2008 Baggers Buyer Guide

[pbab]

This magazine has baggers rated in each of the following categories: 1) Accessory Options 2) Value 3) Fit&Finish 4) Tourability 5) MPG 6) Overall Rating.

I've only shown the overall rating. Their definition of "Bagger" is one that came stock with hard bags and a windshield.

I realize magazine ratings can be bought and sold by sponsors. Still, the Nomad rated well in several categories except one, Accessory Options. It would have received a better overall rating if not for the low rating in this category. On the other, HD rated higher overall because of the exceptional ratings in the Accessory Option category.

This got me thinking because I know that in years past, after market accessories were not readily available for metrics compared to HD. But from my experience, I can find loads of accessories for my Nad.

So what sort of accessories can you get on a HD that you can't get on the Nad?


http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n114/pbabin1/Nomad/bikecompare1.jpg

[Bdog]

Nice to see the price listings. Looks like we have the second cheapest price tag on the market. Lets keep the nad a secret. In my opinion its a heck of a bang for the buck. Bdog

[classic1]

+1 bdog

[phenrichs]

Speaking bought and sold ratings, notice the HD Ultra is the only 5 star.

WTF!

Hey, for the price of the Beemer you can buy a new Nomad and a new KLR 650 too. Plus they don't tell you about the BMW maintenance costs, which I hear are astronomical. You think Kawasaki wants a lot for parts?

[Top Cat]

pbab, you asked, So what sort of accessories can you get on a HD that you can't get on the Nad?


For one thing I have been looking for a solo rack for my back fender to match the top rails I bought. As far as I can tell, no one makes that. You can get one for a Harley, A Suzuki, a Yamaha .....

[cactusjack]

I have a 2005 HD accessories catalog someone gave me "because he knew I ride motorcycles". It's the size of a mid-size city phone book. Nearly every piece on an HD can be replaced with some sort of bling. HD's are hands down the most easily (I didn't say inexpensively) customized bikes on the road.

Go look for a rear fender rail for a 1600 Nomad. How about a replacement air filter housing, something a little nicer that the dog dishes on the Nomad? No dice. I could give lots of examples. In my opinion, the lack of accessories is one of the few flaws the Nomad has.

Well, ya gotta expect that considering that they've made a million Harleys for every Nomad made.

[ccmjr77]

You also got to look at what accessories come on the bike to begin with.
The HD UC does come with trunk, fairing, stereo, cb, optional abs, guages, etc., etc, etc.
But the Nomad is the most bang for the buck.

[billmac]

When I was shopping for a traditional looking V twin cruiser, (no ugly Vision for me) I compared the "out the door" price. I was shocked at the make ready charges and warranty charges from some dealers. Harley was the worst in adding charges in my search. I think I could double the amount I paid for my Nomad and not get out the door with a Harley Ultra. I shopped hard for a long time, the Nomad may lose in the magazines but it won my money for the best bagger.

[nomad561]

I narrowed my choices down to the Nomad,VTX 1800 and Road King.Out the door pricing,the Nomad was the best buy for the money.I couldn't be more pleased with my choice after riding my bike for the last 4 months (6000 miles).

[dogdoc]

Nomad is the BEST price, BUT if you want accessories its H-D hands down. So there is a price to pay for the cheapest. CJ is right a phone book of every accessories known to man that you can buy, hard to find a ??? sometimes on a Nomad.

[Blue Rebel]

You look at a J&P Catalog, and it is thick as a phone book, even their on-line catalog. 90% of it are accessories for HD and the remaining 10% is for Metric Bikes.

[paul]

Had a chance a couple of months back to take a Tx. hill country trip w/ some friends who ride a UC. Gotta say, the Nomad rode just as far, just as fast, we were just as comfortable, Got just as many looks and questions. Two big differences: 1 In traffic, he was ready to pull over and stop for a while to "rest" which I soon found out, the truth was his "chestnuts" were getting a little roasty. 2 For the price of his bike, I have my Nomad, the Honda Sabre (VERY nicely dressed), and an 18 foot toyhauler that will hold both bikes and allow us to be comfortable and completely self contained if we choose.
As a side note, while his HD is a beautiful bike and well dressed, There is nothing he has that I cannot get for the Nomad, or want but couldn't find.

[billmac]

I love the Harley exhaust sound and use to own a Harley for that reason. I thought hard before giving that up in my search this time. The small amount of bling available for a Nomad, is a very minor nuisance to me.

I would not have enjoyed the Harley Ultra knowing that I could have owned a better bike, with a 6 year warranty, for half the price. I enjoy being smart with my money.