'07 Nomad 1600 - Maintenance/upgrades - results

[canuckrider]

Originally Posted by Navigator

I also want to find a good pair of saddlebag racks. I sent two back, the first because they were extremely poor quality, rough and with missing chrome, and the second, Cobras, because they didn't quite get the bend right in the manufacturing process so that they feet didn't sit flat on the bag tops. Would appreciate any tips on a source for good quality bag rails.

Navigator,
I know that your post is a couple months old now, but will still make a recommendation in case you're still looking. Go for the Kawasaki Fire & Steel ones. Yes, they're more expensive than the knock-offs, but after seeing some of the others on the Nomads I agree that they don't have the right curve to them or are too long or somehow don't look quite right. Mine are now about 7 years old and no issues with the chrome or finish at all.

[pete]

Very nice.

[Caveman]

UPDATE: I took the time this week to install the rear tire. While I was in there, I cleaned the spline and regreased and generally cleaned everything up.

I also made an adjustment to the steering stem bearing nut- went 1/4 turn tighter. The results are as good as I had hoped. Rides straight and smooth, handles bumps, tar snakes, tight turns, no problem.

Recap:

38psi front tire, 42 psi rear tire, 40 psi rear shocks with damper set on 3.
Bel-Ray 15W oil in the forks. All Balls steering stem bearing kit. Shinko 777 tires, Heavy Duty version on the rear. I'm under $300 for this project & it was well worth it.

So far the Shinko's are running well. I'll update as to how well they hold up in the Vegas weather. Seems like a great deal for the price.

[OldSchool]

Thanks for the update. Some very interesting information there.

[Caveman]

NEW TEST PROJECT:
Over the weekend I installed an air cleaner on the right side. I went with the Mr. Gasket 10" chrome kit, as the filter fit perfectly without having to modify anything. I did buy a chrome M8 x 25mm bolt to replace the stock one. I also added two hoses to the reed valves to relocate the sound to the left side. I used 20" pieces of 5/16" tubing and ran them through the crossover tube.

RESULTS:
Exactly what I was hoping. Improved throttle response, especially noticeable off the line which is where it's needed on these shaft drive bikes. It feels like slightly more power overall. Roll on at any speed is improved. No pinging at all... though it is cool in Vegas right now. I'll be doing further testing & will report back. Definitely worth the $30.00

[Peg]

I've done the Belray 15W thing in the forks of my Nomad (with Progressive springs) and in my Voyager. Have you considered using Belray 15W in the shocks as well? Very much worth the effort IMHO. Instructions through the reborn Gadget's site.

[Caveman]

I haven't yet but I'm always looking for improvements. Thanks for the info!

Originally Posted by Peg

I've done the Belray 15W thing in the forks of my Nomad (with Progressive springs) and in my Voyager. Have you considered using Belray 15W in the shocks as well? Very much worth the effort IMHO. Instructions through the reborn Gadget's site.

[Caveman]

UPDATES:

I installed Chuckster's 3" Handlebar risers this weekend & while I was in there I tightened the stem bearing nut another 1/8 turn. The risers work & fit me very well. The bars are much more comfortable. I highly recommend them.

The Shinko tires are still performing well. I started to trust them a little more and have been getting into the leans a little bit. They are holding well.

The front end is performing very well, especially now with the risers and the extra 1/8 turn on the stem nut. Smooth and stable.

The engine really likes that right side air cleaner, as do I. MPG suffered a bit due to a heavy hand for the first week, but I've settled in now so that should improve again.

I had the chance to hear someone's Vulcan with Cobra pipes over the weekend & now I have to start saving for those. Although my stock pipes are debaffled, the tuned sound of the Cobras has a certain appeal.

Here's a photo of the risers:

[Caveman]

Man, I really have to give a shout out to Joe at Chuckster's. The customer service and the quality of these handlebar risers -- Top Notch

[paul]

http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/a...1&d=1447893334
.
.I like your bike and the things you've done. I have an 07 as well.
It's easy to get involved in one of these projects.

[mick56]

Originally Posted by paul

http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/a...1&d=1447893334
.
.I like your bike and the things you've done. I have an 07 as well.
It's easy to get involved in one of these projects.

That saddle look's comfortable,what is it.

[paul]

Mick, It's a Mustang, and it is the best saddle combination I've ever had. They really got it right for the 1600.

[Caveman]

I was going to ask the same question--- thanks for the info!

Originally Posted by paul

Mick, It's a Mustang, and it is the best saddle combination I've ever had. They really got it right for the 1600.

[Caveman]

That's a nice looking right side air cleaner as well.

Originally Posted by paul

http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/a...1&d=1447893334
.
.I like your bike and the things you've done. I have an 07 as well.
It's easy to get involved in one of these projects.

[paul]

When I bought the 1500, there were two of those in the bags. I didn't really know what they fit at first. Then, when I changed out the 1500 to the thunder kit, I suddenly realized what I had. When I got the 1600, the PO had already installed the Thunder kit, but had a plain, chrome cover. I took it off and installed my fire and steel cover. They are no longer available. They were original Kawasaki Fire and Steel accessories.. One of the best covers Ive seen out there. Thanks. Here's a little different look, you can see the mini apes and spoiler on the trunk a little better.