An unhappy 2009 Voyager owner

[redeye]

An unhappy 2009 Voyager owner. I found this over on Beartooth.......-Rich

http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7....n-o/in dex.html (http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7832093/new-motorcycles/nice-but-dangerous-kawasakis-new-1700-voyager-an-o/index.html)

[james40]

That's why you never buy the first year of any motor vehicle and wait a couple of years till all the kinks and annoyances are worked out.

[Top Cat]

I'm of the same opinion as this guy.
Quote;
ps3tv
Life is too short. If I were unhappy with a purchase like that I would sell it and move on. You are only "doomed" if you allow yourself to be so. I understand how you feel because I speak from experience. I bought a motorsport vehicle, and had similar breakdowns that left me stranded as well. But my breakdown was from a mechanical failure, not electronic, and not on a public highway. So I sold that vehicle just a month after I purchased it. The $2000 I lost in depreciation was better than being "doomed" with something unreliable. I'm real particular about my vehicles, so if something doesn't work the way it is supposed to work it doesn't stay around too long.

Good luck with your legal fight if you decide to go that route. If it were me I wouldn't though.

I bought a GMC pickup last year. It was a lemon from the day I owned it.
I let it aggravate me for a year :-/ then traded it for my F-150. Took a beating on the money but at least I am happy now. Happiness is a good thing. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif It far out weighs the money thing. :)

[cactusjack]

This is purely my opinion, but this Voyager owner has unrealistic expectations and few of his arguments have merit.

"One exception was 6th gear climbing up steep pass grades with a passenger. Once you get trapped by a slower moving vehicle it was difficult to accelerate. A couple of times, I found it necessary to drop into fifth, but not frequently and only for long enough to get back to passing speed and back into 6th. "

6th gear isn't intended for passing or accelerating up a steep grade, two-up. It's an overdrive, and is meant for maintaining a cruising speed.

"The system that controls the gas per mile read out for the bike finally settled down and became reliable after passing the 3000 miles mark. Until then I could not trust the system to inform me about remaining capabilities or about gas level in the tank."

Come on, now. The writer is a former Nomad owner. We all know how fickle the gas gauge is on the Nomad. Why would the Voyager be any different? Only a fool places complete faith in a motorcycle fuel gauge.

As far as his other gripes, like severe burns on his legs? Is this guy stupid? Lots of bikes run hot. There are ways to address that. The Voyager is probably so leaned out from the factory, it runs abnormally hot.

I don't know, but for someone who proclaims himself to be an experienced rider, this guy sounds like some newbie who just bought his first bike. He just seems really naive to me.

[blowndodge]

+1 on that CJ...... he reminds me of..........hmmmm.......... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Jared]

I've heard of a few people mention that they run a little hotter than expected, but common.....I have a hard time believing that he couldn't have prevented the burn from happening.

[dantama]

That's why you never buy the first year of any motor vehicle and wait a couple of years till all the kinks and annoyances are worked out.

All of us who bought a 99 Nomad and then had the plastic oil gear go out can attest to that.

[dantama]

That's why you never buy the first year of any motor vehicle and wait a couple of years till all the kinks and annoyances are worked out.



That's why you never buy the first year of any motor vehicle and wait a couple of years till all the kinks and annoyances are worked out.

All of us who bought a 99 Nomad and then had the plastic oil gear go out can attest to that.

Complaining about getting an extra gear for a true overdrive, then complaining that you have to shift out of overdrive to get some power is silly. He could just drive around in 5th and be happy, and complain about that extra gear that he was given.

[schoeney]

1) I agree James- When we here at KawaNow heard about the "new" Voyager and Nomad many of us were very consistent in stating reluctance to purchase a new model. Wait until the bugs get worked out.

2) CJ- I agree. That was the first thing I thought.....who expects to pass uphill, 2 up, in 6th gear? Unrealistic.

3) The heat...not sure I understand someone that waits for 2nd degree burns? I know my bike can get hot on accasion but I can certainly feel it before any damage is done. Maybe a circulation or nerve issue?


I am wondering if the buyer had buyer's remorse for other reasons and is exaggerating to get out of the deal? In his defense he did include some compliments but maybe that was to make the story sound good as well?

