Thinking of a Nomad

Bones · 08-07-2005

Hi everyone. I'm one of those middle aged old farts (48 years young) who is looking to get back into biking after 22 years. I used to ride Harleys back then and loved them. It was different then, now everyone and their brother has one, "Weekend Warriors". I've been really getting the itch after returning from a car trip around the Great Lakes. When I was back in my home town of Thunder Bay and my wife and I were driving the backroads I kept telling her I remembered riding these same roads on my old bikes. I saw so many people cruising and touring every day on our trip, I was certainly envious and after all these years I've got the bug real bad. I've made up my mind that I want a Tourer/Cruiser and I am debating between the Kawi 1600 Nomad and the Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe. Most of the time the bike would be used for day cruises, the odd weekend or three day jaunt and once, maybe twice a year for a nice 5 day to 2 week tour. For the longer tours I would probably look at getting a trailer. Got to have room for the wife's stuff.

I am sure the Nomad is more than cabable for the weekend and short tours. I am wondering how it would be on the longer hauls? I'm 5' 11", 215 lbs and my wife is 5' 3" and 115 lbs.

Does anyone know how the Nomad is for pulling a bike trailer with a full load? Is it a good distance runner? I haven't seen anything for a luggage rack option for this bike.

I really love the looks of the Nomad and I saw a few on the road trip. I like the Yamaha as well but I keep hearing of this "chirping" sound that apparently is quite common on this bike and the Venture when running at highway speed. I have heard of dealers replacing the clutch basket and retourqing the rear end but, it is either a temporary fix or it does not work at all. I am a bit picky and it would drive me stark raving crazy if I kept having to hear this chirping while cruising down the road.

Anyways, I'm hoping one of you Nomad riders does some distance touring and might even pull a trailer now and again. Thanks for any help.

Cheers,
Bones

NY_Guy · 08-08-2005

Welcome, Bones. I've had a Nomad for 4 years (1990 Vulcan before that) and love the bike for in-town (NYC) and long distance, two lane rides. I did, however, add a Thuder Air Kit and aftermarket pipes early-on to add 7 hp. When I buy another Nomad, I'll probably add a ring/cam set for more hp (my only minor complaint about the bike). The stock 1600 engine should be fine to carry you, your wife and trailer, but you might not have great acceleration. The bike is very solid, comfortable, and rarely breaks down with regular maintenance. And they look great!

Someone did a poll recently on this forum and 11% of the members ride Nomads (the largest numbers rides Classics and MeanStreaks). I took an 8,000 trip (3 weeks with stops, typically 400 miles/day) and burned no measureable oil. Everything worked just the way it's supposed to. I did later replace the seat w/ Mustang because my butt would really get sore (that may be improved on the newer Nomads). I also understand they've changed the frame since 2000 as well.

Again, welcome and you've come to the right place to ask about Nomads and other great cruisers.

BamaBob · 08-08-2005

WELCOME Bones! You will love the Nomad! It's a great bike IMO!!

Ed from Florida · 08-08-2005

NY Guy: IMO, they have not improved the seat.....I've heard that it is worse. I have the '05 Nomad and love the bike but I knew that the new seat needed fixed after the first 100 mile ride.
ED
P.S. Bones: There is a luggage rack available from Kawasaki, I just installed it.

*ispeed77* · 08-08-2005

first off, welcome to the forum. second, get the Nomad, it is an awesome machine, especially with the new motor. as for long distance, how's this for ya. i just got back from a 5900 mile, 11 day trip, with my trailer in tow and the bike performed awesome. if you don't believe me, ask around, i've been told i lived up to my screenname

oh, and here's the bike in Colorado :
http://photobucket.com/albums/a316/i...=Colorado5.jpg

NY_Guy · 08-08-2005

And, if you look at ISpeed's picture, you'll notice two things: a Hyper Charger and after maket pipes; and it looks like he was also carrying another cruiser on top of the trailer. Now that's AWESOME power!

Ed confirms my experience with the driver's seat-- hard on the butt (I even tried that gelatinous-like pad underneath my sheepskin with little relief). Too bad, because the passenger backrest on the new Nomad's is beautiful.

