Owners opinions

[stewart]

New to the site and presently don't own a Nomad. Been considering for sometime now and my biggest concern is all the reports I find about the Nomad being slow.

I mostly will ride solo am 6' 230. When I add passenger weight we'll be right up at 400 and so I'm wondering what else I'd be able to carry and will the Nomad be up to the task?

Thanks,

Stewart

[bluetongue]

Stewart, I ride an 05 and I am wondering what you mean by slow? I am 6' 245 and my wife is no small lady and the bike seems to have plenty of power. I know my bike will not set any land speed records, but how fast you wanna go? I have had my bike to 115 mph and thats plenty fast for such a large cruiser.
I believe the Nomad has a well balanced power band for a cruiser if you want fast look into getting a sport bike. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
There are many after market performance parts if you think the stock bike is sluggish or slow. Put it this way I have own several bikes and the Nomad to me is a great mix performance and comfort.

[trip]

I will say that I did a lot of research while I was in the process of buying a new bike. During that time, I never heard from anyone that the Nomad was slow. In fact, it's anything but slow.

I weigh 235. Fully loaded for a trip, I might have 150 lbs of gear. I've never noticed the Nomad being slow. Even in the mountains at high altitude.

I would say Stewart that you can put that rumor to rest. BTW, thanks for visiting the site Stewart. Feel free to ask any questions.

Trip

[stewart]

Thanks for the responses. I should have said accelerates slowly. I have a concours at the present time and that coming from a Suzuki Intruder 1400. The concours is only 1000cc however compared to the Suzuki it is lightning quick from 0 all the way to the limit well beyond 100. I was more concerned about how quickly it will get me to the typical highway speeds here in the Midwest and what speed does it cruise most comfortably at. For example my intruder liked to go 70 and so mostly that's what I did. My concours likes to go 80-90 and so I catch myself there allot. Not for the speed of it but that's just the comfortable cruising speed for the bike. So what brings my interest in changing bikes is my desire to be able to ride two-up comfortably (my intruder couldn't do that, that's why I switched to the Concours) and to have that sweet spot for cruising that is somewhere closer to legal speeds.

Regards and God Bless,

[trip]

stewart,
I recently had a guy write in off my website and say that he was a Connie rider and was considering buying a Nomad. He did later say he went on and bought a Nomad and didn't regret it.

Trip

[rzuni]

I am trying to figure out what is the best way to lift the rear tire on my 2007 nomad. My normal bike lift does not have work with the nomad since there is no frame toward the rear of the bike to lift on without damaging the bike . Lifting toward the center only raises the front tire.

[trip]

Rocky asked me about lifting the rear tire on a Nomad off my website. I directed him here. Any of you guys know of a quick and easy way to lift the rear tire on a Nomad????

[rzuni]

Can the rear crash bars support the weight of the bike. Where do you place the floor jack? I concerned about stability since you are raising from a single focal point

[rzuni]

I will try that, although I am not sure how I will strap down the front end. I do not have an anchor for the front end. Thanks for the info.

[rzuni]

Stewart, My wife and have ridden with a combined weight of over 500 lbs. Returning from the ROT rally we were keeping up with sport bikes at 100 mph on I-35. The NOMAD is up to the challenge. I probably would not want to do this often but she has plenty of get up and go even with the extra weight.

[rebel]

STEWART TO ME EVERYTHING IS SLOW. LOL
BUT A NOMAD WILL DO ANY TASK YOU CHOOSE FOR IT

[dragon57]

I am 200#, my wife is 125#, and we often haul lots of camping gear (all we can fit).We have plenty of power now that I did the power commander3, pipes, and airkit; they made a huge difference!! I wasn't happy with mine when stock, but with these mods, I am now.

[waynem]

One of the customs when leaving an Ice House, here in the area, (I drink Diet Coke) is to stomp on it. I was on the 2004 Nomad, and a friend was on his Harley Fat Boy. We got out on the highway and I nodded to him. We both jumped on it. When he caught me at the next stop light he made a statement something like this, "Wow, i never know your bike was that fast. i couldn't catch you."

