I'm at a crossroad and need some advice...

[fammdw]

I am currently the proud owner of a 2006 Nomad and I've been very happy with it. I was out shopping for the best price on tires a while ago and ran across a new 2010 black and silver Voyager in a mom and pop little shop about 30 miles from my home town. I asked the owner of the shop what their price was on the bike and was told $15,700.

I started to engage the owner a little more and found out that their price included subtracting a $1000 rebate that is on the bike now. I told the owner that Kirby's and Hatfield's over in East Kansas were reportedly selling 2012 Voyagers for around $15,000 or so. The owner asked me to contact him this Tuesday for his best price on the 2010 as they would then be able to select the best deal for August or September (whatever that means).

I've since done some homework and found that the value on the 2010 once I drive it away will be between $12,075 and $13,695 whether or not you use KBB or NADA. My 2006 Nomad is in showroom condition with around 14,000 miles and the value goes between a low trade in of around $5200 and an average retail value of between $6749 and $7130.

First of all... What thoughts do you guys have on the switch to the 2010 Voyager? If I make an offer on this bike and trade mine in, what do you think would be an acceptable offer on the difference? I was thinking my bike and between $8000 and $8500 with me covering the sales tax at the end. It is a 2010 after all and I'm sure they would like to get it off the floor. For my part, it does have the full factory warranty in place.

I saw on CycleTrader.com that Kirby Powersports is advertising a 2011 Voyager for $14,700 so I don't think a sub-$14,000 offer on the 2010 is that unreasonable.

Your expertise and past experience would be appreciated!

Mike in Wichita....

[nomadtom69]

The new Voyagers have the fans to help with the heat the 2010 do not is it ABS or not would call the shop that had the 2011 and see if it is ABS and See what kind of deals they might make

[manban9888]

If you're happy w your 1600 and it only has 14000 miles on her, I'd keep the 1600. If you're gonna upgrade go w the newer Voyager that improves the heat issue. I love my 08 1600 and hope to keep her as long as possible. Also if money is an issue it seems to me that my butt is more comfy on a paid for bike

[fammdw]

I had a brain fart in the dealership and didn't notice if the 2010 had ABS or not. I'll have to check on that. I don't have much info from Cycle Trader on the 2011. I'm going to call Kirby's Tuesday and see exactly what kind of deals they have going. I've heard so many stories about great deals from the two dealerships in the Pittsburg, KS area that there must be something to it.

As far as the heat... How bad is it on the 2009 thru 2011? Anyone have any personal experience?

The Nomad is paid for, I've only had it for about three months. I bought it after selling my 2009 FJR 1300 which I could never quite get acclimated to. The Nomad was and is in showroom shape and only had 11,000 miles when I picked it up from a private seller.

I think what I am really wanting is the touring capabilities of the FJR with the comfort and familiarity of the cruisers I've rode my whole life. I should have bought a full dress bagger back in 2010 instead of the FJR and all this would be mute. :>)

Anyway, I just fired off an email to both Jay Hatfield Motorsports and Kirby Powersports. We'll see what all the hype is about.

I still think the 2010 would be a good deal in the $13,000 + range.

Mike

[billmac]

My advice is that I would not waste any time and energy on the "mom and pop" who gave me a price of $15.7k on a bike that is about to be 3 years old. I would shop price over the Internet and telephone in a multi state area.

I would spend the grand more and get one a couple of years newer. While your waiting for the 2013's to arrive and lower the price of the old stock, you can enjoy your 06 while it's for sale. That's my feelings on the matter.

I have a 2006 with 14k miles. I enjoy it and still have no intention of buying something else anytime soon.

[nomadtom69]

I have set on a new 1700 and to be honest I do not like the way they set Not rode one but I feel more comfortable on my 1600 it is paid for I added a fairing and HD tourpak for about $2k max (alot cheaper) and will be my last bike unless some one steals it. The only thing I like about the Voyager is the fixed fairing and elec. cruise control. The bags and trunk seem thinner than the old nomads. There have been some members complaining about the heat on their 1700 bikes.

[ray2]

What billmac said and also the 2011 had some improvement to the tranny.

[fammdw]

Thanks guys... I've found more than a few 2012 models online for under $16,000. Supposedly the heat issues have been corrected on the 2012. I'm going to take a closer look at the Victory Cross Roads tomorrow as well. Really agressive deals out there on those as well.

NomadTom69 - I do agree with you on the riding position on the Voyager. I felt a little close to the bars and up on te tank as well. A different seat might help that, I don't know.

