Hey Kawasaki...

[gcsteve]

You made the effort to go out and build this great 1700 motor that members here are getting hundreds of thousands of miles out of. Then you go and drop the cruiser you have been known for most for over a decade. Get off you lazy butts and put the Vaquero bags on it come out with better colors bring the Nomad back. I personally thought the bulbus bags on my Nomad were great and I could over stuff them but the Vaq bags would look awesome on a 1700 Nomad.People are going googoo over the new Indian Springfield ,take a lesson.

[blowndodge]

Ain't going to happen. Kawasaki has left the building

[xlock]

On the other hand, I'm a big fan of my Vaquero...I, like many others on here I'm sure, could purchase pretty much any bike I want and test rode a lot of models.
Not trying to disrespect your opinions but your perception doesn't make it fact. I've seen many threads in regards to cost of Victorys and Indians vs other bikes in relation to their superiority and for me that's just not the case. If I wanted a different bike I would've bought it, plain and simple and again, I suspect that is the same for many Kawasaki owners on here.

[skullbagger]

On the other hand, I'm a big fan of my Vaquero...I, like many others on here I'm sure, could purchase pretty much any bike I want and test rode a lot of models.
Not trying to disrespect your opinions but your perception doesn't make it fact. I've seen many threads in regards to cost of Victorys and Indians vs other bikes in relation to their superiority and for me that's just not the case. If I wanted a different bike I would've bought it, plain and simple and again, I suspect that is the same for many Kawasaki owners on here.

xlock you hit the nail on the head.
when I bought my vaquero I looked at some others you probably know the brands they just didnt fit ME. Ive been riding kawasaki's since 1999 without ever having an issue, I love the others dont get me wrong, the Vaquero Ive been eyeballing it since its birth. I like its body lines. they all do the same thing
its how you want to be precieved in socity (IMO)

[gv550]

You made the effort to go out and build this great 1700 motor that members here are getting hundreds of thousands of miles out of. Then you go and drop the cruiser you have been known for most for over a decade. Get off you lazy butts and put the Vaquero bags on it come out with better colors bring the Nomad back. I personally thought the bulbus bags on my Nomad were great and I could over stuff them but the Vaq bags would look awesome on a 1700 Nomad.People are going googoo over the new Indian Springfield ,take a lesson.

But..... The Springfield has top-opening hard bags, a full 7 years AFTER Kawasaki did the same thing on the Nomad. Not sure what lesson you expect us to learn?

[robjob]

I love my top opening bags on my Nomad. I like the way they look and function. Springfield is a nice looking bike but not at that price :ohno:. Same as a lot of other brands out there - I can put a pile of gas in my bike for the cost difference.
It is hard to believe that Kawasaki would go too many years without the Nomad in their lineup. My 2 cents :shrug:

[hlknvlcn60]

I actually like the side opening bags on my Vaquero, easier to get stuff in and out without having to "dig" for things and you get the spandex locking straps too that help hold things in. When the Vaquero first came out in 2011 I instantly fell in love with the bike and told myself I had to have one. Finally in April of 2014 the dream came true. The comfort, the power, the whole package all there. I sat on a couple of Harley baggers and at only 5' 10 still didn't fit right on them. I love the Nomads but Kawasaki is very careful about marketing and don't want a bunch of leftover bikes sitting in dealerships, the companies all want to sell every bike they make. The Voyagers and Vaqueros have done quite well.

[ponch]

On the other hand, I'm a big fan of my Vaquero...I, like many others on here I'm sure, could purchase pretty much any bike I want and test rode a lot of models.
Not trying to disrespect your opinions but your perception doesn't make it fact. I've seen many threads in regards to cost of Victorys and Indians vs other bikes in relation to their superiority and for me that's just not the case. If I wanted a different bike I would've bought it, plain and simple and again, I suspect that is the same for many Kawasaki owners on here.

It depends. The people that have been on this forum a long time started with 1500/1600s. At some point, many of us wanted more than Kawasaki's offerings. Around this time Kawasaki just came out with the 1700. It was an unknown quantity and there were complaints about things like flimsy luggage, more cramped ergos, no ABS on the Vaquero and limited color options to name a few. Some went to Victory, some to HD, some to Honda and I went to BMW, the lone odd ball. Coming from a 1600 Nomad, what Kawasaki offered didn't make sense for me and so it goes with the creation of the various baggers association. Some of us felt that we spent a ton of money to make the Nomad into a touring bike like an Ultra, why not just start out with that to begin with?

