Nomad or Goldwing

[dbrobo]

2009 Nomad
I am thinking about purchasing a 2009 Nomad. It has very low mileage and seems to be priced right. However, I have been on a Goldwing since 2001 having sold my second one in June of this year. Thought I might try something different this time (not to mention, less bucks) and I love the looks of the Nomad. With that said I have seen posts on other forums, which are not very complementary of Nomads as of late. The major concern seems to be the belt noise and need for adjustment and the noise from the transmission. I must say there was never an issue on the GW with the shaft drive and I don't understand metrics (and HD) switch to belts. Other complaints are excessive engine heat and flimsy bags. I know there is going to be more heat sitting on top of a v-twin, but would I be miserable on a Nomad? I have seen several posts on GW forums from riders, who said that if they had to have something other than a GW it would definitely be the Nomad.

All input is welcome.

[cactusjack]

2009 Nomad
I am thinking about purchasing a 2009 Nomad. It has very low mileage and seems to be priced right. However, I have been on a Goldwing since 2001 having sold my second one in June of this year. Thought I might try something different this time (not to mention, less bucks) and I love the looks of the Nomad. With that said I have seen posts on other forums, which are not very complementary of Nomads as of late. The major concern seems to be the belt noise and need for adjustment and the noise from the transmission. I must say there was never an issue on the GW with the shaft drive and I don't understand metrics (and HD) switch to belts. Other complaints are excessive engine heat and flimsy bags. I know there is going to be more heat sitting on top of a v-twin, but would I be miserable on a Nomad? I have seen several posts on GW forums from riders, who said that if they had to have something other than a GW it would definitely be the Nomad.

All input is welcome.

To me, comparing a Nomad to a Goldwing is like comparing apples to oranges. Yes, they both have two wheels and a seat, but the differences between the two are greater than the similarities, in my opinion.

Not to say they are mutually exclusive, but I'd think someone who is used to riding a Goldwing may not be happy on a Nomad. We have had several people make that change, and more than a few have gone back to the Goldwing. A Goldwing is a much more refined machine, the Nomad less so.

They are both good bikes, just hard to draw a fair comparison - kind of like comparing a Dodge to a Mercedes.

[jims]

It would seem like back to back extensive test rides are in order.

[ponch]

2009 Nomad
I am thinking about purchasing a 2009 Nomad. It has very low mileage and seems to be priced right. However, I have been on a Goldwing since 2001 having sold my second one in June of this year. Thought I might try something different this time (not to mention, less bucks) and I love the looks of the Nomad. With that said I have seen posts on other forums, which are not very complementary of Nomads as of late. The major concern seems to be the belt noise and need for adjustment and the noise from the transmission. I must say there was never an issue on the GW with the shaft drive and I don't understand metrics (and HD) switch to belts. Other complaints are excessive engine heat and flimsy bags. I know there is going to be more heat sitting on top of a v-twin, but would I be miserable on a Nomad? I have seen several posts on GW forums from riders, who said that if they had to have something other than a GW it would definitely be the Nomad.

All input is welcome.

Have you defined what you are looking for? What is important, must have, don't care about? After that, test ride, test ride, test ride.

[blowndodge]

I'm guessing you won't like the Nomad based on Scott's analogy. If you really have an HO to get a V-twin the Nomad is a good deal. Nothing about it is "better" as far as comfort is concerned.

[dank]

I loved my Nomad. Every mile on it. Great bike. But you are going to notice greatly decreased acceleration, less range, much reduced weather protection, poorer cornering, and a generally lessened level of refinement (no reverse, no center stand, no ABS - if you have that option on your wing).

I went from a sport touring bike (C10 Connie)to the Nomad. Riding it home I thought I'd bought a tractor. But I got used to how it felt quickly and really enjoyed how a V-twin performs, put 50,000 miles on it, and had some of my all time favorite motorcycle trips on it. Super bike, but very different from a wing. I guess I say that to simply say nobody can answer your question. As noted above, they are very different rides. You have to decide if you want the refinement of the Goldwing, or are ready to try a different riding experience. I advise you to find a way to test drive the Nomad before buying it.

[usranger74]

Bump back to an 08 and u will get the shaft drive and better bags. But, I think Scott pegged it. If you are used to the comfort of a Goldwing, the Nomad may (stress may) be a disapointment.

[Loafer]

Great advise is, test ride....
The wing is everything the nomad isn't and vise versa.
Good luck with your choice.

