2009 Nomad

[gghost]

I know we've been talking quite a lot about the new Voyager. Though it looks nice, I doubt it is something I would really want (unless someone gave me one). What I have been looking at is the new Nomad. Frankly, regardless of the 6 speed (a plus) and electronic cruise control (a double plus) I just don't like the looks from the side. The shorter tank, the seat overlapping the tank and large motor makes the bike seem toyish. Almost like the tank was added as an afterthought.

What do you think? ???

[lomax]

gghost
You make some good points and I tend to agree with you. I think the shape of the 1600 tank is awesome and am somewhat dissappointed to see how they have changed that. I'm not real thrilled with the bag look or the way they open. Having said that, I will hold off on final judgement til I can look at one in person. Hopefully, by then, it will have grown on me. Pictures sure don't tell the whole story! :)

[formikec]

According to the website, they are still going to build the 1600 Nomad. Is that the way everyone else reads it? That's kind of strange unless they just don't believe everyone will like the new Nomad design (1700).

[gnomad]

No, if you look the 1600 Nomad is still the 2008 model. The 1500, 1600 models are ending in 2008. From what I have read in different articles, the Vulcan 500 and the V2K are ending after 2009. I would really look for Kawasaki to come out with something in the 1300 range midway through 2009.

[Yellow Jacket]

A few interesting things from MaKaw's website:

2008 Nomad and 2009-1700 Nomad have the same wheel base of 66.5 inches.
2008 Nomad front tire is 150/80-16, 2009 has a 130/90-16. Hmmmm.
2008 seat is 28.3 inches, 2009 is 29.5 inches.

[bosko]

gghost
You make some good points and I tend to agree with you. I think the shape of the 1600 tank is awesome and am somewhat dissappointed to see how they have changed that. I'm not real thrilled with the bag look or the way they open. Having said that, I will hold off on final judgement til I can look at one in person. Hopefully, by then, it will have grown on me. Pictures sure don't tell the whole story! :)

I concur http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[rksaw]

I will definitely be sticking with my '99...I love it and still want to do quite a bit to make it mine (I've only had it 2 months). But there are a lot of things to love about the '09. This bike will be a competitor, but like all new designs, there are things that it takes a while to get used to. Anyone remember the year that the Dodge Ram came out and how you really felt about the hood and grille?

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f252/rksaw/Black09NomadTail.jpg

[caddman11]

I really like the seat over the tank. The seat on the 1600 are too short. When I go on long trips, I use an air hawk and put it about the same distance over the tank and it does a great job comforting the nads, if you know what I mean. The 6 speed doesn't excite me very much, if I not going over 50 or so, I'm still in 4th and I don't much like to ride much more than 75,

[phenrichs]

In comparing the voyager and nomad it seems to me that the intent was to create a full dress bagger. All focus was on the Voyager. Then they just decided to strip it and replace the Nomad. There are too many differences to make it seem like they were targeting a redesigned Nomad.

I hope that makes sense.

[Netnorske]

OP,
That makes perfect sense. It was almost like an afterthought. Big changes for the Voyager...then pull all the goodies off and call it a new Nomad....hhhmmmm....

Kris

[dank]

I agree about the shape of the tank. I do not like the looks of the new seat, but I figure to wait until I can see it in person and sit on it. A little taller suits me fine. They claim the new tires give better responsiveness, but I like the current look and feel. But I'm willing to wait and see. I like how they design bikes. My Connie (C10) was fantastic, I love my Nomad, and my son feels the same way about his 1500 Classic. The old Voyager obviously has a strong following, teh new Versys is getting strong praise, and from what I can see the C14 is beginning to draw a loyal following now that it as been out a year. So while I initially hated that they made those changes, I'm going to withhold judgment until I can see one and sit on it. Until then I'm going to assume they have put together another winning design.

[hungryeye]

I read on another website that kaw intended to have 4 models on 1 platform to keep the cost down, it stated that you will be very suprised at the msrp when it is released. It also said that anything a dealer says about msrp is purly speculation, no one knows. This was in an email sent to a voyager website from a kaw rep. There was also somewhat of an apology for going with the vtwin instead of inline 4, market research led them to the vtwin. I'm surprised no one has reposted that here. If someone wants to post this info let me know and I'll direct you. I'm new here and don't want to cause a problem by mentoining another forum.

[bigjohn]

Hungry - don't feel too bad. most of us inhabit other worlds as well. I cans ee the logic of one platform and three or four models. The dealers that I've spoken with who have seen and sat on the new bikes say to hold judgement until you see them in person. They are susposed to be prettier in person. Being an OLD Nomad fan, it's tough to see the traditional Nad passaway.

And being a "new" V2K rider hearing of the pending demise of my new ride is disconcerting. To me, a marrage of the V2K and the Nomad is the ideal ride. Now, to blend them toghther. We'll have to see what MaKaw has in store.

