Learning curve

[seagullplayer]

Hello all, thanks up front for any help.

The long and short of it is, in a couple weeks I will start my search for a used Nomad for my wife and I to enjoy.

I am not a new rider, I have been riding 30 years.

We ride mostly day trips of under 200 miles around our neck of the woods. But we plan a much longer trip perhaps next year of over 2K miles. My current bikes are just not up to that kind of trip, one is too old and the other too small for both of us.

I see that the Nomad has had several engine changes over the years?
I have seen some pretty good deals on the older 1500 models, is there a reason to stay away from them? What is considered the most "bullet-proof" of the engines?

There is FI and carb models? Any big issues with either?

I see a lot of bikes with under 30K on them, is there any cost maint. that needs done about that point?

Looks like a great forum BTW
I expect lots of great input from you all. :tup:

[cactusjack]

Why would you consider a 1500 when there are 1600's and 1700's available? If the reason is cost, a 1600 shouldn't cost much more than a 1500 in similar condition. 1700's are newer and would be another level up in price.

The one year to stay away from is the 1999 Nomad. Kawasaki used a plastic oil pump gear that will fail. They repaired them at their expense for 10 years, but now the repair is on your dime. To me, it's not worth the hassle.

These are good bikes, with fairly solid engines. Some of the common maintenance items are clutch springs, cam chain adjuster extenders, and servicing the rear drive splines.

[seagullplayer]

Funny you say that about the 1999's. There was one near me with a great price I was considering! Now maybe I know why the price was so good.

Price is always a consideration...

[cactusjack]

You might find out if the POG (Plastic Oil Gear) has already been replaced or not. If it's been done, then there may not be an issue with that bike. If it hasn't, it's a ticking time bomb.

[Pitchinguy]

I've had an 05 1600 Classic & now an 011 1700 Nomad. The 1600 is a rock solid engine you won't go wrong with. They started the 1700's in 09. If you can find a good 05-08 1600 I'd jump all over it! Good scoots! I've had no problems with my 1700 other than the 1700's run hotter &the heat can be an issue in hotter climates. 1600's are shaft drive & 1700's are belt. I prefer the shaft drive but it's really not a big deal. The 1700 is a little more sluggish but has a 6th gear & cruise control the 1600's don't have either one. My biggest complaint about the 1600 was the lack of a 6th gear. The 6th gear & the cruise are really sweet if you do much highway riding. All in all, I'd still opt for my 1700 1st but wouldn't hesitate on a good deal on a 1600 either! You'll win either way!

[MAS Tequila]

I've had both the 1500 and the 1600.

The difference really is negligible.

Find a good deal on any of the three sizes and pick the one that appeals to you.

MT

[paul]

I've had both the 1500 and the 1600.

The difference really is negligible.

Find a good deal on any of the three sizes and pick the one that appeals to you.

MT

Also had both, still do. I agree 100% here, but I would add a couple of things. The 1600 is a wee bit longer, but there is quite a bit more room for both rider and passenger. Also, the 1600 has better geometry and corners better and has a lighter feel at parking lot speeds and when dropping into a turn. Craigslist a reasonable source, take your time, you will find the right price.

[dabull]

Had a Nomad 1600 and loved it... Sold it and bought a 2012 Voyager for long hauls and love it....now have on board cruise control, frame mounted fairing, stereo, trunk, and I like the stock seat so far....

[minst7877]

I have a 99 that had the infamous POG and they will fail. It's just a question of when. I wouldn't totally avoid the 1500's though. I would however try to find one that is fuel injected.

DC

[seagullplayer]

This is exactly the information I am looking for! :yep:

We will want all the room we can get, sounds like a 1600 is on my short list.

I may go ahead and call about the 99, 1500 that is near me and ask about the oil pump. It is low mileage, garage kept and good price. Do they replace the pump or just the gears in it?

If we where planning on a lot of travel I would consider more of a long haul motorcycle. But though we may have a big trip in our near future, 99.9% of the time we are going to be under 100 miles from home. I think the Nomad may be the perfect compromise.

Please feel free to continue to add your thoughts.

I leave on vacation tomorrow, I will/may be off line a few days.

Thanks again, everyone.

[skullbagger]

if I'm not mistaken the pog went to metal in 2001 from factory I had one bought it new just traded it in this past may awsome bike never a problem never had to do anything to it. 40,000 on the clock and needed nothing, traded it in on a 14 vaquero
dealer gave me 3,000 and he sold it in 4 days for 6,000 but I couldnt find a buyer nothing but scams,and I wanted the new one to bad.

[Silent Sam]

..My 2002 1500fi Nomad has been very reliable...I do not envision EVER going to a different bike ! (repairs on mine have been pretty easy to do myself.."up-graded-clutch spring" at about 44,000 miles..."Chucksters,Cam Chain Ajusters', at about 48,000 miles) :tup:

EDIT/ADDENDUM: ..if you and your wife are going to ride.. Be Advised that an "After Market Seat" will be the first thing you both may want to consider..the OEM seating is just not going to be suitable for long rides !

[ringadingh]

Funny you say that about the 1999's. There was one near me with a great price I was considering! Now maybe I know why the price was so good.

Price is always a consideration...

The 99's also have a smaller gas tank, your lucky to get a 120 miles on a tank many times. Absolutely check the oil gear if its a 99 model, its a big job to change or repair if you have to install the steel gear.

