Stupid question from a newbie

[lcash]

I am looking at getting a 1600 Nomad for my first bike. Today I visited a dealer who happened to not have the 1600 in stock (looking for a 2008) so he had me sit on a 1700 Nomad. I must say the weight was not an issue but getting my legs over that seat was a chore. The question I have is this. Is the 1600 dimensions much different than the 1700? The 1700 kind of made my hips sore since it was so wide. I also tried the Suzuki C90T which fit like a glove. No issues at all. Any feedback would be appreciated. Maybe I am just to old and stiff :D

lcash

[Rasta]

I came from a C50 to my 1500 Nomad now. The C50 was a very comfy bike and I imagine the C90 would be about the same. The 1500 and 1700 are different so cant really comment much on that but to this day when I go to the Kawi dealer and I seat on a C50 I still think it is so nice but I love everything else on my Nomad.

[dank]

I put 50,000 miles on a 2006 1600 and thought the seat and ergonomics were great. I never owned a 1700, but that to a great extent was due to my having sat on them in the dealership when I was ready to trade, and I did not find the seat or ergonomics acceptable. Hated the padded upturn at the front of the seat and the 1700 seemed to lack room for two up riding. So the two bikes are quite different. For me the 1600 was great, but that doesn't mean anything for you. You simply have to try them both to see which fits you better or whether or not you find either bike comfortable. They definitely are different.

[lcash]

Thanks for the reply's. I am going to another dealer tomorrow that has the 2008 1600 Nomad I am looking for so we shall see.

Lcash

[Jared]

Goes without saying that you ought to go find a 1600 to sit on.

[VulcanE]

The actual physical size of the 1600 is larger than the 1700. I've ridden both, and the 1700 is just too cramped up for me, especially if the wife is on too.

[redjay]

I have owned a 2005 Nomad and a 1700 Voyager. Getting seated on them is no different. As stated the Voyager has less room between the rider and passenger than the Nomad. The Voyager also sits you closer to the tank.

If after swinging a leg over a 1600 if it feels the same as the 1700, and is a chore as the OP stated, then get the bike that fits like a glove, the C90.

[lcash]

Well, I went and sat on a 2008 1600 today and it felt much better than the 1700. It has 15,900 miles and they are asking $6895.00 for it. Looks like everything is stock, exhaust, air, etc.

Lcash

[redjay]

Sounds like an okay deal.

[dank]

1600s are great bikes. Hope you enjoy it!

[CycleDude]

I LOVE my 1600 N'ad.
I do think, however, that a 700lb, 1600cc bike is a bit too much power for a "first bike".
I very strongly recommend looking for an MSF class in your area.
http://www.msf-usa.org/

[lcash]

I LOVE my 1600 N'ad.
I do think, however, that a 700lb, 1600cc bike is a bit too much power for a "first bike".
I very strongly recommend looking for an MSF class in your area.
http://www.msf-usa.org/

Have already done the MSF from Awesome Cycles. As for weight, I dead lift over 600 lbs so have great lower body strength. Power is all in the throttle and how you use it. It is just as easy to be overcome with speed on a small bike as it is a big bike depending on how you use the throttle.

In all seriousness though, I intend on taking the "Ride Like a Pro" course on the bike I purchase, it is taught by two motormen with over 20 years each.

Lcash

[jestephens]

Have already done the MSF from Awesome Cycles. As for weight, I dead lift over 600 lbs so have great lower body strength. Power is all in the throttle and how you use it. It is just as easy to be overcome with speed on a small bike as it is a big bike depending on how you use the throttle.

In all seriousness though, I intend on taking the "Ride Like a Pro" course on the bike I purchase, it is taught by two motormen with over 20 years each.

Lcash

The 1600 has a low center of gravity. It wasn't my first big bike, but it was the most comfortable ride!

[Gypsy Dragon]

One thing to keep in mind is the difference between sitting on a bike in the dealer, and riding one. Your leg position, ad hence hips, will be very different when you are riding than when you are sitting with your feet down.

[lcash]

One thing to keep in mind is the difference between sitting on a bike in the dealer, and riding one. Your leg position, ad hence hips, will be very different when you are riding than when you are sitting with your feet down.

I actually sat with the feet on the running boards covering the brake and shifter as well as back flat on the boards. I wanted to get the feel of it in all respects since very little time will be sitting on a kick stand :D

lcash

[kerrymurf]

I went from a 1500 nomad to a 1700 nomad and they are two different bikes. I loved the 1500--fit me great and could stretch out on it. Just added risers so I could reach the bars better. Could ride that bike all day without any problem. The 1600 should be very similar also. The 1700 seat was moved forward and now I feel cramped on it, can't stretch out at all and a couple of my body parts get crunched because of the rise of the seat onto the gas tank. After a couple of hours on the 1700 I'm ready to get off it. There are a few good things about the 1700 , like cruise , bigger tank and FI, but I missed my 1500 as soon as I sold it.