I'm 230# - height does not matter!!!!

So how fast and how quick do you really want to go?

semper Fi!

p.s., are there faster cruisers - probably. What is your comfort zone. If it's faster, then you need a different bike.

I did have the PowerCommander, V&H pipes and different Air Cleaner.

[stewart]

All questions about speed and power have been ansered, I'm convinced.

Thank you everyone for your time in responding and for the feedback regarding your varying loads and performance. I'm still dreaming Nomads so I'm guessing it will not be long before I pull the trigger.

Regards, and God Bless.

Stewart

[ponch]

I am 6'5 and 356Lbs and still managed to get a speeding ticket a week after I bought the bike. I have had it up to 100 mph without a problem and my wife is 5'10 and 200 and the bike didn't seem to care.

[dogdoc]

hey do Nomads have a governor to limit there top end speed, anybody know for sure? Since '05 are FI and computer stuff I figurged they are controlled on the top. Most only go 100 it seems unless modified. of course 100 is plenty for me guys.

Doc

[blowndodge]

Yes the newer Nomads have a rev limiter set at 5900 or about 140 MPH in 5th gear. I asked this question on other sites regarding the "modest" power of the Nomad. I too questioned why at 1553 CC's and a 4 valve head this beast shouldn't be puttin' out 100 hp!

After a long consideration to my question I realized that I bought the Nomad for LONGEVITY and smoothness. Look at some of these older high mileage Nomads with 50-100k and I'm glad my Nomad is not tweaked for ultimate horsepower.

If I'm getting on the freeway and open it up I can get way over the speed limit by the time I merge into traffic. WAY over the limit.

Yea most bike will kick my Nomads tail and I've had by buddy's GW walk my Nomad terribly, but fully loaded two up or not, you cruise at 80 over every mountain pass or grade. It doesn't slow down at all it just doesn't "hall the mail".

Of course since I'm looking for a Thunder Mountain air intake and exhaust, I still like a little bit more and from what I understand from some that this substantially increased the thrust in acceleration. But thats the end of it for me.

[rflnomad]

Hey all. We did alot of research too. We narrowed it down the the Nomad and the 06 Yamaha Road Star Silverado in Pearl White. It WAS tough! I have a riding friend who has a 04 Road Star Silverado and we rode it and liked it.
But, when we looked at both, we went for the shaft drive over belt, FI over the carb, hard bags over soft, and the price difference. All went for the Nomad. I can say that we are both very pleased with the bike and I recommend it to all that ask.
It's a shame that Kawasaki doesn't use it more in the TV and print ads. Guess they figure it sells enough as is.....

I traded my Roadstar Silverado for my Nomad....... loved the Roadstar... love the Nomad more!

[Todd]

I find myself agreeing with Groundhog for the second time today...I feel honored!!!...I am around the 280 range (just south of 300) ok 281...anyway wife is 120ish (dont tell her I told you so) and we pack all her stuff and mine and all I gotta do is twist the throttle a little even in the mountains and my '06 accelerates as fast as you would want on a cruiser.

[stewart]

It's cool to see the new responses. Thanks all for the input. Phase one of my plan is complete as the Concours has been sold. Phase two awaits me recovering from a yet undiagnosed medical problem that is causing me some major drama. So far two visits to the ER and three doctors appointments and the only thing I have to show for it is bills, bills and more bills. This far there has been no diagnosis that has resulted in a treatment plan.

Problem, I can be feeling totally OK and then in an instant feel chills in all extremities, weakness, dizziness, and feelings of fainting. Before you jump to conclusions it is NOT hypoglycemia as I am diabetic and test regularly. I'm not putting the money into a new ride until they can fix my symptoms. Couldn't imagine riding up the road on two wheels feeling this way or worse losing consciousness completely.

Thanks all,

Regards and God Bless,

Stewart,

[lw]

Hope your docs get you squared away soon and you move forward with phase two.

Larry

[spork]

My 2 cents (and I will take change)

"Slow" really is relative to the situation. Some have used the term "Slownad" to describe our exquisitely wonderful bikes. :'( But "slow" really is in the hiney of the rider.......