I think at some point in time, Kawasaki didn't see the Vulcan line as a growing market for them and decided to cut back. Some of this was recession related and some must have come from leadership as Kawasaki got rid of the people that brought us the classic Vulcans of the 90s and 2000s. Change was coming. The problem with their model is that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy. Now the model line is trimmed down and many have left the fold and continue to do so. What irks me is that Kawasaki, AFAIK, never did focus groups of surveys with members of this forum or other forums to find out what we'd like in a redesigned Vulcan lineup. I don't even own a Victory or HD and I do surveys with them, digital and mail, as well as Indian and BMW. SO, I have to wonder where they got their design ideas from. My guess is a dutch oven contest back in Japan.

[ponch]

Ain't going to happen. Kawasaki has left the building

Pretty much. :yep:

[GIBBY]

It depends. The people that have been on this forum a long time started with 1500/1600s. At some point, many of us wanted more than Kawasaki's offerings. Around this time Kawasaki just came out with the 1700. It was an unknown quantity and there were complaints about things like flimsy luggage, more cramped ergos, no ABS on the Vaquero and limited color options to name a few. Some went to Victory, some to HD, some to Honda and I went to BMW, the lone odd ball. Coming from a 1600 Nomad, what Kawasaki offered didn't make sense for me and so it goes with the creation of the various baggers association. Some of us felt that we spent a ton of money to make the Nomad into a touring bike like an Ultra, why not just start out with that to begin with?

I think at some point in time, Kawasaki didn't see the Vulcan line as a growing market for them and decided to cut back. Some of this was recession related and some must have come from leadership as Kawasaki got rid of the people that brought us the classic Vulcans of the 90s and 2000s. Change was coming. The problem with their model is that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy. Now the model line is trimmed down and many have left the fold and continue to do so. What irks me is that Kawasaki, AFAIK, never did focus groups of surveys with members of this forum or other forums to find out what we'd like in a redesigned Vulcan lineup. I don't even own a Victory or HD and I do surveys with them, digital and mail, as well as Indian and BMW. SO, I have to wonder where they got their design ideas from. My guess is a dutch oven contest back in Japan.

Ponch hit the nail on the head.

[ponch]

But..... The Springfield has top-opening hard bags, a full 7 years AFTER Kawasaki did the same thing on the Nomad. Not sure what lesson you expect us to learn?

It has more than that, but it's not cheap or even reasonable. I tend to look at bikes in price banding. In other words, for a bike in that price range, what's the competition and how does it measure up? And by competition, I mean solely on price. It's doesn't matter to me what market subcategory the bike is in. So, considering a Springfield would need some changes, like a passenger backrest and taller windshield, the price quickly gets over 23K. Want a topcase, another couple grand. What's out there for 23-25K? Compare and get back to me. There are other choices.

[hlknvlcn60]

I picked my 2012 Vaquero up for 12 grand new as a non-current in 2014. Since, I have done a few upgrades to make it right for me with no complaints. I even have it running right as of late with the ECU remapping that was very successful. Look at Rac'n Ray who now has over 95,000 miles on his Vaquero odo. Everything I have done to my ride was worth it and then some. I had a 2002 1500P Vulcan Meanstreak before picking up the Vaquero. The new bike is a major step up and with a 6th gear. It all depends on what turns your wheels. The 2008 recession actually hurt the Japanese bike builders for a few years, especially Suzuki. They have all had to make adjustments since then and are just now coming back into making better sales and with some new models available. If the economy remains strong for some time, it will be interesting to see how bike sales go, and with Japanese cruiser bike markets too. Yamaha dropped their Stratoliner 1900 bikes out of the touring lineup and now the only one you can get with that big motor is the Raider. No more 1800VTX model Hondas and they are down to only 6 cruiser models for 2016. Things change, times change so the marketing demographics have to be more carefully observed and well evaluated by the companies. Seems the European bike builders have done very well in recent years.

[ponch]

Ducati and BMW have had record years for the last few years. I think Triumph is doing well too. They don't have as many models to sell and they seem to have a better insight into what their customers want.

With Japanese bikes, they've pretty much been a value market. People that have a certain price point in mind buy Japanese bikes. The exception is the Goldwing. It all depends on whats important. With entry level riders and such, the Japanese makers do well. As incomes go up as well as expectations, things change. My point is that any of the Various Bagger folks could have saved money by sticking with what we knew, but money wasn't the bottom line anymore.

For me, I don't want a bike that I have to modify much "to make it right". If I have to change the setup to make more power or make it run right, I bought the wrong bike. I want it to do everything I need it to do out of the box. That's where the premium comes in.

[smokey]

The one great thing about the side opening bags is that if you put rails on the tops and use bungees to tie things in or to secure across the passenger seat, you don't have to remove them to access the contents of the bags.