[donoller]

i like my nomad as is . no need to change 2007.

I love my 07 Nomad also, but there is not alot of bikes set up this way with a V-Twin.If the Voyager (I hate the name) is priced right ,I and others who want a V-Twin but not a Harley will serouisly consider buying this bike.

[gnomad]

I read on another website that kaw intended to have 4 models on 1 platform to keep the cost down, it stated that you will be very suprised at the msrp when it is released. It also said that anything a dealer says about msrp is purly speculation, no one knows. This was in an email sent to a voyager website from a kaw rep. There was also somewhat of an apology for going with the vtwin instead of inline 4, market research led them to the vtwin. I'm surprised no one has reposted that here. If someone wants to post this info let me know and I'll direct you. I'm new here and don't want to cause a problem by mentoining another forum.

I,for one am glad Kawasaki stayed with the V-Twin. There is just something I love about the growl of a big V-Twin.

I here ya, the torque of the V-Twin is pretty sweet.

[cdneh]

I like what I have read and seen about the '09 Nomad. I also believe that Kawi made the changes to meet the market demand and as posted on this site, listened to Nomad riders. Those who own Nomads and post here just love their bikes. I am not a Nomad owner and I have been looking forward to the 2009 Nomad as my next ride (just sold my VN 900 LT). I like the changes mentioned on paper and look forward to the international show in December to see the real thing. To me it sounds like some upgrades, but then I don't have one to compare too. So far it is the make and model of my choice. Thanks for all the informative comments.

My take on the new one:

Likes:
Belt Drive - FINALLY no whiney shaft
1700 a little more hp can't hurt

Dislikes:
New bags
1700cc (108 ft lbs at 2500) - I should explain that my prior bike was a Yamaha Road Star Warrior that had a 1700 and a whole bunch of ft lbs. I'm not a stoplight chaser like a lot of the guys on the Vrods and Warriors and 109's, but one thing about the big motors that are currently in production is they all have a TON of torque. Torque is good. Torque is fun, but it will shred your rear tire. I loved the handling of my Warrior, but even when I was just doing general riding I could go through a rear in about 5000 miles. That tourque was one of the big factors in me not purchasing a strato or V2K. For a touring bike, I don't want to be putting $210 tires on the rear every 5000 miles. I realize the Kaw's will most likely be geared differently, I am looking hard at the Voyager. My jury is still out on the overall look of the Nomad. I just have to see it in person and ride it. From the photos, It's not my favorite bike. I'd like Kawasaki to go in the direction of HD's Street Glide. If they combined the Voyager and Nomad and came up with something cool like that they'd sell like hot cakes.

I do agree that Kawasaki was obviously working dilligently on the Voyager and then took everything off and called it the Nomad. The bags and fenders seem to be more complimentary on the Voyager. Maybe because there is a trunk over the top. Bottom line is, you'll find a ton of opinions on the new bags simply because they were the most distinctive feature on the Nomad since 99.

The new bags just down seem to follow the rear fender like the old ones and just aren't as pretty. They appear to be more.....like you just bot them from any miscellaneous hard bag manufacturer on the web. It is more obvious on the Nomad. The seat on the tank is only one thing. Kawasaki copying Harley and its a shame. Kinda ruins the overall classic look.

Ok this is my first and last post on the new '09's since I took up so much of everyones time. Overall, I am excited to see one in person and ride it. That will be the ultimate factor in my decision to purchase one.

[ruruson1]

I don't like the newomad. I feel the 2008 and older have a signature look with the side open pod style bags. although I doo like the belt drive and the 6 speed with the cruise. all the are great improvements but not enoough for me to trade in mine. Besides then I have to put all the "stuff" and " chrome" back on it.

[schoeney]

Whiney shaft drive? Mine doesn't whine?

I wanted them to keep the shaft drive. I know belt technology has come a long way but I am having a hard time warming up to belts. Just kep thinking about being in the middle of nowhere with a broken belt.

[gghost]

schoeney: Me too. Drive shaft was high on my list, even with the extra weight. I REALLY like minimal maintenance and reliability of a shaft.

yridehd: Agree with your comments about the bags. Current Nomad's bags seem part of the bike and a nice balance with the tank...glad I have the Nomad I do!

[ringadingh]

I don't think the belt drive will be a problem, other bikes have had them for years with no troubles. Im sure Kawi changed it because its a lot cheaper than a final drive unit.

[schoeney]

Yeah maybe you are right about the belt. I just resist things that have been good to me. My record club just notified me I can't get 8 track tapes anymore....I guess I will move on to cassettes.

[gghost]

Bummer...no 8-tracts? I loved hearing the songs play...CLACK...play... Songs just won't sound the same without the "CLACK". And Nomads won't be the same without the "shaft".

[landman]

the 1600's are gone but here that they will keep the classic 1500
at about 10k.this will be there entry level full size cruiser.