Nomad 1700 vs Yamaha Stratoliner

[ndsailor]

I previously owned a 2007 1600 Nomad and absolutely loved it. I then sold that wonderful machine to move up, I thought, to the 2009 1700 Nomad. Well, after 11,000 miles on the 2009 1700 Nomad, I sold it and bought a 2008 Yamaha Stratoliner for the following reasons:

CONS of the Nomad 1700:
1. Cramped riding positon. While I found the stock seat the most comfortable on the market, I could not move my legs to a comfortable position over a long haul. It was like sitting bolt-upright in a lawn chair with your feet tied to the legs of the chair. Meanwhile, the floorboards on the 1700 LT are properly angled and about 3 more inches forward. Nice. Why couldn't they do that for the Nomad and Voyager? As an example, look at the foot position in the Kawasaki promo video, you have to sit duck footed and only use the forward 1/3 of the floorboard to even approach being comfortable. http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?scid=28&id=420

2. Engine heat. I have never riden a motorcycle, especially one that is liquid cooled, that put out this much heat. Even with the new remedy that Kawasaki provided.

3. Intermittant slow return to Idle or throttle stuck at high speed. The throttle never did work like it should, even after repeated visits to the dealer and talking with the Kawasaki technicians, they just couldn't fix the problem. You can hear it for yourself in the opening of the 2009 Kawasaki video. http://www.kawasaki.com/products/product-specifications.aspx?id=376&scid=28
and again in the 2010 verson at 2:08 into the video. Watch his wrist return to the idle position, but the throttle continues wide open.
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?scid=28&id=420

4. Low top speed. I couldn't get the bike to top 92-95 mph. It had a higher top speed in 5th than in 6th.

5. Poor Gas Mileage. When new, she barely topped 28 mpg at highway speeds. After she was broke in ( after about 2500 miles) mileage improved to about 32-34 mpg on the highway.

6. I miss the hinged gas cap that the 1600s had.

PROS for the 1700 Nomad.
1. Very comfortable seats, especially for the passenger.

2. Air adjustable shock absorbers. Again, added comfort for the passenger.

3. Electronic Cruise Control. What more can I say.

4. Low rpm's at highway cruising speeds in Sixth gear, but trade off in acceleration, gas mileage and top speed.

5. Volumnous SaddleBags.

6. Nearly completely outfitted for touring, bags, windshield, engine and bag guards. It should come with a luggage rack to complete the outfitting.

7. Improved reach to the Handlebars. It was standard to get risers for the 1600 Nomad because of the long reach across the extended gas tank.

8. Ignition switch...you can remove the key and turn the engine on and off without it.

Stratoliner Cons:
1. Long reach to the handlebars. Had to get risers and narrower bars to boot.

2. Small fuel tank at 4.5 gallons. Although it gets as much mileage out of the 4.5 tank as the Nomad does with the 5.3 gallon tank.

3. Small saddle bags.

4. No engine guards, bag guards, or luggage rack, those are after market items.

5. Passenger comfort sucks....8 inch wide pillon with very little padding and no passenger floorboards, again...aftermarket items.

6. It is sometimes hard to get the key into the ignition, particularly if you add a fairing as I did. The fairing puts the ignition slot in the dark.

7. No cruise control. But even so, I don't miss it and I don't miss the 6-speed.

8. Harsh suspension. Again, aftermarket products will help, but it is an added cost.

Stratoliner Pros:
1. Smoothest running V-twin you will ever ride with excellent throttle response and tons of torque.

2. Ultra smooth shifting. I don't miss the 6-speed at all.

3. High top end. 120 mph+ and it takes no time at all to reach that speed.

4. Come standard with radial tires. The Nomad was advertised with radials but comes with biased ply tires.

6. Gas mileage 40-45 mpg on the highway (70-80 mph). Even better around town.

7. Lots of after-market parts to make it your own. (I guess this is a personal preferrance).

8. Leg room. I can move my legs either forward or back on the longboards.

9. Lower seat height. I can stand flat footed with a bend in my knees. Although I could get my feet flat on the street on the Nomad, my knees had to be almost locked straight.

Conclusions: NO MATTER WHAT BIKE YOU CHOOSE TO RIDE, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOME TRADEOFFS.

1. You have to add alot to the Stratoliner to make it as complete as the Nomad for touring, but if the engine aint right, you aint got Sh**.

2. I don't miss the cruise control because you need such a little twist of the throttle to reach highway speeds on the Stratoliner.