This is the Victory I'm going to look at:

http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc516/fammdw/2012-victory-cross-country-preview1.jpg

[dmyers]

I do like the victory I took one for a ride. very smooth, alot of power
But for the price of one of them I can get a Vaquero, Nuff said

[BC RED VAQ]

theres an old sayingyou pay for what you get I very much like my vaquero iy is one nice machine. Buy having problems at 7500 miles 3yr warrenty and tell me just normal wear and tear. Have gottin no responce from the company only time will only tell. I may never get rid of my vaqueroits a nice bike to.Thanks from IL

[Loafer]

If you want advice or opinions this is the place. :tup:

Stay with the 1600, it's paid with low mileage. Ride the wheels off it! :cheers:

[cheriann]

I do like the victory I took one for a ride. very smooth, alot of power
But for the price of one of them I can get a Vaquero, Nuff said

I did the same thing....I looked at a Victory and then looked at the price....then I bought my Vaquero!!! :tup:

[majeff]

I am currently the proud owner of a 2006 Nomad and I've been very happy with it. I was out shopping for the best price on tires a while ago and ran across a new 2010 black and silver Voyager in a mom and pop little shop about 30 miles from my home town. I asked the owner of the shop what their price was on the bike and was told $15,700.

I started to engage the owner a little more and found out that their price included subtracting a $1000 rebate that is on the bike now. I told the owner that Kirby's and Hatfield's over in East Kansas were reportedly selling 2012 Voyagers for around $15,000 or so. The owner asked me to contact him this Tuesday for his best price on the 2010 as they would then be able to select the best deal for August or September (whatever that means).

I've since done some homework and found that the value on the 2010 once I drive it away will be between $12,075 and $13,695 whether or not you use KBB or NADA. My 2006 Nomad is in showroom condition with around 14,000 miles and the value goes between a low trade in of around $5200 and an average retail value of between $6749 and $7130.

First of all... What thoughts do you guys have on the switch to the 2010 Voyager? If I make an offer on this bike and trade mine in, what do you think would be an acceptable offer on the difference? I was thinking my bike and between $8000 and $8500 with me covering the sales tax at the end. It is a 2010 after all and I'm sure they would like to get it off the floor. For my part, it does have the full factory warranty in place.

I saw on CycleTrader.com that Kirby Powersports is advertising a 2011 Voyager for $14,700 so I don't think a sub-$14,000 offer on the 2010 is that unreasonable.

Your expertise and past experience would be appreciated!

Mike in Wichita....

Keep the NOMAD and save your money for the financial disaster that is on the way to America.

[fammdw]

I'm going to look at the Vaquero as well. My only issue with the Vaquero is all the black plastic in the areas where it would benefit from chrome. All personal preference I know. As for the price, with the current deals on 2012's it's about the same on either the Victory or Kawasaki.

I appreciate all the comments about holding on to the 1600. As you can tell, I'm like a crazed crack head. The new bike bug has bitten me and I'm not sure there's a cure!

I did the same thing....I looked at a Victory and then looked at the price....then I bought my Vaquero!!! :tup:

[Dave]

Buy whatever YOU want, not what others recommend. If you want a Victory, buy one. If you want a HD, buy one. I don't understand why people would post, on a dedicated board, asking what other would recommend. What a shock that people here are recommending the Vaquero or sticking with the Nomad.

There's a lot to choose from out there and only you can make the choice.

[cactusjack]

Buy whatever YOU want, not what others recommend. If you want a Victory, buy one. If you want a HD, buy one. I don't understand why people would post, on a dedicated board, asking what other would recommend. What a shock that people here are recommending the Vaquero or sticking with the Nomad.

There's a lot to choose from out there and only you can make the choice.

:tup:

[gnomad]

I went from the 1600 Nomad to a 2012 Voyager. I loved my Nomad but I really love my Voyager. The riding position is a little different but quickly gotten used to. Heat is always an issue on big v-twins. Do a google search on v-twin heat and you will find almost every manufacturer has the issue. Kawasaki has done a good job of finding ways to help with the heat though. I agree with Dave, you will get opinions from all sides on this and any forum, so really it all comes down to your choice.

[fish]

if your 06 is green/silver with 14,000 I'd keep, it infact I think someone on here would buy it.

[crazygene49]

You should keep the Nomad and buy the Victory.

[glwilson]

Keep the NOMAD and save your money for the financial disaster that is on the way to America.

