VN 1700 Voyager/VN 1700 Classic Tourer

[jon]

This guy better be 6'5", or this bike looks more cramped than a GL1800. Notice his high knee and forward foot position on the boards. Looks like this bike may have been tested by Asians and not Texans. I will be pretty disappointed if I don't fit.

[glwilson]

Thus far, including the nomad, there isn't really a bike (with hard bags) that fits a short guy like me.

Being only 5"6"; this bike will likely fit me better than any other -- but you are right -- the guy in the picture looks terribly uncomfortable.

I haven't gone out to look at my nomad; but doesn't the foot board look like it is a lot higher than the nomad's? -- sure looks like it to me. Even if not; looks like this could be lower to fit a taller person better than where it is at in this pic.

I have my guess as to how much they will ask -- and I will go on record to say I would be interested in ordering one -- even though I am not entirely impressed with the design-lines of the bike. It will have to grow on me before I commit.

[jon]

Originally Posted by Jon

This guy better be 6'5", or this bike looks more cramped than a GL1800. Notice his high knee and forward foot position on the boards. Looks like this bike may have been tested by Asians and not Texans. I will be pretty disappointed if I don't fit.

I just don't see this guy doing a 600 day in this position. Ouch!

[radco]

LOVE the New version for the Most part.. The bags well The NOMADbags are better,, IMO.....The Fairing is nice,just have to get used to built in Spot lights......CANNT wait till one arrives at my dealer,,,,,2 years of college left for my daughter, then Im free :) unless I get married again :( And some more to read about the NEW VULCANs,,,,,,,,Rich

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/20sep...700voyager.htm

[glwilson]

I am also wondering if the ride is as good with a shorter wheel base.

I haven't looked at the stats -- but wonder if it isn't closer to the HD Soft-tail wheel base length. That might be something of a set-back on comfort -- but am not an expert in these issues.

[jon]

Trophy Wife on the back looks good though....

[ice793]

ultra classic look out!

[ringadingh]

I agree Jon, the blonde on the back is one of the best features on the bike. ;)
Overall I like the look of the new Voyager, but there are a few things I would like to see changed. I agree with most of you that the old sidebags look better, and the fairing is hard to get a good view from different angles to make an honest opinion of it.
Kawasaki saved some money by being frugal with the chrome . The rear footboards are painted black, whereas the older bikes had chrome bottoms. And its hard to tell if the wheels are polished aluminium or not, and the front fender looks a little small for the bike.
I do like all the creature comforts they have included like the radio with Ipod jack, cruise control, power port and tach.
I'll have to see one in person and maybe take one for a spin before I really know if its something I would want in my garage.

[bosko]

Wow, I like it. Not sold on the bags either but they aren't ugly.

Love the new engine and belt drive, hell I even like the fairing and trunk on the Voyageur.

I'd buy one of each model, but I HAVE to keep my 08. LOL

[trip]

Yep...bags are a let down...I feel the bags didn't need to change either. One thing I noticed on the spec sheet is the tank is still 5.3 gallons, but with a 6th gear, the MPG will be better. Wonder what the range will be?

Never have been a "belt" guy, but in watching the video it said that the belt is made of a better material that gives it 40% more rigidity. I'm assuming that's 40% more life?

Overall, I like the 2009 Nomad and Voyager. It's gonna have to grow on me in certain areas tho.

Once someone rolls into the door here at KawaNOW with one, let me know.

[ells]

At least the tire sizes are the same as before, maybe with enough on the road somebody besides Bridgestone will make one for the rear.

[coacha]

My first impression of the new 1700's was wow for the Voyager and what did they do to the bags on the Nomad? Wife loves the full dress Voyager and I must admit that I like it too...except for the bags.

Can't wait to see one at a dealership. I was also wondering about the pictures and the leg room. I'm a little over 6' and I don't want to be too cramped up.

If we get a Voyager, do we get kicked to the curb?

[bosko]

No you can stay. But you have to get rid of that picture in your sig line.

[ponch]

THe bags are fugly. There, I said it.

Originally Posted by CoachA

My first impression of the new 1700's was wow for the Voyager and what did they do to the bags on the Nomad? Wife loves the full dress Voyager and I must admit that I like it too...except for the bags.

Can't wait to see one at a dealership. I was also wondering about the pictures and the leg room. I'm a little over 6' and I don't want to be too cramped up.

If we get a Voyager, do we get kicked to the curb?

[schoeney]

Wow, Pretty exciting upgrades to the Nad. I am just glad they kept the name so all you guys that buy it will stay on the website!

I think I will wait at least 1 year until the bugs get worked out.

On the surface both bikes should be winners...not sure I can warm up to belt drive...I have heard a few horror stories about new road construction (rocks/tar) causing problems.