I am 5'11, 250ish http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif and ride solo. I have been very satisfied with the acceleration of the bike. The great thing about the Vulcan is that with a little money, you can REALLY wake these babies up. Intake, exhaust, and fuel management upgrade and this bike will be ready to make you grin widely.

The Connie isn't a fair comparison since it is a different class of bike. If you like performance more than the style and comfort, you might look hard at the Concours 14. The reviews are very favorable.

On a side note, I was riding with a friend the other night who was on a 1500 Classic with no mods other than the HK 3inch big straights and he blew past me like I was in reverse!!!! It really brought in to light the importance of weight and proper utilization of the fuel mixture.

Now, I just need to find the money for the ThunderStorm kit and bump her up to 95 CI. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

[lw]

Now, I just need to find the money for the ThunderStorm kit and bump her up to 95 CI. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

Shhhh Joe, after the last month and a half, it's dangerous to even mention Thunderstorm as a brand name!

[kingcruiser]

Stewart,
I'm 6'3" and 240. The wife is 5'11" and 160. The Nomad hauls us around easily. I put on V&H baggers, round air kit and PC III with a dyno tune and it made a world of difference.
I can't say enough good things about the Nomad.
KC

[blowndodge]

Take care of your medical condition and then get your Nomad Stewart. I'll pray for your speedy recovery brother...

[flightdoc]

Stewart,
I have an 05 Nomad. owned since new. I weigh in at 190 and my wife "sub 120" She has a way of putting two tons of sh*t in a one ton truck!! I'll bet we had the side bags stuffed 15-20 pounds each and loaded another 30 pounds on the luggage rack. We just spent a long weekend riding in Northern NY and VT throughout many mountain passes. The Nomad handled like a dream going up or down. On the interstates we were cruising 70-80 for hours at a time, comfortably. As a matter of fact she is able to nap while riding. Lucky her!
As a matter of fact while driving on route 9 in Vermont we followed , up a mountain pass, a road King with a lone rider and kept up with him without a problem. Nomads are built to haul. Good deal of torgue. Can carry about anything and move on out smartly.

vin

[davidjones1]

Hi, I'm new to the site also I ride a nomad and have had many other bike's, I'm 6' 230 and just about always have my wonderful wife [who's sitting next to me] and have all the power we could ever want, GH is right if your looking for fast go the sport/tour but if you want a great ride by nomad.

[davidjones1]

sorry that was bluetongue that wrote that about the sport bike [still learning the folks here]

[unwind2]

davidjones1 - Hello......welcome to the board. Me and hubbie live way over in West Tenn, north of Memphis. Where abouts in TN are you guys? Just wondering cause whenever we are out on a trip I always get excited if I happen to cross paths with another nomad.

[spooky66]

I had a heavily modified 800 intruder that would smoke just about anything especially 1400's off the line. The problem is that I couldn't go any distance comfortably. I sat down and made a list of all of the things I wanted from a bike and the things I wanted it to have. Hydraulic clutch NO WELD SHOWING on the tank water cooled shaft driven etc. etc.
That really narrowed things down, I went to a dealership that had the few that had everything on the list and test drove them.
I left with the nomad.
I totally understand the attraction to those sport/touring models though.

[scion0]

davidjones1 - Hello......welcome to the board. Me and hubbie live way over in West Tenn, north of Memphis. Where abouts in TN are you guys? Just wondering cause whenever we are out on a trip I always get excited if I happen to cross paths with another nomad.

The wife (Robin) and I are planning a trip to TN sometime next spring. Maybe we could take a scenic route through your part of TN on our way to our part (Monterey, TN).

