?'s for 1700 Nomad Owners

[kjaxntn]

I am looking to upgrade to a new 1700 Nomad but would like to know what the owners think of their 1700. Not sure where to post but here goes.
1) have you had any problems yet
2) overall quality?
3) ride and handling
4) did you own a 1600 nomad before you bought a 1700 and was it a mistake to upgrade.
5) pro's and con's

thanks in advance for your comments.

[flatlander]

You didn't say what you're riding now but if it's a Nomad 1600 or even a low mileage 1500 and you're not experiencing troubles with the bike I would say wait. If you're riding something else I would be tempted to say GO FOR IT! The Nomad 1700 is a wonderful ride. I'm only 5'8" and it fits me perfectly. The floorboards are positioned just right and the bars are in just the right spot. Kawasaki has intentionally shortened these spaces so if you're 6' or more you should go sit on one to make sure it fits. The shape of the seat seems confining when you sit on it in the showroom but once you take off it is very comfortable. I was pleased to find that a 500 mile day did not induce "butt burn". I won't have to invest in an aftermarket seat! A large savings!
The only problem I've had is a rattle that has developed in the instrument pod on the tank, my dealer has not heard anything about this from Kawasaki but have assured me they will take care of it for me but I'm waiting for their service department to slow down 'cause I don't want to leave it there for days when I could be riding it. My only other comments about quality are the mechanisms latching the saddlebags. They seems a little cheap but they are mounted very solidly.
I previously had a 1500 Nomad, traded for a 2001 Goldwing, traded that for a Yamaha Venture and when the 1700's were announced I got the first one delivered in Amarillo and couldn't be happier. The ride and handling are better than the previous 3 bikes. It turns effortlessly with just the right amount of counter steer. When you turn into a curve it goes where you point it and is comfortable to steer in the turn. We have an access ramp on our freeway that has had cracks filled with some slippery tarlike compound that made the Venture feel like it was going to slip & slide and spit me off. The Nomad can be maneuvered around these filled spaces very easily. Another spot in the road on the way home has a long sweeping curve at about 50mph. In the middle of this curve is a depression that made the Venture and even the Wing squirm, The Nomad takes it in stride. The new frame is reported to be 40% stronger than the old frames and this particular spot in the road has made me a believer.
The pro's would be the 1700cc motor, it is a torque monster! The 6th gear Overdrive and electronic cruise control make an all day ride a pleasure. I also think a pro is how beautiful the bike is, I got the red & beige. Some may say the bags don't look as good and I don't disagree but these bags are very complimentary to the bike and I do like top loading and the fact you don't have to lock them all the time.
The only real con I can think of is the total lack of aftermarket accessories. They are so new and production is limited so no one has anything yet, Even Kawasaki!
So, if you're riding a 1600 I might wait 'till next year for tweaking by Kawasaki and the availability of accessories. If you're riding anything else I would probably trade.
Good luck and happy motoring.

[peterdarby]

I have had mine for a couple of months now and couldn't be happier. Handling is all I expected. (I switched from a BMW RT-P so I can't really comment on the handling from a cruiser to cruiser comparison.) I did my first 10 hour ride last weekend and except for not moving my legs much there is no discomfort. I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway which is a nice 50-55MPH ride with sweeping curves and gentle up and down hills which really let me test the cruise control. And I wasn't disappointed. I also love the sound of that big twin grumbling along. Not to loud but it has authority. Under the heading of worthwhile accessories I found my GPS to be useful not only to take me home when I wanted to turn off, but also to read the road ahead to set up for curves. My speakers and IPOD were also a welcome addition on the long ride. (I have to get more tunes.)

[elkhunter]

Jackson,

Not a Nomad but a Voyager. Picked it up today.

1) have you had any problems yet? ............. Not yet
2) overall quality? .......... Good
3) ride and handling ............ Great!!! Much better than my 2001,1500 Nomad. Both at low speed and twisties That is taking in consideration both tires are new. Seams to have more clearance in the curves and more get up and go.

4) did you own a 1600 nomad before you bought a 1700 and was it a mistake to upgrade? .......... I've only had it twelve hours but NO! not a mistake. I'm relieved as this was a concern of mine also.
5) pro's and con's .......... See above and give me more time.

[steveo]

Hi Guys. I have the new 1700 nomad after selling my xv1900 Yamaha. The Nomad rides better, handles better especially at low speeds. No problems yet but only just covered the 1000 miles probation period. I was very interested in the spec for removing baffles to the 1600's. Any thought or ideas for the 1700. Look different and costly. Regards Steveo. The new bloke on the block!!

[gv550]

I had a 1600 Nomad, rode it 150,000 miles and traded it for a 1700 Voyager and have rode it 12,000 miles. The 1700 has a better engine, smoother, quieter, more power. The 6 speed does not shift as well as the 1600s 5 speed and the neutral finder does not work as well either. The 1700 frame and suspension is light years ahead of the 1600, the handling and stability is phenomenal. The 1700 clutch has better feel and control, the 1600 seems "wimpy" in comparison. The 1600 has a sight glass to check the oil level, the 1700 has a dipstick and what a PITA that is. The 1700 puts a lot more heat on the riders legs, but that could be Voyager specific. The 1600 has a better looking fuel tank. I prefer the styling of the 1600 saddlebags over the 1700 but have to admit the new ones do hold more stuff and are easier to load, and the styling is growing on me. Electronic cruise control is nice. 1700 uses less fuel and does not need premium. 1700 has less leg room and the seat traps me in one spot, 1600 has it beat there. 1700 belt drive is noisier than the shaft.
The only problem I've had is a surge while braking, I think it is a warped rotor and I expect Kaw will replace it.
I think the 1700 is of the same quality as the 1600.
The 1600 is a fine motorcycle and I don't want to belittle it, but I would not want to go back after having a 1700.
Sorry for the ramble-on.

Garry

[coacha]

Thanks for the comparisons gentlemen. When and if the local shop ever has a test ride opportunity, I want to do it or I'll wait till Biketoberfest to do it over in Daytona.

[glwilson]

Good info to hear about guys. Thanks! Keep it coming.

[Cajunrider]

Thanks for the reviews guys. Very honest and thorough.

[glwilson]

I have heard several comments on the windshield being too high on the Voyager. It was for me also when looking at it. The dealer mentioned a "glazer" around our area that would cut and polish the bottom off and drill new holes for the mounting for a reasonably cheap price. He said they can have it done while you wait.

Thought I might throw that idea out there in case anyone has that problem. Sounds like a less expensive way to go rather than buying an after-market.

Just a thought.

[elkhunter]

I was going to do that, cut the bottom. The sides are tapered from the bottom to the top. If I cut 4" off the bottom there will be a gap on the sides. Not a big gap but about ¾" per side. I could have at least made sure of the height I needed before I ordered?

Elk Hunter

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by elkhunter

I was going to do that, cut the bottom. The sides are tapered from the bottom to the top. If I cut 4" off the bottom there will be a gap on the sides. Not a big gap but about ¾" per side. I could have at least made sure of the height I needed before I ordered?

Elk Hunter

You know, I didn't realize that would be a problem; but now that you mention it -- it wouldn't look good to do that.

Maybe they could cut and polish it from the top. I couldn't see why cutting one end or the other would be any different -- but then again -- I just took the dealer's word about cutting it from the bottom and that was clearly wrong!

[bobzinger]

I cut the top of the windshield off my Nomad. Just tape it up and use a fine jigsaw blade. Then BEFORE taking the tape off file it smooth then sand. I use some plexiglas polish and it looks good.