Nomad May Be on It's Way Out !

Was offered a "steal of a deal " on an '09 Goldwing today. Very tempting offer. It could easily be a done deal by this weekend. My only reason for balking is that I really like the Nomad, but after me and the wife were sitting on a Goldwing, it is an extremely tempting proposition, especially with the incentives Honda is offering. A lot to think about, but things are looking a little dim for the Nomad !

[pirate]

The Wing is one of those bikes that will reel you in if you sit on it, and you'll definitely be hooked if you take it for a spin! I want to own one some day, just not now. Good luck with your decision!

[dennisbailey]

My wife and I have decided that the Wing is our next bike but it will be a while. 4 or 5 more years. May even go with a three wheeler one day.

The wing is smooth and has plenty of speed and comfort. Definitely a top quality bike and great for freeway touring. I was impressed when I test drove a friend's 1800. Much different from the one I owned in the 1970's.

Personally though, I prefer a V-Twin cruiser and a nostalgic looking motorcycle. The wing is too much plastic and bulky looking for me. I need a rumble in my ride.

But to each their own and you have to be happy with your bike.

[toophun]

The Goldwing is hard to beat (especially if you do a lot of 2up riding) I've owned a Harley, Goldwing and now a Nomad. Each has pros & cons.

[ringadingh]

The Wing is definately one of the best touring bikes out there, no doubt. I still like the traditional old school look of a V Twin for now. If I was to do a lot of two up touring I think that would be my choice as well.

[peterdarby]

My Dad has ridden Wings since they came out. I wouldn't ever have bought one. They always felt heavy, sluggish didn't corner worth a toot. However, having said that his last wing (Maybe an 02) Really eliminated all my objections. Corners well, doesn't feel heavy and has pretty fair pickup. If I wanted the whole package I wouldn't hesitate about getting a new wing.

[Jared]

Good luck making you choice.

[macmac]

The only problem I have with the wing is it marks you as OLD!!!!!!!!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[dandolfn]

The only problem I have with the wing is it marks you as OLD!!!!!!!!!!

Low blow!!

:-)

But speaking as someone who IS old, I just have a hard time with fairings... Maybe I'll change eventually. I used to think windshields and bags were un-cool, too.

But for now, a Nomad is MY idea of an ideal bike.

Probably a good thing that not everyone agrees with me, or I wouldn't have gotten such a great price on my leftover '08!

[macmac]

Next time they say I will be 58, but I am postponing that effect as much as i can, so I am not OLD yet http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Not nearly OLD enough for a wing... Valk maybe but No Wing... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

At 59, I think I may just beginning. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Seriously, the Wing is a terrific bike. Just sitting on one is the ultimate male enhancement, but I worry about the increase in weight and it's affect on handling and gas mileage. The cost is also a factor. I truly like the Nomad. I've only had it a year and a half. The wife is really sold on the Wing. I guess she likes the passenegr seat, backrest, etc. I've always wanted a Wing, and when I statred riding, my ultimate goal was to own one. I am also concerned that repairs and maintenance are more costly than a Nomad. I guess what I am trying to say is that the Wing is a big jump in price for the bike itself, and to ride it, and maintain it. Is it worth it, though ?

[taranis]

Got a couple friends that own wings, and was offered a test ride on one.

Bloody Hell that thing was nice...

Talk about smooth. That horizontally-opposed 6 is the sh*t. From 40mph in 5th I could gently roll-on the power and be doing 80 in a second or two without bogging the motor. The suspension and balance really make it a sport-bike under all that plastic. I felt instantly comfortable winding it out in the twisties and really giving it my all. It has that "flickable" feeling that I've only ever found in smaller v-twins. I walked away impressed and salivating.

The only thing I didn't like was the feeling of sitting "on" the Wing, as opposed to sitting "in" the Nomad. I like the lower seat height of my bike. I was also impressed that the Nomad has the same amount of saddlebag storage as the wing (sans trunk, mind you). The gadgets and do-dads of the wing really don't impress me that much, and most I would never use (radio, cruise control, etc). But for sheer rideability and plush comfort, it is without equal.

