Carb vs. FI is fuel system the only difference?

[k9sarky]

I've been looking for a Nomad. Now I'd like some input to help decide which bike to get. Are there any differences in a 2000 Nomad FI and a carb model other than fuel systems. One article compared a (new at the time) 2000 FI to the 99 carbed. But didn't make it clear if all improvements that year were year model changes or FI only changes. The article mentioned ,increased compression,new cam timing,new cartridge fork design,two piston rear caliper,flatter angle brake pedal position,588-watt charging system w/18-amp-hour battery. This is the reveiw http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/enthusiasts/prof_review.asp?code=35
I'm sure the FI has somewhat better performance,but how much? Fuel economy is supposed to be better,but premium gas is required for FI. Carb uses regular I believe. What kind of milage should be expected from each?
Right now there are two bikes near by for sale that interest me, one is a 2000 carbed one owner with 6600 miles for $6000. The other is a second owner 2004 FI with 7800 miles for $7500.
I welcome input from the guys and gals that already know what I need to know.

Without going into a whole lot of trivia, The 2004 FI is simply the top of the line for 1500cc Nomads. Get that one if you can.

The 2000 has a slightly weaker clutch design, in addition to the other things mentioned. The big thing is the 5 speed transmission. I know the 2000 FI bikes have a 5 speed. I'm not sure the carbed bike did.

Not that it's a bad bike. If you can't afford the 2004, I think you'll still be very happy with the 2000.

7000 or 8000 miles is nothing on these bikes unless it's been horribly abused.

[ice793]

+1 I have an 04 and love it,around town i get 35 to 38 mpg depending on how much throttle and highway ive gotten 40+,get the 04 if you can.oh yah and if its blue and silver it'll be beefed up with more horse power (alegedly) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[misunderstood]

Withoout going into a whole lot of trivia, The 2004 FI is simply the top of the line for 1500cc Nomads. Get that one if you can.

The 2000 has a slightly weaker clutch design, in addition to the other things mentioned. The big thing is the 5 speed transmission. I know the 2000 FI bikes have a 5 speed. I'm not sure the carbed bike did.

Not that it's a bad bike. If you can't afford the 2004, I think you'll still be very happy with the 2000.

7000 or 8000 miles is nothing on these bikes unless it's been horribly abused.

2000 carbed with 5 speed transmission and 45,000 miles. Running strong now that issues from when purchaesd have been corrected. (Over heating from clogged radiator)

[racinchef]

Speaking ignorantly, the carbed 2000 Nomad in black & chrome is the fastest of all.

[misunderstood]

Speaking ignorantly, the carbed 2000 Nomad in black & chrome is the fastest of all.

You tellem Bruce. ;)

[nomad]

o.k., i'll bite. what makes the 2004 so special?

[glwilson]

2004 FI is my choice between the two -- especially in very hilly areas; or where the air-temp gets high. It is what I ride. The mileage on the '04 is not too many for that year of bike -- but as mentioned before -- ck to see that someone took care of it. Ck the crash bars for scratches on the lower area to see if it has possibly been dropped. That isn't necessarily a deal-breaker; but certainly a heads-up for other potential problems.

Be sure to do a complete maintenence update on it before too long after getting it -- just to make sure you are riding a safe and "maintained" bike.

If it doesn't come with a backrest; let me know. I have an extra since I replaced the aftermarket one originally put on my bike. It will work just fine if you don't have one. (That goes for anyone else out there that may be looking for one to fit an '04 FI)

PS: Don't let them fool you; Bronze (Black) is best; and without a doubt faster. It has a much better "cool" factor as well.

[glwilson]

Nomad;

For me; between the two; I would take the newer '04 bike -- plus FI's do have advantages in certain situations over carbs. I have ridden many times with others on carbed bikes and on hot days in hilly terrain their bikes struggle more than mine gasping for the right fuel/air mix while mine just moves along. The difference is enough to notice. That's just my take on it. Regardin the question on high-octane vs. regular gas -- when you are getting 43 miles to the gallon on the open road -- the cost difference is minimal to me.

o.k., i'll bite. what makes the 2004 so special?

It was the last and the best of the 1500 Nomads. It was completely digital & also has the 5 gallon gas tank which carbed models didn't have. Whatever problems the 1500 Nomad had were, by 2004, worked out as well as the factory would ever work them out because they simply quit making them. There were only a few notible changes from the 2003, but two were significant: the Blue & Silver paint with gold striping (Most beautiful paint on a Nomad ever), and the improved clutch spring holder.

(Edit: I corrected the word "retainer" to read "holder" which is what the manual calls this part.)

BTW, the specs on our specs page are incorrect for the 2004 model. I've notified Trip & maybe he can get them corrected for us.

[nomad]

o.k., i'll bite. what makes the 2004 so special?

It was the last and the best of the 1500 Nomads. It was completely digital & also has the 5 gallon gas tank which carbed models didn't have. Whatever problems the 1500 Nomad had were, by 2004, worked out as well as the factory would ever work them out because they simply quit making them. There were only a few notible changes from the 2003, but two were significant: the Blue & Silver paint with gold striping (Most beautiful paint on a Nomad ever), and the improved clutch spring & retainer.

is a meanstreak clutch spring better than the stock spring? i heard they were stronger.

According to the parts diagrams the 2004 Nomad spring and 2004 Meanie spring are the same. 2005 springs were all the same as 2004's as well.

At least the springs they're offering are now the same. They might not have been the same from the factory.

After 2006 they do show a different spring. I assume it's stronger.

The big difference was actually a "spring holder" that they added to the Nomad in 2004, but was not on the 2003. (You can certainly put one on.) That did come from the Meanie. It both tightens up the clutch and reduces clutch spring wear, and the 2004 Nomad was the only 1500 Nomad to have this part from the factory.

[k9sarky]

More Questions. Is the 2005 1600 significantly better or just different than the 2004 1500? What changes were made other than engine size? Would it be worth spending the extra for the differences an 05 has over an 04?

About the only parts that didn't change from 04 to 05 were the bags and a few internal things you can't see. Very little else is interchangeable between the 1500 & 1600.

There were many mechanical improvements IMO but they screwed up the seat as far as comfort, and the fenders and the tank as far as style. I really like the 1500 Nomad styling a lot better. It looks more classic to me, while the 1600 looks like a caricature of a classic bike.

[aj]

K9, I have a 01F1 and its a great bike, sweet to ride, reliable as, very comfortable. Some might say I need to ride others to compare, Why?? I love my bike (and my bike loves me) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif


yes, yes, yes... very sad! :-/

[redeye]

Cadd, tel him about the POG>>>>>>>>

[misunderstood]

Cadd, tel him about the POG>>>>>>>>

That was only in 1999 I think.

[blowndodge]

BTW, the specs on our specs page are incorrect for the 2004 model. I've notified Trip & maybe he can get them corrected for us.

Can you point out the discrepancies as oppose to just say they are incorrect?

Cadd, tel him about the POG>>>>>>>>
AFAIK 1999 was the last year for the POG, so no worries there.

BTW, the specs on our specs page are incorrect for the 2004 model. I've notified Trip & maybe he can get them corrected for us.

Can you point out the discrepancies as oppose to just say they are incorrect?

No point now, as it's already been fixed.