bags.. new vs. old

[fish]

everyone including myself like the looks of the old bags ( not old ladies ) BUT I must say there is one good thing about the new bags that I didn't care for on the old bags and that is access to the lock on the left side bag and after its opened things have a tendency to fall out. So as far as I'm concerned top loading bags are not that bad. Plus the beer won't fall out ;) What do you think???

[rlfaubion]

I haven't had a problem with things falling out. You do have to pack accordingly, and use the tie down straps. I find an advantage to side-opening bags in that you can see what you're looking for and even if its at the bottom of the bag you can pull it out without having to empty the entire bag. Thus far, I don't care for the look of the new bag, and if the '09 was my only choice, I wouldn't buy a Kawasaki in any of the models available.

[Top Cat]

I agree with valdez. I have no problem with the stuff falling out of the bags either.
The bags are one of the things that made the Nomads unique. They should have left them alone. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[pirate]

I'll agree with everyone here so far, as I have no problems with the side opening bags. Like Valdez mentioned, it's nice to be able to see what's on the bottom. Having only seen the 09s in pictures, I don't care for the look. But, that might change when I see one in person.

[dantama]

Agree, agree, agree.

When I pack a camera, sometimes I don't want any extra vibration hitting the camera, so I stuff it in between the extra jacket or whatever is soft in the bag. Opening the bag and grabbing it out of the middle is nice.

I grocery shop on my bike a lot, makes it easy to stuff things in, rather than top loading.

It is easy to get full use out of the bags we have. You can stuff things right up to the top and close the lid. With the new one you'd have a few inches of things hanging in mid air waiting for the lid to close. I'm not picturing that being easy.

I keep a small canvas bag of tools in the bottom of my right side bag. If I need the oil cap tool or something while the bag is loaded, I can still reach in and find it. With the new bag you'd have to unload the whole bag to do the same thing.

I've been wondering how easy it would be to retrofit our bags on the new one. If possible, I'd find a set on Ebay and put them on........Or I'd eventually get used to the new ones :)

[rksaw]

I think the biggest problem I have with the new bags it the "bubble" on top...to me it seems disproportional.

[ells]

Can't do this on the left side now!

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc326/egdutton/addressed/DCP_2590.jpg

I want to know how many will fit in the new ones!!

[nolan]

Myself. I REALLY dislike the side opening saddlebags on my '03 Nomad. I'm a minority in this but that's nothing new. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif I dislike them because have to hold everything in place as I get the straps on. More so the down side one. Where top opening saddlebags I can just dump the stuff in. So why did I get the Nomad is the first place? Well at first the side opening saddlebags weren't to bad. But as time has gone on I miss the top opening saddlebags. In a couple years I plan on selling or trading in the '03 Nomad. Wasn't going to get a Nomad because of the side opening saddlebags. So now that the '09 Nomad. Got to see it when the motorcycles hit the showroom floors. It is on my short list for a new motorcycle.

[cactusjack]

I know that Kawasaki actually gathered input for the new Vulcans from the AVA forum and the Delphi Vulcan forum. I personally like the side opening bags, although top-loaders wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. So somewhere, somebody must have given Kaw the impression that the side opening bags weren't a big feature? If the side opening bags were that important to people, Kaw should have found that out. Just my speculation.

I saw an email from Kawasaki's product development group sent to the AVA forum to try and set the record straight on a couple of things. First, they made it clear that the Voyager is NOT a dressed up Nomad. They developed the Voyager platform first, and all the other models are derived from it. The new Nomad is a dressed down Voyager, which may explain the move away from the side opening bags.

[blowndodge]

I'm riding with Ells!!!!

[dogdoc]

+1

[formikec]

First, they made it clear that the Voyager is NOT a dressed up Nomad. They developed the Voyager platform first, and all the other models are derived from it.

