Nomad Handling

[cdneh]

Hi
Earlier I posted questions about the Nomad as I am looking to move from my '06 900LT and had a great response. Thank you.
I mentioned to a rider of a road star that I am looking toward the 2009 Nomad (assuming no major changes as discussed in another thread) and his comment back was to test ride if I could as the steering is reported to be soft and not that responsive. Two local dealers sold out of 07 and 08 Nomads yet I do not see many on the road around Toronto, Canada so I have few people to ask about the bike.
I read about a great love for the Nomad. Can anyone comment on the handling and steering. For sure the Vulcan 900 has the acceleration and handling for easy cruising that keeps up with the bigger bikes. How does the Nomad fair?
If Kawi makes major changes I think I will look further away to pick up an 08.
I have someone interested in my 900 so it looks like a new ride for next spring.

[VulcanE]

It's not a sport bike by any means, and it is a big heavy cruiser. It took me about a month to get used to it, but now, it's like handling a 750. I don't think there's a bike on the road today that I would trade it for.

[racinchef]

I've got a 2000 Nomad 1500, but if the 2008 or 2009s are anything like mine you will only need a short ride to decide if it is the bike for you. I have owned 4 heavyweight cruisers and the Nomad is by far the best by virtue of excellent handling and smooth power delivery at highway speeds, add to that cargo capacity of the hard bags and you've got a real winner that'll take you and your honey to nice places. The steering on the Nomad is almost dead neutral and easily controllable, but you have to run the tire pressure up to 39 front and 42 rear to achieve that.

[rksaw]

I have a '99 and my best friend owns an '03 Road Star. I think that his steering might be a little more responsive than mine, but my bike seems "easier" in the ride. The Nomad is very laid back, it is a relaxed ride, whereas the Road Star seems more agressive and even "agitated" as a bike. Personally, I love the way my bike rides. I love the ease of use, the way it rolls into and out of the corners, the smoothness of the throttle and gentleness over rises and dips.

Each model of bike, and some would argue each bike, has it's own personnality and the Nomad is more relaxed than many. "Scarlett" (my bike) is a beautiful looker of a woman with great curves. And yes, my wife teases me in how I describe my mistress, I mean bike.
Rich

[nomad561]

It took me awhile to get used to my Nomad after riding a C50 Boulevard.200lbs difference between the bikes.As stated in racinchef's post,you need to make sure the tires are properly inflated or the bike will feel sluggish and unresponsive.(I learned this last week)

[ells]

As others have said, very low speed handling can take a little to get used to, and be careful of the the front brake when doing so. Otherwise, fantastic bike, would own no other for big cruiser riding.

[mrbill69]

I've got a 2000 Nomad 1500, but if the 2008 or 2009s are anything like mine you will only need a short ride to decide if it is the bike for you. I have owned 4 heavyweight cruisers and the Nomad is by far the best by virtue of excellent handling and smooth power delivery at highway speeds, add to that cargo capacity of the hard bags and you've got a real winner that'll take you and your honey to nice places. The steering on the Nomad is almost dead neutral and easily controllable, but you have to run the tire pressure up to 39 front and 42 rear to achieve that.

Right on!!!!!. I live on a very crooked road with both sharp curves and some not so sharp so I'm riding in the "twisties" every time I ride. When the front tire pressure starts getting below 37-38 psi the handling starts becoming very heavy. Let it get down to 32 or less you have to force it to turn. There's a sweet spot at around 38-41 psi where the turning is dead on neutral and makes it a pleasure to ride for sush a heavy bike.

[mako]

I moved to my '06 Nomad from a MeanStreak. It did take me a month or so and some learning in the twisties but now feel I can push this bike as hard (aside from some reduced ground clearance obviously) and the ride and comfort levels are tremendous. IMHO.

[phenrichs]

I used to have a yamaha v-max and that thing handled like a sport bike but I can do everything with my Nomad that I did with that. It does take some getting used to but I believe that it is mostly a mental preperation for the increased weight. Once you wrap your mind around how well this machine carries itself you will be in heaven.

[ringadingh]

As was mentioned earlier, they are a big heavy bike and don't handle like a sportbike. But they are very good for their size. It took me a few weeks to get comfortable with it since I did have sportbikes up until the Nomad. After three seasons on the bike now, I can toss it around pretty good when I need to. I can keep up with any cruiser out there most of the time, But when my brother comes over with his BMW, its hard to stay in sight of him.

[dank]

I came from a Concours, and it took some getting used to. Seems like there is less margin of error on entry speed with the Nomad. But after 36,000 miles and with Metzlers on it , I love how the Nomad handles. It flows through twisties with firm footing, takes most corners at well above posted speed limits or recommended speeds, cuts through stiff crosswinds with great stability, and is just darn fun to ride. Downhill entries have to be taken with care, but that is true of all bikes. It can't out corner my former Connie, but is a more comfortable and enjoyable ride, and I find that I enjoy the trip rather then spend my time setting up the next corner.