[minst7877]

The 99 was the last one to have the Plastic oil gear (POG). If you replace it with a SOG (Steel Oil Gear) you have to split the engine case. The JOG (Judges oil Gear) does not require the cases to be split but some of these have also failed. This gear is actually separate from the oil pump and just drives the pump.

DC

[MAS Tequila]

Most of the JOG problems stem from improper installation.

When installed properly there is nothing to worry about.

MT

The 99 was the last one to have the Plastic oil gear (POG). If you replace it with a SOG (Steel Oil Gear) you have to split the engine case. The JOG (Judges oil Gear) does not require the cases to be split but some of these have also failed. This gear is actually separate from the oil pump and just drives the pump.

DC

[id-man]

Enjoy your vacation seagullplayer, when you get back and resume your shopping I wanted to mention a couple simple mods which make the 1500FI much better for long trips.
*Get a big fat touring seat with driver backrest.
*Add a trunk with passenger backrest.
*Add crash bar chaps to take wind off your shins.
*Extend your brake and shifter levers for max floorboard room.

This pic shows all those mods except the touring seat which I still need to save for - in the meantime I'm using something called a bikecushion (bikecushion.com). Note the placement of the brake pedal over the right floorboard, this was cut and rewelded with a 3" extension. I had the same to the shifter lever and this one mod completely transformed the ergonomics of the bike to far better suit my 6'1" frame. It more resembles where the 1600 places it's pedals. Just saying don't be afraid of a post-'99 1500, they're plenty big enough with this simple mod and mine will cruise 2-up at 80mph with plenty of acceleration to spare.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5581/14993514279_82d3c2ef47_k.jpg

[seagullplayer]

I wanted to thank everyone for your help. As it turned out I just could not connect with anyone with a Nomad. Had several calls go un-returned. Maybe they ended up sold, seems to be a popular bike for sure.

I did end up getting a 2005 VTX 1300R at a good price. Late season deal, guy just wanted to make a deal before winter I guess. I think I got it at a great price. 25K on the clock, new tires, new battery. Hard bags, mustang seat, floor boards front and back, V&H pipes.

You guys have a great forum, and are a valuable service to fellow owners, I wish you all the best. I would sure love to meet some of ya on the road.

pic:

http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac221/seagullplayer1965/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG-20141027-00937_zps6c1dce7d.jpg

[id-man]

Excellent buy! I have a lot of respect for the 1300VTX, reliable, good looking and sound GREAT with aftermarket pipes. SO don't be a stranger lots of big posters here no longer ride a Vulcan or at least not exclusively, it's a forum or RIDERS and you're in if you want to play. Keep us bookmarked you're welcome any time.

[Quarterbore]

I'd-man: can you share or direct me to more info on how you modified your controls? I ride a 2004 1500 Nomad and I find myself sliding my feet up under the rear brake pedal and a couple extra inches would be nice for my 34-inch inseam legs.

To the OP, that is a great looking bike. Enjoy the ride!

[id-man]

I'd-man: can you share or direct me to more info on how you modified your controls? I ride a 2004 1500 Nomad and I find myself sliding my feet up under the rear brake pedal and a couple extra inches would be nice for my 34-inch inseam legs.Oh boy this is the mod for you! I was lucky to have a really good welder nearby who turned this around quickly and much cheaper than buying a Drifter brake lever. I brought him the brake and shift levers which he cut apart and extended slicker'n snot. The pics clearly show how much extra foot room was gained - awesome improvement for me - now I can totally stretch out on this bike!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7514/15084509693_dce008e8ba.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3947/15518473618_d3cfc2d054.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7565/15705449012_7a14926146.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3952/15680267056_ab9ae05894.jpg

Now that it's done I find a 2" extension on the shift lever would have been enough. I have no trouble reaching it to tap down (downshift) but UP-shifting seems a little awkward for some reason, too far away to get my toe fully under it quickly which relegates me to always UP-shifting with my heel (which is my normal way anyway so it's an insignificant point for me but worth mentioning if you like toe shifting a 2" extension would be just fine...but personally I'm happy to have it out of the way).

One other point worth mentioning is the welder said the shift lever was cast metal and would require a different type of welding. I can't remember what he called it now but anyone considering this mod should be sure their welder can deal with cast before cutting things up. This is the shift lever only, no such problems with the brake which is good old flat bar steel. I will say that in the 6 months since I had this done I have most certainly NOT been babying my shift lever and she's stout as original. This is the single most beneficial ergonomic mod I've had done to make my bike fit ME.

[Quarterbore]

Thank You! I printed your post out and I am going to look at my bike hard to figure my options out. I have a blacksmith near me that I have a feeling could make both pieces without changing my OEM parts.

[Tynker]

"The 1700 is a little more sluggish but has a 6th gear & cruise control the 1600's don't have either one. My biggest complaint about the 1600 was the lack of a 6th gear. The 6th gear & the cruise are really sweet if you do much highway riding. All in all, I'd still opt for my 1700 1st but wouldn't hesitate on a good deal on a 1600 either! You'll win either way!"
I must say that you must have a factory dog 1700. I have had a 1500, and 1600 Nomads, and my 1700 Nomad will run off and hide on both of them. I do, and did have exhaust, air cleaner and fuel processors on all 3 of them. My 1700 is just a much stronger bike,and heavier, also more comfortable.