New buyer looking for advice on used Nomad

[docv]

Hello all,

I'm new to the site, however, I'm a *long time* rider. Been two up for over 30 years now, and I've owned quite a few bikes in that time of just about every style, except motoX. Been without a bike for several years and I'm getting the itch again.

Looking to buy a Nomad and would greatly appreciate any advice on buying a used one. What to look for, what to avoid, common mods etc. I plan to do some touring, hopefully cross country, coast to coast, north to south, and all points in between. While I plan to go solo, who knows, I may get lucky and pick up a passenger along the way. =)

I love the looks of the Nomad, I especially like that I can remove the faring, passenger's seat and back rest for a nice clean boulevard cruiser look when I'm not touring. [BTW, anyone got some picts of Nomads sans gear with bags only? I've a hard time finding them but what I've seen looks gorgeous. Real sleek and clean.]

From the reviews I've read, I've decided on a FI, most likely a 1500, for cost reasons. [Working with a tight budget.] I'm thinking maybe a 2000 or 2001, that is unless I can find a later version in my price range.

Also, any good tips for cross-country touring, mods, gear etc? I've got the basics, camping gear, a windshield mountable GPS, iphone/ipod, tank bag, pack and a few other items I can't think of right now. What else am I missing?

That's quite a bit so I'll stop there for now.

Much appreciation!

Cheers all!

-Doc

P.S. Speaking of GPS and iPhone, any good suggestions on mounting some 12v power outlets? I've seen some tanks with the leather strip and pouch that runs down the middle [I believe it's called a tank bib?] and was thinking that'd be a good place to stash the phone, so maybe I'd run a power cord through the back of it. has anyone done this? Will a magnetic tank bag stick over a bib? Thanks!

[docv]

Update: Just read "Tips and tricks for those long road trips" ...but still open to additional suggestions.

Cheers!

-Doc

[AlabamaNomadRider]

The Nomad does not have a removeable fairing as it doesn't have one. It does come with a windshield that can be removed. Has lowers to help deflect the wind and a little rain.

If you are looking for a louder bike I would get one with Vance and Hines exhaust of Cobra exhaust. They are expensive if you want that sound and have to add it later.

[ringadingh]

Overall they are very good solid bikes that are probably the cheapest tourers to operate on a cost per mile basis.
Be careful of the 99 models as they had a plastic oil gear that gave some problems, however most have been replaced with a steel gear or can be, and they are great biikes.
Another common problem is a weak clutch spring, but again a very easy cheap fix. Im sure youll be pleased if you get one. Take a look in our For Sale section, there are some available there.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Someone had a 2008 for sale that I noticed today. Think he was asking $7500. Believe he said it was blue and silver.

[docv]

Thanks for the quick responses! ...Please keep'em coming! =)

My apologies, I meant windshield... [to-mae-to / to-mah-to] I realize it's not "removable" in the quick-release sense, but 8 screws [I believe that's the correct number] are easy enough to remove / replace. Same with the passenger seat and sissybar. Nothing a screw driver and 10 mins of my time can't address.

I'll check out the for sale site. Up to this point I've been checking Craigslist as they seem to have the most choices and best prices out here in NorCal. I've seen some *great* deals back east and in the mid west but that's a bit far out of reach for me. I'm looking to spend about $3500 and I've seen quite a few nicely equipped in that range. It may take a little haggling but it's surprising what someone will take when you have cash in hand. And like my father always said, if one doesn't work out, there's always another one out there. I just need to be patient.

Cheers all!

-Doc

[Idaho]

Going with FI is a great choice. Don't know if there are FI 1500's. Never paid any attention to that detail. You might want to reconsider your thought to limit yourself to just the 1500. Pretty narrow market and there are lot's of great 16's out there.
While the Nomad does not come with a fairing many have added them later. The windshield is removable but it takes a few bolts and really is not all that clean, at least IMHO.

If you find a bike with over about 25,000 miles on it be sure to ask if the cam chain extenders have been replaced.

Good luck.

[schoeney]

Welcome DocV!

A good used Nomad is a wise choice. I would read gadgets page and scan this website real well. That was a big help for me before I bought my used 2003 1500 FI. Convinced me that there isn't a whole lot that goes wrong with these bikes (knock on wood).

I am not a "wrench" so I prefer to keep it pretty much stock. No aftermarket pipes, air kits, or fuel processors to mess with, I might sacrifice a little power (10%) but keeps it simple.

We have a bunch of good "wrenches" that are very helpful for just about any situation. Keep up on the servicing (not much required IMHO) and you will have a good friend for years to come.

These bikes, even with an extra 10%, are not at the high end of the power scale but they will cruise all day long at any speed you want under 100. Just a matter of dialing in your comfort (shock adjustment, handlebars, pegs, buffeting, seat/backrest, etc.) items.