That's only if the elections go wrong. If so, then he will have to share his Nomad and buy another bike for someone else that is less fortunate to not be able to buy one.:D

[waterman]

Buy whatever YOU want, not what others recommend. If you want a Victory, buy one. If you want a HD, buy one. I don't understand why people would post, on a dedicated board, asking what other would recommend. What a shock that people here are recommending the Vaquero or sticking with the Nomad.

There's a lot to choose from out there and only you can make the choice.

I can't believe I'm saying this but I have to agree with Dave.:cry: Find what you like in your price range and go for it.

[waterman]

That's only if the elections go wrong. If so, then he will have to share his Nomad and buy another bike for someone else that is less fortunate to not be able to buy one.:D

Greg, can you buy me the top of line Harley as well as a Voyager.:P:lmao:

[majeff]

I am currently the proud owner of a 2006 Nomad and I've been very happy with it. I was out shopping for the best price on tires a while ago and ran across a new 2010 black and silver Voyager in a mom and pop little shop about 30 miles from my home town. I asked the owner of the shop what their price was on the bike and was told $15,700.

I started to engage the owner a little more and found out that their price included subtracting a $1000 rebate that is on the bike now. I told the owner that Kirby's and Hatfield's over in East Kansas were reportedly selling 2012 Voyagers for around $15,000 or so. The owner asked me to contact him this Tuesday for his best price on the 2010 as they would then be able to select the best deal for August or September (whatever that means).

I've since done some homework and found that the value on the 2010 once I drive it away will be between $12,075 and $13,695 whether or not you use KBB or NADA. My 2006 Nomad is in showroom condition with around 14,000 miles and the value goes between a low trade in of around $5200 and an average retail value of between $6749 and $7130.

First of all... What thoughts do you guys have on the switch to the 2010 Voyager? If I make an offer on this bike and trade mine in, what do you think would be an acceptable offer on the difference? I was thinking my bike and between $8000 and $8500 with me covering the sales tax at the end. It is a 2010 after all and I'm sure they would like to get it off the floor. For my part, it does have the full factory warranty in place.

I saw on CycleTrader.com that Kirby Powersports is advertising a 2011 Voyager for $14,700 so I don't think a sub-$14,000 offer on the 2010 is that unreasonable.

Your expertise and past experience would be appreciated!

Mike in Wichita....

Go on buy it, what every it will be, go ahead put your self in more debit.

[Loafer]

Buy whatever YOU want, not what others recommend. If you want a Victory, buy one. If you want a HD, buy one. I don't understand why people would post, on a dedicated board, asking what other would recommend. What a shock that people here are recommending the Vaquero or sticking with the Nomad.

There's a lot to choose from out there and only you can make the choice.


STOP!!! Making Sense........:tup:

[ringadingh]

If the pricing is similar, I might be tempted by the Victory.

[ponch]

Buy whatever YOU want, not what others recommend. If you want a Victory, buy one. If you want a HD, buy one. I don't understand why people would post, on a dedicated board, asking what other would recommend. What a shock that people here are recommending the Vaquero or sticking with the Nomad.

There's a lot to choose from out there and only you can make the choice.

:tup:

I would add that you should test ride, test ride, test ride and if necessary and possible, rent for a day or more.

[elvis]

You should keep the Nomad and buy the Victory.

+1

No joke or sarcasm, if you can afford it, keep the Nomad and buy whatever your heart desires. And that photo of Victory is very cool.

Good luck and enjoy the experience; test riding the Vic, shopping around and test riding more bikes. It should be fun :tup:

[Dave]

.........I have to agree with Dave.:cry: .

I bet that hurt!

[fammdw]

Okay after a full day of test driving everything I had at least the slightest interest in, here's the outcome.

Started the morning yesterday at the Victory dealership at 9:00 AM when they opened. I was really sold on the look of the Victory and excited about some of the pricing I had found across the country on Cycle Trader ($15,799). The local dealership boast that they will beat any advertised price on anything in their store, so let's put that to the test, eh? Before the test drive the sales manager came out and wanted to talk money first thing. Basically offered me the bike for retail minus the $1500 rebate they currently have going. I showed him the CT pricing and he came back with his invoice list. He showed me where the advertised price ($15799) was invoice minus the $1500 rebate. He said he would match it, but for that price, he wasn't interested in the Nomad on the trade. I kind of understood and told him I wanted to ride the bike.

Once out on the street, I noticed something I didn't like right away. The brake pedal is this little toe shifter thingy that I had somehow overlooked while lusting over the bike on the showroom floor. It's tucked up close to the engine and the first time I went to brake, I couldn't find it with my foot and started feeling around for it with my foot while stopping with the hand brake. A little bit scary, but I figured that maybe I could get used to it or replace it with something aftermarket.