[dank]

I had a Concours before the Nomad. Yes, in comparison the Nomad is slow. But the low end torque is really fun and in practical terms it accelerates much faster than you will ever need up to speeds that will get you taken away in handcuffs. But the Concours was faster: top end, accelerating, or in corners, no question, it was much faster. It also had better weather protection and a longer range. They are both great bikes, and they are different bikes. I've put in repeated 700-plus mile days on both, and the Nomad wins for comfort at the end of a long day. The Concours wins for bursts of exhilaration and if you are on twisties most of the time. If I had to pick one for another cross country trip or for a pleasant afternoon ride, I would take the Nomad, but certainly wouldn't be disappointed if someone handed me a Connie and said I had to ride it instead. I just enjoy the ride more on the Nomad. The Concours placed my focus on setting up corners and getting the most out of the bike. With the Nomad I just flat out enjoy the countryside and process of getting there. It is a more relaxing ride. It has ample acceleration, will go well above any legal speed, and is a real rush when you roll on the throttle in 3rd at 30-35 mph and let it unwind a bit. Gives you a real kick in the seat of the pants. I do wish the Nomad had the 7-plus gallon tank of the Concours.

Your passenger will love the Nomad. My wife liked the Concours, but says there is no comparison with the seat and floorboards she has on the Nomad. She does 450 mile days on it without complaint. No shortage of roll-on power with two people and gear.


Take the plunge: buy a Nomad and never look back. You'll feel like you bought a tractor the first few miles after riding a Concours. Then you get used to where to shift and having 5 instead of 6 gears, and it's all good after that. Really good. The other big difference is that with the Nomad you have to allow more time because of all the people who come up to admire it and want to know what it is and talk about your bike. Never happened on the Connie.

Nice write up dank..... if i didn't own one.. I'd want one!

[davidjones1]

unwind2, hi I'm in cleveland Tenn just north of chatt town, we love to ride all areas of Tenn, my number is 423-505-9443 if you get over this way for the fall color riding give me shout. we have a ride Oct 20 over the skyway to the dragon or KLS, Hope you can make it. ride safe.

[stewart]

The Concours placed my focus on setting up corners and getting the most out of the bike.

Your passenger will love the Nomad.


Thanks for the write-up. You explained what I felt. When I still had the Connie I felt like everywhere I went it was about how well I could set up a corner and how fast I could get through it. Caught myself many times riding to the limit and while that is at times exhilarating I also know that sometime somewhere it will catch up to me. Had a cruiser (1400 Intruder) in the past and while the styling was cool it didn't have the two up ability that the Connie offered when I bought that bike.

I'm absolutely ready to slow down, just didn't want to come home disappointed with my decision. My medical issue is mostly worked out. I'm waiting on the phone call from the loan department at the bank and the first dealership I get into with the right price, right attitude (service with smile rather than a hand in my wallet) will get my business. My preference is the all black, then black and silver. Will post my happy new owner message within a week if all things go by design.

Thanks to all,

God Bless,

And Keep the Shiny side Up!

Stewart

[Scoot]

You want the best example of the Nomad Try to find a used one for sale. Go to e-bay and you might fine 5 or 6 total for the whole US of A. then switch .... look at others that compare to a Nomad and you'll find lots (example)just type in Road King see how many you get. Once you start riding a Nad you don't want to get rid of it.

I own a 07,this bike won't do 0-60 in 3.5 seconds BUT IT'S NOT SLOW!!!!!

We look forward to your new pics of your nomad when you get it and your thoughts.




[quote:fdscmo7h]The Concours placed my focus on setting up corners and getting the most out of the bike.

Your passenger will love the Nomad.


Thanks for the write-up. You explained what I felt. When I still had the Connie I felt like everywhere I went it was about how well I could set up a corner and how fast I could get through it. Caught myself many times riding to the limit and while that is at times exhilarating I also know that sometime somewhere it will catch up to me. Had a cruiser (1400 Intruder) in the past and while the styling was cool it didn't have the two up ability that the Connie offered when I bought that bike.

I'm absolutely ready to slow down, just didn't want to come home disappointed with my decision. My medical issue is mostly worked out. I'm waiting on the phone call from the loan department at the bank and the first dealership I get into with the right price, right attitude (service with smile rather than a hand in my wallet) will get my business. My preference is the all black, then black and silver. Will post my happy new owner message within a week if all things go by design.

Thanks to all,

God Bless,

And Keep the Shiny side Up!

Stewart[/quote:fdscmo7h]