3. Although the engine on the Stratoliner is air cooled, it runs MUCH cooler than the Nomad.

4. With a shorter wheelbase, the Nomad handled better at slow speeds, but even this has been eliminated by adding a narrower handle bar to the Stratoliner.

5. Still, that passenger comfort thing. Despite all its faults, I may have to return to the Nomad to keep touring with my wife. She has some bad discs in her back that become very painfull after a few hours on the Stratoliner, whereas we have toured throughout the mountains on 1500 mile trips on the Nomad without tiring. Just the danger of running up the back of a stopped car or truck if you don't watch the throttle closely.

Just my 85 cents worth of opinion

[blowndodge]

Very Valid review...

[cactusjack]

Wow, that was a very thorough and thoughtful comparison of the two bikes/brands.

The Nomad was never a gas mileage king and I guess the 1700 is no exception. One thing that made me shy away from the Strat is the air-cooled part. Living here in Phoenix with the extreme hot temps, I would prefer a water-cooled bike. Also, I always looked at Star motorcycles as being kind of "old technology", the Royal Star hasn't changed much in ages. I think it still comes with a cassette player.

Anyway, just my ramblings. Thanks for taking the time to post such a detailed evaluation.

[waterman]

I rode a 2010 and 2009 Voyager at the regional rally. Yes it does seem cramped with the stock seat. The 2009 had a mustang seat which sits you back a couple of inches and really felt good. As far as the mileage, both of the owners were talking about low to mid 40's.

[ringadingh]

Good review, sometimes you just get a dud in a machine no matter what the dealer tries to do to it. I once had a snowmobile that was no good from the day I got it and nobody could get it to run right. it was slow for a performance sled and chewed through belts like crazy. My pal bought the same machine and it went like a scared rabbit, about 25mph faster with no problems.
Sounds like your 1700 Nomad is similar.

[oldbikers]

A very thorough review but it sounds like you could have saved a lot of money and still have the best bike by just keeping you 07 Nomad

[blowndodge]

But it's still no Triumph 1600 Thunderbird.... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[metalman]

A very interesting and detailed report. I have no regrets about buying my 2006 Nomad. I particularly like the size of the bike, because most bikes are too small for me. As far as passenger comfort, the car tire on the rear sure smoothes out some of those sharp bumps.

[ndsailor]

No Doubt About That....the shaft driven 1600 were a dream to cruise down the road on....

[borto1990]

I was debating hard between the strat and my 08 when I got mine. My buddy had one and I thought it was a great bike. My biggest issue, with my own short 30" wheel base. I just wasn't as comfortable and felt I had to stretch for everything. granted, things could have been modified with aftermarket goodies to make it better. However, when I sat on the nomad, it just seemed to "fit" and I haven't looked back since. I thought the strat was a nice ride though!

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Good review and thorough. Thanks for posting your thoughts. Now for my thoughts..... Heck I turned my brain off a while back and it hasn't rebooted yet.

[pastorgumby]

Here's the golden kernel of truth: "Conclusions: NO MATTER WHAT BIKE YOU CHOOSE TO RIDE, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOME TRADEOFFS."

A very thoughtful comparison, thanks!

[1badbagger]

As a tall guy - I understand the whole compact riding postion thing that they are doing with the new Nomad. But, it just doesn't work for me (I'm 6'3"). I also noticed the 1700's have even smaller floor boards than my '03 for my 14's. Harley has also gone to the the more compact riding postion, going away from the little more stretched out feel.

That being said, sounds like you got a pretty poor running Nomad. The sixth is supposed to be an overdrive, I wouldn't expect it be a gear you really accelerate in. I have heard they get hot too.

I used to own a Road Star Warrior and I have ridden a Strat for about 250 miles. Here's a couple of secrets I'll let you in on.

1. Save your money cause your gonna shred the rear. All that extra HP and tourque your feeling comes at a cost. Couple that with the light weight aluminum frame and you've got a real scorcher in the rear. The Nomad's HP and Torque are much flatter through the powerband. Yamaha builds all their bikes as arm-pullers. That being said it's a bad @ss motor.

2. I would'nt expect much better distance out of that 4.5 tank Even if you are getting better mileage. The one I rode didn't get that great of mileage. I have a Buddy that owns mine and he can't even get as close to the distance I (and several of my friends) get out of our Nomads. Again I have a 1500.

3. Yamaha's aluminum frame is a GREAT handling cruiser!

Hope you enjoy your new ride.

[tombstone]

The reasoning behind this post puzzles me, but I have to respond.