Got a couple friends that own wings, and was offered a test ride on one.

Bloody Hell that thing was nice...

Talk about smooth. That horizontally-opposed 6 is the sh*t. From 40mph in 5th I could gently roll-on the power and be doing 80 in a second or two without bogging the motor. The suspension and balance really make it a sport-bike under all that plastic. I felt instantly comfortable winding it out in the twisties and really giving it my all. It has that "flickable" feeling that I've only ever found in smaller v-twins. I walked away impressed and salivating.

The only thing I didn't like was the feeling of sitting "on" the Wing, as opposed to sitting "in" the Nomad. I like the lower seat height of my bike. I was also impressed that the Nomad has the same amount of saddlebag storage as the wing (sans trunk, mind you). The gadgets and do-dads of the wing really don't impress me that much, and most I would never use (radio, cruise control, etc). But for sheer rideability and plush comfort, it is without equal.

I did not get to ride a Wing, but I totally agree with your second paragraph. The " bells and whistles " don't impress me that much, either. I finally had the chance to do some serious number crunching, and I was very surprised how much my Nomad had decreased in value ( according to NADA and Kelly BB ). I was hoping to get more on a trade. Guess I'm gonna have to pass on the Wing for now. Very disappointing. I thought Nomads held their value longer.

[markusmaximus]

At 43, I'm way too young for a Wing. Maybe when I'm 60.

[dabull]

Wing not for old dudes no mo...sucker has 125hp...eeks! I got a bud that took his vtx1300 in for tires and walked out 20k in debt..but he likes it, misses the vtx on occasion as there is a difference in the type of bikes..he also mentioned seating position on the wing being different - but said that as he gets used to it it is a nice ride....

[dkdixie]

I agree with all that was said here, except for the statement, "you sit in a Nomad."
It took a custom seat to get the sit-in Harley feeling for me. I always felt that with a stock seat I was definitely not sitting in the Nomad.

Painless....if a Wing is what you want, I hope you find a way to make it work!

[wompus]

I have a weird way of looking at the wing.. I'm 61 and I'm not old enough for a "GEEZER" bike! http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif
I've had my Nomad for 10 years next month and so far I haven't seen another bike that can take its place....MY OPINION!

Last weekend was the Kentucky VROC rally and from all the Goldwings there it could have been a Goldwing rally!! Those in charge of VROC were on Goldwings.. dumb.. huh!??

[jamiep24]

Who knows? Might own one later in life. But for now, I like the look of a classic motorcycle. I tell people the Wings, to me, look like a car on two wheels and sound like weedeaters going when they go by. Heated grips, heated seats, heated floorboards, airbags, anti-lock brakes, etc. May as well put cages over them..I'll probably go with the Voyager a few years down the road, just think Kawasaki's hard to beat.

[Yellow Jacket]

Find a dealer that has a new Voyager in stock and you and the missus sit on it and check it out.

Just maybe. . .

[Blue Rebel]

At a bike rally last year, my wife seen one of the three wheelers, (loaded), and liked it a lot.
Two weekends a go, we were in El Paso and went of a day long ride on the Nomad. She suggested that we trade it in for a three wheeler.

I don't really want to part with my Nomad.

[taranis]

That's one thing I would do when I get to be up in the years - a Goldwing trike. The beauty of it is I can let Ann drive and chill on the back pilon. Talk about the view! I would have absolutely no problem with that going through say.. Yellowstone or the Rockies or any other scenic ride.

[Blue Rebel]

That's the same reason the wife wants the trike, so she can drive it as well.

Women ! They can sure start trouble can't they ? My biggest problem is my wife absolutely loves the Wing. Personally, I really like my Nomad. Hey, that may be an option ! The '09 Nomad. She really liked it. As a matter of fact, she picked out the Nomad I have now. I was looking for a VTX 1300 at the time. A compromise may be in the works ! I could even go for a Voyager, and still save a ton. Thanks, guys. this may work after all.

Update ! '09 Nomad just got blown out of the water. Any body have an extra room I can rent ?

