Is the writing on the wall?

[deadant]

I was just checking out Ma Kaw's website lookin at the Vulcan tour. I find it kind of interesting how our beloved Nomad seems to be getting over shadowed. Did the birth of the Vaquero mean the death of the Nomad. Ma Kaw now has 3 hard baggers in the cruiser market (4 if you count the ABS Voyager) and 1 in the sport cruiser. That seems like a lot, but that's just my observance. I sure hope they don't kill the Nomad...its what brought us all here.

[cactusjack]

I don't think so. I believe they are trying to go head to head with HD.

Nomad = Road King
Vaquero = Road Glide
Voyager = Ultra Classic

Not everyone wants a fairing, many like the traditional look of a slab windshield, so the Nomad appeals to that rider. I think Kawasaki is positioning itself to appeal to customers who maybe don't want to spend Harley dollars but still want a quality motorcycle.

[ballast]

Will we soon be KawaVoVaNOW ???

[ve3hzz]

I agree with CJ, besides they've learned from many of Vulcan owners on here and VROC, etc., that Nomad owners have upgraded there bikes, so since it's a trend they better offer something for those riders or loose market share.
The Vaquero fits that need between the Nomad (windshield) and the Voyager full tourer. It does make sense and is a blending of the Nomad and the Voyageur taking the best of both. The original Nomad bags that were such a hit and the new fairing that is unique and complimentary to the new Voyageur line. Many former Nomad owners (myself included) did not like the new bag design. I think also to make the new Vaquero more sleek they went back to those bags to keep it unique but similar to some of the other companies similar models.

I would agree they will keep the 3 around for now as they all fit different market segments. If however sales drop off I don't think even the NOMAD name would save it if sales drop off due to the Vaquero.

Scott

[crapper]

it would be awfull to see the nomad discontinued....hope that day is not anytime soon but bottom line is the real factor ...
if nomad sales take a dive ......due to other models etc, that will be it. having said that, i think the nomad will be around for a while for the simple fact that the vaquero wouldn't be great for a passenger and the voyager is a bit on the bulky side if you're not long haul riding so that leaves the nomad for long hauls and just local cruising.............the perfect bike.....my two cents worth...

[landman]

my dealer did not order any nomads this year as he still has a 2009 left over that didn't sell.he doubled is order on voyagers as they are selling
well.

[elvis]

Even if I get another bike some day, I will call it NOMAD because it is such a cool name (not referring to the 1%er group here) and it currently does and always will represent a way to touring a land of vast proportions.

[glwilson]

CJ is likely correct with his assessment.

I believe Kawa has their finger on the market and knew they had to make a couple changes -- especially since street-bike sales are not what they once were.

I suppose that is because mostly younger people bought street bikes... and since the recession they don't have the money any more.

In a recent research report by R.L. Polk, larger model bikes dominate motorcycle sales in the U.S. since 2008 by a fairly large margin to street-bikes. Kawa wants some of that action.

[ringadingh]

I too don't think they will drop the Nomad anytime soon, it has a spot in the marketplace, and fits a budget and riding style for a lot of people. Compared to some other brands its a pretty good bang for the buck!

[AlabamaNomadRider]

It has been a great bike and I would certainly hate to see them drop it from their lineup.

I also liked Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Plymouth and some other car makes that we no longer can buy off the showroom.

So, you just never know.

[minst7877]

Went out to the dealer in my area today to pick up some parts and was pleasantly supprised to see a Nomad, Voyager and Vaquero sitting on the showroom floor. Sure wish they would go back to the side opening bags on the Nomad and Voyager.

DC

[wiz]

I'd really like to see Honda bring back a bike like the Valkyrie Interstate built with the VTX 1800 motor. Just daydreaming here...

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Wiz

I'd really like to see Honda bring back a bike like the Valkyrie Interstate built with the VTX 1800 motor. Just daydreaming here...

Why the VTX? I love their flat 6. I'd love to see the return of the Valkyrie, too. Fuel injected this time.

[cactusjack]

The Valkyrie was a sweet bike. Don't see them very often, but when I do, they get my attention.

[wiz]

Originally Posted by Dave

Why the VTX? I love their flat 6. I'd love to see the return of the Valkyrie, too. Fuel injected this time.

I'm slowing down in my old age. The Goldwing 1800 is more engine than I really need, and the fuel mileage could be better. Still, I would be looking at a new Valkyrie Interstate 1800 if they existed and probably trembling a bit. I have no idea why the Valkyrie 1500s were carbed while the Goldwing 1500s were fuel injected, but the Valk was a classic.