I previously owned a 2007 1600 Nomad and absolutely loved it. I then sold that wonderful machine to move up, I thought, to the 2009 1700 Nomad. Well, after 11,000 miles on the 2009 1700 Nomad, I sold it and bought a 2008 Yamaha Stratoliner for the following reasons:

CONS of the Nomad 1700:
1. Cramped riding positon. While I found the stock seat the most comfortable on the market, I could not move my legs to a comfortable position over a long haul. It was like sitting bolt-upright in a lawn chair with your feet tied to the legs of the chair. Meanwhile, the floorboards on the 1700 LT are properly angled and about 3 more inches forward. Nice. Why couldn't they do that for the Nomad and Voyager? As an example, look at the foot position in the Kawasaki promo video, you have to sit duck footed and only use the forward 1/3 of the floorboard to even approach being comfortable. http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?scid=28&id=420


I just did a 650 mile day on my Nomad and didn't notice a "cramped" feeling...I don't even have highway pegs yet.



2. Engine heat. I have never riden a motorcycle, especially one that is liquid cooled, that put out this much heat. Even with the new remedy that Kawasaki provided.


Minor issue on my 1700. I felt the same thing on my two Stroms, three Wings, and every other bike I've owned.



3. Intermittant slow return to Idle or throttle stuck at high speed. The throttle never did work like it should, even after repeated visits to the dealer and talking with the Kawasaki technicians, they just couldn't fix the problem. You can hear it for yourself in the opening of the 2009 Kawasaki video. http://www.kawasaki.com/products/product-specifications.aspx?id=376&scid=28
and again in the 2010 verson at 2:08 into the video. Watch his wrist return to the idle position, but the throttle continues wide open.
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?scid=28&id=420


This is the first time I've heard that complaint, it's not a problem on my machine unless I don't release the throttle fully.



4. Low top speed. I couldn't get the bike to top 92-95 mph. It had a higher top speed in 5th than in 6th.


I've had mine at 105 two up and it was still climbing (albeit slowly). You do understand what an overdrive is don't you?



5. Poor Gas Mileage. When new, she barely topped 28 mpg at highway speeds. After she was broke in ( after about 2500 miles) mileage improved to about 32-34 mpg on the highway.


I have over 11,000 miles on my bike and have yet to average under 40 mpg on any trip. That includes the two up trips. I think learning how to shift would really help you.



6. I miss the hinged gas cap that the 1600s had.


My V-Stom had a hinged gas cap. I don't miss it enough to post in the Strom forum and tell them how much better the Nomad is over the Strom..... But, each to his own.
Ride safe.

[schoeney]

But it's still no Triumph 1600 Thunderbird.... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

And he is probably thankful it isn't ;)


Good reviews and consistent with what my riding buddy says about his Strat O Liner. He has gone through too many rear tires due to the extra getty up...I guess the temptation is too much to resist.

[flightdoc]

you could add larger boards. highway pegs etc. I've never had my 05 nomad over 100mph and never will. It wasn't built for that kind of riding. I have never gotten under 40mpg on mine. I cruise on the highway at 70mph. if you're only getting in the 30's at best then 1. there's something wrong with your bike or 2. You're too heavy handed with the throttle. FIT: of course, I'm 5'8 and that can make a big difference in comfort. A bike that allows you to stretch out, at 6'3, is probably not going to fit me well . All things to consider when looking at a new bike.

vin

[ken]

I've run my 05 on the German Autobahn at 90+ for hours at a time and never have had any problems with it (knock on wood). I'm 5'10" and I find the Nomad very comfortable, especially with my drivers backrest installed. Highway pegs can make the ride more comfortable, for sure. unfortunately, I've never taken the time to calculate milege, even at almost $7.00 a gallon. I wanna ride, I gotta pay...simple. God, it's hot here.

[wiz]

Note he is comparing the new 1700 Nomad to the Strat, not the 1500 or super roomy and awesome 1600. Obviously cramped for one person will be just right for a shorter person and I appreciate the comparison. I too would guess that the 1700 tested here was a factory dud if it had trouble getting up to 95 mph. I test rode a Yamaha Venture demo bike that could not get out of it's own way and a friend of mine just bought a new one that was a dog until he took it back to the dealer and got the carbs cleaned up and adjusted properly. All said, you can't really get around the shorter wheelbase and make the bike less cramped if it is not big enough for you. Riding a 1600 Nomad will spoil you if you like to streatch out and get comfy.

The bottom line is that your bike has to make YOU happy.