[dogdoc]

I agree with your bankerfrank. the wing is the bomb. I watched the spike tv shot about Honda and how they make those damn bikes. Cool. For my comuting back and forth to work, too much bike for me though.

[1600bluekaw]

If we wanted all the amenties of a trike or wing, which are very nice we decided we would just get a 2seat convertible

If we wanted all the amenties of a trike or wing, which are very nice we decided we would just get a 2seat convertible

+1

[johnb]

You're only as old as you feel.
The Wing has a lot of nice things on it but to me it's the Bike version of a Winnebago.
I'm sure it's a great ride, but I'll keep my Nomad for now.

[mikesth]

So, just as I got the Nomad where I wanted it, I took a test ride - not saying what, but there will be some nice parts up for sale soon.

Noone is more shocked than me with the new bike in the garage.

I drove it home last night

[rlfaubion]

I've been looking at Wings too. Just saw an '08 on Cycle Trader for $16 or ofr in Arkansas. I think they're the ultimate for the long run, but I'm two years out for anything different from the Nomad, if at all.

[bfancett]

I agree about Nomad's loosing thier value fairly quickly. I was tempted to buy a Harley just because they do keep their value, even after 8 years or more. The Gold Wing is a great touring bike, but to me just doesn't look or feel like a motorcycle, more like a huge tri-glide missing a wheel. The 6 cylinder the Wing has is nice, you loose that shaking in the gas tank the V-Twin gives.

I too am not all for the gadgets and whatnot, just need a speedo and 2 wheels!

[classic1]

Hey Blue Rebel, as for the trike, you do "DRIVE" it. You don't ride it. You can't enjoy the twisties cause you can't lean it and you can get into trouble going into a turn too fast. My dad has a wing that we converted to a trike thru California Sidecars. With the wide body, you have to remember to stay in the middle of the road. And if there's an object laying in the road, one of the tires is going to run over it. You have to decide which one. And if/when you travel on gravel roads, the front wheel is on the center gravel strip. Now, after saying all of that, if your age or health prevents you from holding a heavy bike up, you adjust to those factors cause you still get to ride. My dad loves his!
Also, the wing is a good trike choice cause it has a "reverse".

[buckeye]

Heck, I'm 67 and I think I'm still 2 or 3 years away from considering a wing! Maybe when I'm old, I'll think about a trike.

[dhomoney]

I would rather the Concours 14 over a wing. Sport touring instead of the 2 wheeled Winnebago. :)

[dhomoney]

At a bike rally last year, my wife seen one of the three wheelers, (loaded), and liked it a lot.
Two weekends a go, we were in El Paso and went of a day long ride on the Nomad. She suggested that we trade it in for a three wheeler.

I don't really want to part with my Nomad.

Woman will be the downfall of men everywhere!!!! :)

Well, we're going to look at Wings down this way tomorrow and Saturday. I'll just have to see what I'm offered. I really want to stay with the Nomad, but if a great deal is offered, I'll look at it real close. It's a hell of alot of money !

[dhomoney]

So, just as I got the Nomad where I wanted it, I took a test ride - not saying what, but there will be some nice parts up for sale soon.

Noone is more shocked than me with the new bike in the garage.

I drove it home last night

You tease, what did you do? :)

I bought my Nomad last month based on what owners are saying about their different mounts on the various forums. I never looked at a bike in a dealership or even went to a dealership.
I lurked the VTX1300, Goldwing, Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe , Harley and this site. So here is what I learned.


Vtx1300: It just cost too much in aftermarket accesories to get it up to the out of the box state of the Nomad. And there are no rear crash bars availabe anywhere for the VTX. Then it requires valve adjustments every eight thousand miles and generally has a higher maintence requirement than the Nomad. Then there are the steering neck bearings and an apparent wobble which the owners accept because they generally like the bike.

Goldwing: Expensive!! They are trying to get a class action lawsuit going against Honda because the frame cracks. Then again we have a more complicated machine to work on. Try two hours to change an air filter and also those pesky valve adjustments every 24 thousand miles.

Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe: A beautifull bike but a real maintenance headache. To remove the front spark plugs you have to remove the gas tank, or how about keeping those four carburatores in tune......Oh let's adjust those pesky valves again. Then there is the inherent flaw in the design of the clutch basket that causes a loud squeal that Yamaha will only fix once in the lifetime of each bike. It's also expensive.

Harley Electraglides: Expensive!! On paper a low maintenance machine. In reality your mileage may vary. But the main problem with the Harley is the engine heat. There are some guys on these forums who just write off riding in the heat. Can you imagine a summer toy that you can't ride in the summer? It can be fixed to a degree with more money.

Nomad: Buffeting!! Give me a break!! It's a motorcycle stupid!!! All of the above except the Yamaha complain about the same thing. Then there are those infamous cam chain extenders every 40 or so thousand miles. Well, based on some recent posts its not a big deal thanks to Gadget and Chuckster. You guys have the fewest technical complaints about your bikes than any of the above.

Enjoy!!
Tom

You know, xgringo , you make some thought provoking points. There is a lot to be said for being thankful for what you have. The Nomad seems to be as low maintenance as you can get. I am like those who have said, might as well get a car if you are going to get a Wing. When I think of a Wing, two things come to mind. 1. Too expensive 2. Too damn many buttons and " toys " to distract me. We'll see what happens this weekend. I already went out and bought a more expensive phone than I should, so why not just keep the ball rolling with an expensive bike. What a helluva mess !!

[dogdoc]

Im looking at the BMW K1200 LT. its got all the bells and whistles that the Nomad dont. It competes and does it well with the Wing, just lacks a little power, will only do 125-140mph. Excells above the Wing in other areas. Still pondering. :-)

[tazfl]

well, I'm not knocking the wing, I know that as far as touring goes its the bike to have...BUT...the goldwing has no soul. it's a big pile of plastic and is not at all appealing to me. I know they're good bikes but its a bike I'll never own

[dandantmm]

I have a little experience in this area. I had an 02 Nomad that I traded for an 05 Wing that I eventually sold and bought an 08 Nomad. My advice is test ride one if you can and make sure your wife goes with you. I thought getting the Wing was going to be the best thing I could do for my wife. I mean, she would be riding in luxury, right. Well, the first ride was a disaster. There is a passenger wind problem (search gl1800.com) that effects passengers of certain heights and size. The wind comes off of the fairing and goes right up into my wife's face. The passenger sits farther away from the windshield than the Nomad so the rider does not block the wind as much. That first ride was around 300 miles and she had a headache from all the buffeting. In the end I bought a Tulsa windshield and Baker air wings + mirror wings to fix the buffeting she was having. Only problem was it blocked ALL wind off of me and I would roast in the summer. Great in the winter...sucked in the summer. She finally said she wouldn't ride on it anymore becuase I couldn't leave the air deflectors totally deployed or I would about pass out, and then she would get some buffeting. She's happy again on the Nomad. :^)

Now there are thousands of passengers riding on Goldwings and I'm sure my experience is probably rare. But, there is enough chatter that you can find the problem on forums, so at least try and take a test ride.

Yeah, there are times that I miss the Wing, but that is only on long trips and I mainly miss the smoothness, the cruise control, and the integrated sound/radio/comm.

[flatlander]

I had ridden a Nomad 1500 for 5 years when my dealer had a used 02 Wing in his showroom, the price was right and he traded for my Nomad (he sold it the Next Day!) I thought that since my wife was riding with me more and we were taking longer trips that the Wing would be perfect. BUT.... the first day I had it out in a strong West Texas Wind I thought it was going to blow off the road. There' nowhere for the wind to blow through, I was never comfortable in the wind. The first time my wife road with me on the highway she hated it because the wind "envelope" closed right on her. If you get the wing I would recommend one of those huge windshields they have available. Baker wind wings helped some. As far as the gadgets go. I miss the stereo the most. I also liked being able to adjust the rear suspension from the saddle. You can get navigation and that would be handy, I guess. (I've had good luck with maps so far) My real complaint with the wing was that the "visceral feel" of a motorcycle seemed to have been engineered out of it. It was just too refined for me, I prefer the feel of a V-twin and now have a new 1700 Nomad and couldn't be happier. But I do miss that 6 cylinder engine, it was awsome! Good luck with your decision and I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you decide. And don't worry about it marking you as old, you're only as old as you feel and that motor will make you feel like a kid again!

