View Full Version : Seriously Thinking of Selling 07 Nomad
Okay folks, here it is. I think my 07 Nomad, with the way I have it chromed out is one of the most beautiful motorcycles I have ever seen. It is also the most comfortable since mustang seat and risers for the handlebars BUT BUT BUT......I CANNOT LIVE WITH THE CLICKITY CLACKITY OF THE VALVES OR WHATEVER THAT ENGINE NOISE IS. I have tried to accept it. It just drives me crazy and I don't think any engine is suppose to sound that noisy but everyone I meet tells me that it is normal. I guess I am just a finicky old man that dosen't like a noisy engine. I would appreciate any input or comments about how noisy your engine may or may not be......before I run out and trade it for a goldwing. HELP PLEASE. The dealer said There is nothing that can be done since it is normal. I don't want to get rid of it but if I can't get rid of the noise any other way, I will have to trade it.
Idaho
10-16-2007, 08:13 PM
Look for threads on disabling the idle solenoids. That may be some of what you are hearing. Jayc is correct about the ipod. I have full face helmet with stereo headsets and my MP3 plumbed in.
dogdoc
10-16-2007, 08:34 PM
Full faced helmet with ipod and V&H pipes that should do it. Keep the bike Dan its beautiful.
Keep the bike dan....I plan on trailering my Nomad up to St. Louis this coming Spring just to ride with you and others. I can't be caught riding behind a GW. I did enough of that on the Utah trip...LOL.
blowndodge
10-16-2007, 10:14 PM
Keep the bike dan....I plan on trailering my Nomad up to St. Louis this coming Spring just to ride with you and others. I can't be caught riding behind a GW. I did enough of that on the Utah trip...LOL.
<marquee>"Trailering your Nomad?"</marquee>
<marquee>To far to ride from Texas on St. Louis?</marquee>
hangon702
10-17-2007, 01:15 AM
OK Bro don't go doing nothing CRAZY. I had the same problem and it took a few tries but I finally had it fixed. I've been talking to some Mach's about your problem, and this is what I got. They all come to the same conclusion that its possible its the HLA - hydraulic lash adjuster. One or more of your HLA's has gone bad ( the bike has eight ) if you have air or a broken spring in them they will make abnormal valve noise or they might just be dirty. Machs hate working on them cause its a lot of work. DON'T GIVE UP!!!! I went to a different mech who finally fix it. HLA's are installed inside the rocker arms and make constant contact with your valves. GO FIND ANOTHER DEALER.
I plan on trailering my Nomad up to St. Louis this coming Spring just to ride with you and others.
Are you sure you are riding a Nomad? This sounds more like a Harley.
Seriously. Even when I rode an aire cooled GPz750, I was always told Kaws are busy sounding engines. But yes, V&H Baggers may do it, or also add some tunes. Sometimes I do both.
jeffm
10-17-2007, 06:31 AM
Dan if you have not heard another nomad let me know. I only live a couple miles from you & you can compare it to mine. I don't think my 06 is any louder than my 99 was . Let me know. If you are going to JMP & not happy, there is a dealer in Litchfield. It's a very small one but you might get a different opinion. I think there is a bigger dealer in Springfield.
ds06nomad
10-17-2007, 07:26 AM
I would look into the cost/complexity of fixing your bike before jumping ship. Then, if you're still not happy, go get a Goldwing or a BMW1200 sport tourer. Can't get much quieter than those two.
Basically, do what's gonna make YOU happy. It's your ride, your baby, your hobby... may as well get it how you like it so it's enjoyable and not an annoyance.
My $.02,
Daryl
scion0
10-17-2007, 07:43 AM
Dan if you have not heard another nomad let me know. I only live a couple miles from you & you can compare it to mine. I don't think my 06 is any louder than my 99 was . Let me know. If you are going to JMP & not happy, there is a dealer in Litchfield. It's a very small one but you might get a different opinion. I think there is a bigger dealer in Springfield.
I'm up in Peoria, maybe the three of us could meet somewhere and compare sounds (before it gets tooooooo cold http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif)
skyhookman
10-17-2007, 08:21 AM
My 2005 has been noisey from day one, its no worse or no better. A little valve chain, a little valves, a little injector solnoids, and so on. Reminds me of an old chevy six cyl with solid lifters. At 80mph I can hear it over my stock exhaust. Since I have about 70% hearing loss in both ears, its a sweet sound as compared to loud pipes. You have an extra sharp bike, but I say whatever it takes to be happy do it. You only go around once.
socwkbiker
10-17-2007, 09:06 AM
Don't sell it Dan! Have it checked by a different mech, plug in your mp3. I refuse to promote overpriced ipods so get some kind of music and enjoy the ride.