Great combo of reliability, comfort, looks, cost of ownership.

We are coming your way for our West Coast Rally, Crescent City in August...hopefully you will have your Nomad and can join us. Great people on this site, you will want to meet them.

Good Luck!

[ringadingh]

Any bike 02 and newer are FI and have a larger fuel tank as well. The differences are small but each year they improved a few things.

[skeeter]

suggest a quick trip to "Gadjets New Owners Page" to let you in on some of what to expect. Just Google it.

[Jared]

If you can stretch you budget just a bit, this an amazing price for a 2007 1600.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=14804769&cat=523&lpid=&search=kawasaki%20nomad

[ndbigfish]

My advice on picking up a used 1500 Nomad is as follows:

1) Take a flashlight and observe common areas for oil leaks like the rocker covers, cam plugs, head and base gaskets. Start the motor and let it run and warm-up while you look for the leaks and observe the gasket lines.
2) Look for oil leaks on the final drive and where the swing arm attaches to the transmission.
3) Ask for service records; even if the person did their own work, a simple spreadsheet of maintenance performed will help alot with your decision.
4) Observe the area under the water pump for mineral deposits.
5) Ask if the oil screen has ever been cleaned. Someone who doesn't know about it likely has not been involved in thorough maintenance.
6) Check the condition of the tires; this is a $200 to $300 expense if the condition is poor and they need replaced.
7) Observe the condition of the heads of the fasteners. Rusted socket heads and rounded off heads are a bad sign. Rust shows the bike has been wet for some time or stored outside often.
8) Exhaust, intake and fuel modules mods are great to have. Trim and add ons are a personal thing.
9) Check the color of the brake and clutch fluids. Dark colored fluid in the sight glass is bad.

Lastly the 1500 is a very good bike, but I may be a little bias as I have two 15s. The weak spots are the clutch springs and the POG on the 99. Clunky shifting is a sign of a weak spring, poor oil condition or slave cylinder operation problems. Enjoy the hunt for a bike and welcome.

[Netnorske]

Doc,
The Nomad is a great ride and value....you won't be sorry to own one! The most popular mods you will read about here involve air/intake, exhaust pipes, seats, handlebar risers and adding a trunk and/or fairing....all easily do-able on the Nomad. They run a little lean in stock form, so many guys do the intake mod to get more air/fuel/power....like mentioned, it adds about 10%. On a ride with 30k plus....cam chain extenders are available to help take the slack out the cam chain, quiet down the motor and prevent the chain from grinding through the spark plug tubes. Also, with that mileage, replacing the clutch spring with a heavy duty Barnett spring will turn the bike into a real road warrior... ;)!

As schoeney mentioned, we are having a big rally in Crescent City this August. Hopefully you will have your new ride and will be able to join us! Here is a link to all the information.....

http://www.vulcanbagger.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=17423&start=0

[cajun2wheels]

When I started considering a Nomad I found this forum and read old post from past years.I spent hours doing this and learned all the in and outs of the Nomad.I liked what I saw so I'm now a happy Nomad owner.

[vulcans2]

I'm new to the Nomad scene, as I've been a Gold Wing owner for many years. I find the Nomad (I own a '10 Nomad) to be a great motorcycle, and, as far as I can determine, requires very little in the way of maintenance aside from regular oil and filter changes. Tires as needed.

I will agree that the Nomad isn't a real powerhouse, however it seems to have plenty of power for my needs. I see that, while it won't get up to a speed as quickly as, say the Gold Wing, it'll get there a second later, and I'm not into 1/4-mile timed events or acceleration exhibitions or contests. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my Nomad. Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the 15's and 16's, other than owners of the 16 seem to be very happy and loyal owners. Good luck with your search. Whichever one you get, I'm confident you won't be disappointed.

[Loafer]

I bought a 2001 1500 FI new and have loved every mile on it. Maintain it well and it will take care of you for a long time.

[shnyroq]

The best advice??? Buy mine!
In all seriousness, Nomad's are great - good luck with your search. These guys have hit all the main points!

[mnbk]

Well I owned an 01 1500 FI and loved it., Got the bug for an 03 1800 Wing and sold it. In 08 I came to my senses and bought an 08 1600 Nomad. Very happy with it and not sure why I switched now that I am back on a Nomad.

You'll be very happy with one when you get it.

[jims]

I also read thru the many threads on this forum before purchasing my Nomad last year. My goal was a shaft drive 1600 with low miles and I got lucky finding one only a few hours ride away after a six month search. I have always loved the "hunt' for a new ride, kind of a sickness really, but not interested in getting cured only 'treating' the disease. Have been riding over forty years and the Nomad has stopped my wandering eye. Decide what you want and keep looking - it will show up.

