VN 900 LT vs. Nomad

[vito]

Well, It's just plain blissful cruising after trading in the Vulcan 900 LT for a 2008 Nomad. I bought the 2006 VN 900 in 2006 after a 23-year hiatus from riding. I certainly enjoyed it, but one thing got to me - the constant whining of the tranny (or was it the belt? No one seemed to really know.) Rolling off the throttle and nearly all cruising speeds were excruciating on a long ride. I finally had to resort to ear plugs after the dealer and multiple forums did not provide a remedy. Apparently, the nature of the 900 beast.

Having ridden my new Nomad for just 2 weeks now, I could not be happier. Not only do I hear only the sweet sound of the engine, but the gearing is so much better. On the 900, I constantly shifted from 5th to a non-existent 6th gear and rarely knew what gear I was in unless I concentrated and counted. With the Nomad, it's much easier to deal with gears that have real range. In local riding about town and on curvy country roads, I rarely need 5th gear. The 900 doesn't compare (obviously!)

Also I have been so pleasantly surprised at how well balanced the Nomad is. My fears of the extra weight were unfounded. In fact, when coming to a stop at a light on the 900, it was almost impossible to keep that front end straight and true. The Nomad just glides to an easy stop with nary a quiver.

In short, if anyone is considering a Vulcan to get back into riding after a long time, the Nomad is far superior to the 900 in almost all aspects, not just in displacement. If you can afford it, the Nomad is the better choice. I now see why there are so many Nad lovers.

[jussmatt]

Vito...Glad to know you feel just like the rest of us do about our Nomads!!!

[VulcanE]

I had a 21-year hiatus from riding, and in '05 bought my Nad. For about the first month, I wished that I had gotten back into riding on a smaller bike. But, as I got more comfortable with it, I fell in love with it. I'm sure glad I didn't have to be up-side down on a trade-up on the Nad.

[scion0]

I had a 21-year hiatus from riding, and in '05 bought my Nad. For about the first month, I wished that I had gotten back into riding on a smaller bike. But, as I got more comfortable with it, I fell in love with it. I'm sure glad I didn't have to be up-side down on a trade-up on the Nad.

I had not ridden in over 20 years and started with a 2000 Vulcan 1500 for about 3 months then went to the Nomad. Lovin it so far!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[schoeney]

Congrats Vito...got any pics of the new ride?

Well, It's just plain blissful cruising after trading in the Vulcan 900 LT for a 2008 Nomad. I bought the 2006 VN 900 in 2006 after a 23-year hiatus from riding. I certainly enjoyed it, but one thing got to me - the constant whining of the tranny (or was it the belt? No one seemed to really know.) Rolling off the throttle and nearly all cruising speeds were excruciating on a long ride. I finally had to resort to ear plugs after the dealer and multiple forums did not provide a remedy. Apparently, the nature of the 900 beast.

Having ridden my new Nomad for just 2 weeks now, I could not be happier. Not only do I hear only the sweet sound of the engine, but the gearing is so much better. On the 900, I constantly shifted from 5th to a non-existent 6th gear and rarely knew what gear I was in unless I concentrated and counted. With the Nomad, it's much easier to deal with gears that have real range. In local riding about town and on curvy country roads, I rarely need 5th gear. The 900 doesn't compare (obviously!)

Also I have been so pleasantly surprised at how well balanced the Nomad is. My fears of the extra weight were unfounded. In fact, when coming to a stop at a light on the 900, it was almost impossible to keep that front end straight and true. The Nomad just glides to an easy stop with nary a quiver.

In short, if anyone is considering a Vulcan to get back into riding after a long time, the Nomad is far superior to the 900 in almost all aspects, not just in displacement. If you can afford it, the Nomad is the better choice. I now see why there are so many Nad lovers.


Congrats Vito! Although Judi had a VN900LT with no tranny whining and it tracked straight as an arrow.... you still made a great choice!

There are 2 types of cruisers out there.... Nomads, and those that wish they were!!

Enjoy!!

[markusmaximus]

Hi Don Vito,
I actually considered getting a VN900 as an intermediate bike (I rode a EN500 for 2 years) with the eventual goal of owning a Nomad. But my brother, a long-time rider, gave me some timely advice. If you know what you really want, don't nickel and dime your way there. Go after it and stick with it. I'm really glad I took his advice. Your comments confirm it. Love the Nad!

[Cajunrider]

My son rides a Honda Shadow 600. He is planning to purchase a Vulcan 900 Classic LT. I have tried talking him into the Nomad instead but his heart is set on the 900. I hope he keeps it long enough to pay it out and get a good trade or sale for a Nad.

[mikesth]

Check Vito's smile...that pretty well sums it up

[kawbuc]

Well Vito , Same , Same. I quit riding 25 years ago.Bought a VN900 in 2006. Although , i still like the 900 as a " in town " bike , nothing compares to the 2008 Nomad.
I dont think i have went for that 6th gear once since buying the Nomad.
The 900 i think is a good choice to ride locally,take to work etc.
But man, you get on the Nad on Saturday and hit the road.You can ride all day and still want more.

[meat]

Vito,
I also started riding again after 28 yrs. Bought a 2007 900 LT Classic. Loved the bike but I was always checking to make sure I was in 5th gear. Traded for 2008 Nomad in April and love it. The nomad handles so much better than the 900. Feels like to me the extra weight keeps the bike more stable in windy conditions and when your behind large trucks. Welcome to the forum, there's alot of good info.
Ride Safe
Meat

[billmac]

My son has a 07 900 LT and mine is a 07 Nomad. I really like both bikes. Both bikes have their niche. My son uses his mainly to and from work (5 miles) in city traffic, but he can ride two up for trips. The 900 has its place in the market. It does need to be a 6 speed just for the mental relaxation of the rider. I sometimes look for another gear in the Nomad. I wish both bikes had a minder to tell you what gear your in. I guess I will buy a tach to solve that minor nuisance.

[ringadingh]

Congratulations on the new bike and welcome to the board!

[Top Cat]

Congrats Vito...got any pics of the new ride?

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Uumm, thats probably it in his sig pic ;)

Congrats on the new ride Father Sarduchi http://s2.images.proboards.com/lipsrsealed.gif

[aj]

Good job Vito, It's Nomads or NoNads