[jamiep24]

Don't care for bells and whistles. My Nomad did some serious riding today in 98 degree heat. Rode from 7 am to 8 pm, stopping occasionally. The two Harleys riding with us almost passed out from the heat. They had to shut them off if we stopped for more than 2 minutes. And those things (Sportster 1200s did some serious vibrating. I couldn't believe how those things shook and rattled like they did. And we had to stop for 15 minutes for a fuse problem on one of the Harleys. There was my Nomad, an '86 Voyager, two Vulcan 900s, a Shadow 750 and a VTX1300. The two 900s were both 2up and did fine. The most talk and looks and questions was about my Nomad. It was the best bike on that ride. The Wings to me are like Harleys, everybody's got one who doesn't have a Harley. I like having something a little different and don't like following in someone else's footsteps all the time.

Thanks for all your help, guys. I think my Wing fever is over. My wife and I also took a nice long ride in 98 degree heat on Saturday. We did not see any Wings on the route we took. We stopped at a Honda dealer in Natchez, MS, and looked at the Wings. Don't get me wrong, they are nice bikes, but I don't think it are something I would enjoy. I really fell in love with my Nomad again. It's a terrfic riding bike. It's all I need. The carrot got waived in front of me two weeks ago, and you guys have been a terrific help to me in making my decision. I am just a little disappointed in how fast the value of the Nomad declines. Anybody have any ideas along those lines ?

[radco]

If you want the BEST and MOST comfortable LONG distance bike out there then the Barka Lounger on 2 wheels is the way to go :)
Performance is like a Sport Bike.. Tears up sweeping turns like a sport bike.. and if you put the tuned exhaust on it it sounds like a Bad Ass sports car....The stock seat is made to ride in.. YOU will be happy,, My 2 cents ........ When I have the time to do my Me. to Fla Ride Via Canada I may get a Wing... Till then Ill be riding my Nomad...:) Rich

[billz410]

Painless:

I've never ridden a GoldWing, so I suppose it's not fair of me to knock something I haven't ridden. But I have a couple of friends that have them, and the bike doesn't even stir a desire within me to get on it. But I know that doesn't mean it might not be a great bike.

Resale value will always be a disappointment when trying to trade at a dealer, it seems, no matter what you have. My brother always uses this argument when claiming the HD's have such great resale value. My response was, "I'd rather make payments on a $10,000 bike (my Nomad) than a $20,000 bike (the HD). But everybody views it differently. And, I'm not planning on selling anytime soon.

The number one reason I'd keep my Nomad is the people on the KawaNOW forum. So that's my two cents worth.

[Idaho]

At 43, I'm way too young for a Wing. Maybe when I'm 60.

OUCH!! For those of us close to or over 60 this hurts. I don't think I'll EVER want a GW. Can't stand the riding position for one thing.

Painless:

I've never ridden a GoldWing, so I suppose it's not fair of me to knock something I haven't ridden. But I have a couple of friends that have them, and the bike doesn't even stir a desire within me to get on it. But I know that doesn't mean it might not be a great bike.

Resale value will always be a disappointment when trying to trade at a dealer, it seems, no matter what you have. My brother always uses this argument when claiming the HD's have such great resale value. My response was, "I'd rather make payments on a $10,000 bike (my Nomad) than a $20,000 bike (the HD). But everybody views it differently. And, I'm not planning on selling anytime soon.

The number one reason I'd keep my Nomad is the people on the KawaNOW forum. So that's my two cents worth.