[hlknvlcn60]

Modding is an old habit with me. every bike I've owned going back to 1979 to now, I do it for a hobby, to make my ride unique, and knowing I can always make improvements just to do it if nothing else, and getting to enjoy it all the while. I always have to change things on them...it is almost like a little obsessive but I have been a motor head al my life. Anything you "make right" in your life you do it because it is your passion. All the riders out here in Oregon I know and ride with do things to their bikes like I do, that is why aftermarket companies do so well. The way the new bikes come equipped to meet required emissions requirements has them very restricted and they do not run, not even close to the potential and that without going to the bottom end or internals. You just do a little good tuning and open up the motor, take away the restrictions and some weight off, let the thing breathe right and go. Then the ride is a real pleasure. If I plan to keep a bike a very long time and ride it until the wheels fall off, then to me it is an investment that brings miles of smiles.

[Chuck A.]

Call me "in left field" if you must. I'm a 'throw back guy'. I haven't found a bike that catches my interest the way my '03 1500 Nomad does. It just fits me better than any other bike I have sat on. Sure other bikes have the bells and whistles with the big fairing dash board but if I wanted all of that I would just get in my pickup truck. I always said I would have the Goldwing by my 50th birthday, 53 now, but with both knees replaced, the sitting positions hurts the legs after 2 minutes. I sat on an '03 Mad in '03 when it was new and wasn't in position to buy one. I always had that bike in the back of my mine. 2 years ago I saw the one I have now on Craigslist and got it for $3500 with 29000 miles. Test rode it and it came home with me. Love it so much I spend $900 on a seat for it this January. I never enjoyed the 2007 Roadking I bought 2008 for some reason so it went bye bye. Sure it was nice, just felt like someone elses bike. Victory, Don't like the looks at all. Indian, Get rid of that front fender. And the price for either? I've got a kid in college. Enough said

Guess my 2 cents worth is, ride a bike what feels like part of you. When you leave the driveway and your face isn't smiling and your cares are still with you, you aren't doing something right. If you are riding a particular bike for any other reason than pure therapy for the soul, it's just to show off and get a look at me.

[xlock]

I think this thread has been awesome so far and it's really given me an understanding of what people look for in a bike. I quit coming around the forum for a while when everything got ugly with the transition of many pioneering members of the forum to different platforms (I've been an obsessive reader and occasional contributor since purchasing my Nomad back in 2012). These guys have a ton of knowledge and helped me many times whether they knew it or not so I chose to just let it go and move on.
So back to my epiphany on this thread...many folks that come across as "elitists" bragging on expensive bikes are the same as us dudes that put thousands into our less expensive bikes; at the end of the day we have put our time, effort and money into attaining THE bike we want. I'm 15 years into a career in the automotive aftermarket industry and a stock bike, car or even bicycle drives me crazy as I see what I want MY example of this particular wheeled device to look like trying to claw it's way out of the stock-ness.
Others want a bike right out of the box that ticks off all the boxes for them and I get that too. I personally love the Vaquero styling; this is my 3rd Vulcan (1500 I bobbed and then the Nomad) and the Vaquero was my dream bike since the first one I saw. I rode a lot of other bikes and as often, often, insinuated it wasn't that I couldn't AFFORD another bike it's that I didn't WANT another bike.
Some guys may like to shop for bikes in price ranges comparing features as mentioned above...I now get that angle as well but it's not everyone's.

[ponch]

Modding is an old habit with me. every bike I've owned going back to 1979 to now, I do it for a hobby, to make my ride unique, and knowing I can always make improvements just to do it if nothing else, and getting to enjoy it all the while. I always have to change things on them...it is almost like a little obsessive but I have been a motor head al my life. Anything you "make right" in your life you do it because it is your passion. All the riders out here in Oregon I know and ride with do things to their bikes like I do, that is why aftermarket companies do so well. The way the new bikes come equipped to meet required emissions requirements has them very restricted and they do not run, not even close to the potential and that without going to the bottom end or internals. You just do a little good tuning and open up the motor, take away the restrictions and some weight off, let the thing breathe right and go. Then the ride is a real pleasure. If I plan to keep a bike a very long time and ride it until the wheels fall off, then to me it is an investment that brings miles of smiles.

I can mod, but rather not. I'd rather get something that doesn't need modding. Not all bikes have untapped HP or enough to make it worth while for the cost. I've been there and done that and it introduces more entropy into the equation. As I age I'd rather put the money into ergonomic enhancements and just gasoline.

[hlknvlcn60]

You can get good power and fuel economy if you know how to tune a bike right. Most of them come with pretty decent power right out of the crate to start with. For those who like a dead bones stock bike, more power to them. The same goes for those (like myself) that like to customize their bike to tailor their emotional and functional needs all in one. For those of us who are fortunate enough to get ahold of a good functional package and make it your own that ultimately satisfies you and even becomes an extension of yourself, fitting your riding lifestyle and all else,then that is truly a great thing.... we are the lucky ones in the world. Yes this is a great thread and I love all the input from all you guys.

