Did I buy the wrong bike?

[ChromeSofa]

It's a totally different bike now! Just got fresh tires, stiffer front springs, heavier weight fork oil, fluids, and front brake pads.

I cannot believe it- the bike rides so nice now. The nose doesn't dive under mild breaking or unsettle the bike in curves where i have to correct a bit (or hit a bump/dip).

The front brake has bite now with the EBC sintered pads, good modulation on the front brakes too and the rear brake doesn't feel mushy.

I rode into the shop feeling like I drive a big ponderous slushy/floaty mess, and rode out with so much more control at any speed!!

Today I drilled out the baffles in the exhaust and its definitely louder, huskier sounding. I thought I wanted to get a tachometer, but now there is the sweet exhaust note of the 1500 to guide me. Couldn't hear it at all before.

Just playing around now with rear suspension settings. Had it pumped up to 30psi or so... Dropped it to 15. Going to ride now:)

[Monkeyman]

Glad to hear you got it all worked out.

[Jesse-James]

I went from a 900 classic to the 1600 Nomad in April. Put a fairing almost immediately as I bought it to do a lot of highway miles. At first it was a clumsy pig, took weeks to get used to. Since April I have logged 10k on this bike, 8k or so is 2up with luggage. I find it to be a great bike, definitely need to plan ahead in town, watch lane position prior to tight turns, etc. The wife and I love this thing. Lots of room to stretch out and with some tuning the ride is great. The ride and styling reminds me of an older Buick. I do miss how nimble the 900 was in town but I won't be giving up this Nomad anytime soon.

[ChromeSofa]

Yup that's pretty much how I see it. I debaffled it this weekend too. Definitely adds something (noise) to the ride.

Not sure if I like it better yet.

I keep going to look at the reckless fairing website. They look much more aerodynamic and protective from wind.... And not quite as cool as the stock shield. Hmm.

[recumbentbob]

Originally Posted by ChromeSofa

Yup that's pretty much how I see it. I debaffled it this weekend too. Definitely adds something (noise) to the ride.

Not sure if I like it better yet.

I keep going to look at the reckless fairing website. They look much more aerodynamic and protective from wind.... And not quite as cool as the stock shield. Hmm.

If you want a little more wind protection put a set of "Chucksters" lower air deflectors on it. They work great and are inexpensive.

http://www.chucksterscustoms.com/

he's a member here.
Bob

[macmac]

Originally Posted by ChromeSofa

Yup that's pretty much how I see it. I debaffled it this weekend too. Definitely adds something (noise) to the ride.

Not sure if I like it better yet.

I keep going to look at the reckless fairing website. They look much more aerodynamic and protective from wind.... And not quite as cool as the stock shield. Hmm.

What is on the bike now as a exhaust system? There are way to many guys for me to remember.. Almost all set ups under exhaust want some baffles except for a stock system, which gets more than plenty back pressure from the goat belly.

[ChromeSofa]

Stock exhaust : Nomad 1500

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1348520631.346793.jpg

I used a file pushed in snug and then twisted to break the baffle free

EDIT: after drilling ... See below

[ChromeSofa]

Oh and it's about 3/8ths of an inch from inner chrome lip of tailpipe to what becomes your new muffler inner pipe with the baffle removed.

So be reasonably careful when cutting with the hole saw that you don't exceed 3/8ths from saw edge to chrome inner lip or you'll cut up the inner surface of your muffler. I made a sloppy wooden plug and wasnt too careful about getting the guide bit in the center perfectly lined up. I eyeballed it and then by the time I reused it on the second pipe I caught it a bit off center. With a 1 3/4 inch hole saw I was close to the edge but did fine despite.

[macmac]

CS, Yeah you can run that set up, and it will be a little louder than stock. The goat belly will still be a problem in terms of heat and intake restriction. The engine can't breath better than the most restricted part. In this case that goat belly.

[dave m]

the last bike i was on was a ninja 900 about 25 years ago and this summer i bought a 02 nomad and after about 2 weeks i was very comfortable on it.
i put 5000 miles on the bike this summer and i am very happy with it, so give it time and i bet you will be happy too.

[crzyddy]

have to say, my 2001 Nomad handles like a dream compared to my 2000 Victory SC, it is much more bike, but it handles the twisties as well as cruising nicely on the highway, I have no problem getting it up to well over the speed limit in no time. I do need to get that Dunlop off the front, though, yuk!

[manban9888]

My Nomad and my 98 1500a are both pure heaven on the road. I'll be riding Vulcans til they plant me. I'm glad you stuck w it. You have a great bike that you can count on for many miles of smiles

[donoller]

try avon tires it will do a lot better in parking lots and ride a whole lot softer

[dysign]

I have a 2001 that had 11,000 miles on it when I bought it and at first yes it was hard to handle being a heavy bike but this year I put in quite a few miles and I must say I have become one with the bike. Give it time, they are great bikes, it is a question of just getting used to it.

Enjoy