[k9sarky]

As a fairly new owner I've had Ol' Blue a 2004 Nomad about 6 weeks. Most of my 800 miles have been short 20 mile rides or less, mostly commuting to work. I upgraded from a 800 Volusia and was like you concerned about the added weight and handling a bigger bike. My first rides were on rural backroads with less traffic so I'd have fewer distactions while we got aquainted, highly recommended. Yesterday with some friends on Harleys I took a 120 mile ride. We covered a variety of road surfaces and traffic conditions. Even crossed the Tennessee river on a small ferry. Entry and exit of said ferry was a new experience. But ol' blue handled it all very well. The bike is quite forgiving and since I'm still running the oem Bridgestone tires I look forward to better handling when new tires are installed. We're still getting to know each other,but each ride I learn something new and so it gets better. What you choose is up to you, but I'm well pleased with my choice. And I thank the Nomad owners of this forum for all the information that helped me make that choice.

[moenko]

Wonder if there WILL be a 2009 Nomad to begin with - rumours keep circulating they might be discontinued. Would be a real shame.

I upgraded as well from a C50 Boulevard and found the larger Nomad needs a bit more import in the twistied, but you get used to it quickly. On the Freeway, nothing beats this stable horse!!

Once I changed to the Metzeler ME 880s and bumped the pressure to 39 front and 42 rear, I was amazed at how responsive the Nomad is at speed. It's a locomotive of a bike, but handles very nimbly with this tire and pressure combination.

[cactusjack]

I dusted off the Nomad and took her for a 200 mile journey yesterday, Perfect day for riding, too. Mid-70's up in the mountains. Lots of twisties, up over 2 passes, some long 10% grades through copper-mining country and she performed flawlessly. The Nomad is an absolute treat to ride. I traded in an '05 C50T on the Nomad, and it didn't take me long to get the feel for it. It may be an 800 pound machine, but it doesn't handle like one.

Lots of riders out yesterday, which means lots of Harleys to pass along the road. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[rlfaubion]

Hey Jack - is that your key hang'n outta saddlebag on yer signature picture on the left?

[beezer]

he probably needed to get in that bag to get the camera out Ron

I ride a 07 Nomad and my wife rides a 900LTD. It took a few rides to get used to the size, but I love it now.

When I ride my wife's 900, it feels quick, nimble and sooo light! But it doesn't have the overall comfort that I'm used to on the Nomad.

Michael K

[b2]

I think given the number of responses in such a short period of time you get the picture.. but here's my 2 cents anyway..

I got my Nad just a few months ago.. first bike I'd owned in 10 years.. I rode it very carefully when I first got it.. being very weary of the weight and size.

I have the Metzeler's too.. with the right pressure and just a few hundred miles I was SO at home.. I wish I had MORE twisties near my house. You've got to be careful on the entry speed - she don't stop on a dime... but someone used the term locomotive.. that's just what it feels like. I just power thru the corners now, even scraping the floorboards a few times http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif ... didn't think I'd be doing that when I first got it.

Folks with the Phat risers say the low speed handling improves too... mine are with Mr Fedex on the way. ;)

Brian

[cactusjack]

Hey Jack - is that your key hang'n outta saddlebag on yer signature picture on the left?

Yes. I was stopped along the highway in Monument Valley and needed the key to get the camera out of the saddlebag.

[skeeter]

Locomotive is good description. She don't wanna slow down. I tend to gear down and keep the rpms up in the straights and just let off on the entry to the curves. I've found it much easier to manage and I'm more comfortable. Top gear is for the open road around here.

[chspence]

Just came back from week away to Ottawa Retreads Rally covering almost a 1,000 miles return fully loaded including rear dry sac bag on rack and with wife as passenger. I am running stock Bridgestones @ manufacturers specified pressure 32 Front /40 rear. This bike runs very well loaded up and is confidence inspiring. I find that "countersteering" is the key to good agility in turns. We really like the comfort for 2 up travel. 2007 Nomad.

[Bdog]

From the showroom to the road..she's awkward! Like others here have said..bump up the tire pressure and rear shock pressure. Put a set of risers on her, hwy pegs and off you go. She handles very well for a big bike. No, not a sport bike (my other bike is a zx1100) but a cruiser. I don't have much problem keeping up with my buddies. They ride ktm950, bmwgs1200 and a honda sport bike. They get where we are going before me but not by much. If you pick your line thru the twisties and stick with it you will have no problems. Bdog

[cdneh]

Thanks so much for all the replies. I really like how people at this forum take any request seriously and provide the information needed. I too just read the hard baggers comparison in Motorcycle Cruiser where the Noamd came out on top.