[Top Cat]

Guess my 2 cents worth is, ride a bike that feels like part of you. When you leave the driveway and your face isn't smiling and your cares are still with you, you aren't doing something right. If you are riding a particular bike for any other reason than pure therapy for the soul, it's just to show off and get a look at me.

I agree with this statement 100% :yep:

[hlknvlcn60]

Yes, Chuck A. ...well said.

[gcsteve]

On the other hand, I'm a big fan of my Vaquero...I, like many others on here I'm sure, could purchase pretty much any bike I want and test rode a lot of models.
Not trying to disrespect your opinions but your perception doesn't make it fact. I've seen many threads in regards to cost of Victorys and Indians vs other bikes in relation to their superiority and for me that's just not the case. If I wanted a different bike I would've bought it, plain and simple and again, I suspect that is the same for many Kawasaki owners on here.

I don't doubt that you are riding what you want to ride. My point was Kawasaki could have tweaked thier most popular model the Nomad to make it a more desirable machine that is cost effective instead of canceling the line. Some new colors with the Vaq bags and I think it would do very well.

[gcsteve]

But..... The Springfield has top-opening hard bags, a full 7 years AFTER Kawasaki did the same thing on the Nomad. Not sure what lesson you expect us to learn?

The Kawasaki top opening bags are the best. They are huge. Bigger than my RM bags. But the Vaq bags look better by most opinions I think.

[gcsteve]

I think this thread has been awesome so far and it's really given me an understanding of what people look for in a bike.

I started the thread so you are welcome. Lol.
Seriously look at the pic of the rear of your Vaq and picture it with the front of a Nomad. It would be awesome and a few thousand cheaper than a Vaq.

[hlknvlcn60]

I came very close to purchasing a Nomad 1700 before getting the Vaquero. It was a tough decision. I hope someday Kawasaki brings the Nomad back into the lineup.

[schoeney]

I did not realize Yamaha discontinued the Stratoliner.

That was a nice bike, good power and handling.

I agree with Ponch. I would rather buy power up front rather than do modifications later.

But I admire the people that are capable of doing the modifications and have the time to do them.

[smokier]

Opinions are like body parts, everybody's got some; here are mine. :D

HD are over priced. I do not feel compelled to spend an extra 8k just to be in the club. :bird:
BMW's are great driving machines, truly they are. Ergonomics are great, dependable - absolutely. I could not get comfortable on the KT or the RT. Just not for me...:shrug:
Love the looks of the Victory's and Indians. Have taken the tour at Spirit Lake a couple of times. Test ridden the heck out of their line up. The price is not the issue - directly.

I keep returning to Kawasaki because I like them. I know they are dependable. A Kawi has never left me stranded. Never. Yamaha, two of them. Honda, one of them. Maintenance, PO, yeah yeah.

Brand loyalty comes from customer experiences. My customer experiences with Kawi products has been perfect.
I like the looks of their products. I enjoy the reliability of their products. I am comfortable on their products. The cost savings of owning Kawi's, that is the cake...
IMO
(And since it's my money, it is the only one that matters!) :P

Ride safe,
Smokier

[ponch]

Brand loyalty comes from customer experiences.
Ride safe,
Smokier

And there is where the cognitive dissonance comes in. HD and BMW have the highest customer loyalty, yet the customer will put up with stuff I've never seen when I owned my Kawasakis. In the end, HD usually does right by the customer. BMW can be schizophrenic. Yet, when it comes to customer loyalty, Kawasaki and Suzuki are at the bottom. Weird. You'd think that lack of problems would lead to higher loyalty, but it's not the case. It's more like a religion. If you believe, you'll put up with anything.

[Mrstrike]

And there is where the cognitive dissonance comes in. HD and BMW have the highest customer loyalty, yet the customer will put up with stuff I've never seen when I owned my Kawasakis. In the end, HD usually does right by the customer. BMW can be schizophrenic. Yet, when it comes to customer loyalty, Kawasaki and Suzuki are at the bottom. Weird. You'd think that lack of problems would lead to higher loyalty, but it's not the case. It's more like a religion. If you believe, you'll put up with anything.

here are some facts to support your statements.
first year of ownership, here is the chance of failure within the first 12 months.

