1700 Nomad Discussion........

[glwilson]

CJ:

One of my comparisons for pricing was Yamaha's RS Venture which lists for $18k+

It seems to be a somewhat fair comparison to the Voyager 1700 -- if agreed, it seems logical Kawi will ask a price near that.

I do like my Nomad a lot. Much like Dan; I "stashed" the extra money I saved in the "savings-pile". Have enjoyed the bike immensely since.

Given the type of riding my wife and like to do; I will need to do mods on the Nomad -- or follow your plans on a trailer to haul the extra-stuff.

[cactusjack]

I think Kawasaki is going to price the 1700's very aggressively. My personal thoughts are the Nomad will be around $14k and the Voyager will come in around $16k.

[schoeney]

CJ - I was originally thinking 14 and 16 as well. I think the 15% loss in the value of the dollar (versus the yen) in the last year will be offset by the supply/demand issues the crappy economy is creating. So basically one will offset the other. They credit situation won't help sell them either.

I would be amazed if several of these new high overhead Harley dealers don't go broke. The building costs and inventory costs gotta be killing them. You may see Harley's 15-20% cheaper next year...you could make them 50% cheaper and I wouldn't buy one until they improve the reliabilty, lower maintenance + parts costs, and smooth out the vibration. They remind me of the stuff Detroit was pumping out in the 70's ....this is when Toyota and other Japanese cars started their climb to dominate the auto world. They sound and look nice but if you are planning on doing any riding they are not a good value compared to the rice burners.

I am looking forward to seeing the new Nad and Voyager next month in Seattle.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by schoeney

CJ - I was originally thinking 14 and 16 as well. I think the 15% loss in the value of the dollar (versus the yen) in the last year will be offset by the supply/demand issues the crappy economy is creating. So basically one will offset the other. They credit situation won't help sell them either.

I would be amazed if several of these new high overhead Harley dealers don't go broke. The building costs and inventory costs gotta be killing them. You may see Harley's 15-20% cheaper next year...you could make them 50% cheaper and I wouldn't buy one until they improve the reliabilty, lower maintenance + parts costs, and smooth out the vibration. They remind me of the stuff Detroit was pumping out in the 70's ....this is when Toyota and other Japanese cars started their climb to dominate the auto world. They sound and look nice but if you are planning on doing any riding they are not a good value compared to the rice burners.

I am looking forward to seeing the new Nad and Voyager next month in Seattle.

I agree completely. I know the couple of HD dealerships I've been to here are like a Vegas casino compared to Japanese brand dealerships. One has a motorcycle memorabilia museum in it, complete with one of Evel Knievel's jumpsuits and one of his bikes. Probably a good 50% of a Harley dealer's floor space is dedicated to clothing. The overhead has got to be outrageous.

[glwilson]

While I don't know for fact; I do have a suspicion that HD dealers make a lot of money on high-margin items such as the clothing; trinkets; and other "BS" crap bikers can't seem to be caught dead without -- thus enabling them to offset the overhead on their buildings.

(Oddly enough, I received an email today from HD advertising their "trinket" collection -- which stated one would receive a free "collectors-edition" of their "Heritage Collection" with a purchase of $350 or more.

The "Heritage Collection" looked like some sort of placard with an embossing of various year's "Heritage" model bikes. Rather ugly in my opinion; and would probably only look good when placed next to one's collection of "Franklin's Mint" "one-of-a-kind-collector" plates. Sorry for my sarcasm.)

In addition; I assume many of the HD bikes are being repaired and maintained by the dealerships to some degree -- which has to be somewhat of a money machine in itself (much like a car dealership's "garage" is their profit-center).

Just my guess -- however I would agree they have to be hurting to some degree with the economy as it is and about to be over the next year or so.

[cactusjack]

I do know that none of the Harley riders I work with would turn a screw on their own bikes. They go to the dealer for everything.

[novijoe]

The 2009's got me curious but after some consideration I just bought a new 2007 and I have to say I love it. Too many unknowns for me at this point. I have never owned a bike with belt drive and that was a thought but I was also thinking about aftermarket parts and if they would be available. I wouldn't want to ride another bike with stock pipes that's for sure! (no offense to our stock bro's here) I plan on having "Sadie" for years to come and many many miles. By then I will know the score on the 1700's and act accordingly.

[paul]

We get to go see what it's all about here in Houston, next weekend. Starting to get that "kid before Christmas" feeling. Loooovvveee the ride I'm on , but...........From what we've seen so far the new bikes sure look tempting.

That Voyager has my full attention at this point. Oh, darn, wet my pants.

[glwilson]

It was posted today on the "main-board" about a member's review after seeing the Voyager.

Some of his comments were what I have seen consistently on other blogs about it -- mostly about how thin, and flimsy the plastic bags and trunk are. Apparently the same "thin" plastic is used on the fairings as well.

I can only hope that people going to the shows are telling the reps about this -- and that the reps let Kawa know to make a change on this -- especially if it is as bad as many seem to think.

[roadman]

My moto is "LET YOUR WALLET BE YOUR GUIDE" thats why i have the nomad......good value at a fair price. :)

[glwilson]

roadman; you know I like long day, and overnight rides. A Voyager has a lot of appeal to me; but I cannot get over the comments so many are making about it "quality" (or lack-of) -- which are not entirely flattering.

Thus, my common sense will likely prevail and I will continue to ride the Nomad; as I am extremely happy with when everything is said and done. Afterall; with my luggage fastened to my rack; and the bags filled -- that is about all I'll get on the Voyager anyway.

Besides the Voyager doesn't come in black or white -- my two favorite colors.

[roadman]

Well greg......i think it might be a good idea too have a wait and see attitude about the Voyger.It always seems like there is a few bugs to work out with a brand new model.I like the looks of the new Voyger and if the bike pans out, i just might get one myself.

[dhomoney]

Originally Posted by glwilson

roadman; you know I like long day, and overnight rides. A Voyager has a lot of appeal to me; but I cannot get over the comments so many are making about it "quality" (or lack-of) -- which are not entirely flattering.

Thus, my common sense will likely prevail and I will continue to ride the Nomad; as I am extremely happy with when everything is said and done. Afterall; with my luggage fastened to my rack; and the bags filled -- that is about all I'll get on the Voyager anyway.

Besides the Voyager doesn't come in black or white -- my two favorite colors.

In all reality glwilson, for the price differential you could add all that stuff to your Nomad and it would be of better quality. About the only thing you can't get is ABS. Everything else is doable and has been done by people on this board.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by dhomoney

In all reality glwilson, for the price differential you could add all that stuff to your Nomad and it would be of better quality. About the only thing you can't get is ABS. Everything else is doable and has been done by people on this board.

ABS and the sixth gear.

[cactusjack]

I was just over on the Delphi Vulcan Forum and read some interesting info about the 1700. Keep in mind this info is second, or now third-hand and may or may not be factual.

Kaw has received many, many comments about the redesigned saddlebags appearing "flimsy", and may be looking to somehow "stiffen" them. I don't know for sure how they would go about doing that, but it shows they are paying attention.

Someone pointed out that perhaps the bags are not "flimsy", but should be considered "flexible" and "durable". Like the side panels on a Saturn car or the front fender on a dirt bike. I thought that was an interesting perspective.

I would imagine Kawasaki is carefully gauging public reaction to the 09's at the International Bike Show as it moves from city to city. Here in Phoenix they had reps posted near the Voyagers and the Nomads I would hope they were paying attention to the comments being made.

It was also mentioned that pricing and availability still has not been announced and anybody offering pricing or availability info is simply guessing.