I missed out on the good times.

[P2breaker]

I have read so many replies and posts from years past and am sad that this forum doesn’t seem to have as much traffic as it once did. I know Kawi makes fewer bagger models and the new generation, which I am a part of, is either obsessed with crashing at 200mph on a crotch rocket or is too scared to think of riding a cycle of any kind. Or maybe all the questions have been asked and answered fifty times over and it’s more of a reference site than anything else. Or maybe Kawi has lost market share and their just aren’t enough people to sustain conversation. Whatever it is, I missed the golden age of the Vulcan-bagger. I have seen maybe 4 Kawi baggers in all the 2 years I have owned my Vaquero. It is truly an amazing bike. Cheers to the thirty people on every thread on this site while I am typing.

[redjay]

I would say the "golden age" of this forum was about 10 years ago when people on the forum had a 1500 or 1600 Nomad. When the 1700's came out in 2009 the response was mixed.
Some did not like the top opening bags on the Voyager or the lack of room for the passenger.
Most 1500 and 1600 Nomads are now getting long in the tooth, just like their owners. Some have moved over to other brands and some will decide to keep what they have until their riding days are over.

[plumber63]

I think more people are using the facebook Groups than the old style forums. They are easier to reply on, but you get a lot more BS on them.
I believe the technical knowledge is a lot better on these type of forums than face book.

[scrub]

Just picked up an 09 Nomad today. We could go in and comment on a bunch of threads to revive them and get everyone excited and riding again.

[DragonLady58]

I would say the "golden age" of this forum was about 10 years ago when people on the forum had a 1500 or 1600 Nomad. When the 1700's came out in 2009 the response was mixed.
Some did not like the top opening bags on the Voyager or the lack of room for the passenger.
Most 1500 and 1600 Nomads are now getting long in the tooth, just like their owners. Some have moved over to other brands and some will decide to keep what they have until their riding days are over.
Damn Skippy! :tup: I'll ride Nomads till I can't find parts anymore or revert to a MeanieMad....

[ringadingh]

I agree that about 12-14 years ago this sight was a lot busier than it is now, Many of us made a lot of friends here and went on some fabulous rides. It was strictly a Nomad only sight back in the beginning, and a lot of information and ideas were to be had. After they opened it up to all Vulcan bikes, it seemed to start withering out over the next couple of years. And as John mentioned a lot of fellas have moved on to other bikes, as the Nomads are getting old. Ive been planning on replacing mine the past few years, but other things keep on cropping up. Since its still running well I'll hang on to it another season. Last year I took it on the longest trip yet, 3000 miles over a week all over northern Ontario , and into Manitoba. The bike never missed a beat at all.
This season I'm thinking about taking a trip up the James Bay Road, were I'll be able to touch the Arctic ocean, Still just considering it, and not sure if it will become a reality.

[duffy]

I have moved on from my 1500 Vulcan Classic but I now own another Kawi bagger even though it is a sport tourer. I still ride with a few folks on this site and check in almost daily............it's that "white" time of the year here so I have to get my bike adventures from somewhere........:)

[DragonLady58]

Yep, these bikes are getting old, age wise. But, as reliable as these bikes are, they make for great custom builds! You can buy a good, dependable bike for about $4-$5000....then throw about $6-$8k into custom work, you can have a completely dependable custom bike for less than $15K, that will go down the road reliably for 100,000-150,000....
Most folks will long be tired of the bike before that time....
Me, I don't sale my bikes out of boredome, I just recustomize/repaint....that way you have exactly what you want, at a non-super inflated price.....
Long Live the Vulcans!

[cactusjack]

When I joined in 2007, this was strictly a 1500/1600 Nomad forum. The bikes were new, or close to it, and we shared information as we figured out all the tips and tricks to modify and improve them. As stated previously, then the 2009 models came out and many of us were very disappointed with what Kaw was offering. Then the owner of the forum decided to open the forum up to nomads, voyagers and vaqueros. Then all hell broke loose (just kidding). In 2011, I wrecked my Nomad and didn't care for the touring offering from Kawasaki, so I bought a Harley. A lot of the original members have either moved on and quit riding, or ride a different brand. Steve (Ringadingh) is one of the few early members left who still rides the same bike. I still check in here semi-frequently, as I have made a lot of friends here over the years. I have noticed the level of participation and message traffic has dried up somewhat over the years.

[Peg]

... I have noticed the level of participation and message traffic has dried up somewhat over the years.