Reliability by brand / Brand Percent failed
Yamaha/Star 11%
Suzuki 12%
Honda 12%
Kawasaki 15%
Victory 17%
Harley-Davidson 26%
Triumph 29%
Ducati 33%
BMW 40%
Can-Am 42%

link for ref:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/04/who-makes-the-most-reliable-motorcycle/index.htm

[cactusjack]

When I totaled my 2007 Nomad (5 years ago this next week, in fact) I was in the position to buy any bike I wanted. I chose a Harley Davidson Ultra Limited, not because I wanted to spend $23k for a bike, but because it had the features I wanted. After I'd had my Nomad a while I decided I really liked touring and thought I'd customize my Nomad into a touring bike. Unfortunately, the aftermarket offering of accessories for the Nomad was pathetic so I found myself either having to modify things made for another brand or had to fabricate my own stuff. I just got tired of spending my time tinkering rather than riding. When it came time to look for a new bike, I didn't want to go down the Nomad route again, so that left the Voyager or the Vaquero if I wanted to stick with Kawasaki. The Voyager has its shortcomings, in my opinion - not the least of which is those awful (in my opinion) saddlebags and the flimsy trunk. The Vaquero would have been a real contender if they offered a factory tourpak option. So I was forced to look elsewhere. I looked at Gold Wings, but didn't want to give up the v-twin. I looked at Victory, but they had not yet released the Cross Country Tour and I couldn't stomach the Vision. Personally, I think Vic should have cut its ties with Arlen Ness, but that's another topic for another time. That led me to Harley, and they had several models that fit my mental checklist of what I wanted in a bike. They had several paint schemes available, rather than just one or two, and here was the opportunity to buy something that was more or less a turn-key touring bike. Other than the exhaust, seat and fuel processor, I haven't had to invest a ton of money in it. It's a nice comfortable bike for touring. I don't ride two up (wife won't ride) so it's plenty big enough for me, plus there are literally tons of available factory and aftermarket parts and accessories available for it, and the dealer network is second to none.

[ponch]

here are some facts to support your statements.
first year of ownership, here is the chance of failure within the first 12 months.

Reliability by brand / Brand Percent failed
Yamaha/Star 11%
Suzuki 12%
Honda 12%
Kawasaki 15%
Victory 17%
Harley-Davidson 26%
Triumph 29%
Ducati 33%
BMW 40%
Can-Am 42%

link for ref:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/04/who-makes-the-most-reliable-motorcycle/index.htm

And that's where I got the idea...They also mention loyalty too and it's inverse with the exception of Victory and may be Honda. BMW and HD have the most loyal though, although I think there's been some erosion with regards to Indian and in BMWs case, owners making a stink. When I see complaints levelled in the Owners News, it's getting noticeable. BMWs problem is that they make major changes every 5 years or so and they probably rush to market. Need better QA. On the other hand, HD is very evolutionary, meaning small changes every couple years. On the other side of it is a company like Honda, where the Goldwing hasn't changed much in 15 years. That's too long as the competition has passed them by and kept going. I think HD has the best approach, but I'd like to see some changes with stuff we can't see.

[hlknvlcn60]

I am surprised with the 1st 12 month problems with the European bikes. I didn't see that coming! I have had great luck with Kawasaki products for dependability too, one of the main reasons I stick with them. Kawasaki Heavy Industries is a huge giant company with major financial clout to back the m/c division very well, thus reliable bikes. Back to Yamaha, I was a little saddened to see the Road Liner and Strato 19's go out of production. Great machines and good touring mounts. For whatever reason, the Japanese big 4 is going more toward smaller displacement twins which doesn't make a lot of sense to me, less power and torque. The changing demographic for consumers is leaning more toward this....even Harley is noticing the demo for their big bikes is shrinking down to the 55 and older group thus it may hurt their sales especially with their price range. Seems lately smaller bikes at a lower cost, lower insurance rates, more economical etc., seems to be taking over for now. It will be interesting to see where this all goes in the near future.

[waterman]

A little late to the talk here. I've been on a Kawasaki for over 14 years now. Still have the 2006 Nomad and still love it. However, as I have aged and the riding has changed where I do more long haul touring, my needs/wants have changed. Don't get me wrong, the Nomad can still do it but lacks the features without modding that I want. As I get older, time becomes more of an issue with work and family. Not as much time as I would like to spend in the shop.

The 1700's are ok but lack the size I prefer for comfort. Just a little to cramped for my liking. I like some of the features of other bikes over the Kawasaki's today. About 6 years ago we had the ears of some of the higher ups and our conversation was met with deaf ears pretty much.

One of the big items was build a true touring bike with more features already built in. It will sell as several members were ready to jump to that version in the near future. Didn't happen and not even close. The old 1600 frame had the most comfort but they still downsized the frame.

As I get closer to upgrading the more I wander from the Kawasaki lineup as it really doesn't have what I want in a bike anymore. Tastes change and Kawasaki hasn't.

