Touchy/Feely

[radco]

Well I finally got back to the dealer,and saw the 09 Nomads,,The Black one was still in the box,,,the 2 tone Red/Cream was on the floor... IMO VERY nice PAINT.. REAL nice looking up close and personal.. The Bags,,,Well LOOK better then the Pics of them,, Tight to the frame,,, NICE... as for being thin and flimsy.. NOPE.. They felt pretty solid,, maybe not Old Style Nomad solid,, but real close,,,,,,, I would have sat on it BUT Its sold to someone,PLUS I still have a hard time getting my leg over the seat..DONT want to scratch someones bike!
My Dealer told me May was the expected date of the Voyager.. I heard May/June on VROC I think... BUT all in all from what I see on the Nomad, I HAVE to see the Voyager,, wont buy this year..well dont plan on buying it LOL......Rich

[cactusjack]

Rich, did you notice the way the front inside of the bags curve around the shock absorber? They took a big bite out of them there. I don't care for that at all. They almost look like aftermarket add-ons. I don't think the quality of the bags is that bad, but they lost a lot of practical space compared to the 1500/1600 Nomads.

[strobe]

I am anxious to see one in person. Based on the 1700 Classic I did see I know the bike is not for me, but still would like to see one! :-/

[radco]

CJ, yea I noticed a few things with the Bags,They do seem alittle smaller as well,, BUT to see it up close was Great,, I LOVE the 2 tone Red/Cream....And The bags do look good on the bike,,,Now to play with the Voyager whenever it arrives :) BUT I will keep my 04 Nomad for at least 2 more years,,,,,,,,,,
Strobe
I saw the Classic last week,,It is very nice,, LOVE the paint,, Looks well made,,only thing I dislike about all the 1700 is their MPG. I ride distance ,, so less gas stops the better.... 36 MPG does not impress me,,, and the OUTDATED HD Motors get 50 mpg! why??? LOL
, Rich

[skimo]

Rich, did you notice the way the front inside of the bags curve around the shock absorber? They took a big bite out of them there. I don't care for that at all. They almost look like aftermarket add-ons. I don't think the quality of the bags is that bad, but they lost a lot of practical space compared to the 1500/1600 Nomads.

I would agree too. I saw one today at local dealer who had one red/creme and it was sold. Plus I'm not sold on the top loader of this design because the top is about 40 percent of the bag volume. So this means you get to stack your load and try to hold it in place while closing the lid.

I did notice a couple of things no one has mentioned the rubber on the floorboards are not mount solid like the 1600, they are like on springs. The backrest also has rubber grommets to reduce vibrations. Which is interesting because we had a thread here around backrest vibes.

[fish]

Are the rear floorboards spring loaded?? I sat on a 1700LT and noticed the floorboard. The LT has pegs for the passenger also on the right side cover has a rubber insert so your boot doesn't markup the chrome.
The dealer said when the voyager comes in they will call so I can test drive it http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[glwilson]

Saw the new Nomad in person at the "stealer" today. It was sold -- couldn't sit on it.

Looked better than I was thinking it would. The bag's "thickness" is more than I was suspecting; however -- the lid still puts pressure on the outside wall of the bag when opened.

I promise there will be problems with the bag's sturdiness eventually. You will be hearing about "tearing" or "cracking" of the outside wall of the bags due to the stress on them from opening the lids -- and it wouldn't take much for someone to bump up against an open lid and crack the sidewall.

Sorry; but I was going to buy the Voyager -- but will wait till the bags are fixed.

[ringadingh]

I have a copy of the 2009 Vulcan Brochure, and noticed the warranty on the back page. I don't understand why its different for the three models, but it makes good sense to buy the Voyager in my opinion, it has a three year warranty, whereas the Nomad is two years and the classic only a one year. I think if the bags or fairing are going to break, most likely it will be within the three years.
Is the warranty the same in the states?

[fish]

I have a copy of the 2009 Vulcan Brochure just for the 1700cc and the warranty is as you say.

[ringadingh]

Thats quite an improvement for us up here, prior to this year the Vulcans series only had a 12 month warranty.