Ummm, yeah, whatever. I guess nobody can look at the new Voyager and see the old Nomad in it? ::)

[unwind2]

I haven't had a problem with things falling out. You do have to pack accordingly, and use the tie down straps. I find an advantage to side-opening bags in that you can see what you're looking for and even if its at the bottom of the bag you can pull it out without having to empty the entire bag. Thus far, I don't care for the look of the new bag, and if the '09 was my only choice, I wouldn't buy a Kawasaki in any of the models available.

What he and TC said.

[unwind2]

I'm riding with Ells!!!!

Me too! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Yellow Jacket]

Can't do this on the left side now!

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc326/egdutton/addressed/DCP_2590.jpg

I want to know how many will fit in the new ones!!

(An old song slightly modified):

45 cans of beer in the bag, 45 cans of beer.
Take one out and what'll you have? 44 cans of beer in the bag!
44 cans of beer in the bag, 44 cans of beer.
Take one out. . . . .

Ahhhhhh! Life is good! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[pirate]

I want to ride with Ells, too! Dehydration would not be a problem!!!

[timebandit]

I've wanted a nomad since they came out and finally got a 08 in May. Already 12, 000 clicks on it. I like the looks of the old bags and I'm kinda happy they changed them. :) Now I have the last year of the original nomad.

Always wanted to know how many cans I could put in there http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

[chspence]

Anyone know the actual storage capacity of the current Nomad Hardbags.
I have never found the specs. on this.
Would like to know in Litres if possible for us "Canucks"

[dantama]

I've ridden with Ells,...........didn't know to look in the bags :)

[Top Cat]

Myself. I REALLY dislike the side opening saddlebags on my '03 Nomad. I'm a minority in this but that's nothing new. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif I dislike them because have to hold everything in place as I get the straps on. More so the down side one. Where top opening saddlebags I can just dump the stuff in. So why did I get the Nomad is the first place? Well at first the side opening saddlebags weren't to bad. But as time has gone on I miss the top opening saddlebags. In a couple years I plan on selling or trading in the '03 Nomad. Wasn't going to get a Nomad because of the side opening saddlebags. So now that the '09 Nomad. Got to see it when the motorcycles hit the showroom floors. It is on my short list for a new motorcycle.

What I do is leave the straps hooked together and strech it out. That way I just put the stuff behind it and let the straps go back. No problem with my stuff falling out.

[cactusjack]

I've wanted a nomad since they came out and finally got a 08 in May. Already 12, 000 clicks on it. I like the looks of the old bags and I'm kinda happy they changed them. :) Now I have the last year of the original nomad.

Always wanted to know how many cans I could put in there http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

Welcome to the Nomad Nation from the Grand Canyon State!

[cactusjack]

That's impressive, Ells! What kind of gas mileage do you get with 4 cases of beer in your saddlebags? Hey, it's beer...who cares about mileage, right?

[dantama]

I did this photo just for fun

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/dantama/419667c6.jpg

[blowndodge]

Ells,,, after further review I see that those cans are mostly Pepsi!!!!! How could you!!!!!!!!

BD's been deceived!!!! Doc!!!!!! go make a beer run bro...! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[ells]

BD, It was a simulation with what was available at the time, as the original post noted a couple weeks ago, but gives an exact count.

[taranis]

Myself. I REALLY dislike the side opening saddlebags on my '03 Nomad. I'm a minority in this but that's nothing new. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I'm another in that minority. I don't REALLY dislike them, but I come from the VStar 1300 Tourer that has the top-loaders and I really like them over the Nomad bags, although the Nomad's will hold MUCH more. Top-loaders aren't much of an issue if you keep your bags organized. *ahem* Gents. ;)

Not a huge fan of the new Nomad bags though - too bubbly-looking.

[schoeney]

Well I will take the politically correct stance and say I like both of them. As long as they are attached to a Nad!