[billmac]

Great review that I read with much interest. I seriously looked at the Stratoliner and Silverado, before I bought my first Nomad. I have been happy with my Nomad choice, but have to wonder what would have been.

[skeeter]

Nice review. Food for thought. No need to flame. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[cdneh]

A friend bought the Strat and really likes it. Mind you, he had to put a lot of money into adding all the extras that come standard on the 1700. When I first rode mine, I thought the riding position was a little more upright than my 900 LT but I think that is better for my back Just last night I was thinking how much I enjoy the riding position of this bike and how easy it is too ride. For the money, this was the best deal out there. At 5'11'' I fit just fine but have ordered highway pegs to try them out. No throttle problems, I can go as fast as the law allows, heat is not an issue, and I like to stop every 200 kms or so to stretch so gas milage is not a big issue, although I wish it was a little better. The Nomad is still the best value for a cruiser.

[tombstone]

Did someone flame ndsailer?

ndsailer's post count was 2 when he posted his "comparison". So I have to assume he joined this forum for the sole purpose of starting this thread. The way I read his post is he is simply saying he had a Nomad, but it wasn't good enough, so he bought a better bike. Which if he truly believes that, more power to him, but to join a Nomad forum to tell that to Nomad owners? Hmm.. Or maybe he just had an agenda..

Then his information is...umm...suspect. 28 mpg? 95 mph? Really? Or maybe they are truths for him, but since no one else's bikes performs as his did, one has to question. So is he dishonest, a crappy rider, or just got a lemon? No one but ndsailer can answer that.

I did point out some of the total BS he posted and replied with the performance info for my bike. Strange that our machines would perform at such different levels.

But what I absolutely would not do is thank ndsailer for joining this forum for the sole purpose of discrediting my bike thru questionable tactics and data. But like I said before, 'each to his own'.

[bigmacbkr]

Gosh 'ndsailor', you must have gotten hold of the worst lemon Nomad Kawasaki has ever made, and hopefully the only one! Thank God I don't have any of the problems you associated with yours, and it's too bad you did. I do not have excessive heat (heat kit installed), I'm in no way cramped, in fact it's by far the most comfortable and has the best ergonomic seating position of any bike I've ever owned, and that includes the other four bikes I've owned; 2004 Suzuki Blvd, 2004 Big Dog Boxer, 2005 Nomad, 2006 Goldwing. I'm 5' 11" inches at 194#'s, and a 30" inseam. The throttle function is quick and crisp on mine, and with the power it exhibits in each gear, I believe mine would easily exceed 100 mph although I haven't tried; at 75 in sixth gear it will run past 85 in a heartbeat, but that's about as fast as I care to ride! Now that it's broken in I think I could run with the Goldwing. I have to agree that the gas mileage isn't the best on the planet, although I rode it 160 miles yesterday with half on the interstate and my overall mileage was about 37. Here's hoping you enjoy your Stratoliner and don't have any problems with it! :)

[ponch]

A few things. One, gas mileage is not only dependent on riding style. but the swill you put in it. In Iowa, they put Ethanol in the gas and I never get over 37-38 MPG. When I went to Custer last year and PDC this year, the non-ethanol fuel gets me 41-44. That difference in mileage tells me Iowa probably puts more than 10% ethanol in, but that is my opinion. Two, the new nomad has a throttle by wire. It's very possible something is screwed up with it (and or the computer) and that is causing bad mileage, surging and poor top end. I think you needed to take it to another dealer. Three, as far as fixing deficiencies, I wish someone made a bike where there were none...Unfortunately that isn't true because of our individual differences. For instance, most people love the Mustang seats, but it only gives me another half hour before my a$$ is killing me. If I could fix that one thing, I would be a happy man. It's intolerable.

[cdneh]

Tombstone you actually make a good point here that I didn't catch. If ndseller has moved on to another bike, then his post is mostly inflammatory and of no purpose for this forum. I too have not had the issues he writes about. I have had great experience with fellow forum members who ride the 1700 and so willingly share tech and accessory advice. To me honest dialogue and sharing of information makes this a great board.

