2009 Bikes

[gofs99]

Have you seen the new Kawasaki lineup on their website? What are your thoughts on the new 1700 Nomad?

[scion0]

Not sure what 100 more CCs is worth.

[pirate]

I personally am not too impressed with the 09 lineup. I'm not real hot about the bags on the new Nomad, and the colors don't get me too excited either. I am totally in love with my red & black 08, and there is no way I'm getting rid of it for several years, unless something completely unexpected happens and it totally falls apart or something.
That Voyager looks pretty nice, although it looks a little like something George Jetson would have ridden. Something about all the sweeping curves that looks kind of futuristic. I think it will be a great bike to compete with other companies' full dress touring bikes.
I'm looking forward to reading about how these new bikes actually perform, but I'm more than content with my 08.

PC

[glwilson]

I would be most interested in the Voyager since it fits my style of riding more. My Nomad's bags get filled rather quickly for long rides so I have had to buy a special luggage bag designed for the rack on back -- which works fine. All in all, I probably carry as much that way as I would with the Voyager trunk -- but at present, I can't lock the luggage. I think the fairing (top and bottom) would be good for the colder/cooler weather at the early and late part of the season around here also. I see where the lowers have vents that can be opened for warmer weather air flow though.

I have been wanting a bike for some time now that was more of a "touring-bike" than the Nomad -- thus the Voyager may fit the bill. However; as with everyone else -- I have to get used to the look -- and need to see and sit on one before the final decision is made.

Otherwise; my trusted Nomad is just fine for many more miles if needed.

[stretch]

I like the looks of the new Nomad. But I just bought my 05 a month ago so I will be waiting for a few years. Nice bikes to look at though.

I like the cruise control and six-speed tranny. I've got 52,000 on my 05 and might be ready to make a move next summer. Quite frankly though, I doubt it will be a V-Twin. I would like to try something in the sport touring line. I've had 8 V-Twins and 4 parallel twins and I think I'd like to try a 3 or 4 cylinder.

[phenrichs]

I like the cruise and 6 speed. I like that the bags are bigger but not top open. I would bet it prices identical to HD.

[glwilson]

I like the cruise control and six-speed tranny. I've got 52,000 on my 05 and might be ready to make a move next summer. Quite frankly though, I doubt it will be a V-Twin. I would like to try something in the sport touring line. I've had 8 V-Twins and 4 parallel twins and I think I'd like to try a 3 or 4 cylinder.

Those bikes scare me meanstreak -- I have to admit it.

[ponch]

I put a call into the dealer I bought my Nomad from and told him to call me when he gets them in. I've ridden the Vision, and there was some nice things (cruise control, electric windshield, very sturdy luggage) and disappointing things about it (soft and vague brakes, bags don't hold much, odd foot ergos; my feet seemed higher up). Functionally, I think the voyager is a cross between the Vision and an Ultra. If the Voyager is much more than 17K, I'd consider other makes. The other thing is ergonomics. My next bike has to fit me better. The biggest mistake I made was getting a mustang seat as it put me about 2" closer to the tank and I feel like I am sitting on it. Whatever I get has to be correct out of the box. We'll see. I'll definitely test ride one.

[01nomad]

I'm thinking about the classic IF the engine don't sound like it has a box of marbles in it. It almost sounds like it's a big 800 engine on it. I'll junk the nad and put the bags (the real reason I bought it) and fairing on it. I'm sure the 6 speed has about the same top ratio as the nad so just has one more shift, hopefully on the bottom end. I had to put risers on the nad and they say the 1700 is closer to the rider and it might fit right out of the box. I can make it fit, but I ain't going to stretch it..

[glwilson]

I am with most of you on your overall thoughts... better "fit" me well; performance must be great; price has to be a "value" (otherwise I am like Ponch -- would consider another bike instead); and last but not least... The look has to grow on me yet. I keep looking at it... sometimes I like the look... other times I am not so sure.

I am beginning to think the fairing bothers me the most now; where previously it was just the bags. Seeing one in person will determine the choice -- it will either hit me or not.