Dealer had the new Nomads in

Stopped by the local idiot shop today and they had the new Nomad on the floor. Had a red/tan sitting right next to an '08 so it was a nice comparison. Here's my take on it after seeing it in person. Unfortunately we were experiencing thunderstorms here so rididng it was not an option. They did not have the new Voyager and I'm still exited to see that:

Pros:
Rear fender - The brake light, license plate, and turn signals are all in a better configuration. The rear tail light is cool.

Engine - Beautiful new motor that I'm anxious to here run, and feel perform. The coffins are a better shape, but a little larger than I would like them to be. It will look better to open the motor some more.

Brake Pedal - Much better placement than on the older Nomads.

Saddlebags - If you like a top loading bag (and I know there are some Nomadders that really don't like the side opening, You'll like these. I know several other members looked at the bike at some shows and commented on the flimsiness of the bags, I didn't notice this. Bag quality is on par with HD's and RSTD from Yamaha. The latches are positive and closed every time.

Fit & Finish - I think Kawaski might figuring this out finally overall it was a clean bike.

Cons:

Saddlebags: I love my Nomad bags. I think they are the nicest bags ever produceced. Why did Kaw change them. They are a 60/40 bag meaning the top 40% are the lid. I think this is a poor design to me your going to have to pile things up in the bag making it less usable. My wife was the first one to notice how they cut the bag around the rear shocks. Not a very clean look, and not very well thought out. Did I mention the bags are ugly?

Overall: So the 16 Nomad and the 17 Nomad are sitting right next to each other. The stretched tank on the 16, the bags flowing nicely with the rear fender, the overall impression: Long, comfy, flowing, stretched, and smooth. Step next to the 17 and you see the bike just appears shorter. I couldn't help but think of an early generation 'Wing. The lines of the bike are.....disproportionate. I have no doubt the newest Nomad will handle better. Shorter wheelbase, less rake, all addtions that will make the bike more nimble, but I'm not sure it was worth the sacrifice in appearance and comfort.

Ergos: Goes into my last statement. I'm a fairly tall guy 6' 3". This bike is not nearly as comfortable. I was able to switch back and forth between the 16 and 17 and the 16 was much more comfortable. Whats with the seat? Why did they run it onto the tank? They got it from HD but it just looks....akward. When companies like Victory are making the tank go around the seat, why put it on top of it. At any rate, the seat shoved me onto the gas tank. You definately sit on top of this bike as opposed to in it like the current Nomads. The on caviat is the handlebars are in a really good position right out of the box. I don't think I would have a need for risers.

Other stuff:

There's less chrome on the 17 the rear brake resevoir is not chromed.

My wife sat on the back seat (although she normally rides her own) she said it was very comfy.

Sissybar - For those of you that like to solo out your Nomad (that would be me), it would appear that would be difficult to do with the new one. The back rest is integrated into the rear fender struts. I'm not saying you can't solo the new one out, it just looks like it will be more complicated (keep in mind I didn't actually turn a screw or anything on the new bike). If you remove the backrest, you'll have a gap in your rear fender strut.

Overall: I'm sure the new Nomad will sell. If you just really despise the side loading bags on the current bike. I guess it's for you. If you are willing to have a more powerful motor and for you there is no replacement for displacement the 17's more likely going to be your bike. For me, such a big part of cruising is style. I think most guys who ride cruisers have to like the look of their bike. If you park a 16 next to a 17, the 16's (and the 15's which I own) is much more timeless. the 15/16 is just a better looking motorcycle hands down. Star's Strato is a better looking bike than the new Nomad and right now, my next purchase will most likely be an 05-08 bike. I really don't have a desire to own the new one.

On one final note, Kaw's paint always leaves something to be desired. When Star is putting tribal patterns and deep wet looking paint on their bikes and adding midnight packages etc etc. Kaw has come up with some of the most boring paint jobs. I really don't think the paint they have put on the 15/16's exploits the lines of the bike. Don't get me wrong there are a lot of color combos on the Nomad that I really like, but the application of the color has never been that exiciting. The color I saw was the red/tan....gold...color. I wasn't fond of it. I'm more exited to see the black/blue. I just wish Kaw would get a little more creative. Keep a few of the retro/traditional looks but add something more..badass to the mix.

I know a lot of folks have posted messages about the bikes they have seen at the shows, but this was a bike on my dealer's floor. My regret is I didn't have the gear or weather to take the bike for a ride so I could give a more thorough evaluation.

[strobe]

I have not seen the nomad, but noticed the same thing about the seat on the Classic. I think they look great, in theory, but too many negative changes IMO. I think for us taller riders, the 1700 is a huge step backwards unfortunately. After I saw the 1700 and and posted some info here, I think we both came away with similar opinions of the overall 1700 design. You review is much more detailed, great info!

[ndbigfish]

I played motorcycle all day today. A show in the morning and off to the dealer in the afternoon for plugs. I saw the 09 Nomad. I don't like the top loading bags; much narrower and won't fit my lunch box. All of the plumbing for the rear brake is exposed and the reservior is black; no chrome cover. Also all of the plumbing is exposed to the top of the radiator. The horn is exposed and in an odd spot above the radiator. The rear turn signal bracket is a little strange looking too. I don't care for the exposed linkage on the bottom of shifter assembly. The saddle and bars are nice. The exhaust is better looking. I like the tail light too. The top loading bags are a real buster; just don't like the operation and profile. I would be more likely to look for a gently used 08.

[jamiep24]

Sort of makes me glad I didn't wait around for the '09s to come out. They just don't have that stretched-out look of the older ones, kind of look dumpy.. But I bet it's got some power, though.

[pirate]

yridehd-
Thanks for sharing your report. I haven't seen an 09 in person yet, but seeing them in pictures makes me appreciate my 08 even more. It will interesting to see the 09s start appearing on the road soon.

[pagemastr]

IMO with only 300 miles on an 08 I already have to ask how could they improve on it? My biggest surprise is how well mine handles in parking lots and slow speeds as it initially was a concern given the size of it.

I understand the need to evolve the models a bit, and I do like the belt drive idea on the new one but no complaints with the shaft drive as is.

Thanks for the review!

[mrfuni]

Thanks for the detailed review. Looking forward to the new model only to appreciate my '07 even more...

[radco]

My Dealer has the 1700 Classic, and waiting on another 1700..he didnt know what was coming,,, The Classic looked nice,, Love the look of the motor,, Didnt sit on it yet,, Because on my knee surgery,I still cannt lift my leg up that high,Yet,, So hopefully a 1700 shows up this weeks,,at least if its a Nomad I can check out the Bags, BUT I want to see the Voyager,, :)

[dantama]

yridehd, that was a good write up. Perhaps a magazine needs a reviewer?

[Cajunrider]

Great review. Thanks.

[dogdoc]

great review Y: it made me think I was in the showroom looking at one. of course here in my showroom there are none yet. I will be keeping my '05 as I dont like what I am hearing about the new. Thanks

Dennis

[moon]

I rode beside an 09 1700 Classic Last Sat. morning for about 70 miles. Local dealership puts on a ride third Sat of every month. Great looking bike, that new brake lite is way cool and the four way flashers are a nice addition. That is the most quiet V-twin engine I have ever heard, the exhaust note is sweet too. Dealership owner was riding it and said the new extra gear was a top nice.
On a side note, I am trying to post a movie I shot of the ride but cant get it uploaded to photobucket. You got to see the food this dealership lays out for everyone before they head out. And it all free, looked like a buffet on a cruise ship. Owers wife is a chief, guess that helps.

[dank]

Originally Posted by moon

Owers wife is a chief, guess that helps.

So I assume she has lot's of indians she can order to put the food out? Does she have a chef too? ;)

[taranis]

Nice review!

I don't think there's any compelling reason for a current or future Nomad owner to look at the '09 Nomads yet, especially when there are so many '08's left on the floors and used online. In a feature comparison, they're both about equal pro v. con.

If I ever do find time to do more long distance riding, I may go with the Voyager, but it will be a used one, most likely. I agree about the bags. I'm not a fan of side loaders, but I'm a huge fan of how much they can hold - as much or more than a Goldwing. That said, the designer of the new bags should be bitch-slapped for lack of function over form. I am relieved to hear they're using thicker fiberglass in production models, though - the demos at the show were downright scary.

[redjay]

So, Are the production models any different to the pre production models as the Kawasaki reps were telling everyone at the shows ? I think not ! Has anyone seen any evidence of this ?