1600 Classic vs Nomad

[a99miata]

Let's get the pot boiling. I am looking at a 05 Nomad when I started thinking of a 1600 classic dressed up. By the time a fairing, engine guards, hard bags, light bar and sissy bar w/ rack are added, it is about the same price. So what is the general thought on this?

[BigJohn]

When I was looking around for a "new" scoot a few months ago, I was faced witht he same question plus not enough moxie to splurge for a showroom model.

First idea was to buy a 1500 or 1600 classic/Fi and add the accessories. Cost wise it was about a wash between the "used" Nomad and dressing out either the 1500 or 1600.

I went with the Nomad. I'd rather ride than modifiy...besides, the Nomad I got had almost all of the accessories that I was planning on adding anyway...<g>

[BamaBob]

When I was looking around for a "new" scoot a few months ago, I was faced witht he same question plus not enough moxie to splurge for a showroom model.

First idea was to buy a 1500 or 1600 classic/Fi and add the accessories. Cost wise it was about a wash between the "used" Nomad and dressing out either the 1500 or 1600.

I went with the Nomad. I'd rather ride than modifiy...besides, the Nomad I got had almost all of the accessories that I was planning on adding anyway...<g>

Yep - it does have several of the usual mods most folks add to the Classics.

[Night Flight]

Let's get the pot boiling. I am looking at a 05 Nomad when I started thinking of a 1600 classic dressed up. By the time a fairing, engine guards, hard bags, light bar and sissy bar w/ rack are added, it is about the same price. So what is the general thought on this?

Yep, I bought the '05 Nomad after figuring what the cost of bags, windshield, etc. I like the fiberglass bags over the leather, especially in the rain. They are also much easier to open and get to your bag contents. I bought the insert nylon bags for packing clothing etc. Grab it and go into the motel room without have to untie or unstrap things off the back seat or luggage rack. I also like the looks of the exhaust system on each side of the bike under the bags.

Your choice, but this Nomad is a clean looking machine and rides great. My mileage has been consistently in the mid 40's but that's riding in a group and not doing any hot rodding. Still, IMHO, that's good mileage for the size of the engine.

[bobvc]

OK, I'll weigh in. I have an VN Classic, but it came off the showroom floor with a windshield, engine bar, back rest, light bar. I don't expext to take many long cruise trips, I'm more the local cruise guy and I added soft bags. I opted not to do the Nomad because I'm not a touring guy. It comes down to, what do you want from the bike, then buy it! Have fun, you probably can't make a mistake with your choice.

[tdaugharty]

If it was'nt for the streak I would of ended up with a Nomad .... Similar issue for me during purchase.

[Ken]

If you are going to put bags on a Classic anyways, I'd go with the Nomad. You can't beat the look and functionality of the Nomad bags.

In the August issue of 'Cruiser ' magazine, they have a shootout between the Vulcan 1600 Nomad, Yamaha's new Royal Star Tour Deluxe, and the Harley Road King. Gues who won? It's on the newstand now - check it out.

Finally, if aftermarket pipes are something you will be considering, think about it now. If I remember correctly, there are more pipe options available for the Classic than the Nomad.

[Lee_2061]

If you are going to put bags on a Classic anyways, I'd go with the Nomad. You can't beat the look and functionality of the Nomad bags.

In the August issue of 'Cruiser ' magazine, they have a shootout between the Vulcan 1600 Nomad, Yamaha's new Royal Star Tour Deluxe, and the Harley Road King. Gues who won? It's on the newstand now - check it out.

Finally, if aftermarket pipes are something you will be considering, think about it now. If I remember correctly, there are more pipe options available for the Classic than the Nomad.

Decision time.
Strip down or dress up.

[Scotty Luv]

If it helps, my first cruiser was a '97 1500 Classic that I dressed out. My current bike it the '04 1500 Nomad. I would *never* go back to the Classic.

Scott

[Lee_2061]

If it helps, my first cruiser was a '97 1500 Classic that I dressed out. My current bike it the '04 1500 Nomad. I would *never* go back to the Classic.

Scott

You just luv 'em n leave 'em don'tcha Scott?

[Scotty Luv]

You just luv 'em n leave 'em don'tcha Scott?

It's better to have luved and lost than never to have................oh never mind.

Scott

[Lee_2061]

It's better to have luved and lost than never to have................oh never mind.

Scott

It'll get back.

[2WheelFun]

You just luv 'em n leave 'em don'tcha Scott?

LMAO!!!!! I hope I didn't get Scotty's old ride!

[Lee_2061]

LMAO!!!!! I hope I didn't get Scotty's old ride!

Were the grips and seat a little *****?

Never mind. Don't answer that.



I do love them asterisks. HeeHee!

[Phatboy]

Let's get the pot boiling. I am looking at a 05 Nomad when I started thinking of a 1600 classic dressed up. By the time a fairing, engine guards, hard bags, light bar and sissy bar w/ rack are added, it is about the same price. So what is the general thought on this?

There are differences between the classic and nomad- rake, trail, frame, tire size, throttle body size,....

If you want hard bags you might as well get the Nomad. When I was shopping there was no 1600 Nomad and I really liked the tank on the 1600 so I went for a dressed classic.

[redpony]

trying to do a search but getting nowhere, lost all my pages on the old puter when it locked up and as i go through my sunny life, i sometimes bump into low hanging branches. ok now back on track what was the names of the outfitters that were making fairings for the 1600 classic? thought there were like 3 of em? ready to make the jump seeing a dresser isn't going to be in my near life, but the damm cold air is!!!! looking for the (harley) type...sorry for using the h word...

[Classic]

what was the names of the outfitters that were making fairings for the 1600 classic?

I believe that was Premeiux or something like that. May be others as well and some have fitted a HD fairing.

[rabbit]

When i was shoping for my bike i looked at the nomad and 1600 classic sitting side by side and decided to go with the 1600 classic for two reasons.........I personally don't like the look of the hard bags on the nomad. I know they are very functional and keep things dry and secure but i like the look of soft bags so I bought Willie & Max bags that have zippers and handles on for removal and the second reason was the pipes.....I had the dealer change my stock pipes to V&H big shots and love the look and the sound.......but the bottom line is you have to buy the bike for YOUR reasons only because its gonna be YOUR bike......Good Luck in YOUR decision and keep us posted...

[SilverEagle]

The Nomad is absolutely hard to beat for the bang for the buck when it comes to how much accessories you want to add in the 1st place.

For me I do not use bags much other than trips over 200 miles or so, so my throwovers works just fine. Plus I do like the sleek look without bags, but $$ wise if you end up putting up the same accessories on the Classic as a Nomad.....you'll end up with more $$$ out of your wallet.

[ontwowheels]

Just depends on the look you are going for. I bought my 04 1600 Classic used, it already had the Kawi large windshield and sissy bar on it. I have added some things like the engine guard, highway pegs, etc that would have come with the Nomad.

If I was buying new I would certainly consider the Nomad. I guess the Classic gives you a few more options on customizing it, in terms of the bags....but value wise you probably get a bit more for the money with the Nomad.

I personally like them both.