[Scootergptx]

I guess that's one of the bonuses of not being able to afford a new bike. Don't have to worry about the first year problems.

[cactusjack]

A little late to the talk here. I've been on a Kawasaki for over 14 years now. Still have the 2006 Nomad and still love it. However, as I have aged and the riding has changed where I do more long haul touring, my needs/wants have changed. Don't get me wrong, the Nomad can still do it but lacks the features without modding that I want. As I get older, time becomes more of an issue with work and family. Not as much time as I would like to spend in the shop.

The 1700's are ok but lack the size I prefer for comfort. Just a little to cramped for my liking. I like some of the features of other bikes over the Kawasaki's today. About 6 years ago we had the ears of some of the higher ups and our conversation was met with deaf ears pretty much.

One of the big items was build a true touring bike with more features already built in. It will sell as several members were ready to jump to that version in the near future. Didn't happen and not even close. The old 1600 frame had the most comfort but they still downsized the frame.

As I get closer to upgrading the more I wander from the Kawasaki lineup as it really doesn't have what I want in a bike anymore. Tastes change and Kawasaki hasn't.

Just imagine how nice it would be to have CRUISE CONTROL. :P

[ponch]

I am surprised with the 1st 12 month problems with the European bikes. I didn't see that coming! I have had great luck with Kawasaki products for dependability too, one of the main reasons I stick with them. Kawasaki Heavy Industries is a huge giant company with major financial clout to back the m/c division very well, thus reliable bikes. Back to Yamaha, I was a little saddened to see the Road Liner and Strato 19's go out of production. Great machines and good touring mounts. For whatever reason, the Japanese big 4 is going more toward smaller displacement twins which doesn't make a lot of sense to me, less power and torque. The changing demographic for consumers is leaning more toward this....even Harley is noticing the demo for their big bikes is shrinking down to the 55 and older group thus it may hurt their sales especially with their price range. Seems lately smaller bikes at a lower cost, lower insurance rates, more economical etc., seems to be taking over for now. It will be interesting to see where this all goes in the near future.

It's the same with Car manufacturers. Smaller more efficient engines. I would differ with you that smaller means less power. Torque, may be and yeah, but if a bike is lighter, it doesn't matter. I see it going in this direction and I bet well see super/turbo charged bike engines and hybrids, both with much smaller engines. We'll also see more DCT/DSG transmissions too.

Insofar as company size, the bike business is small peanuts to Kawasaki and it's like that for a lot of horizontal manufacturers. BMW bikes pale in comparison to the cars sales and size of the organization and that has it's consequences, which usually can mean to do more with less.

What I will say with some of the Euro bikes is that they are better balanced performance wise. They tend to do everything well and don't need to be fussed with and often it's better that way. Not much will be gained and chances are it'll make something worse. With big cruiser engines, they are less efficient and have to be suffocated as it were to meet emissions. That's why they respond well to some mods. I have to wonder in places like some European countries, what owners do there as they are stricter with emissions and testing. It makes modding more difficult because of the nanny state.

[ponch]

Just imagine how nice it would be to have CRUISE CONTROL. :P

And ABS too. :lmao:

[hlknvlcn60]

Right Ponch....France has a 100 HP restriction on all bikes there, so big v-twin powered scoots that make more torque than HP win for leisure riding. I still love a big heavy stable comfortable bike with mega-torque that I can depend on to get me going in traffic and for passing. Smaller narrow degree v-twins just don't get the torque...you have to go a higher spinning 90 degree twin like say, a Suzuki SV 650 to get power and you have to get it to spool up first. Sure you can go to a multi cylinder mill, but then you are burning fuel through more pots than just the two. Call me old school, but there ain't no substitute for cubes as the old saying goes. Yes, the big v-twins are choked up pretty bad from the factory, but after my ECU flash and open air, and exhaust, I now have a great running 1700 motor that runs freely and breathes! And, who am I to complain when it is getting 40 or better MPG? To move over 800 lbs. of bike and my 217 lb. weight, you need torque....no exception. If I was much younger and not 61, I would consider a smaller bike but not these days, comfort and power....give it to me.

[waterman]

Just imagine how nice it would be to have CRUISE CONTROL. :P

Ya ya.:bird:

[waterman]

And ABS too. :lmao:

Just learn how to brake Ponch.:tup:

[hlknvlcn60]

Waterman you must be pretty tall, and that can be a challenge for a good fit on a touring bike. I am only 5 '9 and my Vaquero fits me like a glove. I sat on a couple of Harleys before purchasing this one, and the Road glide and Street glides felt too small compared to the big Kaws. I know a guy who is about 6 '5 and rides an '07 Yamaha Stratoliner and he says it is the only bike he could fit on comfortable at the time with forward controls, etc. My '02 Kawasaki 1500 Meanstreak was okay but the Vaquero is more comfortable with more leg room and with highway pegs, even better.