Depmodeche · 08-08-2005

36,000 miles on my 2003 Nomad (with the stock seat) and I love it. Been Cross Country twice on it. I was thinking about getting a Yamaha Venture but I just can't rid of my Nomad yet so I'm gonna keep it.

I highly reccommend a Nomad.

Dep

Bones · 08-08-2005

Guy's, thanks to all of you for the kind welcomes and your answers. You have put my mind to rest and I know now that the Nomad will meet my needs. When I get mine I'll try the seat for a bit but might get a Mustang or a Corbin.

ispeed, that is one cool looking trailer. What make is it? I wonder if they are available up here in Ontario?
Ed, I just found the luggage rack on Kawasaki's web site. Thanks.

Can't wait.

Chromequeen · 08-08-2005

[quote=NY_Guy]And, if you look at ISpeed's picture, you'll notice two things: a Hyper Charger and after maket pipes; and it looks like he was also carrying another cruiser on top of the trailer. Now that's AWESOME power!
QUOTE]

Hehehehe..... NY_Guy, you beat me to it! I was going to be "Vanna White" and point out the fact that he can even carry another cruiser of equal proportion on the trailer!

*ispeed77* · 08-08-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by NY_Guy

Welcome, Bones. I've had a Nomad for 4 years (1990 Vulcan before that) and love the bike for in-town (NYC) and long distance, two lane rides. I did, however, add a Thuder Air Kit and aftermarket pipes early-on to add 7 hp. When I buy another Nomad, I'll probably add a ring/cam set for more hp (my only minor complaint about the bike). The stock 1600 engine should be fine to carry you, your wife and trailer, but you might not have great acceleration. The bike is very solid, comfortable, and rarely breaks down with regular maintenance. And they look great!

Someone did a poll recently on this forum and 11% of the members ride Nomads (the largest numbers rides Classics and MeanStreaks). I took an 8,000 trip (3 weeks with stops, typically 400 miles/day) and burned no measureable oil. Everything worked just the way it's supposed to. I did later replace the seat w/ Mustang because my butt would really get sore (that may be improved on the newer Nomads). I also understand they've changed the frame since 2000 as well.

Again, welcome and you've come to the right place to ask about Nomads and other great cruisers.

yeah, that's just that guy on the V2K. i had to give him a break occassionally.

*ispeed77* · 08-08-2005

as far as the seat goes, i am very happy with mine. i think it is a very personal thing, cause i am not alone in being comfortable on the stocker. the last day of my trip i spent 19 hours in the saddle and put on 925 miles and i was still comfortable.

*ispeed77* · 08-08-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones

Guy's, thanks to all of you for the kind welcomes and your answers. You have put my mind to rest and I know now that the Nomad will meet my needs. When I get mine I'll try the seat for a bit but might get a Mustang or a Corbin.

ispeed, that is one cool looking trailer. What make is it? I wonder if they are available up here in Ontario?
Ed, I just found the luggage rack on Kawasaki's web site. Thanks.

Can't wait.

sorry, i forgot to respond to this one. the trailer is made by a company called TNT Manufacturing, i believe they are in Michigan. if you want, PM me your address and i can mail you a brochure with the guy's name that i bought it through. i would imagine you can get one shipped up to you without a problem. or, you can just ride down and buy mine

since i am selling my beautiful bike

04Meanie · 08-08-2005

Welcome bones. I didn't like the Nomad in the beginning but I think it's a good looking bike with the hard bags. The fact that you can add a fairing seems to be a plus.

*ispeed77* · 08-08-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04Meanie

Welcome bones. I didn't like the Nomad in the beginning but I think it's a good looking bike with the hard bags. The fact that you can add a fairing seems to be a plus.

it is a nice option, i just wish i went with a bolt-on painted to match kit, instead of trying to make it work on my own

Bones · 08-08-2005

I went out at lunch today to the Kawasaki dealer near work hoping that they had a Nomad in stock. I just wanted to sit on one. Lo and behold they had a black and silver 2005 in the showroom. After talking to the sales guy I sat on the Nomad. It felt like home, it felt great. Perfect ergonomics (for me). I could just imagine taking this beauty for a tour around the 2 laners of the Great Lakes. I'm going to bring my wife over there to see how she likes the rear perch.

**Spok** · 08-08-2005

well, there's nothing here for me to do but say welcome. seems the boys and girls got you on the straight and narrow.