Actually one thing I do not like about the old side load bags is you need space around them to get anything out. So if you are parked betwen a couple bikes or keep your lawn mower next to it in the garage or park close to a wall or shelf you can't get anything out.



But I do like the unique look of them. Again, it is about the bike more than the bags.

On the flip side a top loaded bage would be a pain to dig through.

[dougster]

Nolan,
I just purchased the saddlebag liners from tlcproducts for around $45.00. They work well for not having things fall out. You might want to check it out.
http://www.tlcproducts.com/servlet/Detail?no=15

Doug

[rksaw]

I've wanted a nomad since they came out and finally got a 08 in May. Already 12, 000 clicks on it. I like the looks of the old bags and I'm kinda happy they changed them. :) Now I have the last year of the original nomad.

Always wanted to know how many cans I could put in there http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

Welcome to the Nomad Nation from the Grand Canyon State!

Bandit, I would also like to welcome you to the N'ad House. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

The top of the new bags look like one of the designers' kids was playing with the bubble gum. The old bags look better, but I also have some concerns with the side load.

I wanted a Nomad because I often carry a laptop or other things in the hardbags, and I can lock them and not worry about it. But I have had to rearrange everything from the right side to the left, and take the things I want to get to more often and put them on the right. If I'm leaning over onto the kickstand and open up the left bag, then things fall out. I definitely want to get a set of the bag liners.

[unwind2]

I've ridden with Ells,...........didn't know to look in the bags :)

Missed you chance huh?

[ringadingh]

I did this photo just for fun

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/dantama/419667c6.jpg


I like it better with the old bags, now it needs a batwing to make it perfect.

[rlfaubion]

It doesn't appear to have dual exhaust (boo)

[rksaw]

Valdez, I don't understand...
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f252/rksaw/SilverVoyagerfromBack.jpg

[badnomad08]

I don't quite care for the look of the new bags from the side, but it all comes together from the rear. The Voyager is a very good looking bike, but I think something less "bubbly" for the bags would have looked better. I wish they would have offered the Black/Blue color for my 08'. I love my bike though, the Red/Black looks GOOD!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif I would like to put a trunk on my bike, I like that style with the lights built in. I like the taillight on the Voyager as well.

[bobzinger]

I agree the bags look better from the back. I've always hated the way the Nomad looks from the rear due to the spacing of the bags to the fender. Way too big of a gap.

[rlfaubion]

Valdez, I don't understand...
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f252/rksaw/SilverVoyagerfromBack.jpg

I had only seen the side-view and it appeared as a single exhaust to me. Thanks for the picture....

[redeye]

Valdez, I don't understand...
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f252/rksaw/SilverVoyagerfromBack.jpg

I had only seen the side-view and it appeared as a single exhaust to me. Thanks for the picture....
http://www.klr650.net/dealermeeting09/pictures/target18.html
http://www.klr650.net/dealermeeting09/pictures/target19.html
http://www.klr650.net/dealermeeting09/pictures/target20.html
http://www.klr650.net/dealermeeting09/pictures/target21.html
http://www.klr650.net/dealermeeting09/pictures/target22.html
http://www.klr650.net/dealermeeting09/pictures/target24.html
http://www.klr650.net/dealermeeting09/pictures/target23.html
http://www.klr650.net/dealermeeting09/pictures/target25.html
http://www.klr650.net/dealermeeting09/pictures/target26.html

I found these on another thread.

[dantama]

I like the slash cut pipes in this veiw

http://www.klr650.net/dealermeeting09/pictures/target23.html

[bobzinger]

Does the lower fairing have an airbox built in like the Royal Star line.

http://www.klr650.net/dealermeeting09/pictures/images/dscf0114.jpg

[texasfisherdude]

I like it. Wonder how much its going to cost?

[dragon57]

I would be happier with the top-loaders; it just makes things a bit easier when loading/unloading for me. plus; like you said; the beer won't fall out!!
I hate shook-up beer!!
comes down to priorities, I guess.