20 yrs. and are life
members of AMA. Our first rally was Canaan Valley, West Virginia in 2000 and we have
Bob poses with his Spyder
attended every rally since except 2003. We have received 3
nd
awards at the rallies over the years, 2 place Non Voyager Class in 2002,
st
Farthest Distance Two-Up in 2005, and 1 place Cruiser Class in 2010. We
also attended the Southeast Regional Rally in Maggie Valley in 2007, and
the Palmetto Voyagers Maggie Valley Ride-In for past three years.
I am a retired Machinist of over 50 yrs. I’m 74 yrs old. Doris is a retired
Office Assistant of many yrs. and is 69 yrs. old. We have been riding
motorcycles for over 40 yrs, all of which were 2 wheeled until June. We
were members of the Granite State Voyager Chapter when living in NH and
now belong to the Palmetto Voyager Chapter and Doris has been President
for the past 2 years, I am the 2013 Co-Road Captain.
Wife Doris, Pres Palmetto Voyagers
Jim & Jane Loiselle
Jim at the AVA Logan Rally
What year is your motorcycle: 1986
What make and model: Kawasaki Voyager 1200
What type of engine: 1200 cc
What oil weight and brand used: Shell Rotella T-6 5w-40 synthetic
What oil filter: K&N gold KN-401
What tires front and rear, air pressure do you run: Dunlop Elite 3, 38 lbs
BF Goodrich 155-80-15 TA Radial, 34 lbs
What year did you buy this motorcycle: 2006
What was the motorcycle before this one: Honda Silver wing 500 & Kawasaki Z1A
How many miles does the ODO show: 52,684
City and State you live in: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Do you ride with a passenger: Sometimes
List modifications on motorcycle: Updated front end with Progressive shocks front and rear, volt meter, GPS and updates to radio by Pete;
SS Brake lines and Pads from NorCal Voyagers; always carry extra fuel pump and alternator on bike
Do you pull a trailer, if yes what brand: Sometimes
When did you have motorcycle converted: 2009 before Santa Fe New Mexico Rally
What brand kit: Voyager Trike Kit
How many miles on the kit: 35,000 miles
How was the dealer that did the conversion: I got the Trike kit from Rick in KC and Chris, Rick
and I installed it in 2 hours
How was the dealer's work and service: Over the years I have had contact with the factory
and am pleased with their advice
I am a 68 year old retired Law Enforcement Officer living in Indianapolis Indiana with my wife
(Jane) of 45 years. I worked 35 years with the Detroit Police Department (where I learned to
ride small motorcycles) and the University of Michigan at the Flint Michigan campus before
my retirement. I served with US Air Force and am a Lifetime member of the DAV.
We moved to Indy to be near our daughter and son-in-law who are about to have our first grandchild.
We are also members of the Indiana Voyagers and past members of the Great Lakes Voyagers.
My plan is to ride the Road Toad until my body gives out, then just sit and remember the good times we had with all of our fellow
Voyagers.
18
100,000 Mile Club
Just Another Day
By Trisha Blue
Northbound to Rapid City ODO 1,700
Austin, NV. It started like any other
travel day, up early, shower, eat a bite
of breakfast, load up the trike and out
the door early. There was one thing
different about this day. In about an
hour my odometer would turn 100,000
miles! I have been anticipating this day
since last July when I realized I could do
it before this year’s rally if I rode a lot.
Nothing like having a goal in mind.
On the ferry in Kentucky ODO 37,000
The actual turning of the odo was anticlimactic. We were outside of Eureka, NV, on Highway 50, part of the historic Lincoln Highway. We
pulled over alongside the highway and snapped two quick photos and then continued on our way.
After that, it seemed like the miles rolled easier. It amazes me that I’ve ridden all the
way cross country and back, not once but three times, and countless shorter trips. Of
course, I have a good trip planner and “wagon master,” my husband, Don, who kept us
on pace so we made our evening stops with plenty of time to rest. There is little I like
better than just rolling down the road. I love the small towns, the history and old
buildings, the people we meet along the way, the beautiful parks we find in almost
every little town that make good picnic stops, and of course the coffee shops we
search out. I like the nuances of travel on a bike even better than the actual
destination.
This trip I had good company: Hank & Gert Thompson with their beautiful Voyager
1700 trike and trailer, Ron Riggs on his teal Voyager 12, and Don on his Voyager 1700.
We had reasonably short days with lots of sight-seeing stops. On the return trip my
brother, Bob, from North Carolina joined up with us in Knoxville, TN for a BBQ at a
friend’s house. Paula is an old friend from California. She had just gotten engaged, and Bonneville Salt Flats ODO 107,000
we got to meet her fiancé, Larry, and see her parents again. Larry happens to be an excellent griller, and they put out quite a spread for us.
Paula’s father is a motorcyclist who told us about the nice ride he had just gone on and some good sights to see if we only had time.
Something for the next trip.
200,000 mile Club
By Don Medina Jr
I’ve been riding a 2002 Voyager 1200 which my dad gave me when he moved to
a 2012 Voyager 1700. When I received the 2002 the ODO was at 173,000 miles!
I had my reservations, but I was given a lifetime warranty, well it was my DAD’s.
This Voyager was loaded with chrome and upgrades; the hardest thing has been
keeping it clean and polished with all of the chrome. This last Summer I was
able to ride back from Denver, CO
Don Jr with his 2002 Voyager 1200
with my Dad. Traveling at his
speed, 65 mph, the Voyager 1200
got fuel mileage in the low 50s
with 195k. Later I attended the
AVA Western Regional Rally;
again fuel mileage was above 50
mpg. The ODO went over
200,000 miles while on a ride on a Voyager 1200 ODO 199,900 miles
winding two-lane road from Los Gatos, CA to Felton, CA. Still doesn’t use any oil between oil
changes every 10k, I have a fork seal that has begun to leak, but my warranty will take care
of that.