2fast4u · 08-08-2005

I just got back from a 4800 mile road trip to Sturgis and beyond. I left with 1048 miles on the clock and got back home with 5896 miles on it. the day before my return I rode from Columbia, MO to Columbia, SC in 16.5 hours, that was 905 miles. I have no issues with the seat at all. I'm 6'00" about 220 pounds, fully loaded with gear in the hard bags and a duffle strapped across the rear seat. No issues whatsoever! I did see several Nomads along the way, but one paticular black/silver Nomad I saw twice. Once in the Black Hills on Needles Hwy, and again the next day on US-85. It was a gray mustached gentleman riding that bike, wonder if it was a member here. Also met a older Gent on a gold/coffee colored Nomad, unsure what year that would be, he was 73-years old from Texas and rode there with his cute little Weiner-Dog! He rode up to Sturgis with his brother, also in his 70's, on a VTX with side car rig (red in color). Nice guys and makes you hope to have the stamina to ride that far at their age! I have some digital pic's that my father took ('03 BMW R1200CLC), but my 35-mm are still being developed. I'll scan some and post soon! I'm going to sell my ZR-7 soon, I can't see keeping two bikes when one is the only one going to get ridden.

Cheers!

Pete

*ispeed77* · 08-08-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2fast4u

I just got back from a 4800 mile road trip to Sturgis and beyond. I left with 1048 miles on the clock and got back home with 5896 miles on it. the day before my return I rode from Columbia, MO to Columbia, SC in 16.5 hours, that was 905 miles. I have no issues with the seat at all. I'm 6'00" about 220 pounds, fully loaded with gear in the hard bags and a duffle strapped across the rear seat. No issues whatsoever! I did see several Nomads along the way, but one paticular black/silver Nomad I saw twice. Once in the Black Hills on Needles Hwy, and again the next day on US-85. It was a gray mustached gentleman riding that bike, wonder if it was a member here. Also met a older Gent on a gold/coffee colored Nomad, unsure what year that would be, he was 73-years old from Texas and rode there with his cute little Weiner-Dog! He rode up to Sturgis with his brother, also in his 70's, on a VTX with side car rig (red in color). Nice guys and makes you hope to have the stamina to ride that far at their age! I have some digital pic's that my father took ('03 BMW R1200CLC), but my 35-mm are still being developed. I'll scan some and post soon! I'm going to sell my ZR-7 soon, I can't see keeping two bikes when one is the only one going to get ridden.

Cheers!

Pete

sounds like an awesome trip Pete, glad you had a great time and made it back all good

**Spok** · 08-08-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by ispeed77

sounds like an awesome trip Pete, glad you had a great time and made it back all good

I'd say it sounds like an awesome trip.

BigJon800A · 08-09-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones

my wife is 5' 3" and 115 lbs.

Nice.

Bones,
Ummm if your at all like me, Riding is about sounds AND
the way the bike feels etc, To me having to rev a V4 and
the sounds it makes doesnt compare with the feeling a Vtwin will
give you, the low end pull and the rumble. Im sure the Yamaha is
nice but......

The Nomad would be my preference. These kind of bikes should
have 2 BIG cyclinders. IMHO

Good Luck !!

08-07-2005	#1 (permalink)
Bones Newbie Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Guelph, Ontario Posts: 9	Thinking of a Nomad Hi everyone. I'm one of those middle aged old farts (48 years young) who is looking to get back into biking after 22 years. I used to ride Harleys back then and loved them. It was different then, now everyone and their brother has one, "Weekend Warriors". I've been really getting the itch after returning from a car trip around the Great Lakes. When I was back in my home town of Thunder Bay and my wife and I were driving the backroads I kept telling her I remembered riding these same roads on my old bikes. I saw so many people cruising and touring every day on our trip, I was certainly envious and after all these years I've got the bug real bad. I've made up my mind that I want a Tourer/Cruiser and I am debating between the Kawi 1600 Nomad and the Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe. Most of the time the bike would be used for day cruises, the odd weekend or three day jaunt and once, maybe twice a year for a nice 5 day to 2 week tour. For the longer tours I would probably look at getting a trailer. Got to have room for the wife's stuff. I am sure the Nomad is more than cabable for the weekend and short tours. I am wondering how it would be on the longer hauls? I'm 5' 11", 215 lbs and my wife is 5' 3" and 115 lbs. Does anyone know how the Nomad is for pulling a bike trailer with a full load? Is it a good distance runner? I haven't seen anything for a luggage rack option for this bike. I really love the looks of the Nomad and I saw a few on the road trip. I like the Yamaha as well but I keep hearing of this "chirping" sound that apparently is quite common on this bike and the Venture when running at highway speed. I have heard of dealers replacing the clutch basket and retourqing the rear end but, it is either a temporary fix or it does not work at all. I am a bit picky and it would drive me stark raving crazy if I kept having to hear this chirping while cruising down the road. Anyways, I'm hoping one of you Nomad riders does some distance touring and might even pull a trailer now and again. Thanks for any help. Cheers, Bones