The transmission was the chunkiest I've ever encountered on a bike. I've ridden my buddy's 2009 Road King and it has a slippery clean transmission compared to the Victory. I really expected it (don't really know why) to be more refined that the Harley. The wind management / air flow on the victory was the worst I've ever seen. There was so much wind hitting me in the face (half helmet) that I had trouble breathing. I’m not talking just normal air you get from a bike without any wind management. It felt like the shorty windshield was directing the wind straight at my face in a channel. There was also dirty air coming from underneath the fairing and road debris was hitting me on the underside of my arms. I couldn’t hear the stereo cranked up even at speeds of 45 mph. I took the bike back to the dealership and ran away. This bike may be the cat’s meow for some, but it didn’t work for me.

Next… to appease my buddy more than for my own accord, I went to the Harley dealership and looked at some “used” baggers there. I figured with a newer model used bike there may be more chance of some price negotiation. I was wrong. They promptly offered me $5000 for my bike, full “pretty cardboard Harley sign” retail price of $18,799 for theirs and a $500 gift card. The arrogance of this group amazes me. Before I get slammed with comebacks about “my Harley dealership is not like that”, this was just my personal experience. For the second time, I ran away.

Next stop… my local all purpose “we sell everything” bike shop in Wichita. I spoke with the salesman about their brand new 2012 white and pewter ABS Voyager. This shop is known locally by bikers as one that won’t deal with Jesus Christ mind you. They offered me $5500 for my bike and full retail ($18,999) minus the Kawasaki current rebate of $1000 for a total of $17,999 + any other fees they could drum up. For a third time, I ran away (but not before test driving a 2011 :>).

Finally I contacted a small dealership in Hesston, KS called Dan’s Cycle. I have bought parts from them before and recently a set of Elite 3’s for the Nomad from them as well. I had heard good things from riders about this dealership’s buying experience. I called them on the phone before going up there and spoke to the owner (Dan) and told him what I was looking for. He told me that he had a 2012 white and pewter ABS on the floor and also a black and gray, but he had just put a trike kit on the black and gray one. I told him what I had to trade and sent him some pictures of the bike along with details of mods I had made. He told me that he would make me a great deal on the 2012 and he actually had someone looking for a bike like mine that wanted to upgrade from an older Classic.

After about 30 minutes, Dan called me back and offered me the 2012 for my bike, plus $11,159 out the door. I broke a few speed laws making my way up to Hesston and I’m now the proud owner of a 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager in white and pewter with ABS. I had a SE grin on my face all the way home last night and I think it will be a long time before I wipe it off. I’ll post some pics once I can get a camera in front of it.

Thanks to all for the advice you offered. It really made me think, but in the end I am much more satisfied with the 2012 Voyager!

[ringadingh]

That sounds like a great deal, Congratulations! and enjoy the bike.

[ray2]

Congrats on the new bike. Good thing you test road some others. now you don't have to wonder if you did the right thing for you.

[crazygene49]

Congratulations! Great color!

[fammdw]

Here she goes... First thing to go and one of my few complaints: Stock windshield - Way too tall. I don't like looking through plastic.

http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc516/fammdw/DSC01004.jpg

http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc516/fammdw/DSC01003.jpg

http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc516/fammdw/DSC01006.jpg

http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc516/fammdw/DSC01005.jpg

http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc516/fammdw/DSC01007.jpg

http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc516/fammdw/DSC01002.jpg

[elvis]

Here she goes... First thing to go and one of my few complaints: Stock windshield - Way too tall. I don't like looking through plastic.
http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc516/fammdw/DSC01007.jpg



Wow! Congrats on your new ride!

[fammdw]

Thanks to all...

Just bought a Corbin one piece seat over on the Vulcan Forum. Ordered an iPod kit and a 14" smoke Cee Bailey's windshield. Damn... Here we go again!!!

Wow! Congrats on your new ride!

[spil99]

Congratulations. Did the same last year. Hope you are as happy as i am with your voyager

[scion0]

Very nice!

[majeff]

Thanks to all...

Just bought a Corbin one piece seat over on the Vulcan Forum. Ordered an iPod kit and a 14" smoke Cee Bailey's windshield. Damn... Here we go again!!!
Good choice, the polaris bike looks like a pimp mobile to me.

[Pitchinguy]

Gratz! That's a fine look'n scoot! I looked at the same bike at my dealer. Love the color!

[fish]

If I buy a voyager it would be the same color. not many white bike on the road and a hell of a lot better then black. Boy am I going to hear it for bashing black