[ells]

Got to sit on one the other day at the dealer. They offered to let me take it for a ride but didn't have the time, I know, but wife was at the hospital and had to get back. Going back this weekend to take them up on it if it is still there. Yes there is a big cutout in the bags around the shock, salesman pointed it out and said it was for easier access to the air nozzle, which it is. Bags seem really small and I'd call them flimsy, but maybe strong enough. No goat's bladder. Alternator(s?) are water cooled. The feel of the grips was good, closer together and set back compared to the 1600, doubt if anyone will be installing risers, felt real good. Belt seems really exposed for those worrying about picking up a rock or other debris. Seat riding up on the tank looks a little strange. Don't like the black rear brake reservoir and the horn looks wimpier than ever but didn't hear it. Overall looks okay, won't deter new buyers, especially if not hung up on the earlier style, which I am. Can't help but think that with the belt, 6-sp, and slightly bigger engine that it will have a good punch.

[radco]

Ells.. Sorry to hear about your wife being in the hospital! Best wishs and prayers out to a fast recovery.!!!!

I LOVE the NEW Paint,, and like the style,, NOT 100% happy with the Bags as our Old Style bags are Better made and have their own style.. Like a HD.. YOU can spot the Bags on a HD and a 08 and down Nomad from miles away... The new bags are to Yamaha style,, I wont be trading in my 04 Nomad for one yet.. Maybe in a few years but not son :) The Vuyager does have my attention,,but again not ready to buy yet!!! Again BEST wishs to your wife,,,,,,,Rich

[ells]

Rich, thanks for the words of concern, I should have mentioned that it was just a minor routine thing, she's fine.

Will see if the offer of a '09 ride is still good today. I agree that the Nomad has lost a significant distinguishing feature , was always the first thing I looked for too.

[radco]

Ells glad to hear it was only a minor issue for the wife,,

[schoeney]

Good comments. Glad to see some of us are getting to actually ride them and some owners of the new models are joining us.

I can get past the bag issue (especially if I get a trunk with the Voyager) as long as I can get the bike modified enough to be as comfortable as my 2003 Nad.

We will see how the economy and my wallet are doing in a couple years and after Maw Kaw works out any bugs in the new model.

[ells]

Took my ride on a new Nomad yesterday, a slow black one. Even told them I wasn't really in the market but apparently they wanted my impressions. Even thanked me at the end. I had it unescorted for about 25 minutes and got on a four lane at 70 mph and did some time in a parking lot as well as around some neighborhoods.

I'm 5'11" and a little on the lean side and I felt squeezed in. To get the sensation, slide all the way forward on your seat so the tank feels like it is in your lap and that is it. The ride was otherwise great though.


http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc326/egdutton/DSCN0393.jpg


The front end has been completely reconfigured balance-wise so that it feels like an entirely different and much lighter bike. Those that have had problems with the slow speed handling of their 1500/1600s would be pleased. In a parking lot I had no issues with sharp tight against-the-stops turns and I don't do that on my 1600.

On the highway it as smooth as can be, maybe a touch soother then my 1600. Acceleration in 2nd and 3rd is amazing, maybe I didn't push it hard enough to find the torque peak in the higher gears. Shifting is very distinct and the slop in 1st is gone and it feels just like the others gears but with more "clunk" than the 1600 higher gears. What really surprised me was that there was no tendency to lug even at 50 mph in 6th. My 1600 is not real happy about going into 5th until over about 55, probably speaks to the lower end torque of the 1700. A tach on each would be nice.

There was a lot of drive train whining on the down shifts, maybe a belt thing but sounded like was from both the tranny and belt

Never could figure out how to change between the trip meter and odo but there is a set of switches on the right grip that does that as well as the mpg and DTE readings as the sales guy showed me afterwords. Didn't mess with the cruise control but would like that.

Its easy to see where the bag space went, just opened up the space around the shock.

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc326/egdutton/DSCN0397-1.jpg

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc326/egdutton/DSCN0394-1.jpg

Great dealership there in Longmont (I felt obligated to say that but they are a pretty good group although I have done most my business elsewhere)

[skimo]

Its easy to see where the bag space went, just opened up the space around the shock.

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc326/egdutton/DSCN0397-1.jpg



Yeap that the view I just don't like. From the rear it's ok and from the side I can live with the looks of the bags, but that big gap just doesn't look right. And have you guys noticed the side covers are actually bigger and cover the shock more. I believe this is their attempt to fill the gap. Just imagine if the side cover was not as plump it would be the grand canyon there. A buddy of mine commented the side covers look to Suzukish.

I did a lengthy review on an earlier thread. That gapping hole next to the shock is awful.

I knew the bike would be nimble - shorter + less rake = nimble.

Low torque is great, but as I have said before, my previous bike had a TON of tourque. You will spend more money on tires.....gauranteed. Even if your gentle with it.

The new Nomad will have certain points that exceed the older ones, but in the end, I have no doubt the 15/16 will go down as a better all around motorcycle.