19
AVA 25th Annual International
Rally Registration
JULY 7-10, 2014 - ASHEVILLE, NC
Attendee Information (PLEASE PRINT)
Registration Fees
Rider Name
(Last, First):
Rally Fee $60 per person x ____ Attendees
Passenger
(Last, First):
Rally T-Shirt – Indicate Number & Size:
$13 for sizes SM – 1X, $15 for sizes 2x – 4X
Miles to Rally:
$
$
T-Shirt #1 Size: ______ T-Shirt #2 Size: _____
T-Shirt #3 Size: ______ T-Shirt #4 Size: _____
AVA Chapter
Affiliation:
Optional Rally Pin: $5 each x ______ Pins
MUST BE ORDERED BY MAY 1, 2014
$
Address:
Optional Monday Night Event:
Circle B Ranch BBQ Dinner, ‘60s Party, & DJ
$20 per person x ______ Attendees
$
City:
State/Province:
Total Due:
$
Make Check payable to: American Voyager Assoc.
Country:
Mail Registration Form & Check to:
American Voyager Association
Rally Registration
14211 NW 18 Manor
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
Email:
Registration & Payments must be received by: June 25,
2014. On-Site Rally Registration: $70 per person
Zip/Postal Code:
Phone:
Emergency
Contact:
RALLY REGISTRATION INCLUDES: Admission for all four
(4) days of the rally, Rally Patch, Guided and Self-Guided Tours,
Motorcycle Show, Motorcycle Skills Games, Seminars, Opening
Ceremony & Dinner, Closing Awards Banquet, and eligibility for
giveaways and prizes!
(Who we can contact in case of emergency at the rally)
NO ANIMALS ALLOWED AT BANQUETS or anywhere food is served.
Please read the following waiver of liability carefully: IN CONSIDERATION for being permitted to participate in the American Voyager Association Rally, THE UNDERSIGNED:
1.
HEREBY RELEASES, WAIVES, DISCHARGES AND COVENANTS NOT TO SUE the American Voyager Association, it's officers, directors, management, and/or
volunteers assisting in the event, the sanctioning organization, any subdivision thereof, grounds operators, officials, promoters, sponsors, advertisers, owners and/or lessors of
premises used to conduct the event and each of them, their officers, and employees, all for the purpose herein referred as “releases”, from all liability to the undersigned, his/her
personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin for any and all loss or damage and any claim if otherwise while the undersigned is participating in this event.
2.
THE UNDERSIGNED RIDER agrees that in order to participate in this event, he or she will not ride while under the influence of alcohol or any substance, which
affects the ability to operate or control his/her vehicle.
3.
THE UNDERSIGNED AGREES that he or she will not operate any vehicle in violation or contravention of any City, County, State, or Federal laws, statutes,
ordinances, or regulations and shall be personally liable for all fines and penalties for traffic violations.
4.
EACH OF THE UNDERSIGNED expressly acknowledges and agrees that the activities of the event can be dangerous and involve risk of injury and/or property damage.
THE UNDERSIGNED HAS READ AND VOLUNTARILY SIGNS THE RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT, and further agrees that no oral
representations, statements, or inducement apart from the foregoing written agreement have been made. This waiver includes all rally functions.
RIDER (Signature)
DATE
CO-RIDER (Signature)
DATE
PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN (Signature for Attendees under 18)
DATE
20
21
AMERICAN VOYAGER ASSOCIATION
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP IS FOR ONE FULL YEAR and INCLUDES UP TO TWO MEMBERS. ALL BRANDS WELCOME!
PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT ALL INFORMATION. PLEASE USE FORM FOR CORRECTIONS ALSO.
□ USA MEMBERSHIP $35 One-year
□ CANADA MEMBERSHIP $40 (US Currency) □ ALL OTHER FOREIGN MEMBERSHIP $60 (US Currency)
___ New
___ Renew
___Corrections
RIDER FIRST and LAST NAME:
CO-RIDER FIRST and LAST NAME:
Membership Address:
Membership City:
State/Province:
Zip/Postal Code:
Country:
Email Address:
Email Address:
Home Phone:
Home Phone:
Cell Phone:
Cell Phone:
M/C Year:
M/C Year:
M/C Make:
M/C Make:
M/C Model:
M/C Model:
Are you a Veteran? __ Yes __ No
(Please send copy of DD214 or other verification)
Have you attended a MSF safety class? __ Yes
Check here if you do
NOT want a Year Pin:
Are you a Veteran? __ Yes __ No
(Please send copy of DD214 or other verification)
__ No
Have you attended a MSF safety class? __ Yes
__ No
PLEASE INCLUDE ME/US IN THE INTERNATIONAL ROSTER DIRECTORY [NOTE: Name, City, & State will be listed if no choice made.]
 YES (check applicable boxes below)
 Name Phone  E-Mail
NO, DO NOT INCLUDE ANY INFORMATION INCLUDING NAME
 Include me in Assistance List
 UNABLE TO ASSIST
I can assist with:  Pickup Truck  Tent Area  Bike Trailer  Lodging  Local Information  Tools
Other (Please Specify): ______________________________________________________________
Mail completed form along with check or money order payable in
U.S. funds in the amount specified above to:
Bronson Barth, Membership Director
American Voyager Association
1418 Clark Road
Lapeer, MI 48446
22
23
Ride With the Best… Join the AVA!
AVA Official Publications
78 Amesport Landing
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
24