Finally got me a Nomad

[billz410]

Just wanted to let you folks know that yesterday I finally made the decision to purchase an '08 Nomad. I had posted a thread a few pages back about '2008 vs. 2009' Nomad, and it was pretty obvious most of you were partial to your current bikes, although I am sure there will be at least a couple things we will all like on the '09's.

I know for me the electronic cruise and the 6-speed would really be nice, but I like the red and black that was offered for '08- just couldn't get it off my mind...

Anyways, I know I am probably preaching to the choir here, but I wanted to spend a couple minutes and let everyone know why I chose a Nomad, and why I chose an '08. There won't be any revelations here, but maybe someone new has stumbled across this forum, and after sifting through 100+ pages in the general discussions, STILL isn't sure about what a great bike this is.

I have lost track of the hours I have spent researching and reviewing forums on different bikes. I looked at the Gold Wing forums, and rode one. Then I looked at the ST 1300. Then it was the Yamaha Venture Royal- the one with the fairing, etc. And I rented three different HD's; an Ultra Classic, a Heritage Softail Classic, and a Road King. I looked at them all, rode as many as I could, but still kept coming back to the Nomad.

While the Gold Wing could argueably be called the King of Touring, and is a fine machine, it's just a little too high-tech for me. I'm sure those who have them like 'em fine. Just wasn't for me. The Yamaha I looked at still used carberatours. Come on, Yamaha! The HD's, well, nice machines, I guess, just out of my price range. And, my wife, who is completely new to the motorcycle 'scene' absolutely hates everything to do with Harley Davidson. Not sure why, guess she doesn't like the 'look' of the clientele at the dealerships.

And then there was this forum. I would like to extend a very personal and heartfelt thanks to Trip for founding this sight, and for all his efforts related to it, and to all the time the moderators spend on this site, and for all the comments, suggestions, and opinions that were offered to me concerning '08's, vs '09's, wife not liking motorycles, etc., etc. There is something uniquely different about the people on this forum. While opinions may very considerably on a variety of topics, there isn't any malicious, vindictive, or condescending tones to the threads or replies. That is mighty refreshing to me.

As I was visiting with the salesmen before leaving the store yesterday, he was telling me how he rides a Yamaha, and he has a lot of Harley friends. He says, "Don't expect to get any waves from a Harley rider when you're out on the street." I know not all Harley riders are that partial, but I chuckled. Then, as I left, and hadn't went a quarter mile down the road, here comes three Ultra Classsics- and guess what, no waves! Well, I suppose they are just so embarrased when they finally realize how much they have spent on their bikes, and they know what they COULD have had. Haha

As far as the '08 vs. '09 debate, I would really have to think that whoever purchases one of the new '09's will like it. Of course we have that flimsy saddlebag issue... But for me, the discount the dealer was offering on the '08, and the color, well, the temptation was just too great. I know we all tend to be somewhat partial to what we have, unless we don't like what we have!

To me, the Nomads look so good, sound so good, and ride so nice, I just don't see how anyone could be disappointed with one.

Anyways, thanks to all. I'll try to get a couple pictures up sometime. I told my wife I was going to get her a new digital camera so she could take some photos of the bike- wow, THAT did not score me any points!

Yours truly,

Bill
Casa Grande, AZ

[scott2007nomad]

Welcome and congratulations on your new purchase.
For what it's worth, I never buy the first year of a new model. I've seen too many times that it takes time to work the kinks out.

RE waves: I wave to everyone regardless if they want to acknowledge. When I first started riding on an old, small, bike, I appreciated other's friendliness and I want to do the same for others.

There are tons of stories on "the wave".

Enjoy you new Nad!

Scott

[Todd]

Congrats on the new bike....and welcome to Kawanow.

Most people will wave at you...you'll see...the ones that don't, don't matter anyway.

[refugio]

Nice job Bill............You make me proud to be a Nomad owner.
Welcome to this site......from South Texas.

[cheriann]

Congratulations Bill!!!!
I am so jealous!!!!! The red and black color combo looks SO SHARP!

By the way, most wave around here, even the Harley riders!

[speedbyu]

Welcome and congrats, you will love the bike. I get a lot of waves here. I figure they think it is a freaking Hardly when they pass me. Gives me a nice laugh for the day.

Let the modding begin !!!!


Later, Bill

[rickmeister56]

welcome from southwestern kansas.dont worry about the harley riders not waving you will get many waves from them. the only ones who will not wave are some of the rubs(rich urban bikers).and guys that dont realize that numerous harley parts are foreign made and they are very narrow minded.but then again they are not real bikers anyway. i have an 08 also the red/blk....

[billz410]

Thanks, guys and gals. Now, about that Rally in Custer... Would sure like to go- have to see how it all works out.

[radco]

Bill WELCOME from MAINE,, and CONGRATS on the NEW BIKE>>>>The Nomad was my first Kaw after being HONDA since 71.. for the most part I am impressed,,,Will buy another one...Peopel here are top shelf and ready to help.. ALSO in our vendors section and ASK before you buy any goodies,,,we know where to get DISCOUNTs :) Ride Safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR..Rich

[caddman11]

Hey Bill, welcome to the world of Nomads and congrats on the new bike. Nomads are not a common site around here, so I'm one of a few. I've only seen two besides mine, and I know of one more, even though I know there's got to be more.

As for the Harley guys, I met a group in an expressway rest stop last year, and they were very interested in my bike. As they walked around her, I could here them talking about how, for long rides, they would like to add this and that to their bikes for comfort. They were very inquisitive about everything, asking loads of questions. In the end, they asked me if I wanted to ride along with them since I was riding alone. I took them up on it for a while, but they were cruising along at about 85 ( I'm a 70's kinda guy) and they were just too freakin' loud, so I backed off to enjoy the ride instead of feeling like I was "riding in a panic".

At the local bike nite, there are always HD owners checking out the old Nomad. Most of the time they are amazed at how big and comfortable the bike looks sitting next to there HD, even if they own a bagger.

I was a HD guy before the Nomad, and the size and price of the bike were contributing factors in choosing the Nomad, I'm a big guy. Enjoy your new ride; your lucky because you get to ride year round, where some of us are going through withdrawals because our Nomads are sitting in the garage under wraps.

[audiogooroo]

Congrats on the new NAD!
Thanks for the post. Nicely done!

[blowndodge]

Welcome Bill!

Yea, KawaNOW is it's own family of clowns and good friends As with all sites we had our "teething" issues but we now have a clean house. I'm looking forward to Custer next year.

You'll love the 2008 as much as I love my 2006.

Again, Welcome


BD

[lomax]

...hey Bill
Welcome to the forum from western Canada. Your enthusiasm through your post really made me smile. Enjoy your new ride and post often. :)
Mike

[paul]

Glad you are here, Bill. Can't add to what you've already said. Great site and the folks are indeed a cut above. It's always good to have fresh perspective. Keep on postin!

Again, welcome. And keep on wavin'.

[dabull]

Hi Bill...Welcome from NW Florida...

As you have already heard, you will love tha Nad....congrats on the purchase...lemme know how the whole thing goes with your wife...I actually got mine to sit on the back seat the other day...took her all of 15 seconds to have had enuff;) Ha!

As far as the wave...not sure if its Harley riders or?? But everytime I stand up on my floorboards, throw my arms up in the air, sit back down and look to see if the wave continues, it never has...maybe its just me?? :) Actually, I have seen limited non-wavers...Harley and Metric, most everyone is just happy to be out on the road;)

Welcome again

Aloha

Derry