[waterman]

Waterman you must be pretty tall, and that can be a challenge for a good fit on a touring bike. I am only 5 '9 and my Vaquero fits me like a glove. I sat on a couple of Harleys before purchasing this one, and the Road glide and Street glides felt too small compared to the big Kaws. I know a guy who is about 6 '5 and rides an '07 Yamaha Stratoliner and he says it is the only bike he could fit on comfortable at the time with forward controls, etc. My '02 Kawasaki 1500 Meanstreak was okay but the Vaquero is more comfortable with more leg room and with highway pegs, even better.

I am 6' with a 35 inch inseam. The Voyager seams cramped but the Victory CC I rode was almost like sitting in a living room. The Road Glide Ultra is a good fit from sitting on it but I haven't driven it. When I rode a Voyager, it was ok but I don't think that I would care for it on a longer trip even with road pegs.

[ponch]

Right Ponch....France has a 100 HP restriction on all bikes there, so big v-twin powered scoots that make more torque than HP win for leisure riding. I still love a big heavy stable comfortable bike with mega-torque that I can depend on to get me going in traffic and for passing. Smaller narrow degree v-twins just don't get the torque...you have to go a higher spinning 90 degree twin like say, a Suzuki SV 650 to get power and you have to get it to spool up first. Sure you can go to a multi cylinder mill, but then you are burning fuel through more pots than just the two. Call me old school, but there ain't no substitute for cubes as the old saying goes. Yes, the big v-twins are choked up pretty bad from the factory, but after my ECU flash and open air, and exhaust, I now have a great running 1700 motor that runs freely and breathes! And, who am I to complain when it is getting 40 or better MPG? To move over 800 lbs. of bike and my 217 lb. weight, you need torque....no exception. If I was much younger and not 61, I would consider a smaller bike but not these days, comfort and power....give it to me.

All that torque runs out after 20-30mph. After that, it's all over but the crying. My bike is stock and I weigh over 300 and I spank HD limiteds with stage 1 and Victorys all the time. It's due the lighter weight and efficiency. 100HP and 80ft/bs at the rear wheel from 1170ccs is efficient. If I wanted more, I could go the route of the K1600. That bests most and it still weighs 100+ lighter than a V-Twin touring bike. Something like 130ish HP and 110ft lbs at the rear wheel from a smaller motor...It's efficiency.

[hlknvlcn60]

Interesting. Those Beemer K1600 GT bikes are awesome. My Vaquero now with the new tuning done to the ECU pulls like a blue ox even in the higher gears now. I think the timing changes made a bunch of difference. Back to the Beemers though, the Germans always know how to make good power in just about anything they build. There is no disputing this.

[ponch]

Interesting. Those Beemer K1600 GT bikes are awesome. My Vaquero now with the new tuning done to the ECU pulls like a blue ox even in the higher gears now. I think the timing changes made a bunch of difference. Back to the Beemers though, the Germans always know how to make good power in just about anything they build. There is no disputing this.

They have decent beer too, but can be a tough crowd to please.

[hlknvlcn60]

Yes they can be tough to please, goes with the territory. I would like to go Munich during the early fall brew fest season though...

[rocnrol]

I love my top opening bags on my Nomad. I like the way they look and function. Springfield is a nice looking bike but not at that price :ohno:. Same as a lot of other brands out there - I can put a pile of gas in my bike for the cost difference.
It is hard to believe that Kawasaki would go too many years without the Nomad in their lineup. My 2 cents :shrug:
You make it sound as if the Indian is tens of thousands more than the Nomad, but it's not much over $8000 difference, and as far as bikes go, the Indian is a far superior bike

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160320/b3a52f7ebf698da052f0ea2268747155.jpg

[gcsteve]

So it 21K. Pretty comparable to the RK. But still thousands more than the 11K I paid for my Nomad.

[hlknvlcn60]

You can pay thousands less for a comparable Japanese cruiser then have some money to make it the way you like it, and make great improvements and custom touches and still have money left over, and get a fun dependable bike. To each their own, whatever you like and ride it your thing.

[minst7877]

Or pay a few thousand more for one you don't have to change everything on. The Nomads were great but they had to be modified to fit almost everyone and there was the lack of the accessories that everyone seemed to want on their bike. Fabrication of others parts became necessary to get the machine where it should of been from the factory. I want something that I don't have to make major changes to so that I can get what I want. That's a v twin with hard bags a trunk and a windshield. The Springfield does that and not much else does.

