When will Kaw "update" its 1600cc Classic/Nomad engine?

If Kawi execs were smart (which evidently they aren't) the next Nomad model would have a 2053 cc engine in it. :-?

BTW the 1600 Classic FI's first came out in 2003. I know - I bought one.

1500fi made it's first appearance on the 1999 Drifter, later on the Classics and Nomad.

First 1600 Classic was 2003, the 1600 was put into the Nomad in '05, and the Meanie in '04.

Honestly, I'm surprised to see the 1500 still around. The 800 classic was killed the year before the 900 was introduced, and the 800 Drifter was killed the next year.

Sadly, due to CARB requirements, there will be no 2008 1600 Classics available in California.

RichLockyer said:

First 1600 Classic was 2003, the 1600 was put into the Nomad in '05, and the Meanie in '04.

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So really, the "1600cc" first debuted in 2003, and the technology is already 5 years old... do you think is it likely to be superceded by a newer, bigger enine in the near future?

RichLockyer said:

Sadly, due to CARB requirements, there will be no 2008 1600 Classics available in California.

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****, thats no good. How does the Nomad pass and the classic not?

V2KCruiser said:

BTW the 1600 Classic FI's first came out in 2003. I know - I bought one.

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5 years down the track, do you consider this engine to be "old technology" ie do you think it will only be a matter of tiume before Kaw re-engineer the Classic engine to up the cc's?

bikerdave said:

5 years down the track, do you consider this engine to be "old technology" ie do you think it will only be a matter of tiume before Kaw re-engineer the Classic engine to up the cc's?

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Not really sure what its missing "tech-wise" ?

Kaw already has the V2k if you just want bigger. I expect the 1600 will be around for 10+ years as is, while the 1500 is on its last legs production wise.

Frankly I think Kawasaki could do fine with just 2 v-twins put in all the various Vulcans (900, 2000)

A Nomad Dresser would be the way to go in my opinion.

Really, I think Kawasaki could do well to stick with the 900, 1600, and 2k engines and build different models around that line up, they'd have a bike to fit every market; a classic, LT, and Nomad versions in all 3 engines ...possibly using many of the same parts saving them tons of money in this process ...with the V2K Nomad being their premier bike by adding a fairing, trunk, cruise, and comm system, etc to the package.

RichLockyer said:

1500fi made it's first appearance on the 1999 Drifter, later on the Classics and Nomad.

First 1600 Classic was 2003, the 1600 was put into the Nomad in '05, and the Meanie in '04.

Honestly, I'm surprised to see the 1500 still around. The 800 classic was killed the year before the 900 was introduced, and the 800 Drifter was killed the next year.

Sadly, due to CARB requirements, there will be no 2008 1600 Classics available in California.

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Rich, you say there will be no 2008 Classic 1600 available in Cali, now I have the 06 1500 Classic with the "Goats Bladder" aka the Cat converter, Buddy of mine has the 06 1600 classic without the converter.

My question is: Do you think the will put the converter on the new 08 1600?

I was told that my 1500 was the "California model" Due to the strick emissions here in AZ Metro area I am hesitant to remove and add custom pipes.

Your thoughts on this?

Kawasaki knows what they are doing, in spite of what "us experts" on the forum think. The 1500 is still around because it sells well enough to justify being continued, however, they will kill it anytime they see it as not profitable. The V2K is not a big seller, there are noncurrent models for sale all over the country, so an expansion of that line is unlikely, in my opinion. I don't think the 1500/1600 engines need updated yet, as they have all the right features-liquid cooled, 4 valve heads, hydraulic lifters, very durable, and shaft drive. They do however, need to do a cosmetic makeover to the 1600 line of bikes in my opinion...mike

pat0021 said:

A Nomad Dresser would be the way to go in my opinion.

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Amen! someone at the kaw marketing department needs to pull their head out of their 3rd point of contact and recognize the premininence of the wing and the king. I'd sign up for a 2K cc full dress, shaft drive Nad in a second!

My local dealer tells me he sells ten 1500s for every one 1600. He believes the 1500 will not be discontinued for a few years yet.

BikerBeagle said:

Really, I think Kawasaki could do well to stick with the 900, 1600, and 2k engines and build different models around that line up, they'd have a bike to fit every market; a classic, LT, and Nomad versions in all 3 engines ...possibly using many of the same parts saving them tons of money in this process ...with the V2K Nomad being their premier bike by adding a fairing, trunk, cruise, and comm system, etc to the package.

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Yup, I think Kawasaki is missing the boat on two models:
!.) A full boat tourer to compete with H-D Classic/Ultras, Victory Vision and Yamaha Venture. The V2K would be the logical platform but overall weight may be an issue.
2.) A performance cruiser to compete with the Warrior, Hammer, V-Rod and M109. The Mean Streak platform is good but I doubt they could get their #'s out of the 1600 motor but if anyone could, it'd be MaKaw.
Now, I dunno if it would sell but the Concours14 motor with its shaft drive would be an interesting prospect. Back in the late 80's Kawasaki made the 900/1000 Eliminator. A power cruiser with mid range tuned Ninja motors. Cool bikes but slightly ahead of their time. The time is now...:mrgreen:

Troop, I like the concours power cruiser idea! That would put to rest who has the quickest and fastest cruiser!..mike

BikerBeagle said:

Really, I think Kawasaki could do well to stick with the 900, 1600, and 2k engines and build different models around that line up, they'd have a bike to fit every market; a classic, LT, and Nomad versions in all 3 engines ...possibly using many of the same parts saving them tons of money in this process ...with the V2K Nomad being their premier bike by adding a fairing, trunk, cruise, and comm system, etc to the package.

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I think you're close, but put the fairing on the 1600 too please! also, don't forget a power-cruiser in each engine range. that would be 4 styles for each engine. That should pretty much fit anyone's needs.

Many, many people consider the 1500 to be one of the greatest engines in all of cruiserdom, that's why it has been around so long and hopefully will be. It's not all about size -a lot of hot-rodders will take a 327 over a 350.

The 750 Vulcan stayed around for the same reason.

As for the 1600, it's not bad either.

troop said:

Yup, I think Kawasaki is missing the boat on two models:
!.) A full boat tourer to compete with H-D Classic/Ultras, Victory Vision and Yamaha Venture. The V2K would be the logical platform but overall weight may be an issue.
..:mrgreen:

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Right Idea but the Venture is V4, and you did not mention the Stratoliner. Newer tecnology and 50 lbs lighter than V2k
My choices were Nomad, VK2-LT & Strat. After 1200 miles I am sure I made the right decision.

P.S. It does not compete with Classics & Ultras, it surpasses them.

The only problem I have with the stratoliner is the price -$15,500 puts it 2.5 k above the Nad -not that deals can't be made on both.

fretbuzz said:

The only problem I have with the stratoliner is the price -$15,500 puts it 2.5 k above the Nad -not that deals can't be made on both.

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Very true, I paid out the door $11,468 for the Strat, the V2K was $11,000 without bags, windscreen, sissybar etc. I could have maybe got the Nad for about $10.500 or so but was more intersted in the strat so that is the one I barganed for.
Ultraglide & Vision $22,000

Shop around for the best deal....