I haven't been following the riders reviews real close on the new Nomads and Voyagers...heard a little but not alot...I know noise is an issue. Not sure if it is belt, clutch, gears, or what but that sounds legit.

[snarleybill08]

i was going to buy a new 1700 nomad. i looked at one and sat on it. then my dealer had a used 2008 nomad that was sitting by the door when i walked in that looked brand new. i fell in love with the 08 and the rest is history. i brought it home to mama. the big thing that turned me off on the new nad was the saddle bags. the 08 and earlier bags are the nomad trade mark. and the extra $4000.00 it would have cost me. the one i bought had 4600 miles fire&steel tach, one year warranty left, a 2 year extended warranty which was transfered to me, and highway lights. it's never been in the rain. i thought it was a new one. the guy was apparently well off and traded it in on a new voyager. his loss my gain, $9500,00 out the door. i made a very good decision for a change. this bike is awesome. bill

[markusmaximus]

Engine heat issues with the Voyager have been documented. From Motorcycle-USA.com...

"Despite it being liquid-cooled, the heat coming off the Kawasaki’s 52-degree V-Twin on a 100-plus degree day in stop-and-go traffic roasted my right calf. The mill emits serious heat."

MOF, this was enough of an issue that Kawa announced "Improved exhaust pipe heat shielding reduces radiant heat felt by the rider" and "Improved radiator ducting helps keep heat away from the rider’s right leg" for their 2010 lineup.

Sounds like a legitimate issue to me. Now 2nd degree burns??? That's plain stupidity. I stop riding before I smell burnt flesh. http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

[ringadingh]

I think the guy is being a little picky with some of his so called issues, However the belt squeel should not be happening, If the Kawasaki rep considors that normal he's nuts. A lot of my my pals ride Harleys and Ive never heard one of their belts squeel.

[billz410]

He probably just wishes he'd waited for the red/black 2010...

[drno]

Belt squeel is easily corrected as well.

[glwilson]

I agree with what was said here... seems to be a bit of buyer's remorse as well.

[Cajunrider]

I think the guy is being a little picky with some of his so called issues, However the belt squeel should not be happening, If the Kawasaki rep considors that normal he's nuts. A lot of my my pals ride Harleys and Ive never heard one of their belts squeel.

My son rides an '08 Vulcan 900 Classic LT. His belt does not squeal at all. I had read somewhere that improvements were made on the 2010 models to address the excessive heat issue. I do agree though that 2nd degree burns should never have come into the picture. He must ride in shorts. Riding 2 up and overtaking on an incline would more than likely require downshifting to 4th in my opinion. I've heard that 5th and 6th are both pretty tall gears on the '09 models.

[rickyboy]

That fella, probably didn't listen to the voice inside his head when it said "wait, go for a used one. His ego wanted a new one.

[jonsamson]

Radio issue, what factory radio system comes with good speakers, cars or bikes or just fairings?

Heat, I can understand the complaint but 2nd degree burns? Did he touch the motor or pipes directly? I have a hard time understanding anyone taking the heat felt via radiate and through heavy trousers to the point of 2nd degree burns.

Belt - Not all belts are supposed to squeal, and from what I have read on the other forums those that do are ended by slightly loosening the belt and aligning it to the pulley’s.

Kawasaki not caring. He is being treated as any large corporation treats customers. He doesn't understand it isn't one person that can make the decision at never at a Kawasaki rep level to take the bike back. There is a system and hiring a lawyer will only prolong the process and continuing riding the bike will only show is complaints don't have merit. We may not like it but this is the real world.

The dealership doing the right thing? The dealership didn't make the bike they sold it. Why should the dealership take back a bike this person in his right mind and not under the influence or duress bought let the purchaser out of his contract because he has a problem personally and with the product of the manufacture. The dealership won't get his money back; Kawasaki won't buy it back from the dealership. If the dealership re sells the bike why should the dealership take the loss between new and used. Also should the next customer also have these same concerns guess what now; the dealership is brought into the problem and could be sued for millions for reselling a known defective product that was returned and caused for personal injures and possibly left the new buyer stranded and then possible personal attack. Yea the dealership may own other car and bike dealerships that is why he can’t take the bike back and refund his money. Why should he risk his company over 1 customer and a lawsuit, risk his company that employ hundreds over 1 customer? I feel this person’s pain, so he should sell the bike and go buy a 2008 Nomad that is still out there brand new.