However, if you insis on getting rid of it, just give it to me. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Notice I didn't say sell, you can consider me your distant cousin that always wanted your bike. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
flightdoc
10-17-2007, 09:15 AM
Enjoy the wing cause you ain't gona get rid of the noise.
bobzinger
10-17-2007, 09:32 AM
My 05 Nomad is much noisier than my 99 Roadking was. BUT, the trade offs are worth it. Nomads are beautiful, powerful, comfortable, Big and Bad, and saves you about $8000.
Keep the bike dan....I plan on trailering my Nomad up to St. Louis this coming Spring just to ride with you and others. I can't be caught riding behind a GW. I did enough of that on the Utah trip...LOL.
<marquee>Trailer.....uuhhhhhhh....somebody get me some water...I think I'm about to pass out ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???</marquee>
socwkbiker
10-17-2007, 11:10 AM
<marquee>Trailer? You don't need no stinking trailer!</marquee>
Keep the bike dan....I plan on trailering my Nomad up to St. Louis this coming Spring just to ride with you and others. I can't be caught riding behind a GW. I did enough of that on the Utah trip...LOL.
Top Cat
10-17-2007, 06:21 PM
The various noises the Nomad makes not the least of which is my whistling gas cap http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif are what givs it CHARACTER! I like everything about this bike.
jlamz
10-17-2007, 06:40 PM
OK Bro don't go doing nothing CRAZY. I had the same problem and it took a few tries but I finally had it fixed. I've been talking to some Mach's about your problem, and this is what I got. They all come to the same conclusion that its possible its the HLA - hydraulic lash adjuster. One or more of your HLA's has gone bad ( the bike has eight ) if you have air or a broken spring in them they will make abnormal valve noise or they might just be dirty. Machs hate working on them cause its a lot of work. DON'T GIVE UP!!!! I went to a different mech who finally fix it. HLA's are installed inside the rocker arms and make constant contact with your valves. GO FIND ANOTHER DEALER.
jlamz
10-17-2007, 06:46 PM
OK Bro don't go doing nothing CRAZY. I had the same problem and it took a few tries but I finally had it fixed. I've been talking to some Mach's about your problem, and this is what I got. They all come to the same conclusion that its possible its the HLA - hydraulic lash adjuster. One or more of your HLA's has gone bad ( the bike has eight ) if you have air or a broken spring in them they will make abnormal valve noise or they might just be dirty. Machs hate working on them cause its a lot of work. DON'T GIVE UP!!!! I went to a different mech who finally fix it. HLA's are installed inside the rocker arms and make constant contact with your valves. GO FIND ANOTHER DEALER.
I have a 07 Nomad with the same problems. The dealer says the noises are "normal." I don't know anyone with a Nomad so I can't do a compraison. I have disabled the CIS and marbled the reed valves and it sounds a little quieter at idle, but makes terrible clanking noise when riding. It sounds like it is coming from the top end. I only have 750 miles so far, could the HLA's already be the problem? I am in the process of putting coasters on and a FI2000R with cobra true duals and a thunder air kit. Don't know if this will help or just drown out the clanking.
Don't sell it Dan! Have it checked by a different mech, plug in your mp3. I refuse to promote overpriced ipods so get some kind of music and enjoy the ride.
However, if you insis on getting rid of it, just give it to me. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Notice I didn't say sell, you can consider me your distant cousin that always wanted your bike. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
I use the word ipod as generic for mp3. like aspirin. I use a Rio Chiba.
rflnomad
10-17-2007, 07:48 PM
Yeah, YOU have to be happy with the bike. But our 2005 at 6000 miles is quieter than when new.
I would try a different dealer. Maybe a different oil too? Synthetic?
Get lots of opinions on the true noise and make your choice.
My last three bikes were Harley-Davidsons; Bro, this IS quiet!
Good luck.
I use foam ear plugs when I ride any distance at all, but I do admit that when I leave them out I am surprised at the amount of noise, aside from what is coming out the pipes, that this bike makes. Love it anyway. Try ear plugs if you otherwise like the Nad. Saves your hearing no matter what bike you have.