I think that many of the newer participants find what they want to know from the archives... There's not quite the same level of discussion, now that you "origin members" have found every perfect solution for every possible problem?

Mick still keeps everyone busy though. :D

[redjay]

I moved to 1300 V Star when the Voyager got too heavy for me.
The wife stopped going on the bike so I bought something lighter.
A bonus was they were still making the 1300 V Star until 2017 so parts are not going to be an issue for a quite a while and Yamaha dealers are more plentiful than Kawasaki dealers in this area (Southern Ontario).

[Chuck A.]

Just picked up an 09 Nomad today.

Welcome to the forum. But don't be bashful. Start a thread and people will reply.:wave:

[Top Cat]

I joined the forum in 2007 after I bought my new Nomad.
I have made many friends here and a couple enemies :shrug:
Back them it was like a bunch of friends sitting around the campfire bullshitting. That is the way Trip, the founder wanted it to be. It was great.
After putting 88,000 miles on the 2007 I bought a 2008 and put 64,000 miles on that.

Two years ago the Nomad was getting to heavy for me to be comfortable on.
I bought a Victory Kingpin, much better handling and lighter. I did put Nomad handlebars on it though :D
Now I check in here almost every day just to see if any old friends are posting. Then I'm off to the Victory forum.

I don't think there will ever be a forum like this one was in the beginning.

[smokier]

In this forum's hayday, I was riding Vulcan Classics. The Delphi Forums is where I hung out.
I am one of those who prefer this format to that of Facebook. Would agree that FACEBOOK is probably a more popular platform to most internet users. Being in IT since 8086's and 8088's, telnet talkers, chat rooms and IRC chats is where I am most comfortable. These types of forums are ... missed by me.

Ride safe,
Smokier

[mbarr10]

I think more people are using the facebook Groups than the old style forums. They are easier to reply on, but you get a lot more BS on them.
I believe the technical knowledge is a lot better on these type of forums than face book.
I think that many of the newer participants find what they want to know from the archives... There's not quite the same level of discussion, now that you "origin members" have found every perfect solution for every possible problem?

:tup::cheers:

FB = Faster replies also, just not as well thought out. I have much more trust in advice here than FB. After only being here for 3 years, I know who I can trust, and why. The responses are well thought out and more detailed here. More pride in being correct.
That being said... Thank you all for your past advice and instructions

"Let the good times Roll"

WVC :wave::lmao:

[redjay]

I don't do Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc.

[blowndodge]

I have read so many replies and posts from years past and am sad that this forum doesn’t seem to have as much traffic as it once did. I know Kawi makes fewer bagger models and the new generation, which I am a part of, is either obsessed with crashing at 200mph on a crotch rocket or is too scared to think of riding a cycle of any kind. Or maybe all the questions have been asked and answered fifty times over and it’s more of a reference site than anything else. Or maybe Kawi has lost market share and their just aren’t enough people to sustain conversation. Whatever it is, I missed the golden age of the Vulcan-bagger. I have seen maybe 4 Kawi baggers in all the 2 years I have owned my Vaquero. It is truly an amazing bike. Cheers to the thirty people on every thread on this site while I am typing.

Yes you did miss out on one hell of a good time. As TC and CJ stated. This site was called "KawaNow" Kawasaki Nomad Owners World Wide. For several years all of us logged in every day (check the post counts) Eventually like all media it went political. Members were actually threatening the site owner with lawsuits because they were upset about anything and everything. Moderators (I was one moderating the section called Blowndodge's Garage) were not appreciated even though we did it for free. We were a group of buddies as TC said. CJ wasn't far off saying (then all hell broke loose). It really did and we all got out and/or bought different bikes. Kawasaki left us behind with substandard improvements. The site changed hands, The new President was required to sign a "non compete" contract (start a competitive website) and that was the end of that era.

Us older infancy members started our own site on FB and have gone on annual rides and "sit around the campfire" like we used to do. This year we are meeting at Chester California for our 6th Rally. All of us fondly remember our Nomads (I had a green/silver 2006) and felt we had a great starting point. We met with Kawasaki reps and told them "a little more power, a sixth gear and cruise control. The original design was great as it was. It didn't happen. My 2006 Nomad is still one of the best looking V-Twin touring/cruisers I've ever seen. Probably the most reliable V-Twin ever made. 2009 they looked totally different and had some issues to boot.

But that was OK as we knew Kawasaki's base was the performance monster super bikes and spent all their technology developing them. Their cruiser sector was just an afterthought.

[P2breaker]

Yes you did miss out on one hell of a good time. As TC and CJ stated. This site was called "KawaNow" Kawasaki Nomad Owners World Wide. For several years all of us logged in every day (check the post counts) Eventually like all media it went political. Members were actually threatening the site owner with lawsuits because they were upset about anything and everything. Moderators (I was one moderating the section called Blowndodge's Garage) were not appreciated even though we did it for free. We were a group of buddies as TC said. CJ wasn't far off saying (then all hell broke loose). It really did and we all got out and/or bought different bikes. Kawasaki left us behind with substandard improvements. The site changed hands, The new President was required to sign a "non compete" contract (start a competitive website) and that was the end of that era.

Us older infancy members started our own site on FB and have gone on annual rides and "sit around the campfire" like we used to do. This year we are meeting at Chester California for our 6th Rally. All of us fondly remember our Nomads (I had a green/silver 2006) and felt we had a great starting point. We met with Kawasaki reps and told them "a little more power, a sixth gear and cruise control. The original design was great as it was. It didn't happen. My 2006 Nomad is still one of the best looking V-Twin touring/cruisers I've ever seen. Probably the most reliable V-Twin ever made. 2009 they looked totally different and had some issues to boot.

But that was OK as we knew Kawasaki's base was the performance monster super bikes and spent all their technology developing them. Their cruiser sector was just an afterthought.
That green and silver 06 Nomad looked amazing. Just curious what happened to the bike?

[andyvh1959]

Well, the bikes may be old, the forum may not be as popular as it once was, but my 03 Classic 1600 is my 1st ever cruiser and I really like it. I bought it used for $1200 (no 2nd gear, right now) with all the goodies and mods already done. Its my start point to build a custom full dresser the way I want it. It may be an older bike (I got no issues with that), but its a solid, great example of an American cruiser. By the time I get it set up, it'll have my own design mufflers, my own quick release design Nomad bags, my own design for a classic frame mounted (Pacifico Shadow) fairing with stereo, GPS, MP3 input, LED lights, and much more. I figure I can do it all for less than $3k.

[blowndodge]

That green and silver 06 Nomad looked amazing. Just curious what happened to the bike?

Sold it to my brother who never rides it. :(

[MAS Tequila]

You only missed out if you want to .

I know that there are a good number of Vulcan riders in VA.

Use the member roster here and the vroc.org roster and reach out to a few.

I'll guaranty you that you'll get a rider or two, then three or four, and on.

Or just try the fbook site.

[JoshinMN]

In this forum's hayday, I was riding Vulcan Classics. The Delphi Forums is where I hung out.
I am one of those who prefer this format to that of Facebook. Would agree that FACEBOOK is probably a more popular platform to most internet users. Being in IT since 8086's and 8088's, telnet talkers, chat rooms and IRC chats is where I am most comfortable. These types of forums are ... missed by me.

Ride safe,
Smokier

I am as well IT and grew up the same way! Forums are much better for finding the information you want to find and more personable.

Facebook is only good for more replies but 90% are worthless ( i only belong to hunting groups, it might be different for other hobbies).

[smokier]

I too do not have a FB, Twitter, instagram or similar account.
If you get BORED, read the AUP/EULA from Facebook. :) You'll know why I am not on FB! (I *HAD* a FB account at one time)...
Agreed, this format is for those more focused and concerned with what they post.
As MBarr stated, it doesn't take long to know people here.

Ride safe brothers and sisters,
Smokier

[Chuck A.]

Good conversation topic going on here. I will fault myself as a part of a decline in the forum activities as I am more of a reader than a contributor. I will say though I do log on at 4:30 am central time every morning while eating breakfast and at night when I get to slow down a bit, just checking in as motorcycle forums are favored over television or news papers. It is a connection to you folks that I share a commend interest with. We all came here cause we have the love of riding a motorcycle. I don't care what you ride it is that you ride. Be it help doing a repair or just hearing about some ones afternoon ride or a planned ride, I like it. Ride reports are the best! Pictures with any topic,,,, love the pictures.

[smokier]

:tup: ChuckA, 100% agree...

[hlknvlcn60]

This is my fifth year of ownership now on my 2012 Vaquero. I can't get enough of it to this day. I put about 3 grand into it for customizing and it still gets a lot of attention when I am out on it and more compliments than my buddy's 2014 Street glide. And it is stone reliable and fun and covers large distances with aplomb. Never happier.
As far as forums go, this one is still the best for honest information and help from other members and I am hoping things stay very well alive here for a long time to come.

[mbarr10]

I am more of a reader than a contributor.

I'm Working on it, Yet success is just out of grasp.:ohno:

[BonVoyager]

I think you have it all wrong. It isn’t that there are less riders and therefore less posters here. The format has changed.

I belong to 4 other Kawasaki Voyager and Vaquero groups on facebook. I prefer these types of forums, but the lack of responses and posts here have unfortunately pushed me to those groups more. I dip back in here maybe once a month now, so I have certainly not helped with the situation.

I belong to Classic VW forums and a lot of those guys would post on Facebook and I absolutely HATED it and refused to go over to Facebook to see any posts. Luckily, that Classic VW forum is still highly active, so I visit that just about daily and haven’t moved over to Facebook to see that content.

I joined here in 2016 and this forum was a lot more active even then, but it seems like the posts here have came to a halt for the most part. Look at this page alone in this topic, it hasn’t switched over to a new one in I don’t know how long and with the exception of the first 3rd of it, the rest of the topics haven’t had any replies in 2 weeks or more, that’s unusual.

After my initial posts I haven’t done anything but ride my bike, so I haven’t made any updated posts in my thread and had only replied to a few peoples questions they had since then. I still intend on posting here when I finish some mods and updates on my bike and contributing by helping by answering peoples questions they may have.

[redjay]

How has the format changed ?

The people that have Nomads still try to answer questions from Nomad owners and Voyager and Vaquero owners still try help those guys.

At one time most of the forum members either rode a 1500 or 1600 Nomad.
Now add 1700 Voyagers, Vaqueros and Nomads to the mix.

Most of the original forum members have never owned a 1700 Kawasaki so if someone does not ask a generalized question about motorcycles how do they answer someone's questions ?

[BonVoyager]

How has the format changed ?

The people that have Nomads still try to answer questions from Nomad owners and Voyager and Vaquero owners still try help those guys.

At one time most of the forum members either rode a 1500 or 1600 Nomad.
Now add 1700 Voyagers, Vaqueros and Nomads to the mix.

Most of the original forum members have never owned a 1700 Kawasaki so if someone does not ask a generalized question about motorcycles how do they answer someone's questions ?

I described how the format changed. Most people have shifted to facebook. For better or for worse that’s how most forums are now. I much more prefer a forum like this over a Facebook one any day.

Not sure what original members or nomad 1500/1600 has really anything to do with it since this forum is split up into categories and there are different clique’s within this forum.

Like you said, the people that can answer questions answer them. I wouldn’t know a lot about the nomad 1500/1600 so I have little to offer there. I could answer questions about Voyager/Vaquero 1700 as that’s the bike I am familiar with here. Or, like you sad, I could answer generalized questions that aren’t bike specific.

[mbarr10]

So what are we thinking here?? has this forum gone the way of SEARS. It is still here and helpful but not as fast paced as other venues? I can see that to a point. I remember waiting for a day or 2 just to get someone to give me a thought on issues, generally it was sound advice and I was able to fix and move on. I always thought it was waiting for wise advise, not always true. Yet it contained enough flavor to help me.
But I can research ( Search past posts, and not clog up the current conversations) here better than FB and get my varied opinions on what I need or want to do. You can not get that with FB. I spent over a week reading everything I could about my new bike before I even posted, now you can not shut me up ( Sorry). I have so much copy pasted information saved from here it is crazy. Yet I do get valuable information on FB.
Seems it is the way of the times of the FORMAT, not the quality.

I still see Value here.

Now how do I read more and post less??, This thread makes my New Years resolution difficult. "Oh Lighten up Francis" I like this place. And I do Find less Jokers here than FB. Yet the jokers have valid points

[mike07nad]

It's not only this forum - The Delphi Kawasaki Vulcan Riders Forum is very slow. Being a Moderator over there with the little traffic that is generated hardly warrants the Moderators Salary that I get. (Yea Right). Anyway - I really like the FORUM format because people can look at the thread headers to get a glimpse of the conversation going on at the time or even look back to find what they are looking for. I participate in the Facebook groups but find myself answering the same thing Over and Over, it's the Battery, and Over, Rotella T6 is OK, and Over, Antenna washer, All Balls Bearings, American Elite tires, over and over again. Edit - Forgot - IVAN FLASH - How could I forget that?

[mbarr10]

the same thing over and over, it's the battery, and over, rotella t6 is ok, and over, antenna washer, all balls bearings, american elite tires, over and over again.

yup:tup: But I want one of them Antenna Washers. Where did you get yours? Mine is always dirty.

[mike07nad]

yup:tup: But I want one of them Antenna Washers. Where did you get yours? Mine is always dirty.

I guess the Antenna Washer doesn't apply to Vaquero's and just to Voyagers....Wait, Are you picking on me?

[Chuck A.]

I'm still trying the find where to refill the blinker fluid on my Voyager.

[mike07nad]

I'm still trying the find where to refill the blinker fluid on my Voyager.

I filled mine with Fireball and now it flashes Red!

[smokier]

I guess the Antenna Washer doesn't apply to Vaquero's and just to Voyagers....Wait, Are you picking on me?

:lol: I think you have been MBarr'd :lmao:

I like the chrome ones better than the flat ones. :crazy:

Ride safe,

[smokier]

I filled mine with Fireball and now it flashes Red!

:tup::tehe:

[ponch]

It's not only this forum - The Delphi Kawasaki Vulcan Riders Forum is very slow. Being a Moderator over there with the little traffic that is generated hardly warrants the Moderators Salary that I get. (Yea Right). Anyway - I really like the FORUM format because people can look at the thread headers to get a glimpse of the conversation going on at the time or even look back to find what they are looking for. I participate in the Facebook groups but find myself answering the same thing Over and Over, it's the Battery, and Over, Rotella T6 is OK, and Over, Antenna washer, All Balls Bearings, American Elite tires, over and over again. Edit - Forgot - IVAN FLASH - How could I forget that?

The traffic on the delphi forum really dropped a lot.

[redjay]

Very few new topics on the Vulcan Delphi forum these days.

[mike07nad]

On the Delphi forum - The first hit was when Kawasaki didn't make the V2K into a touring bike, the second hit was when Kawasaki put Top Opening bags on the Voyager. The glory days of that forum was the 1500/1600 Nomad. The thing about that forum is that while it was in it's hayday many many strong friendships were formed. I still get together with a bunch of them every year at different places around the country. It's still a place I check into every day to see if I need to do my moderator duties. I'll keep things moving over there as much as I can.

[ponch]

On the Delphi forum - The first hit was when Kawasaki didn't make the V2K into a touring bike, the second hit was when Kawasaki put Top Opening bags on the Voyager. The glory days of that forum was the 1500/1600 Nomad. The thing about that forum is that while it was in it's hayday many many strong friendships were formed. I still get together with a bunch of them every year at different places around the country. It's still a place I check into every day to see if I need to do my moderator duties. I'll keep things moving over there as much as I can.



Kawasaki made a lot of mistakes. I don’t remember them asking Vulcan owners what they wanted in new models. I’ve done surveys for HD and Polaris and I don’t own either. I wonder if Kawasaki is going to kill the Vulcan line or revamp. The 1700 and 900 are long in tooth.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[BonVoyager]

On the Delphi forum - The first hit was when Kawasaki didn't make the V2K into a touring bike, the second hit was when Kawasaki put Top Opening bags on the Voyager. The glory days of that forum was the 1500/1600 Nomad. The thing about that forum is that while it was in it's hayday many many strong friendships were formed. I still get together with a bunch of them every year at different places around the country. It's still a place I check into every day to see if I need to do my moderator duties. I'll keep things moving over there as much as I can.

I can’t see how top opening bags is somehow the downfall of forums.

I for one am overly joyed they did top mount bags on the voyager. I can’t stand side opening bags, that has to be the stupidest things I have ever seen.

[MAS Tequila]

Kawasaki made a lot of mistakes. I don’t remember them asking Vulcan owners what they wanted in new models. I’ve done surveys for HD and Polaris and I don’t own either. I wonder if Kawasaki is going to kill the Vulcan line or revamp. The 1700 and 900 are long in tooth.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

There was absolutely nothing new for the cruiser line up at Daytona Bike Week this year.

[mike07nad]

I can’t see how top opening bags is somehow the downfall of forums.

I for one am overly joyed they did top mount bags on the voyager. I can’t stand side opening bags, that has to be the stupidest things I have ever seen.

The Nomad Side opening bag was an ICON that helped distinguished the Vulcan line. When the faithful decided they didn't like the New Voyager just on principle, the faithful started to jump ship and leave the forum. Some jump ship and stayed and proceeded to let their displeasure with Kawasaki show in every post they answered.

Then Kawasaki saw the error of their ways and revamped the Side Bagged Vaquero as an attempt to keep the 1700 line alive. But those that loved the 15/1600 Nomads/Classics and the V2K went elsewhere when they bought new bikes.

This of course is only my opinion.

For those that still frequent the Delphi forum it provides a meeting place for old friends, and there are still a bunch of us Kawasaki riders around to keep it alive. There will be a KVRF reunion June 19-23, 2019 in Monteagle, TN.

[plumber63]

Well the other brands Bagger/Tour bikes really haven't done much new either. Victory went out of business. And the Harleys and Indians are smaller yet in the Drivers triangle and $8000 or more expensive. The New Yahmaha is bigger but there again $8000 more. And the rest are not V twins curizers
The things everyone complains about are not much better on the other brand or they have other issues.

If Kawasaki addressed and fixed every complaint about the 1700. They would be a $24,000+ bike also.

Dollar for Dollar I believe The 1700 is best bang for the buck.
And again this in my opinion.

[ponch]

There was absolutely nothing new for the cruiser line up at Daytona Bike Week this year.

I'd like to know if they have anything planned.

[ponch]

Well the other brands Bagger/Tour bikes really haven't done much new either. Victory went out of business. And the Harleys and Indians are smaller yet in the Drivers triangle and $8000 or more expensive. The New Yahmaha is bigger but there again $8000 more. And the rest are not V twins curizers
The things everyone complains about are not much better on the other brand or they have other issues.

If Kawasaki addressed and fixed every complaint about the 1700. They would be a $24,000+ bike also.

Dollar for Dollar I believe The 1700 is best bang for the buck.
And again this in my opinion.

It's the best bang for the buck, but they could make improvements that wouldn't affect price that much. As far as the yamaha goes, it's expensive and weighs a lot more than one needs. 960lbs is a lot for a bike. As far as vtwin cruisers go, when it comes to touring bikes, I lump them all in with cost/features/performance being above style or market segment.

The versys 1000LT would be a fine choice if only it was shaft drive. I hate chain drive. Going to the RT was a revelation. Lost 250lbs of bike and gained better performance in every way. I've always said, the germans should engineer it, Italians design it, japanese build it and americans sell it. Then we'd get the perfect bike. :)

[redjay]

If Kawasaki had stretched the 1700's a little to make more room for the passenger and installed the Nomad side opening bags they would probably have had more sales right from the day the 1700 Voyager came on the market in 2009. It would have cost almost nothing to have got it right. If you can live with it the way it is it is a great bike for the money.

[ponch]

The Nomad Side opening bag was an ICON that helped distinguished the Vulcan line. When the faithful decided they didn't like the New Voyager just on principle, the faithful started to jump ship and leave the forum. Some jump ship and stayed and proceeded to let their displeasure with Kawasaki show in every post they answered.

Then Kawasaki saw the error of their ways and revamped the Side Bagged Vaquero as an attempt to keep the 1700 line alive. But those that loved the 15/1600 Nomads/Classics and the V2K went elsewhere when they bought new bikes.

This of course is only my opinion.

For those that still frequent the Delphi forum it provides a meeting place for old friends, and there are still a bunch of us Kawasaki riders around to keep it alive. There will be a KVRF reunion June 19-23, 2019 in Monteagle, TN.

I was one of those that went to something else. I test rode the voyager, vision and an ultra before trying the RT. The voyager has more HD like ergos and the fit/finish/quality seems to be a little marginal, meaning for instance the trunk lid seems a little flimsy, etc. It aslo didn't have get up and go. It didn't seem any better than my Nomad or the Ultra I tried. The Vision was better, but the storage is a lot less than it looks and the brakes weren't so good. Wooden feel and higher effort. The dealer that had the vision also sold BMWs. I was interested in the LT, but it end of lifed and they had a leftover RT. I took it out and actually had to put gas in it to get back. They wondered where I went. They did toss the keys and said have fun...I bought it.

The thing about Kawasaki is that they not only ignored their base in designing the voyager, but they got rid of John Hoover, the father of the vulcan line. They made a conscious decision to go another way and didn't care what we thought.

[cactusjack]

I can’t see how top opening bags is somehow the downfall of forums.

I for one am overly joyed they did top mount bags on the voyager. I can’t stand side opening bags, that has to be the stupidest things I have ever seen.

Kawasaki lost a lot of repeat customers when they went to the top opening bags on the Nomad. Why do you think they brought them back for the Vaquero?

[mike07nad]

I was one of those that went to something else. I test rode the voyager, vision and an ultra before trying the RT.



