2002 vs. 2005 & 2006

[lacey]

Looking to buy a 2002 or 2005/2006 nomad. I tried researching to see if this thread has come up before but didn't see any. Besides the backrest / handrails and a slightly larger engine, any real differences in handling, comfort, reliability etc. Any problems common to 1 year? Pros and cons to 1 year over another?
I've done some homework but not enough. I need to ask those who ride them.
TIA

[rcashell]

I ride a 2005 Blue/Silver (Not only the fastest, but the prettiest). I know that this was the forst year for the 1600. I don't know whether the 2001 is F.I. or not. I couldn't be happier with my bike

[naugaman]

I ride a 2005 Blue/Silver (Not only the fastest, but the prettiest). I know that this was the forst year for the 1600. I don't know whether the 2001 is F.I. or not. I couldn't be happier with my bike

Yes Privateer, the blue/silver one is the fastest. I do not think the FI came out until 2002 but not on all models. You could still get one with a carb. I do not know when it went to all FI. Maybe BD can answer that question. I do know this, when I found out that the 2005 was to have the 1600 in it, I waited 6 months for the first one to hit the showroom floor. I feel it was well worth the wait.

I have an 02. It is F.I. The ignition switch is forward on the left side. Gadget has ideas on relocating it if you're handy with wiring and such. Unless added, no sissy bar or passenger grab rails. That's all I can think of right now. If I think of others, I'll chime in again later.

[Top Cat]

Go here;
http://www.kawanow.org/specs.htm
It will explain a lot of differences. Like the frame was compleatly redesigned in 2005 for one.

[lomax]

...in 2000, some came carbed and some FI. 2001, as mine is, all were FI.. :)

[biscuitsngravy]

I own a 2006 Nomad. Just love the thing. It is black which may normally be a tad bit faster than the other colors.... but not mine because I tip the scales at over 300 lbs. Big bones my mom used to tell me.

I still love biscuits-n-gravy!
BnG

[jmorrow]

I have an 2004 Nomad FI which is basically the same as the 2002 Nomad FI. I have 40,250 mile on the 04 and haven't had any problems at all, just changed oil and rear tires....good luck.....

Now I can see you want to buy an 02 to 06 but your only best choice would be to purchase an 07 they are the fastest, smoothest and just the best looking nomad ever made. Now this is only my opinion now.....

Cheers Cookie

[cactusjack]

You're getting some questionable advice here. Everybody knows black is the fastest color.

[rlfaubion]

I have an '03 and a '06 VN1600 both FI. I can tell you the black one is faster and better lQQk'n! Wait - they're both black. What the ell
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/ronPatty-1.jpg

Cool pic Ron. I'm looking to buy my wife a jacket after xmas/before new years. She has a silver helmet. What kind of jackets are those?

[Top Cat]

Cool pic Ron. I'm looking to buy my wife a jacket after xmas/before new years. She has a silver helmet. What kind of jackets are those?
She has a silver helmet because she knows it goes so well with black. She is trying to tell you, you should have bought the silver/black combination http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I would have if my dealer had one.

[rlfaubion]

What kind of jackets are those?

Wolf - These are "First Gear" They are a mesh jacket with liner and light armor. Not very expensive (less than $100). Good for spring and fall. A little too warm in the heat of summer and not insulated enough for winter.

Sounds perfect. Dang I hope my wife looks like that when I'm your age.

[rlfaubion]

I'd say you've got a good start!! Thanks Wolf - I consider myself fortunate to not only have a pretty one, but she's a great wife too. A definite keeper! Merry Christmas