Idaho
10-17-2007, 09:26 PM
You know, some of this could just be one persons sensitivity to engine noise. Stuff that drives Dan nuts may not even be noticed by some and just ignored by others. Only way to know is to compare his ride to another bike as Jeffm has suggested.
Thats true idaho. I probably don't notice mine. My friend that drives a harley is ALWAYS saying his engine is making wierd sounds and having me try and listen to "the exaust leak" Everytime I tell him the same thing " sorry I can't hear a thing! - I'm not hearing what your hearing!"
The one sound that did bug me on the Nomad was a tinkling metal on metal cound coming from the left rear side. I kept looking around under there for something loose and then I noticed I only hear it when its raining so I just surrendered to the mysterious sound.
socwkbiker
10-18-2007, 09:29 AM
I figured. Just my bias against overpriced stuff in general. No biggie. I use a creative
[quote:mnx96rwj]Don't sell it Dan! Have it checked by a different mech, plug in your mp3. I refuse to promote overpriced ipods so get some kind of music and enjoy the ride.
However, if you insis on getting rid of it, just give it to me. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Notice I didn't say sell, you can consider me your distant cousin that always wanted your bike. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
I use the word ipod as generic for mp3. like aspirin. I use a Rio Chiba.[/quote:mnx96rwj]
jeffm
10-18-2007, 11:11 AM
Dan stopped by last night. He said mine sounded like his so i guess that is good & bad. Good niether of have a problem bad it is annoying him.I think mine is louder sometimes but not real bad, i wish it wasn't there either.He can fill you in better when he gets on here
As Jeff just said, I listened to his bike last night and it sounds just like mine. I am taking everyones advice. I am buying thicker ear plugs, louder pipes and a more powerful MP3 player and I am going to ride brother ride.
nomadman
10-19-2007, 03:27 PM
Hi, This is Jan from the Netherlands. Remove your screen and go make a test ride, half of the noise is gone! The screen amplifies all the engine noises wich comes from under the fuel tank right in your face.
For your mindpeace, there is absolute nothing wrong with you Nad. My Nad is equipped wit V&H Baggers, K&N airfilter and Power Commander, loves the deep rumble.
A Wing can never gives you the thrill of this mighty V-twin.
Please keep the bike!
dogdoc
10-19-2007, 04:47 PM
I totally agree with nomadman on this one. there have been alot of threads about engine noise. Everybody has their opinion on where its coming from. Some say its dirty this or air thingy this casuing it. It occurs on EVERY bike new or old. It can't be dirty items. Mine was clakkey clack off the showroom floor and still is after 2 yrs. All the new members say the same thing as the old members, loud engine. It's the nature of the kawa engine. i love it and have accepted it after 2 yrs. you will too or you will trade it off. be patient guys. :-)
I read way back on some forum when researching these bikes....A guy says go sit on top of your V-8 and see how noisy that is ;) ;) ;) Think of it as adding character!
Idaho
10-19-2007, 07:42 PM
Good choice Dan, MP3 player and stereo headsets in the bucket will cure a lot of issues. Get some fun tunes going and you will be rockin' down the road.
davidjones1
10-19-2007, 10:29 PM
Dan I have to say your bike is one sharp looking ride, would hate to see you trade, mine is an 03 with over 12,000 on her. she has gotten a little more quite the oil (synthetic) has done the most of this and my mp3 does the rest. I hope you keep her but what ever you do just always enjoy the ride.
Hell, How Much you want for that noisy ole thang. I've been wanting a Nomad just to take up space. I'm riding a 04 1600 Classic. I could ride that Ole Nomad ever once in a while. That Noisy Nomad must not be worth nothin'. Get rid of it, Yea that's it, dump it fast!!! Mu-Wa- Hahahaha I'll take it in a heart beat!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
burkazoid
10-20-2007, 10:00 AM
My 2005 has been noisey from day one, its no worse or no better. A little valve chain, a little valves, a little injector solnoids, and so on. Reminds me of an old chevy six cyl with solid lifters. At 80mph I can hear it over my stock exhaust. Since I have about 70% hearing loss in both ears, its a sweet sound as compared to loud pipes. You have an extra sharp bike, but I say whatever it takes to be happy do it. You only go around once.