08-08-2005	#2 (permalink)
NY_Guy In Search of Perfect Tune Forum Supporter Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Manhattan Posts: 1,701	Welcome, Bones. I've had a Nomad for 4 years (1990 Vulcan before that) and love the bike for in-town (NYC) and long distance, two lane rides. I did, however, add a Thuder Air Kit and aftermarket pipes early-on to add 7 hp. When I buy another Nomad, I'll probably add a ring/cam set for more hp (my only minor complaint about the bike). The stock 1600 engine should be fine to carry you, your wife and trailer, but you might not have great acceleration. The bike is very solid, comfortable, and rarely breaks down with regular maintenance. And they look great! Someone did a poll recently on this forum and 11% of the members ride Nomads (the largest numbers rides Classics and MeanStreaks). I took an 8,000 trip (3 weeks with stops, typically 400 miles/day) and burned no measureable oil. Everything worked just the way it's supposed to. I did later replace the seat w/ Mustang because my butt would really get sore (that may be improved on the newer Nomads). I also understand they've changed the frame since 2000 as well. Again, welcome and you've come to the right place to ask about Nomads and other great cruisers. __________________ 2006 Black Nomad w/ TFI O2 Sensor Roadhouse 2/1 If you can't dance it's too late to plow.

08-08-2005	#3 (permalink)
BamaBob Midnight Venture Rider Forum Supporter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Meridianville, Alabama Posts: 6,756	WELCOME Bones! You will love the Nomad! It's a great bike IMO!! __________________ BamaBob *BTK Womens Azz Size Study Rep, U.S. Dept. of Posterior*

08-08-2005	#5 (permalink)
ispeed77 RIP Deron Harden :-( Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Gardner, MA Posts: 30,735	first off, welcome to the forum. second, get the Nomad, it is an awesome machine, especially with the new motor. as for long distance, how's this for ya. i just got back from a 5900 mile, 11 day trip, with my trailer in tow and the bike performed awesome. if you don't believe me, ask around, i've been told i lived up to my screenname oh, and here's the bike in Colorado : http://photobucket.com/albums/a316/i...=Colorado5.jpg __________________ In loving memory of Deron Harden, forever in our thoughts :-(

08-08-2005	#6 (permalink)
NY_Guy In Search of Perfect Tune Forum Supporter Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Manhattan Posts: 1,701	And, if you look at ISpeed's picture, you'll notice two things: a Hyper Charger and after maket pipes; and it looks like he was also carrying another cruiser on top of the trailer. Now that's AWESOME power! Ed confirms my experience with the driver's seat-- hard on the butt (I even tried that gelatinous-like pad underneath my sheepskin with little relief). Too bad, because the passenger backrest on the new Nomad's is beautiful. __________________ 2006 Black Nomad w/ TFI O2 Sensor Roadhouse 2/1 If you can't dance it's too late to plow.

08-08-2005	#4 (permalink)
Ed from Florida Cruising In Fourth Gear BTK Intermediate Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 221	NY Guy: IMO, they have not improved the seat.....I've heard that it is worse. I have the '05 Nomad and love the bike but I knew that the new seat needed fixed after the first 100 mile ride. ED P.S. Bones: There is a luggage rack available from Kawasaki, I just installed it.

08-08-2005	#7 (permalink)
Depmodeche Uncle Bob's Love Child BTK Intermediate Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: New Hope, PA Posts: 265	36,000 miles on my 2003 Nomad (with the stock seat) and I love it. Been Cross Country twice on it. I was thinking about getting a Yamaha Venture but I just can't rid of my Nomad yet so I'm gonna keep it. I highly reccommend a Nomad. Dep __________________ 2007 Harley Davidson FLHT Standard in black www.depmodeche.blogspot.com

08-08-2005	#8 (permalink)
Bones Newbie Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Guelph, Ontario Posts: 9	Guy's, thanks to all of you for the kind welcomes and your answers. You have put my mind to rest and I know now that the Nomad will meet my needs. When I get mine I'll try the seat for a bit but might get a Mustang or a Corbin. ispeed, that is one cool looking trailer. What make is it? I wonder if they are available up here in Ontario? Ed, I just found the luggage rack on Kawasaki's web site. Thanks. Can't wait.

08-08-2005	#9 (permalink)
Chromequeen Banned BTK Expert Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Panhandle, FL Posts: 3,209	[quote=NY_Guy]And, if you look at ISpeed's picture, you'll notice two things: a Hyper Charger and after maket pipes; and it looks like he was also carrying another cruiser on top of the trailer. Now that's AWESOME power! QUOTE] Hehehehe..... NY_Guy, you beat me to it! I was going to be "Vanna White" and point out the fact that he can even carry another cruiser of equal proportion on the trailer!

08-08-2005	#11 (permalink)
ispeed77 RIP Deron Harden :-( Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Gardner, MA Posts: 30,735	as far as the seat goes, i am very happy with mine. i think it is a very personal thing, cause i am not alone in being comfortable on the stocker. the last day of my trip i spent 19 hours in the saddle and put on 925 miles and i was still comfortable. __________________ In loving memory of Deron Harden, forever in our thoughts :-(

08-08-2005	#13 (permalink)
04Meanie Turtle Wax Taster BTK Intermediate Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bossier City, La Posts: 198	Welcome bones. I didn't like the Nomad in the beginning but I think it's a good looking bike with the hard bags. The fact that you can add a fairing seems to be a plus. __________________ 2004 Mean Streak

08-08-2005	#15 (permalink)
Bones Newbie Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Guelph, Ontario Posts: 9	I went out at lunch today to the Kawasaki dealer near work hoping that they had a Nomad in stock. I just wanted to sit on one. Lo and behold they had a black and silver 2005 in the showroom. After talking to the sales guy I sat on the Nomad. It felt like home, it felt great. Perfect ergonomics (for me). I could just imagine taking this beauty for a tour around the 2 laners of the Great Lakes. I'm going to bring my wife over there to see how she likes the rear perch.

08-08-2005	#16 (permalink)
Spok RIP Deron - 1400Pilot Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mount Vernon, Washington Posts: 34,585	well, there's nothing here for me to do but say welcome. seems the boys and girls got you on the straight and narrow. __________________ In Memory of Deron Harden - 1400 Pilot. You are missed.

08-08-2005	#17 (permalink)
2fast4u Foil Inspector BTK Beginner Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Central Virginia Posts: 102	I just got back from a 4800 mile road trip to Sturgis and beyond. I left with 1048 miles on the clock and got back home with 5896 miles on it. the day before my return I rode from Columbia, MO to Columbia, SC in 16.5 hours, that was 905 miles. I have no issues with the seat at all. I'm 6'00" about 220 pounds, fully loaded with gear in the hard bags and a duffle strapped across the rear seat. No issues whatsoever! I did see several Nomads along the way, but one paticular black/silver Nomad I saw twice. Once in the Black Hills on Needles Hwy, and again the next day on US-85. It was a gray mustached gentleman riding that bike, wonder if it was a member here. Also met a older Gent on a gold/coffee colored Nomad, unsure what year that would be, he was 73-years old from Texas and rode there with his cute little Weiner-Dog! He rode up to Sturgis with his brother, also in his 70's, on a VTX with side car rig (red in color). Nice guys and makes you hope to have the stamina to ride that far at their age! I have some digital pic's that my father took ('03 BMW R1200CLC), but my 35-mm are still being developed. I'll scan some and post soon! I'm going to sell my ZR-7 soon, I can't see keeping two bikes when one is the only one going to get ridden. Cheers! Pete __________________ "No man is above the law and no man below it; nor do we ask any man's permission when we ask him to obey it." ...Theodore Roosevelt