[skeeter]

someones got to be the <s>sucker</s> guinea pig

[fish]

I test rode a voyager for 20 -25 minutes and I was pleased with it. It was hot the day I tested and there was a heat issue on my right leg. Not sure if this guy has the lower vents open or not, hell I can't remember if I had them opened or not. The rep. told me that the lower fairing can come off easily for summer riding.

[tex]

I have the Nomad and yes there is a lot more heat radiating around my legs than 2000 model I traded in. I don't think you could burned from sitting in the riding position. He must had had his leg resting on the pipe or something similar

[bokobob]

In our town a tv station has a "whistle blower" feature..if a consumer of anything gets the short end of the stick, and the TV station agrees, they go to bat for them and as often as not, get a very satisfactory outcome for the consumer...the threat of negative publicity is a powerful motivator....It's not blackmail either...the tv station just gathers facts and stats and presents them to the company who sold the goods/services....Aside from some "laying it on too heavy" it seems to me this consumer has legitimate gripes in the overall sense..

Just my opinion.

[schoeney]

In our town a tv station has a "whistle blower" feature..if a consumer of anything gets the short end of the stick, and the TV station agrees, they go to bat for them and as often as not, get a very satisfactory outcome for the consumer...the threat of negative publicity is a powerful motivator....It's not blackmail either...the tv station just gathers facts and stats and presents them to the company who sold the goods/services....Aside from some "laying it on too heavy" it seems to me this consumer has legitimate gripes in the overall sense..

Just my opinion.



I have seen these type of shows ruin good businesses run by good people. The problem is sometimes (not all the time) the media puts out the show without all the facts and before the issue goes full circle. Many times it is a false accusation that isn't proven until it get to court ( or before)...but the media has already done the damage to the business by airing it even if they retract or do a "correction" it is too late.

Think about the fingertip in the Wendy's Chili...total scam...but cost Wendy's over 12 million in the first year. I have seen at least 2 other examples of this on a smaller scale....hurts small businesses even worse.

[macmac]

Are these fly by wire? If it is std cables he us in need of adjustment to close the throttle plate.

6th gear hill climbing is just wrong..

Probably the belt is ruined from a mis-alignment, and either scored, or glazed, so that belt will squeek for ever, but a new one might not.

[trevwales]

They are fly by wire Mac, and pretty responsive too. The squeal issue is an easy fix. Mine was making a heck of a racket, just had it re-adjusted at first service, and ......... silence.......
Trev

[dougster]

Where is the fun in going up an incline in overdrive, and letting it lug down? Half the fun (O.K., not half, but a big part) of the fun of riding a motorcycle is shifting the gears in those situations!

And, who goes up an incline in overdrive in ANY vehicle?

[macmac]

Fly by wire and me are never going to happen..

Yeah that 6th gear thing cresting high places isn't typical of a rider.. In NH there is nearly no use of 5th.. I use it on the flats some ....

[snarleybill08]

there was a time when i was anti belt dtive. i thought they were motorbikish, and did'nt seem to look very reliable. i have had to bikes with belt drive and am a total convert. kind of wish my nad had a belt drive. i like the zero maintenance of the belt. it may be my imagination but the belt drive seems to transfer the feel of the power pulses to the forward motion of the bike and just feels good. i notice that difference between my nomad and v-star 1300. the v-star just feels more powerful, and i attribute it to the belt. the only down side to the belt is, there is an art to adjusting one. if it's not perfect it will howl. i have never had to adjust mine between tire changes. they do not stretch. bill

[snarleybill08]

i had one bike with fly by wire. a yamaha r-6 if they are well designed it is the only way to go. you can't even tell you have it. new mustangs have throttle by wire. everything will in the next few years. as far as the nomad 6th gear. all the tests i read when i was in the market for one said the bike was geared much to high in sixth gear. to me the only bikes that need a sixth gear are short stroke low torque bikes that actually need more gears to keep the engine up on the power band. the 6th gear on the new nad is one of the main reasons i went for the 08. i don't want to shift anymore than neccesary. how many of us worry about gas mileage when we joy ride on our bikes.