My 2005 is noisy as well, and I find it annoying as hell. It seems especially noisy when it hasn't been ridden for a few days and is cold. It usually takes me about 10-15 mins of warmup, plus about twenty miles down the road for it to quiet down a little. I don't hear it after popping into third-fourth gear, even when it's cold. I also notice around 60 miles, if I have to make a stop, it's not noticeable at all anymore. I attribute it to being warmed up properly, but then again, I'm not a mechanic.
At 70-80 mph, I don't hear it at all, which is why I replied to you in the first place. When I switched to synthetic oil recently, it seemed to me to quiet it down a bit as well.
Be a shame to get rid of a Vulcan, but I agree you do have to be happy.
geez and i thought mine is too dang quiet- it's somewhat embarssing cause most of my riding friends ride harley's, course it may just be the mp3 player...
The cure is real simple. A 200 watt 4 speaker AM-FM/CD/MP3/Satilite audio system and a set of Roadhouse Dooleys. I guarentee you, all those annoying noises you're
hearing will just go away, completely ;)
Seriously though, the 1600 engine is noisy. I've had 2; a
Classic and my Nomad and they do make a lot of noise. I
found that AMSOIL 10ww-40 helped quiet it down some. Not
sure why, it just seemed to be quieter. If you love to ride, it'd
be a shame to get rid of a bike as good as the Nomad over
something that's just the nature of the Beast. You do have
2 years of warranty so if the noise is a defect, it'll show up in 2 years or it won't show up at all. I was just being a smart ass
at first, but a lot of guys really do add louder pipes or use some kind of audio system to cover the noise and then just enjoy the ride.
Ride safe,
Dano
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/omega5m14/Bike8-18-7020a.jpg
tet survivor - forever in your debt.
hangon702
10-21-2007, 07:46 PM
Its the nature of the beast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
frenchy
10-21-2007, 10:24 PM
Fairing and an IPOD.
I can hardly hear my engine at all with just the pipes. V&H bagger II's.
unwind2
10-22-2007, 08:45 PM
The clicky valves and whistling gas cap don't bother me. My other bike is a moto guzzi and it's makes noises too. I just consider them part of the bikes personalities. (I actually like the whistling gas cap!).
Sorry it's so bothersome to you. Good luck on resolving to your peace of mind by either quieting the beast, drowning sounds with mp3 etc or letting her go.
For me ...I could not give up my nomad like the way it handles/rides way too much.
Will you people be quite. I thought he was going to sell it to me. I'm going to buy me a Nomad sooner or later anyway. Just let em put a 2000 in one.
Idaho
10-22-2007, 11:59 PM
I can not imagine a 2000 cc engine in one of these. Sat on a friends 2000cc Classic a month ago. OMG what a monster!!! Those bikes are enormous.
vulcan1600
10-23-2007, 12:10 PM
Hello im new here, But thought i would chime in on this one. I used to worry big time about the noise. I have a 2005 nomad and have put 23000 miles on it in two years. The noise has actually faded since new. I don't even think about it any more as i have plans on putting a lot of miles on it. When it was new it was about as loud as my diesel truck. Most of my miles are freeway miles and it's hard to hear anything but road noise and i also wear a helmet which helps to hide it. A 3/4 one most of the time exept in winter the full face one gets used. don't worry too much Just ride, And i know that's kind of hard to do especially on a new bike.
socwkbiker
10-23-2007, 12:31 PM
Ummm, coon, you must have missed the part where I asked him to give me the bike so I could take it off of his hands earlier in this thread. I thought that was the best deal for everyone! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
Will you people be quite. I thought he was going to sell it to me. I'm going to buy me a Nomad sooner or later anyway. Just let em put a 2000 in one.
dogdoc
10-23-2007, 05:26 PM
wear ear plugs big dan and KEEP IT!!!!!!!!
I have the same noise on my "07",when I talked to my dealer about it he took a bike off the showroom floor for me to ride and compare to.The bike I rode had the exact same noise,you'll just have to learn to love it as part of your ride.
nomadwest
10-24-2007, 11:20 PM
I was so worried that something was wrong with my motor because of the noise I took it back to the dealer. He listened to it and said yeah, sounds like a Nomad. After removing the right air cleaner cover where those noisy solenoids are I noticed it was quieter. I think the hollowed out cover amplifies them. Wonder if you could put some sound deadening material in there. Also if you plug the two tubes up with your fingers the motor is as quiet as a mouse. And I agree that the windshield amplifies the noise too. After I get her up to 50 mph and up all I hear is a hummmm.
And she is smoothe as glass.
http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/uploads/dudewest_YVFUG.jpg
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