Joined the bagger crowd

[Ghost]

I picked up my 2012 Nomad about 3 weeks ago. And promptly put on 1500 miles.:D

This is my first really big bike. I traded my 08 900 Custom that I put 40,000 miles on in just 3 years. I was very used to that bike and it was fun while it lasted. However I felt it was time for an upgrade. And what an upgrade it is!

The weight of the bike is going to take a while to get used to. It's substantially heavier than my 900. If I had longer legs it probably would help! I can't flat foot the bike. Missing that by an inch or so. Any suggestions? Shorter shocks? Or is there enough room in the seat to have that worked on?

Here's a pic of my new ride!

2135

[ringadingh]

These are very heavy bikes to handle, especially at low speed. Install a fairing and Tour Pak and they feel even heavier.
Shorter shocks will help a bit, but then you lose ground clearance. These bikes already can drag the pipes on corners without a problem. A lower seat can work as well, or get the stock seat modified. A slightly lower tire will help, but that will throw the speedo out even more, but that can be corrected with a speedo healer.
A combination of these methods should drop the seat height down where it will be manageable for you.

[Loafer]

For every action there is a reaction. We've all heard that before, haven't we.

Think about it before you do anything to lower the bike.
Would a boot with a thicker sole help?

[Ghost]

I've been checking out greatdaytoride.com . This looks like a good place to get started. I'll email him today. Getting the stock seat modified should help.

There is a cobbler not far from where I work. I think I'll stop by and see if he can put thicker soles on my work boots. I have to have oil resistant and non slip soles. But I'll see what he can do. I may have to have two pairs of boots. One to wear while riding and one pair to work in. That's a possibility!

The service manager where I bought my bike said he doesn't like to put on shorter shocks. Says he's seen too many people come back because of scraping the exhaust and the changes in handling.

Thanks for the ideas.

[ringadingh]

Thicker soles are a good idea, one of the women from Kawasaki rides a Vaquero, she was in her late 60's and stood about five feet tall. She had special riding boots made that had about a 2 1/2" thick sole. She could handle a bike as well as anyone.

[Rebel Chaplain]

I think the boots and a modified stock seat or custom seat are your best bet.

[SoCalNomad]

I had the seat modified and put 13" Progressive Suspension shocks on my Nomad. Handles like a different bike now- more responsive and controllable. There are quite a few threads here and on other forums about different approaches to the seat height issue.

[mrtelefoneman1]

I've been checking out greatdaytoride.com . This looks like a good place to get started. I'll email him today. Getting the stock seat modified should help.

There is a cobbler not far from where I work. I think I'll stop by and see if he can put thicker soles on my work boots. I have to have oil resistant and non slip soles. But I'll see what he can do. I may have to have two pairs of boots. One to wear while riding and one pair to work in. That's a possibility!

The service manager where I bought my bike said he doesn't like to put on shorter shocks. Says he's seen too many people come back because of scraping the exhaust and the changes in handling.

Thanks for the ideas.

Since you didn't mention your stature, you may think twice about modding the seat. Less padding means a sore backside sometimes, even with gel. If you're not heavy, try lowering the pressure in the rear shocks. Finally, my wife got boots with a taller heel and it made a world of difference for her.

Hope it works out. Its a beautiful ride.

Also, go to Lowes or HD and get some foam pipe insulation and wrap your F/R crash bars using zip ties. Don't be embarrassed and head to an empty parking lot and practice, practice, practice. You will get used to handling the heavier bike at slower speeds.

[Vulcandude]

Traded in my o8 custom for a 12 vaquero a few months ago. felt akward on it for the first few weeks. should start to get used to the size/weight soon. think thicker boot soles would work the best. letting the air out/down in the rear shocks won't lower it any. Injoy the new bike