A rare opportunity

[cactusjack]

Today, Toophun and I rode over to Westworld in Scottsdale for Cyclefest '10. We arrived there about 10:30 and headed directly to the Kawasaki demo area to sign up for test rides. They were pretty booked up already, even though the gates had only been open a half hour. I signed up to ride a 2010 Voyager and Toophun got a 2010 Nomad. We returned at the appointed time - 12:30, and climbed aboard our respective rides.

I had ridden a 2009 Nomad last year and had forgotten how much smaller it seemed, the Voyager was no different. The shift levers were adjusted higher than I like, and I think they shortened the distance between the heel and toe shifters. My size "baker's dozen" boots didn't have as much free space as on my 2007. Anyway, they took us on an escorted test ride of about 30 minutes. The fastest speed we reached was about 45 MPH. Still, it was a decent ride and although I never got above 4th gear, it was fun.

I understand when they speak about the "heat issue". That engine gives off a lot of heat, and the 2010's have the factory "heat fix". I'm sure the slower pace didn't help. The radio in the fairing was a real treat and it sounded great! It adjusts the volume automatically as you speed up and slow down. I had never ridden a bike with a fairing-mounted sound system before and I really enjoyed it.

The shifting mechanism clunks into gear, much like a Harley. But the engine seems good and the stock exhaust note is just about right. More growl than the stock 1600 pipes.

An hour later, I had the opportunity to ride a Harley Electra Glide Classic. I was amazed how similar it felt to the Voyager. Even down to the ergonomics, like the bars, seat, footboards, etc. Other than the EG has a fork mounted fairing and the Voyager has a frame-mounted one, the feel and ride was nearly identical. The only other major difference was that the HD shook a lot more at idle, but it was smooth once you wound it up a bit. It also had a sound system, and once I figured out how to operate it, it was very nice.

I'm glad I was able to ride both, and with only an hour between rides, I could really compare the two bikes. Both are bikes I would consider owning, well maybe not the EG Classic, I'd rather have the decked out Ultra Classic, which I'm sure is similar. Both bikes seemed to be much more nimble than my 1600 and turning was almost effortless.

Unfortunately, Victory, Honda, Suzuki, and Triumph weren't even there this year. Star was, but didn't have any of their big tourers for demo. Boss Hoss, Kaw, HD, and Kymco were (I think) the only manufacturers offering demo rides. I laughed at Kymco - on their rides, not only are you riding a SCOOTER, but to add insult to injury, they make you wear a fluorescent vest with "KYMCO DEMO RIDER" printed on it. I guess if you have no dignity, it's okay.

I would have liked to test a Victory Vision and a Cross Country, and a Goldwing, maybe next year.

We had some lunch at one of the food vendors and spent the rest of the time walking around and checking out the merchandise. I bought a new leather vest and picked up some swag at the Geico booth.

[waterman]

Sounds like you had a good time and test rides there CJ.

[ponch]

The shifters are the one thing I have hated about the harleys. They are high and too close together. I have size 14 shoes, it doesn't feel right and it would be a chore to shift. The HD was made for people 5'10 or there abouts. It looks like Kawasaki followed suit. Oh well. I'll ride the Nomad until either I don't ride anymore or I get something else.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Sounds like a great day Scott.

[toophun]

I thought I'd give my report on the the new Nomad and the HD StreetGlide that I rode. After sitting on the Nomad many times in the showroom, I was sure I'd be unimpressed. Not so, while it does take a little getting used to, it does offer many impressive qualities. It is very smooth and the seat is super comfy. It is a little tighter than my 1600 especially at 6'1, and like Scott mentioned we never got the chance to "air" them out. I did however lag behind a few times so I'd have a chance to see how responsive it was. I don't know if it's because I've done the TFI/air mods & Cobra pipes, but the new Nomad was really a dog compaired to mine and the Streetglide dispite the larger motor.

The first thing I noticed about the Streetglide is how simular it was to the new Nomad platform right down to the clunking tranny. It was however more nimble and handled like it was considerably lighter even though the specs put it about the same. As far as get-up & go, the Streetglide has it all over the Nomad and probably close to mine and that was the stock version not the Screamin Eagle I wanted to ride.

My biggest "take away" for the day was, while I enjoyed both bikes, it really gave me a new appreciation for my 1600. It was really great to put them head to head one after the other.

[glwilson]

Thanks for the review.

EDIT ADD-IN:

Here is video of the two bikes being reviewed for additional info for those interested...

I think it was a fair review.

[Idaho]

Nice to see the comparison. My '07 Nomad will do just fine for many more years to come.

[ken]

I've look over the new Voyager and Nomad at my local dealer and read in some of the US motorcycle mags I get and I am with Idaho....I get enough heat from my "05 because of the horn and lights mounted on the engine guard on the left side...I sure don't want any more. My '05 is a comfortable bike to ride, easy to handle and damn nice to look at...of course, I preaching to the choir here. ABS would be nice but I'm happy.