[dogdoc]

Im sure they will sell plenty of new 1700's to new buyers. if you have owned a 1500-1600 previously, you might not want to bite the bullet. Im not real impressed with wanting to ride it or anything. Im very content with my '05 so way fret.

[ndbigfish]

I have looked but didn't buy; just can't get pass the trim and feel. Wondered about removing the 09' bags and replacing with the earlier style. Thanks for the impressions and comments Ells.

[dbaliko]

Picked up my Nomad 1700 yesterday (red/beige) after selling my '02 Nomad which I had for 6+ years. So far I really like the 1700. I find the seat way more comfortable. The seat on my '02 was always one of my major gripes. My wife loves the rear seat on the new bike. She says it's also way more comfortable.While I did like the bags on my '02, I'm warming up to the new ones. I don't find them flimsy at all like I did at the bike show where I first saw the bike in December. I'm waiting to see what kind of nylon bag inserts Kawasaki comes with for the hard bags. With all that space up high a nice tall bag would give me much more room then the older version. One can only hope.
As you would expect the 1700 has a lot more power then my 1500 FI had. I'm still breaking it in and only rode 150 miles yesterday. Love the 6th gear. But limited for the first 500 miles to 65MPH. So it's sort of useless until I can get up to 75MPH or so. The radial tires are also a big plus. It handles much, much, much better then my '02! Engine heat is going to be an issue. I live in Dallas and it's in the low 90's. Sitting at a stop light with the aux. radiator fan running is like a blast furnace shooting at your legs. Definitely something to watch.
Looks like mid to high 30's on the MPG. Not great, but not terrible. Still going to have pretty good range with the 5.3 gallon tank. I can't wait to get this bike up to Colorado.
I'm a little ticked that there are no accessories at all for the bike yet. I'm ready to do my part to help the economy when they start offering stuff.

Doug

[flatlander]

Just a quick comment on the new bags. I've had my 07 for a month now and I'm still getting used to the top loaders. I had an 01 Nad and never had a problem loading the bags. The straps really helped. Traded for an '01 Wing 'cause I thought the wife would like it better for touring but the wind "envelope" closed in right on her and beat her up so she never really liked it. The side loading bags never were as convenient as the side loading bags on the Nomad though. Traded the Wing for a Yamaha Venture with top loading bags. (Guy wanted my wing and made me an "offer I couldn't refuse") The top loading bags on the Venture were very sturdy and easy closing but they were very narrow and didn't seem to hold as much.
On the new Nomad these bags are not my favorite as they don't seem very sturdy, I've already thought that Kawasaki will probably change them in a couple years. They do hold a lot though and are very wide at the top for easy loading, when I have too much to put in there I do have to make sure it's not covering the latches so they're not all that convenient but they are large. Not as pretty as the old style though.

[cactusjack]

That big gap between the saddlebag and shock is awful. You can't not notice it. It draws your eye right to it.

I'm sure we've all seen the saddlebags (usually aftermarket) on bikes with a 6" space between the bag and the bike. They look more like pontoons than saddlebags from the rear. That was one of the things that attracted me to the Nomad. The Nomad looked like it was designed around them, not the other way around. Not anymore. Maybe the new look will grow on me, who knows.

When the time comes to pull the trigger and trade mine in, I'd like to stay with Kawasaki. Since I want a full dresser, it would be the Voyager. There aren't many options in big twin full dress tourers, Ultra Classic, Victory Vision and Voyager. Suzuki offers nothing in that class. Star's offering is a V4, Honda's is the wing, BMW...no thanks.

[ponch]

Living in the desert as you do, a R1200GSA wouldn't be so bad to have as a second bike.


That big gap between the saddlebag and shock is awful. You can't not notice it. It draws your eye right to it.

I'm sure we've all seen the saddlebags (usually aftermarket) on bikes with a 6" space between the bag and the bike. They look more like pontoons than saddlebags from the rear. That was one of the things that attracted me to the Nomad. The Nomad looked like it was designed around them, not the other way around. Not anymore. Maybe the new look will grow on me, who knows.

When the time comes to pull the trigger and trade mine in, I'd like to stay with Kawasaki. Since I want a full dresser, it would be the Voyager. There aren't many options in big twin full dress tourers, Ultra Classic, Victory Vision and Voyager. Suzuki offers nothing in that class. Star's offering is a V4, Honda's is the wing, BMW...no thanks.

[ringadingh]

Im sure there will be a lot of chrome available in the future to dress up the bikes, It will probably cost a pile to do, but I think thats what it will take to make them a real headturner.