[1badbagger]

When I was looking to move from my Warrior to a bagger, I really wanted the Stratoliner since it was very similar technology and build. After I rode it, I came to the conclusion it is the bike from Yamaha that "coulda been". It pulls hard like my Warrior did, actually, harder. The Warrior was 102 and the Strat a 113. This was awesome, and the reason I didn't buy it. I wanted a touring bike, not a 1/4 mile burner. I looked at the tank which is small compared to the Nomad's. The Strat is a lot more of a "performer". If your concerned about pulling up to a CVO Harley and dusting it, buy the Strat. It really needs to be geared differently and have a six, a larger tank, completely different bars, bigger boards, bigger bags and better windshield. To truly be considered a "tourer". I personally think Star should drop the Royal Star line and drop that 113 in a real full-dresser that is appropriately geared for touring. Oh and they need to keep the price lower. I'm sure there are deals to be had, but Star's MSRP's have been creeping up. I'm not sure there paint and fit and finish are at the level where they can start charging those prices.

[rflnomad]

No biggie; we all like different things and different bikes.
I almost went with the Road Star Silverado instead of the Nomad. I am glad we rode them both. For us, the Nomad was the best buy.
Isn't the Stratoliner a 1900cc engine? The 1600 in the Nomad is enough for me.

[ndsailor]

Did someone flame ndsailer?

ndsailer's post count was 2 when he posted his "comparison". So I have to assume he joined this forum for the sole purpose of starting this thread. The way I read his post is he is simply saying he had a Nomad, but it wasn't good enough, so he bought a better bike. Which if he truly believes that, more power to him, but to join a Nomad forum to tell that to Nomad owners? Hmm.. Or maybe he just had an agenda..

Then his information is...umm...suspect. 28 mpg? 95 mph? Really? Or maybe they are truths for him, but since no one else's bikes performs as his did, one has to question. So is he dishonest, a crappy rider, or just got a lemon? No one but ndsailer can answer that.

I did point out some of the total BS he posted and replied with the performance info for my bike. Strange that our machines would perform at such different levels.

But what I absolutely would not do is thank ndsailer for joining this forum for the sole purpose of discrediting my bike thru questionable tactics and data. But like I said before, 'each to his own'.

I appologize if I offended anyone with my post. I do not lie and I did not join KAWANOW just to post this message, I was a former member for a number of years and just rejoined this past summer. I am back on a 2010 Nomad and this one runs MUCH better, plus, Kawa just sent out recalls for all of the 1700s to replace the ECU, which my dealer did on my 2009 Nomad. I HAD A LEMON....a SOUR lemon...because the 2010 Nomad I have now runs much better, not in the performance class of the Stratoliner, but that's not what the Nomad is set up for. I have gone through three new motorcycles in one year searching for a bike that performs satifactorally and provides touring comfort for my wife and myself and the 1700 Nomad is the best choice...if it runs right. There are always tradeoffs though...there is no perfect bike. NOW the Vaquero is here with the looks I loved on my midnight Stratoliner....Hmmmm...fourth bike in 2 years????

[redjay]

Honest reviews are always helpful, good or bad. Good you came back to update. How are you coping with the cramped (as you originally described it) ergonomics of the 1700 ?

[ndsailor]

I added highway pegs to the engine guards but had to add a backrest too so my back doesn't get tired when putting my feet up. I also added the 1 1/4 inch handlebars from the 2010 Voyager model to my Nomad. The bars come back straighter rather than out to the sides as is standard on the Nomad.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1065/5148884637_de0fded7fc_z.jpg

[Top Cat]

When it is time for me to buy a new bike I am going to look for a 2008 Nomad with low mileage and transfer all my accessories to it.
I think the Nomad is the best buy dollar for dollar of any bike out there.
Just my opinion, er, I mean, I'm just saying..................... ;)

[05nomader]

Great comparison and review I have considered a Stratoliner but never had the chance to ride one. Thanks for you input.

[ponch]

Having ridden the Voyager and having owned a 2007 Nomad, I would agree. The newer bike is more like a HD than a Kawasaki. The transmission is clunky, the engine wasn't as smooth and I didn't see any improvement in acceleration. Nothing that I could notice by the seat of my pants. The seat was a lot better though and it did handle better at lower speeds, but that is it. Of course the Voyager is a better value than the Ultra, but if you have a 1600 Nomad and it works for you, keep it.


When it is time for me to buy a new bike I am going to look for a 2008 Nomad with low mileage and transfer all my accessories to it.
I think the Nomad is the best buy dollar for dollar of any bike out there.
Just my opinion, er, I mean, I'm just saying..................... ;)

[Loafer]

I think its great ndsailor came back and posted on this again. I guess it was a good comparo. I've ridden the 1700 and found the seat to be very nice. I thought the power was ok. There was too much heat for my likes. And it appeared to look cheaper than my 1500. At 5'9" I thought it was a cramped seating position. Is there a new ride in my future? I don't know.
Whoops... just saying.