[jesse d]

There are never no stupid questions brother....always get what bike that fits u best........not anyone else...... also get the one that looks the best to you because you will always be looking back at it once you get off to go into the store or restaurant..........no you will not tell the difference in a 1600 or 1700...unless you upgrade with engine upgrades.....well that's my 2cents......for what it is worth. Just ride brother and ask anything you want....a lot of smart mechanics on this forum....good luck

[Allen S]

I went from a Suzuki Intruder 1500 to the 1700 vaquero, I can honestly say I loved the intruder, wasn't FI but had what is considered a stage 3 setup, run like a raped ape. The vaquero, to me, rides great. Even with the stock seat but I plan on replacing it with one that has a backrest. The C90 has a reputation of stator and rectifier going bad. Still good bikes though, thing is, metric bikes seem very reliable. Use caution dead lifting 600, ya might blow an oring:wtf:

[ponch]

I LOVE my 1600 N'ad.
I do think, however, that a 700lb, 1600cc bike is a bit too much power for a "first bike".
I very strongly recommend looking for an MSF class in your area.
http://www.msf-usa.org/

My first bike was a KZ1000. :D

[xlock]

^^ agree w/ Ponch...my first bike was a BUBF VN1500 (the Bobber in my avatar).

[HwyRider]

The transmission on the 1700 is kicked out on the right side making it a little wider when putting your feet down. If you are 5' 10" or shorter you will have to tiptoe on the right when you come to a stop. Not an issue unless you put your foot down in a pot hole. It's a very comfortable bike to ride all day.

[OldSchool]

I went from a 1500 nomad to a 1700 nomad and they are two different bikes. I loved the 1500--fit me great and could stretch out on it. Just added risers so I could reach the bars better. Could ride that bike all day without any problem. The 1600 should be very similar also. The 1700 seat was moved forward and now I feel cramped on it, can't stretch out at all and a couple of my body parts get crunched because of the rise of the seat onto the gas tank. After a couple of hours on the 1700 I'm ready to get off it. There are a few good things about the 1700 , like cruise , bigger tank and FI, but I missed my 1500 as soon as I sold it.

Kerrymurf in all honesty from your post,the 1700 just isn't the right fit for you. You may want to consider going back to a 1500/1600. Getting the ride you want is very important and if you are shifting from riding all day long to 2 1/2 hours I would give it some real thought. The one who would benefit the most is you. Plus the things you pointed out as liking on the 1700 is available on 1500/1600 too.

[HwyRider]

I don't think the 1500 or 1600 had cruise control.

[Allen S]

I don't think the 1500 or 1600 had cruise control.

I love the cruise control! Don't think I'll own another bike without it. After a bit my throttle hand goes numb, using the cruise makes the ride much better.:tup:

[HwyRider]

I wouldn't own another bike without either. I put on to many highway miles to be without it.

[OldSchool]

I don't think the 1500 or 1600 had cruise control.

You are correct the 1500/1600 does not come with electronic cruise control. We have to suffer and get by the " old school " way using plain old throttle locks.:shrug:

[ponch]

I wouldn't own another bike without either. I put on to many highway miles to be without it.

That and ABS. It's saved my bacon twice.

[cactusjack]

I don't think the 1500 or 1600 had cruise control.

Mine did, but it was an aftermarket system I installed.

[kawvoy]

^^ agree w/ Ponch...my first bike was a BUBF VN1500 (the Bobber in my avatar).


I agree also. My first bike was a gold wing. Just take your time and get to know and learn your machine. Take it easy.

[hillclimber]

I just saw your post. I do have a 08 Vulcan Nomad for sale. Factory paint is pristine. all chrome, aluminum, etc. is immaculate. Bike looks absolutely new. Tires, seats, windshield are all super shape. 16,700 miles. $ 6700. 601 590 0773

[OldSchool]

I just saw your post. I do have a 08 Vulcan Nomad for sale. Factory paint is pristine. all chrome, aluminum, etc. is immaculate. Bike looks absolutely new. Tires, seats, windshield are all super shape. 16,700 miles. $ 6700. 601 590 0773

Hillclimber you can post this in the advertising section with pictures if you like. There are several people I'm sure would have an interest. Either way its free.

http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14