DC

[ponch]

Or pay a few thousand more for one you don't have to change everything on.

DC

That's about the size of it.

[BudMan]

I haven't needed to do much of anything to my Nomad.
Risers a seat and some highway pegs was all it really needed.
If I thought it would have required considerable changes I wouldn't have bought it.
As coach Danny Ford once said "boys this ain't no scientific rocket"

[redjay]

To me the Springfield looks like something someone cobbled together in their workshop. Not to my taste at all, but to each their own.

[robjob]

You make it sound as if the Indian is tens of thousands more than the Nomad, but it's not much over $8000 difference, and as far as bikes go, the Indian is a far superior bike

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160320/b3a52f7ebf698da052f0ea2268747155.jpg

That's too much for me. Average $20 fill up and that is 400 tanks of gas. Not worth the price difference to me.

[MET-RICK]

Or....300 tank fulls and several piles of bbq.d wings (mmm!) and something cold to wash them down with :cheers:. Also not a fan, especially really don't like the chunky looking bag hardware. Love my fairing, stereo and gages on the Vaq. :D

[Scootergptx]

I have never bought a bike and not done something to it. Could be minor, could be a pretty dramatic change. But they never stayed the same as when I bought them.

[hlknvlcn60]

There ya have it.....everyone has different views on what the basic needs are. It would be really humdrum and boring as hell if not for diverse views and wants. Thank God for aftermarket companies.

[robjob]

Or....300 tank fulls and several piles of bbq.d wings (mmm!) and something cold to wash them down with :cheers:. Also not a fan, especially really don't like the chunky looking bag hardware. Love my fairing, stereo and gages on the Vaq. :D

I like the direction you're heading there. :tup::tup:

[schoeney]

Not sure why people say there isn't a lot of accessories available for the Nomad. I never had a problem finding accessories. Maybe they're not available through Kawasaki's high-priced catalog but they can be found pretty darn easy with a few clicks of a mouse.

I understand why some people prefer to buy a basic platform and add their own goodies to it.

Not everybody wants some of the extras you need to pay for when you buy a loaded bike.

Example. When I look for a car I don't like paying for a sunroof because I never use it. I would rather use the money for something else.

Other people prefer to load up a bike with everything available when they buy it new. Either way is fine.

[VulcanD]

4000 winter miles on my 2011 Nomad purchased new in November. Long ride today was flawless. I'm still pinching myself that I got a brand new bike with an amazing suspension, comfortable seat, plenty of torque (even with the EPA restrictions), superb handling for such a heavy bike, a super 6th gear overdrive, and cruise control, all for $8000-$10,000 less than the similar Harley and Indian. I am surprised 1700 Nomad sales have been so low that Kawasaki terminated the line. I think the bike is a great deal, MUCH better in my mind the Road King and Springfield (I haven't ridden the latter, however). $8000-$10,000 difference? C'mon.

Whatever the case, the Nomad is gone. I'm glad I've got mine.

Happy and safe riding,
Dan

[ponch]

4000 winter miles on my 2011 Nomad purchased new in November. Long ride today was flawless. I'm still pinching myself that I got a brand new bike with an amazing suspension, comfortable seat, plenty of torque (even with the EPA restrictions), superb handling for such a heavy bike, a super 6th gear overdrive, and cruise control, all for $8000-$10,000 less than the similar Harley and Indian. I am surprised 1700 Nomad sales have been so low that Kawasaki terminated the line. I think the bike is a great deal, MUCH better in my mind the Road King and Springfield (I haven't ridden the latter, however). $8000-$10,000 difference? C'mon.

Whatever the case, the Nomad is gone. I'm glad I've got mine.

Happy and safe riding,
Dan

It depends. If your Nomad was a newer one with ABS, I think it's a fairer comparison. The Springfield does come with more than the other two, but all the bikes you chose are more basic cruisers anyway. I agree the value is definitely there, but it does come with some limitations, like color choices. For some that matters, for some it doesn't. :shrug:

[robjob]

4000 winter miles on my 2011 Nomad purchased new in November. Long ride today was flawless. I'm still pinching myself that I got a brand new bike with an amazing suspension, comfortable seat, plenty of torque (even with the EPA restrictions), superb handling for such a heavy bike, a super 6th gear overdrive, and cruise control, all for $8000-$10,000 less than the similar Harley and Indian. I am surprised 1700 Nomad sales have been so low that Kawasaki terminated the line. I think the bike is a great deal, MUCH better in my mind the Road King and Springfield (I haven't ridden the latter, however). $8000-$10,000 difference? C'mon.

Whatever the case, the Nomad is gone. I'm glad I've got mine.

Happy and safe riding,
Dan

That is a great colour for a bike Dan :D