I missed out on the good times.

[P2breaker]

I have read so many replies and posts from years past and am sad that this forum doesn’t seem to have as much traffic as it once did. I know Kawi makes fewer bagger models and the new generation, which I am a part of, is either obsessed with crashing at 200mph on a crotch rocket or is too scared to think of riding a cycle of any kind. Or maybe all the questions have been asked and answered fifty times over and it’s more of a reference site than anything else. Or maybe Kawi has lost market share and their just aren’t enough people to sustain conversation. Whatever it is, I missed the golden age of the Vulcan-bagger. I have seen maybe 4 Kawi baggers in all the 2 years I have owned my Vaquero. It is truly an amazing bike. Cheers to the thirty people on every thread on this site while I am typing.

[redjay]

I would say the "golden age" of this forum was about 10 years ago when people on the forum had a 1500 or 1600 Nomad. When the 1700's came out in 2009 the response was mixed.
Some did not like the top opening bags on the Voyager or the lack of room for the passenger.
Most 1500 and 1600 Nomads are now getting long in the tooth, just like their owners. Some have moved over to other brands and some will decide to keep what they have until their riding days are over.

[plumber63]

I think more people are using the facebook Groups than the old style forums. They are easier to reply on, but you get a lot more BS on them.
I believe the technical knowledge is a lot better on these type of forums than face book.

[scrub]

Just picked up an 09 Nomad today. We could go in and comment on a bunch of threads to revive them and get everyone excited and riding again.

[DragonLady58]

Originally Posted by redjay

I would say the "golden age" of this forum was about 10 years ago when people on the forum had a 1500 or 1600 Nomad. When the 1700's came out in 2009 the response was mixed.
Some did not like the top opening bags on the Voyager or the lack of room for the passenger.
Most 1500 and 1600 Nomads are now getting long in the tooth, just like their owners. Some have moved over to other brands and some will decide to keep what they have until their riding days are over.

Damn Skippy! I'll ride Nomads till I can't find parts anymore or revert to a MeanieMad....

[ringadingh]

I agree that about 12-14 years ago this sight was a lot busier than it is now, Many of us made a lot of friends here and went on some fabulous rides. It was strictly a Nomad only sight back in the beginning, and a lot of information and ideas were to be had. After they opened it up to all Vulcan bikes, it seemed to start withering out over the next couple of years. And as John mentioned a lot of fellas have moved on to other bikes, as the Nomads are getting old. Ive been planning on replacing mine the past few years, but other things keep on cropping up. Since its still running well I'll hang on to it another season. Last year I took it on the longest trip yet, 3000 miles over a week all over northern Ontario , and into Manitoba. The bike never missed a beat at all.
This season I'm thinking about taking a trip up the James Bay Road, were I'll be able to touch the Arctic ocean, Still just considering it, and not sure if it will become a reality.

[duffy]

I have moved on from my 1500 Vulcan Classic but I now own another Kawi bagger even though it is a sport tourer. I still ride with a few folks on this site and check in almost daily............it's that "white" time of the year here so I have to get my bike adventures from somewhere........:)

[DragonLady58]

Yep, these bikes are getting old, age wise. But, as reliable as these bikes are, they make for great custom builds! You can buy a good, dependable bike for about $4-$5000....then throw about $6-$8k into custom work, you can have a completely dependable custom bike for less than $15K, that will go down the road reliably for 100,000-150,000....
Most folks will long be tired of the bike before that time....
Me, I don't sale my bikes out of boredome, I just recustomize/repaint....that way you have exactly what you want, at a non-super inflated price.....
Long Live the Vulcans!

[cactusjack]

When I joined in 2007, this was strictly a 1500/1600 Nomad forum. The bikes were new, or close to it, and we shared information as we figured out all the tips and tricks to modify and improve them. As stated previously, then the 2009 models came out and many of us were very disappointed with what Kaw was offering. Then the owner of the forum decided to open the forum up to nomads, voyagers and vaqueros. Then all hell broke loose (just kidding). In 2011, I wrecked my Nomad and didn't care for the touring offering from Kawasaki, so I bought a Harley. A lot of the original members have either moved on and quit riding, or ride a different brand. Steve (Ringadingh) is one of the few early members left who still rides the same bike. I still check in here semi-frequently, as I have made a lot of friends here over the years. I have noticed the level of participation and message traffic has dried up somewhat over the years.

[Peg]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

... I have noticed the level of participation and message traffic has dried up somewhat over the years.

I think that many of the newer participants find what they want to know from the archives... There's not quite the same level of discussion, now that you "origin members" have found every perfect solution for every possible problem?

Mick still keeps everyone busy though.

[redjay]

I moved to 1300 V Star when the Voyager got too heavy for me.
The wife stopped going on the bike so I bought something lighter.
A bonus was they were still making the 1300 V Star until 2017 so parts are not going to be an issue for a quite a while and Yamaha dealers are more plentiful than Kawasaki dealers in this area (Southern Ontario).

[Chuck A.]

Originally Posted by scrub

Just picked up an 09 Nomad today.

Welcome to the forum. But don't be bashful. Start a thread and people will reply.

[Top Cat]

I joined the forum in 2007 after I bought my new Nomad.
I have made many friends here and a couple enemies
Back them it was like a bunch of friends sitting around the campfire bullshitting. That is the way Trip, the founder wanted it to be. It was great.
After putting 88,000 miles on the 2007 I bought a 2008 and put 64,000 miles on that.

Two years ago the Nomad was getting to heavy for me to be comfortable on.
I bought a Victory Kingpin, much better handling and lighter. I did put Nomad handlebars on it though
Now I check in here almost every day just to see if any old friends are posting. Then I'm off to the Victory forum.

I don't think there will ever be a forum like this one was in the beginning.

[smokier]

In this forum's hayday, I was riding Vulcan Classics. The Delphi Forums is where I hung out.
I am one of those who prefer this format to that of Facebook. Would agree that FACEBOOK is probably a more popular platform to most internet users. Being in IT since 8086's and 8088's, telnet talkers, chat rooms and IRC chats is where I am most comfortable. These types of forums are ... missed by me.

Ride safe,
Smokier

[mbarr10]

I think more people are using the facebook Groups than the old style forums. They are easier to reply on, but you get a lot more BS on them.
I believe the technical knowledge is a lot better on these type of forums than face book.

I think that many of the newer participants find what they want to know from the archives... There's not quite the same level of discussion, now that you "origin members" have found every perfect solution for every possible problem?

FB = Faster replies also, just not as well thought out. I have much more trust in advice here than FB. After only being here for 3 years, I know who I can trust, and why. The responses are well thought out and more detailed here. More pride in being correct.
That being said... Thank you all for your past advice and instructions

"Let the good times Roll"

WVC