I might make a change.

While I'm not getting any older :wink: I have some tendentious and arthritis issues with my left shoulder which unfortunately make riding the Ninja less and less enjoyable. :cry: So that leaves my tossing around the idea of trying something different. I'm looking at larger, touring oriented bikes. I found this new 2013 Voyager 1700 for what I think is pretty reasonable (around 14k). While I would miss the brute power of the ZX (it's fast) I think this would be much more practical. So does my wife, I and you know the saying. The XJ's of course will not be leaving my possession anytime soon.

Sorry about the blurry picture, I didn't take it. And I know, I could stand to shed a pound or two. I should lay off the margarita's and Mai Tai's.

 

OK, all non-XJ/Yamaha digs aside...

That's a sharp looking cruiser man, I like the color scheme. The comfort level must be head and shoulders above the ZX, esp for the missus.

 

If it weren't trying so hard to look like a Harley, I'd like it better.

As far as things like reliability, maintenance and total COI, it's gotta be head and shoulders above an H-D. Kawasaki builds ships, industrial equipment and helicopters. I kinda think "they got this" just like Yamaha.

Plus it's undoubtedly one serious, capable plush-mobile. If you're ready to give up peg dragging and cracking the rear loose with over-enthusiastic application of the right hand, then go for it.

Wife's gonna love it.

Plus you said you were gonna keep the Seca.

 

I thought the "Belly" was a pre-requisite for that style of bike! ;-) ;-)

 

I went to look at the Voyager again this morning and talked to the sales guy a bit more. I then noticed they had a new 2010 Nomad 1700 there and I actually like that a bit more, and it was almost $4,000 less than the Voyager. Same basic bike minus the full fairing and trunk with a different backrest. I said I would stop back in the afternoon when my wife is off work to see what she thinks. When we got back to the dealer luck would have it that the Voyager sold about 15 minutes after I left this morning. I wanted to take the Nomad for a test ride but it needed the battery installed and there wasn't enough time left today so we're going back Monday to take it for a spin. I put a few bucks down on it so it's now listed as sold pending the test ride.



Then we rode to another local dealer that had a 2014 Voyager ready to ride and we took that one for a test. We found it rather comfortable. Much smoother running than a Harley. Just the right amount of V-twin vibration.





I then went home and celebrated by having the last Yuengling in the house. Need to keep the belly I guess. Unfortunately this fine beer isn't distributed around here. :cry:



So come next week after we ride the Nomad I'll make a decision. As for my comment earlier about missing the power and speed of the ZX, I decided I won't need to miss it. I'll just have a slightly more crowed garage.

 

Yuengling's... a great beer.....I look forward to drinking those when I am in Pa. for deer season......can't wait for Nov to come....

 

Biggs, don't worry about that belly. Every tool shed needs a roof.
I have a big belt buckle. That's just a tombstone over something dead.