Yeah, I know the name of the game at dealerships is to "steal" your bike , and turn around and turn a profit on it. I am happy for now. Maybe at some future date, I 'll want to change, but the Nomad is one terrific bike. And, yes, the Kawanow bunch can't be beat !! Oh, speaking of Harley resale, that's about all we have listed in the classifieds here is Harleys. Go figure. Guess they're checking out that terrific resale value. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

If you want the BEST and MOST comfortable LONG distance bike out there then the Barka Lounger on 2 wheels is the way to go :)
Performance is like a Sport Bike.. Tears up sweeping turns like a sport bike.. and if you put the tuned exhaust on it it sounds like a Bad Ass sports car....The stock seat is made to ride in.. YOU will be happy,, My 2 cents ........ When I have the time to do my Me. to Fla Ride Via Canada I may get a Wing... Till then Ill be riding my Nomad...:) Rich

+1, Rich. Hey, ya think you could send some of that cooler air down here. I feel like a flame broiled burger http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Frank

[radco]

If you want the BEST and MOST comfortable LONG distance bike out there then the Barka Lounger on 2 wheels is the way to go :)
Performance is like a Sport Bike.. Tears up sweeping turns like a sport bike.. and if you put the tuned exhaust on it it sounds like a Bad Ass sports car....The stock seat is made to ride in.. YOU will be happy,, My 2 cents ........ When I have the time to do my Me. to Fla Ride Via Canada I may get a Wing... Till then Ill be riding my Nomad...:) Rich

Frank you send some Hot Air up here I ll send some cool air there :)...Rich

+1, Rich. Hey, ya think you could send some of that cooler air down here. I feel like a flame broiled burger http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Frank

Well, as an update, salesman in Natchez, MS e mailed an offer to me. Here's his offer : 6,800 for my bike ( '07 Nomad w/ 8,000 miles on it ), 2,300 for the scooter ( '06 with 1,000 miles on it ), sale price of '09 Wing w/ sound & comfort - 17,699. Walk away price after ttl & trade ins would be 9,553. Not bad, I don't think. What do you guys think ?

[chainsaw]

I think he needs to add a case of KY jelly, carton of cigarettes and blow you some kisses. Giving up to much for the wing.

I think he needs to add a case of KY jelly, carton of cigarettes and blow you some kisses. Giving up to much for the wing.

That's exactly how I feel !

[schoeney]

It would be interesting to see the true cost of ownership (maint, ins, repairs, depreciation) for the Nomad, Road King, and Gold Wing over a 5 year- 50,000 mile period. I think we win it hands down.

I am not talking about trading them in and getting hosed.

It would be interesting to see the true cost of ownership (maint, ins, repairs, depreciation) for the Nomad, Road King, and Gold Wing over a 5 year- 50,000 mile period. I think we win it hands down.

I am not talking about trading them in and getting hosed.

I totally agree. I think maintenance-wise, and cost of maintenance- wise the Nomad would win. There are a couple of posts in this thread that detail how much more a Wing would be to maintain. If you did need repairs on a Wing, thye cost would far outweigh that of a Nomad. I pretty much had forgotten about the Wing until I received the e mail.

[Yellow Jacket]

If you were to sell your Nomad on the open market I bet you would get a lot more than 6800 bucks for it.

What it boils down to is. . .do you really want the wing?

That IS the bottom line. I'm really not that excited about it anymore. I've only had this bike 18 months, and I really do like it. now that I'm back to reality, I think the Nomad would be less trouble to keep and maintain. I'm going to stay where I am for a while anyway.

[ells]

That IS the bottom line. I'm really not that excited about it anymore. I've only had this bike 18 months, and I really do like it. now that I'm back to reality, I think the Nomad would be less trouble to keep and maintain. I'm going to stay where I am for a while anyway.

Way to go Painless, we knew you'd come to your senses http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

That IS the bottom line. I'm really not that excited about it anymore. I've only had this bike 18 months, and I really do like it. now that I'm back to reality, I think the Nomad would be less trouble to keep and maintain. I'm going to stay where I am for a while anyway.

Way to go Painless, we knew you'd come to your senses http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

Thanks. Every now and then I get a rational thought. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif