No more Nomad?

[cactusjack]

I've read in a couple of other places that 2008 was the last year for the Nomad and Kaw will be replacing it with a touring bike based on the VN2K platform. Even though this info came from dealers, I consider it speculation. I've noticed that some Nomad accessories are being discontinued by certain vendors and it makes one wonder... I guess we'll know for sure in a month or so when the 2009's start appearing in the showrooms.

[misunderstood]

http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif Say it ain't so.....................So we've all got collectors items. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[jussmatt]

I think that if they do discontinue it, it'll go the way of the Camaro or something like that where they stopped production, only to bring it back at a later date, bigger and better!! At least that's what I'll keep telling myself if it happens!!!

[rksaw]

Matt, I hope you're right! Maybe it is my own bias, but I have a hard time seeing MaKaw without the Nomad. It seems to me that sales have been good, right? Do anyone know how many have been sold over the past 10 years?

[dogdoc]

if so and vendors stop carrying accessories for the Nomad, then what do we do?? H-D??

[misunderstood]

Matt, I hope you're right! Maybe it is my own bias, but I have a hard time seeing MaKaw without the Nomad. It seems to me that sales have been good, right? Do anyone know how many have been sold over the past 10 years?

I was curious of this as well and found it's confidential info. ::)

Taken from their FAQ page

"How many of my year and model Kawasaki have been manufactured?
Production and sales figures are company confidential."

[cactusjack]

I wasn't trying to scare anybody, but I noticed the other day Cobra has discontinued some Nomad Accessories. Then I hear from a couple of independent sources that the Nomad is being replaced by a larger touring machine. Add in the fact that you can't find certain accessories for the Nomad, like a rear fender trim, and it looks like companies have quit developing shiny things for the Nomad.

Nothing but pure assumption on my part, but it just sorta smells funny to me. I hope I'm wrong!

[Top Cat]

if so and vendors stop carrying accessories for the Nomad, then what do we do?? H-D??

Doc, they have Nomad parts at Home Depot ???

[mrfuni]

CactusJack:
I read that also on other forums.
Before the Nomad I had a 2002 1100 cc Honda Aero. They made that production model from '98 - '02, and it made that bike special. Never had problems getting parts even in '07.
If it's true, we'll have a special bike that will continue to be the envy of the motorcycling world. If I had the room might considering buying another as a collector's item. :)
Joe

Here we get the new models starting in mid-August. I should go to the dealer & check things out.

I bought my 2004 on Aug 15, 2003, so it's 5 years old now. Maybe time for a new bike? http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

[misunderstood]

[quote="Doc (Lonewolf)":td25z4s0]if so and vendors stop carrying accessories for the Nomad, then what do we do?? H-D??

Doc, they have Nomad parts at Home Depot ???[/quote:td25z4s0]

Hey #9, I'm gonna go check and price match them at Lowes. http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

[Top Cat]

Let me know how you make out 395. Check on a set of lower bag rails for me. ;)

[phenrichs]

We will have to give more support to guys like Chuckster to make stuff for us.

[socwkbiker]

If it does get discontinued, then the Nomad will most certainly be put in the class of the Honda Valkyrie. One of those "Why the hell did they stop making that bike? It was awesome!"

[phenrichs]

I could see them coming out with a more dressed out tourer but to completely discontinue, BAD. I have heard that the 2000 doesn't have all the bugs worked out yet. I hope they are not planning to move the nomad to that platform.

[mdm44]

With a good, dependable bike as the Nomad seems to be, stopping production might not be a major problem for years. I never had problems finding parts or service for my Valkyrie for years after they stopped making it. My riding partner still gets service and parts for his '97 Valk without problems (with almost 80,000 miles on it). There was also a strong on-line support system available, such as I find this great forum to be.

Thus, let Kawasaki do as they may; it will not stop my enjoyment of this bike. I'm having too much fun riding it! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[rewindgy]

That's not what the Kawasaki guys @ Sturgis said! They said the new Nomad would be the same platform with a slight increase in displacement. The new touring machine would NOT be off the V2K platform and would not be a V-twin. Also, they said theat 2 of the cruisers would be gone to make room for the new model. So, my guess is the V2K is gone but not sure which other one? Maybe the Vulcan 500? or the Vulcan 1500? Would make more sense to loss the 1500 & the 2000.

[cactusjack]

I guess we just have to sit here and wait and see what MaKaw does.

[radco]

TODAY my dealer told me the rumor he heard is a BAT WING Fairing,Radio and a few other dodads.WONT know for sure till next month...Seem all our dealershave the same rumor. :)

[cactusjack]

When I was at the dealer last week getting my bike serviced, I was trying to pump them for information, but they were keeping it to themselves. They didn't want to share with me.

[scion0]

if so and vendors stop carrying accessories for the Nomad, then what do we do?? H-D??

Bite your tongue Doc. Chuckster and all those like him will just have to make all of our stuff....

[scion0]

CactusJack:
I read that also on other forums.
Before the Nomad I had a 2002 1100 cc Honda Aero. They made that production model from '98 - '02, and it made that bike special. Never had problems getting parts even in '07.
If it's true, we'll have a special bike that will continue to be the envy of the motorcycling world. If I had the room might considering buying another as a collector's item. :)
Joe


I'd do it if I had the MONEY... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[scion0]

We will have to give more support to guys like Chuckster to make stuff for us.

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif That's what I said before I read your response. Great minds must think a like...

[donguer]

No Matter what it looks like I think MaKaw is looking to shake things up for 2009.
I'll be sticking with my Nomad for a while longer. I don't think I'll go any bigger on displacement. The 1600 is more than enough for my wife and I. I admit I got the Hots for the 900 Custom. But, thats just for me going solo not as a replacement for the Nomad.
I'll sit and wait to see whats up. If it doesn't thrill me i'll have to take a closer look at the...BMW.

[basco]

I heard the only thing there changing is the color instead of red and silver they are going to be silver and red ;)

[dantama]

So, if it is a better bike, there will be some left over 08's going for a great price just to get rid of them.

If it is a less popular one, there will be a race to pick up the last of the 08's.

[mrfuni]

+1 Dan..Excellent observation..

[waterman]

Me, I am not to worried about Kaw taking the Nomad off the market. I don't think that will happen. Because accessories are being taken off the market doesn't bother me either. If the vendors can't sell enough they won't carry them. Some of the items that are discontinued I just don't see they were going to move.

Most of the dealers are just saying stuff to start rumors. Kaw takes their unveilings serious. Talking with my dealer once, he stated that if a dealer is caught spilling the beans, they risk losing their dealership.

[burkazoid]

if so and vendors stop carrying accessories for the Nomad, then what do we do?? H-D??

I know you were probably joking, doc, but I think the heritage softail classic is a damn fine looking machine. Don't have a clue how it rides, but it's nice to look at.

Not sure I want a 2000 though, even if it was Nomad-based. Just too damn heavy.

[naugaman]

What ever Kawasaki comes up with will have to compete with the 09 HD. This year the Ultra has a new frame, making room for a wider rear tire and routing the back exhaust under the frame. Much like on a Nomad. It also has the ability to drop off the back piston when sitting in traffic. Reducing the heat problem and using less fuel. I am anxious to see what MaKaw comes up with.

[schoeney]

If I understand it correctly the HD engine has had the same basic design for 40+ years. No surprise they have had so many issues. I was talking to a HD Street Glide (2007 Model) owner. He quite proudly said he outsmarted the dealer by not buying the big bore kit when the bike was new because they (HD's) need to be rebuilt at 30k miles anyhow so it makes more financial sense to do the big bore kit then since you have the thing all apart anyhow.

Rebuilt @ 30k?? If that is true (or even partially true) it sure makes Nomads look good...ours are just getting broken in at 30k! What a waste of money!

Hmm... visited Fun Bike Ctr in San Diego 2 weeks ago.. I asked when the '09 Nomads would be out... he just said he didn't know.... interesting...... http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif


Maybe it will be a SuperNad?? Or a born again Voyager?


Where are those old hybrid pics at Wofie??????

[chainsaw]

Ah, the rumor mill. Guess we'll just have to see what transpires.

[ells]

Just don't see the market for yet a bigger bike. Ol'Nad has all that's needed for a bunch of us including many that would like to move up to it. I'd never go bigger without some major incentive.

http://www.newsnot.com/~emonk/pictures/motorcycle/vn2000/V2K_nomad.jpg

[Bdog]

I wouldn't be worried about them dropping the nomad or even changing it, because you already have one. As for accessories, I'm sure one can always find some...Bdog

[tkd]

IF Kawasaki does DC the Nomad, I would guess that it will be replaced by something on the VN2K platform. If you look at the trends of other manufacturers lately, the only thing that matters is displacement.....all kidding aside, many manufacturers have jumped on the displacment bandwagon.

I remember not to long ago that Honda Civics had a 1500CC engine in them......what does that say? To me, the Nomad has enough power to cruise all day, it will get up move better than most traffic when you call on it, and its fairly reliable at least based on what you read here.

I remember reading somewhere that a Kawi rep said there would be 2 deletions to the Kawasaki line. Here is my bet.

1. The Vulcan 500 is gone. A "500" just doesn't sound like enough bike to the average person when you see 1600, 1800, and 2000's out there

2. The Nomad.....hmmm....not really sure. I could see them trying to tweak it up on the VN2K platform to compete more closely with the G-wings. I would be surprised if they didn't do something since it's remained largely unchanged in the last few years and even across production since it's conception.

3. Anyone else think there is a chance for more offerings that split the difference between the Nomad and the Concours? I could see them moving towards the BMW/Victory Vision class since it seems to be growing and not that many manufacturers have tried to corner it.

I guess time will tell.

I think they'll drop the 500 & 1500 Vulcans. I think the 2000 will continue and the 1600 will as well, perhaps getting a bump closer to 1700cc to compete with the Yamaha.

As big as the 2000 is proportioned it would probably take less than 1/16" more stroke and bore to make it a 2300cc bike. I'm thinking Kawi might just pull the trigger on that too.

[Yellow Jacket]

I think they'll drop the 500 & 1500 Vulcans. I think the 2000 will continue and the 1600 will as well, perhaps getting a bump closer to 1700cc to compete with the Yamaha.

This sounds logical to me. Of course, logic doesn't always win out.

As for me, unless something a whole lot better comes along my 06 1600 could be my last bike anyway. From what I've been hearing the Nomads seem to have no problem lasting well over 100,000 miles. At my present rate I will be close to 80 by the time I reach that mileage. The good thing is that by then I should have it modified just like I want it! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

HD? I don't think so.

[ells]

Got mine. Will take awhile to put 200K on it so not worried here.

[refugio]

Got my Nomad..........If they quit making it then ....they quit making it ....nothing you can do about it.
I for one would really like to see something like the voyager...with all the bells and whistles.

[samkjr]

VN2400 kinda has a ring to it, does it not?

Give it a V-6 like the valkerie. 210 or 220 rear tire to keep it planted. Fenders like the Drifter that cover almost everything.

[schoeney]

samkjr...I agree, something along the lines of the Valkyrie with hard bags like the Nad, a 4 or 6 cyl with about 1800cc, but not all the plastic like the Wing. Now that would be a hit, but probably wouldn't catch fire until year 2 or 3 until the masses got comfortable that the bugs are worked out.

[slots]

I think they'll drop the 500 & 1500 Vulcans. I think the 2000 will continue and the 1600 will as well, perhaps getting a bump closer to 1700cc to compete with the Yamaha.

Cadd.... I suspect you are fairly accurate in your thoughts... Since I have only put 55 miles on my Nomad so far this year.... I suspect it will be 200-300 years before I need a new bike....<G>. I suspect my tally will increase when Imy knee heals completely. Would be good to see Kawasaki with a large-displacement cruiser that included all the bells, tits and whistles.

Slots

[trip]

Well, whatever squeezes out at Kawasaki for 2009, one thing is for sure.....KawaNOW will be here. Our mission may have to change a little, but the mechanical info, support and comradery will still be here.

At the moment, one of the three scenarios will happen:

1. Kawasaki will keep the Nomad as it is for 2009

2. Kawasaki will modify the Nomad for 2009 (1700cc or higher, introduce new features, etc.)

3. Kawasaki will kill the Nomad for 2009

I believe that Kawasaki is going to introduce the Voyager back into the lineup sometime or another.....maybe now's the time. There's been talk of it for a while. It will probably have everything we've been discussing....front fairing, trunk, hard bags, electronics, etc. It'll probably have a 1800cc twin engine to compete with the Goldwing and HD's. A complete road bike.

As far as the Nomad......I can only guess, but I feel that it will stay the same for 2009.

M2CW

I don't know...The Voyager was a 6-banger, that went to a 4-banger, but now a twin?

I'd like the Voyager to be a 6-cyl. again, and go head to head with the GoldWing for about $5000 less in price.

Lots of folks would like a 'Wing, but the price! Yikes!

[dogdoc]

Now lets see do i want a gold wing or a Harley,

[schoeney]

Holy Crap Batman....can you say BIG? 65 litre trunk? I like big bikes alot but where will it end? Pretty soon they will need to put them on 4 wheels!

The MPG and weight will be interesting.

[Yellow Jacket]

Shoot. . .all it needs is just a few more options:

1. Auxiliary roof to keep off the rain.
2. Two auxiliary side wheels to keep it from falling over.
3. Two side doors with side curtain airbags for more protection.
4. Seat belts to keep the rider from falling off.

Wait. . .what am I talking about? They already make this, it's called a Civic! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[skeeter]

Make me too comfortable and I might go to sleep!

[rksaw]

Now lets see do i want a gold wing or a Harley,

With statements like this, it's no wonder your Karma is so poor. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif We know you're kidding. ::)

I think they'll drop the 500 & 1500 Vulcans.

Kawa is really pushing th Vulcan 500 as the perfect entry level bike. Fills the niche between a 250 Rebel and a 750 Shadow... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

BD wants one.

[misunderstood]

deleted gl2000 press release as I found out it was a hoax

http://www.gl1800riders.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=96011

[trip]

Now lets see do i want a gold wing or a Harley,

I'm sure either forum would love to have you.

[blowndodge]

Ouch! That's going to leave a mark!

[cactusjack]

I was on Yammy's website looking at the 2008 Royal Star Venture and clicked on a tab for the 2009 Vstar lineup. No Royal Star, no Stratoliner, no Roadliner, and no Road Star. Yamaha really chopped their offerings!

I really hope Kaw comes up with a bike comparable to the Venture.

[misunderstood]

Now lets see do i want a gold wing or a Harley,

I'm sure either forum would love to have you.

http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[dogdoc]

Thanks trip for your gen-u-wine concern over my 100% joking response to tdk false report on no more nomad. I see it was taken totally wrong as normal. Everybody on here has mentioned liking another bike at some point. I'm still 100% Nomad, my choice!

[ells]

Doc, they're just jerking ya

[Yellow Jacket]

Hey Doc! I knew you were joking. :)

[socwkbiker]

I got your joke. Problem is that sometimes Trip's a little slow. You know how those old guys are. ;)

[dogdoc]

thanks guys for the support, I was just a spoofing a little,,,:-)

[rosko]

I contacted Kawasaki UK a few months ago regarding the Nomad. I was informed that they will no longer be available in the EU due to the strict emission laws. Trying to get accessories in the UK is a joke. There are a few available but no way near as many as there was for the 1500 model. I again contacted Kawa UK but they fobbed me off stating that it was due to supply and demand. They also stated that no light bar was available due to the lower fork shields. I trawled the internet and found quite a few available, and was also surprised to see that Kawa US do a OEM version. After quering them about this they backtracked and sent me a grovelling email apologising for the "error". I buy all my accessories from the US and Canada.

Well, let's face it: A bike (even one that represents a great value for the money) like the Nomad is a luxury fewer and fewer can afford with the current economy. Plus with transport costs rising, profit margins in the UK must dwindle further. "Supply and demand" is just a way of saying "we don't make enough profit to bother selling these."

[coacha]

Went to the dealership today for the first time in about 2 months. Was talking to one of my former students that works there (8 years or so) about the new bikes coming out and such. He said that he was told the 2000 was going away due to low sales numbers, the Nomad was going to get some new goodies and the Voygeur was going to be reintroduced. Of course, that is just what he had heard from the owner of the dealership.

[pirate]

It will definitely be interesting to see what the lineup will look like for 09. With everyone crunching the budget numbers, I'm sure they'll be looking to push the smaller bikes out the door harder than ever.