[mnbk]

I went from a 2001 1500 Nomad to a 2003 Wing. Kept the Wing for 5 yrs and 46,000 miles and returned to a 2008 Nomad in June 2008. Sure the Wing is nice and has lots of amenities but you have to decide what you want to do and how you want to ride. My Nomad does everything I want and more. Being 6'2" and 220 the Wing did not "fit" me the way I wanted it to. That said you have to be happy with what you buy but I will not be going back to another Wing.

Just my $.02 worth

[ringadingh]

A lot depends on your budget, the wing will be a far better touring bike if thats what you want to do. The Nomad has a lot of bang for the buck, but if you have to start adding stuff to get it the way you want , it will start racking up the dollars as well

[aldridgekennedy]

i second the comments here. But to adress your specific concerns, i for one have never had the slightest issue with the belt (noise or otherwise).

The nomad, like most all other v-twins i've ridden have a certain clunk from 1st to 2nd.

I couldn't be happier with the nomad.

[ponch]

He can always get a Russell Day Long for the Nomad.

[tcat]

I have both (07 Nomad & 02 Goldwing), for two up long distance rider & passenger comfort the Goldwing wins hands down (seconded by the wife).

But for all around riding (all day or short trips) by myself, I'll take the Nomad first everytime.

[jp58]

I have a friend with an 08 goldwing. There are things i like about it. Like the smooth quiet engine and quiet shifting. But the rider is more cramped. I like the feet forward on the nomad and the handleing is good. Some times i wish it had a smooth V-4

[dbrobo]

Great responses and thought provoking insights. One of the things that concerned me were the many posts I have seen on other sites having to do with the belt issue and what I perceived as general reliability issue. With the Wing I knew service was never really an issue no matter where I was. It seems Honda dealerships are pretty good, especially if you are away from home. Are the Kawasaki dealers quick to honor warranties and provide a good level of service?

[ramdam1]

I have both too and I have to agree with many posts. Test drive and figure out what you want. The forward controls for me at 6'2" the Nomad wins. The Goldwing has all the bells and whistles. Yeah I have the belt and shifting noise and it does not really bother me. The only thing I miss is the radio but I will add that next year. Apples and Oranges. You need to deceide. Good Luck.

[ken]

While I have no experience with a GW, to me a Nomad is a motorcycle while a GW is a touring machine. What do you want the bike for...if long range touring is the plan, I would think the Wing is the thing, but for short tours and just fun riding, I think the Nomad fits the bill and I echo the 08 or earlier for the shaft drive. My two Euro cents.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

For the money the Nomad is the better buy. Rode a Goldwing back in the 80s and loved it. I now ride an '08 Nomad and love it equally well. Kawasaki is very good with warranty service. Go for the '08 as it does have shaft drive, one reason I got it rather than an '09.

[Loafer]

I had the opportunity to need service while on a trip. And both times the dealers were very helpful with getting me in and on my way, within a couple of hours. I know there are crappy dealers no matter where and which manufacturer you need. But I was impressed with the ones I found.

[coacha]

Get hold of Trosco, he has or had both in his garage recently and can give you a really objective and current opinion on the GW and the Nomad.

[nomadbehappy]

I had the opportunity to rent a Goldwing this summer when I was in the states on a conference. I absolutely love both bikes, but like others have said the two are as different as apples and oranges. Although the wing is a heavier bike, it is so well balanced it feels lighter than the nomad, and seems to have no end to power. The nomad is a great reliable bike (mine's an 08 - shaft drive), comfortable (not wing comfortable but comfortable), and an all round great cruiser. I am very happy with my Nomad, but know that in another few years I will most likely move on to a goldwing unless they screw it up in the next redesign. I am not very tall 5'10" and short legs (30") and find I have to reach for the handlebars (handlebar risers or new bars could correct that), but the goldwing felt like it was custom made for me.

Both bikes are great bikes, but you do really need to make a list of what is important for you in a bike and then test ride any that fall into that category. If you want a cruiser that is a bit more refined, I am hearing lots of members here talk about the Victory cross country. Not to make your decision more difficult, but you might want to add that as another possibility

[dbrobo]

I have been looking for the HP rating of the Nomad and the only thing so far is a formula using torque x engine speed /5252. Using this formula the Nomad has only 56 HP. Is that correct?

[blowndodge]

That is correct. The Nomad has as much horsepower as Todd has brains...... very little!! :wtf:

[ponch]

I have been looking for the HP rating of the Nomad and the only thing so far is a formula using torque x engine speed /5252. Using this formula the Nomad has only 56 HP. Is that correct?

That sounds a little low for a 1700...1600 may be about right.