When I bought my 3rd Voyager - I did the Round -d - Round at the dealers and looked at other brands. Yamaha didn't have anything at that point, The Gold Wing was Toooooo quiet and I don't like that sitting position, I had ridden the H-D's - never liked the shake and I didn't want a tatoo. The Victory was too low for me. The Indian was NICE - But most of the Selling points they were pushing I already had on my Voyager with the exception of keyless start. I went back to the Voyager because I already owned all of the accessories. Daylong seat, heated grips, foot pegs. Anyway - the Voyager Fit Me - And with the Ivan flash it has all the power I need. Oh, I looked at the BMW's but when I walked in in my Blue Jeans and Tshirt on a Kawasaki - I was looking at the touring offering and the salesman came over and said "You should look at these bikes over here, you might be able to afford them". Needless to say - I've bought 2 new bikes from someone else and they have sold off the dealership since then.

The Voyager is not for everyone but it is for me and I hope they either Keep it or Upgrade it somewhat for as long as I need one. Because right now I don't know what I would buy if the Kawasaki Voyager was not available.
(note - While the bags and trunk my seem flimsy - they aren't. I've only ever heard of 1 or 2 breaking other than accidents.

Have a great evening.
Mike

[ponch]

When I bought my 3rd Voyager - I did the Round -d - Round at the dealers and looked at other brands. Yamaha didn't have anything at that point, The Gold Wing was Toooooo quiet and I don't like that sitting position, I had ridden the H-D's - never liked the shake and I didn't want a tatoo. The Victory was too low for me. The Indian was NICE - But most of the Selling points they were pushing I already had on my Voyager with the exception of keyless start. I went back to the Voyager because I already owned all of the accessories. Daylong seat, heated grips, foot pegs. Anyway - the Voyager Fit Me - And with the Ivan flash it has all the power I need. Oh, I looked at the BMW's but when I walked in in my Blue Jeans and Tshirt on a Kawasaki - I was looking at the touring offering and the salesman came over and said "You should look at these bikes over here, you might be able to afford them". Needless to say - I've bought 2 new bikes from someone else and they have sold off the dealership since then.

The Voyager is not for everyone but it is for me and I hope they either Keep it or Upgrade it somewhat for as long as I need one. Because right now I don't know what I would buy if the Kawasaki Voyager was not available.
(note - While the bags and trunk my seem flimsy - they aren't. I've only ever heard of 1 or 2 breaking other than accidents.

Have a great evening.
Mike

It can be tough to find a decent salesman. For some reason, the nice one's don't last. To that end, I usually tell them what I want and how much I'll spend, if they want a sale. No 4 square, no appealing to a higher authority. The BMW dealer I went to sold victory, yamaha and triumph I think. Maybe Honda too. It was in Iowa. I had gone to the HD dealer and they would only let me take it on a 4 mile ride following the salesman, who was more interested in selling me a RG custom as opposed to the Ultra. I would have had to rent one to ride it more than that. My question to the salesman was, do you know how to sell to someone that doesn't believe? Kawasaki was next. They wanted me to take it for a predescribed ride, for which I went a bit further. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. Flat power, heavy and the ergos were tighter than the Nomad. The HD handled better at low speeds too, deceptively so. Then I went to test the vision. Ergos were fine, well made with storage that sealed well, but the brakes had a wooden feel and were higher effort. Better power than the other two. The thing was that this dealer gave me the keys for both the BMW and Victory and said have fun. A smart dealer will realize that a bike will sell itself if it's any good. I've heard some BMW dealers have attitudes, some HD dealers certainly do. Would I buy a BMW again? Only if it was in the ballpark of what I would spend and it's one I would want, which is to say, probably not. Not a new one at least. I would cap my spending at 20K for the bike. I paid less than that for mine, OTD, but pricing has gone nuts. That said, if I was spending 28K on a bike, it would be a BMW, maybe the goldwing, maybe not, but right now I don't see myself getting another bike regardless.

[Chuck A.]

..................There will be a KVRF reunion June 19-23, 2019 in Monteagle, TN.


Just a couple hours from the house. May have to come that way for a day. Bet ya'll hit Jack Daniels distillery in Lynchburg while you're there.

[BonVoyager]

Kawasaki lost a lot of repeat customers when they went to the top opening bags on the Nomad. Why do you think they brought them back for the Vaquero?

Again, not seeing how the hell the bags somehow lost customers.

Sure I wouldn’t have been happy if the Voyager had sideopening bags, but it wouldn’t have been a deal breaker necessarily.

I assumed they used them on the Vaquero to make the bike look a bit different than the voyager. I mean, the vaquero has no fog lights, the lowers are different, the rear fender is different, the gauges are different, the seat is different, the dash is painted, rear crash bars are different, turn signals are smaller, and on and on.

[ponch]

Again, not seeing how the hell the bags somehow lost customers.

Sure I wouldn’t have been happy if the Voyager had sideopening bags, but it wouldn’t have been a deal breaker necessarily.

I assumed they used them on the Vaquero to make the bike look a bit different than the voyager. I mean, the vaquero has no fog lights, the lowers are different, the rear fender is different, the gauges are different, the seat is different, the dash is painted, rear crash bars are different, turn signals are smaller, and on and on.

I think the complaint is probably aesthetics, not functionality. That said, My panniers are side opening, but they are quick detachable and I can load them on their side if I like and I have a quick detachable topcase.

[Peg]

I've grown accustomed to the top-opening bags, but it's taken a while for us to get to that point. I've found that the Kaw luggage fits inside there very much better than the Bestem brand bags I had before them... They're higher, the Kaw bags, and fill the room left by the lids much better.

[mike07nad]

I've grown accustomed to the top-opening bags, but it's taken a while for us to get to that point. I've found that the Kaw luggage fits inside there very much better than the Bestem brand bags I had before them... They're higher, the Kaw bags, and fill the room left by the lids much better.

I've liked the Top Opening bags from the first time I used them.

Never once did I overfill them and not get a tight seal. Did that on my 1600 nomad side bags and ended up with wet stuff.

I think they hold a lot more stuff also. And more stuff is important.

[plumber63]

I've grown accustomed to the top-opening bags, but it's taken a while for us to get to that point. I've found that the Kaw luggage fits inside there very much better than the Bestem brand bags I had before them... They're higher, the Kaw bags, and fill the room left by the lids much better.

I will have to look in to this. I have the bestem bags now. If I fill it like I did on the 1600, It won't fit in the Voyager and close. I bought a top case bag and that works well.

[Netnorske]

It has been over a year since I last logged in here, and probably another year before that since I last posted anything here. I too was one of the original members of KawaNOW (Nomad owner specific) and got involved with this forum very early on, leading to a long stint as the NW Region Leader. Indeed it was good times back then as the 1500/1600 Nomads were such an iconic bike. There was nothing quite like seeing 55 Nomads all in one place at the first National Rally in Custer, SD...and yes, the side opening bags were instantly recognizable at any speed, making it one of the most stylish baggers of all time.

Things did change when Kawasaki failed to listen to their faithful. Everyone was clamoring for an improved version of the 1600...ie: fairing, more power, sixth gear and tour pack...but utilizing the same awesome, roomy platform....just with all the things guys were adding as custom installs on their Nomads. Instead, Kawi came out with the 1700 Nomad and Voyager, complete misses from what Vulcan riders asked for. The forum changed its name to include new owners of those rides as well. That I believe was the beginning of the end...at least as us original members knew it.

Having said that, this forum led a lot of the founding members to become lifelong friends. People we met by going to the rallies year after year. Those of you who don't make that effort are missing out on great times and the very best part of what belonging to a group such as this is all about. Yes, many of us have stayed close and moved to a separate FB Group, but we still get together every year in a different western location although most, but not all, have long ago moved to other brands.

I traded my 2008 Nomad I bought new with 54K miles on it and bought a 2012 Voyager. I only owned it for a cup of coffee as it quickly proved untenable as a two-up tourer. Had I rode solo it would have been okay, but the lack of passenger room and small trunk made it unfit for the riding we like to do. I then bought a 2013 Victory Cross County Tour which we loved. I had to be very careful in slow speed turns, but nothing on the planet had more rider/passenger room and storage. Made some great trips on that bike with great memories.

When Polaris dropped the Victory line, I decide to finally dig deep and bought a 2O17 HD Ultra Limited. It had everything I wanted in a bike and gave me much better slow speed control. What truly sold me though was the new 107 engine and re-designed frame and suspension. No more vibration problems and all the get up and go one could want in a touring bike. I've never looked back.

Those in our FB group are tight like we were in the original KawaNOW group. If you wish to join, you can find us easy enough but will need to be vouched for by someone in the group. You will also be expected to attend our annual gatherings. That's what keeps us tight...the personal texts and daily posts on FB are what make seeing each other in person every year such a fun and pleasurable week. Things might have been so much different if Kawi had stepped up to the plate in 2009 and built the bike everyone asked for...:crazy:.

Like everyone though, I have very fond memories of my 1600 Nomad and what a great bunch of folks I met as a result....:cheers: