The new nomads

[ronnie]

I saw my first new nomad today, at the bike shop... I really like the bike, except for the belt drive....What is the reasoning for going to a belt instead of the shaft drive.... Oh, and, the pipes really look great.... It's almost tempting enough to trade my 06 in...

[rickyboy]

It has some nice things such as cruise control but I don't like the hard bags, or the quality of the ABS/plastic. But to each their own. I'll keep my '06.

[cactusjack]

I've ridden both a 1700 Nomad and a Voyager and they do ride nice. The 1700 engine is a decent engine. I wish they hadn't messed with the saddlebags, though.

[tombstone]

I got one a couple of months ago....I'm happy with it, but yes the luggage stinks. Why build a nice bike then put crappy side cases on it?

[Jared]

Originally Posted by ronnie

I really like the bike, except for the belt drive....What is the reasoning for going to a belt instead of the shaft drive....

I have owned both belt and shaft driven bikes and I'd take a belt over a shaft hands down.

The reason that most manufacturers are going to belt is because they are less weight, they provide better performance, and no maintenance until 50K miles.

Also, the pulleys can be swapped out for aftermarket pulley that has more or less teeth, which allows you to adjust your rpms at different speeds.

Why do people like shaft is what I'd like to know? They are relatively maintenance free, except for lubing your driveshaft every 7.5K(?) miles and replacing your final drive oil.

[1badbagger]

I'm with ya Utah! I would give anything to have my belt drive off my Warrior. It really puts the power to the pavement. The technology of belts have grown to the point of correcting it's former faults. I do not understand the attachment to shaft drive. While it is smooth I can't say it's any less maintenance than my belt. I actually think it's more. And I firmly belivieve the shaft really soaks up the HP.

Other than that, I love the style of my 03 better than the new Nomads. I think the styling of the new bikes is a big leap backwards, but the motor, trans, and amenities are a leap forward. I guess it comes down to a question of wether you'd like the new goodies. If I had the money and wanted to change I think Victory's Cross Roads are a much more inventively styled bike with an aluminum frame and plenty of goodies on it. Plus the bags are huge and styled nicely compared to Kawasaki's.

[ringadingh]

The belt drive is also a lot cheaper to manufacture as well, A final drive and shaft has a lot of machining and bearings involved, as well as a potential for leaks.

[waterman]

I drove the new 1700 Voyager at the SW Rally. Man does it handle smooth at slow speeds. Loved it. However, the bags still turn me off somewhat. However, after talking with Kawasaki Reps, I think that something is in the wind on the bags for the 2011 or 2012 models. Like I told them, the clam shell style bags are what set the Nomad off from everyone else.

[Netnorske]

I think we all gave the Kawa Reps an earful about the hardbags. Hopefully they were listening.... :-/.

[petenomad]

My first bike was a VN900 (belt drive) and Ann had a VStar 650 shaft drive. I rode both and definitely found the belt drive much easier to learn on. I am glad I spent a little time on the 650 to gain some experience with the shaft drive before I got the Nomad. The belt is much more forgiving.

[recumbentbob]

I'd take a belt drive over shaft drive any day.

I've heard that the Nomad has belt whine issues??

[usranger74]

What is it that folks don't like about the bags on the 2010 Nomad?

[waterman]

Originally Posted by usranger74

What is it that folks don't like about the bags on the 2010 Nomad?

Bill,

I don't like the top loading bag as much as the side loading bag on the older models. Also, on the new bags, almost a third of the bag is in the lid which makes it even more difficult to load.

[waterman]

Originally Posted by Netnorske

I think we all gave the Kawa Reps an earful about the hardbags. Hopefully they were listening.... :-/.

We sure did Kris. However, one of the conversations I had alone with one of them indicated to me that some changes might/are on the way.

I can also tell you that badger and John gave Kaw an ear full on changes that need to be made on little issues.

[cactusjack]

One night in Cortez I asked Brian (ROK rep) about the availability of accessories for the Voyager. He hands me a book about the size of a good sized city phone book. Of course, the book contains accessories for everything Kawasaki Motors sells: jet skis, mules, dirt bikes, etc.

There were 7 or 8 pages dedicated to Voyager accessories, and at least half of those were cables and patch cords used by the audio system. They have an upgraded seat, and some bits of chrome. That was it. Very disappointing. I didn't look at Nomad accessories, but I'm sure it wasn't any more impressive.

Pitiful.