[scott2007nomad]

I bought (ebay) a used '07 Nomad three years ago and it's been great.
It was all stock so I've spent a bit adding the extras I wanted.
Started with a luggage rack, highway pegs and risers.
Then went for a fuel processor, pipes and spot lights.
Also added a ram mount and power outlet for a GPS.
I've bought the air intake mod from Chuckster but haven't got the nerve to install it yet.

My advice, shop hard, I think it's a buyers market.

BTW: I think fuel injection is a must have, especially with ethanol in the gas now.

[skeeter]

only thing I've changed is the seat and the handlebars. would like a fuel processor though...

[docv]

About replacing the seats, is that a common issue for long distance riding? I'm curious because almost every review I've read commented on how good the Nomand's was right out of the box. It wass one of the contributing factors for me choosing a Nomad. Is it a matter of personal preference? For those who have changed them, what is it about the stock seat you didn't like? What kind of rider are you, tall, short, big, small?

Thanks again for the great info. It's much appreciated.

Cheers!

Doc

[docv]

.

[skeeter]

5'6'' 180 lbs 30" inseam. Stock seat has more "hump" to it and was uncomfortable to me especially on longer rides. Had a Mustang on previous bike and was partial. Also partial to picking up used seat at lower price. Someone had upgraded to a Mustang with backrest... anyway... Mustang is flatter and I sit back in the pocket more and lower than stock. Also firmer and surprisingly more comfortable for me especially on long trips. I use a beaded pad in the summer for air circulation and nix in the winter. I sit slightly lower than stock and ride with sneakers most of the time and can put my feet flat.

[Netnorske]

While many of the two-tone colors are certainly eye catching, I must admit, I do like something about the classic look of black. I'd even thought about an old-school custom paint job at some point, with black base, cream-yellow scallops and a red pin-stripe. But that'll have to wait til much later. Besides, when buying used, the choices are few and I don't know if I could hold out that long, waiting for the *perfect* one. I suppose I'll have to leave it up to the fates to decide wether or not I get the *exact* one I want or not.

About replacing the seats, is that a common issue for long distance riding? I'm curious because almost every review I've read commented on how good the Nomand's was right out of the box. It wass one of the contributing factors for me choosing a Nomad. Is it a matter of personal preference? For those who have changed them, what is it about the stock seat you didn't like? What kind of rider are you, tall, short, big, small?

Thanks again for the great info. It's much appreciated.

Cheers!

Doc

Doc,
Many if not most Nomad owners have an issue with the stock seat. There are a few lucky ones here that are comfortable on the stocker, but most of the long-haul riders have purchased aftermarket seats. Mustang, Corbin, Ultimate, Russell Day-Long to mention a few, with the latter being the most expensive. I would guess the Mustang would garner a large percentage of our group, but seats are a very personal thing. The one that don't hurt your ass is the best one for you... ;). Personally, I have a Mustang with the driver backrest and it works much better for me than the stock seat did. Cross your fingers in the seat department!

You might do well to purchase a bike that already has an aftermarket seat. That alone will save you a LOT of money from having to buy one yourself. A new Mustang with backrest runs about $550.00 or so....and personally speaking, I would not have a seat without a backrest. Look around as many used bikes already have seats upgraded by the previous owner. Good luck... http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif.

[ndbigfish]

We have ridden 650 miles, 2-up on the stock seat of the 99. We routinely ride 350 to 400 miles during a trip. As the foam in the seat ages it becomes less comfortable. We are having the stock seat on the 03 re-worked with a dense foam base and overlaid with thinner foam. We put a live load on the bike of approximately 370 lbs; I account for most the load. While I'm not massive, (6' w/ 30 inseam) I' m pretty dense.......at least that is what I've been told. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Kris is right that the seat is a personal thing and it is hard to tell how well it fits you until you use the seat for a day.

[scott2007nomad]

About replacing the seats, is that a common issue for long distance riding? I'm curious because almost every review I've read commented on how good the Nomand's was right out of the box. It wass one of the contributing factors for me choosing a Nomad. Is it a matter of personal preference? For those who have changed them, what is it about the stock seat you didn't like? What kind of rider are you, tall, short, big, small?

Thanks again for the great info. It's much appreciated.

Cheers!

Doc

My wife and I were on a three day ride last spring. On the second day we rode for over 14 hours with breaks for fuel and food of course.

The moto seat was just fine for us. I did wear compression shorts under my jeans which helped also.

[Loafer]

I like the stock seat, ten years now. Longest ride was 4 days 1720 miles. It helps to straighten out your under wear at every fuel stop. Our butts are all different, so try different seats at a rally if you can.

[waterman]

Docv,

As everyone has stated, seats are a personal subject. I still have the stock seat but made a beaded cover. A good change of pace to change from stock to beaded cover. It also works well when it is very warm to hot keeping some air flow under your rear.