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]

Originally Posted by 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! :)

I concur

[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?

[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.