Problems with 2009 Nomad?

vampyre · 09-29-2014, 02:46 PM

I had a 2007 Nomad 1600 I bought new, sold it for an FJR 1300... just sold the FJR yesterday.
I want another Nomad.

I am looking at a nice 2009 one with 16K miles, super clean burgundy and pewter.

Anyhow, I read that the belt drive is whiny on these newer Nomads, and clunky transmissions..

Is there any specific that should steer me away from a 2009 model, as opposed to a 2010 or 2011?

Is the clunking trans any worse than the 1600's was?

Thank you,
Chris

**HwyRider** · 09-29-2014, 02:54 PM

The shifting is clunky but you get use to the sound. There is no reason to stay clear of the 09 vs other years. The 09 and 10's had a recall on them for the ECU but it's something that Kawasaki takes care of free of charge.

Kat1 · 09-29-2014, 07:20 PM

I agree with HwyRider; the shifting on my '09 is somewhat annoying, but you get used to the sound and keep on rollin'.

vampyre · 09-30-2014, 09:25 AM

Thank you! Should have it Thursday night!

Silent Sam · 09-30-2014, 05:03 PM

Post some photo's of your new ride...

**JPB** · 10-02-2014, 12:48 PM

I have an '09 1700 Nomad. I really like it. The ECU was replaced by Kawasaki free of charge in 2010. The transmission is noisy, mostly shifting from 1st to 2nd. I found that making that shift at 3-5 MPH eliminates the clunking and it shifts smoothly. You'll be happy with the purchase. Look forward to some pics.

**buckey1313** · 10-02-2014, 02:09 PM

JPB have same bike as you and I really really can I state it any more clearly love this bike even though it is not perfect machine. Bangs and pops with the cobra's on it and dam top heavy but great machine with it own distinct sound which I really adore. Would I complain about anything on this bike not me I love having something that is not perfect as gives me something to talk about. Great bike for sure. I laugh about it faults not get upset with them. I had a nearly perfect bike once a 1100 Goldwing as far as I was concerned best balanced bike and not once in for repair in 267 thousand miles. It really had nothing to talk about was so near perfect rode like a sport bike when you wanted it to as low centre of gravity and did have allot of power for its size in those days. Now on to something even more fun my 2009 Burgandy John Deere D 1700 Vulcan Nomad. Bang Pop Poof Backfire so much fun waiting for the next pop.

vampyre · 10-02-2014, 03:47 PM

Thanks guys, picked it up last night... LOVE it, rode it at lunchtime too.
Pics forthcoming!
Trans is fine, belt whine, no biggie.
Now on to order some Vance and Hines, among other things.....

**HwyRider** · 10-02-2014, 03:57 PM

Did the previous owner get the ECU taken care of? If not, go to the Kawasaki site and punch in the VIN. They will give you a certificate to take to the dealership with you to have it replaced free of charge.

wayfarer · 10-03-2014, 09:40 PM

Check the wires under the tank for chaffing. The only problem I had with mine was a teenager in a truck who totalled it. I replaced it with an 11. I wouldn't hesitate to get another 09. Just found a good deal.

blatherbeard · 10-03-2014, 09:44 PM

I have a 12 and the clunk is definitely there but the ride is far better than any of the other vulcans ive owned(albeit apples to oranges since they were a 750 and 2 1500 classics)

although my brothers intruder clunks much more annoyingly and handles dreadfullly.

recumbentbob · 10-04-2014, 12:42 PM

Why did you sell the fjr?

vampyre · 10-04-2014, 01:43 PM

Thanks all. I sold the FJR because I already have a GSXR 750 and really felt that the FJR lacked a soul, if that makes sense.
I started missing my Nomad or a cruiser probably the last 2 years, so it was time. It was not easy but I love the Nomad already

Gypsy Dragon · 10-06-2014, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vampyre

Thanks all. I sold the FJR because I already have a GSXR 750 and really felt that the FJR lacked a soul, if that makes sense.
I started missing my Nomad or a cruiser probably the last 2 years, so it was time. It was not easy but I love the Nomad already

That makes complete sense. I loved my Connie 14, but it wasn't hard to sell. My 2003 Z1000 will end it's days in my care, and so will my Vaquero. I absolutely adore these 1700 Vulcan's, so much personality!

roadhawg · 10-25-2014, 08:59 AM

Mine is 2008 1600 Nomad
The last year of the shaft drive
No "clunky shifting" here!
when I finally wear it out, I will once again look for a low mileage Nomad 2008 or older.
Not impressed by the cheaper belt drive and I really dont need a 6 speed tranny!

09-29-2014, 02:46 PM	#1
vampyre Jr. Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 13	Problems with 2009 Nomad? I had a 2007 Nomad 1600 I bought new, sold it for an FJR 1300... just sold the FJR yesterday. I want another Nomad. I am looking at a nice 2009 one with 16K miles, super clean burgundy and pewter. Anyhow, I read that the belt drive is whiny on these newer Nomads, and clunky transmissions.. Is there any specific that should steer me away from a 2009 model, as opposed to a 2010 or 2011? Is the clunking trans any worse than the 1600's was? Thank you, Chris Login or Register to Remove Ads
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09-29-2014, 02:54 PM	#2
HwyRider Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Shore, MA Posts: 4,629	The shifting is clunky but you get use to the sound. There is no reason to stay clear of the 09 vs other years. The 09 and 10's had a recall on them for the ECU but it's something that Kawasaki takes care of free of charge. __________________ VBA # 02424 VROC # 35971 2010 Nomad 1700 Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Titanium
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09-30-2014, 05:03 PM	#5
Silent Sam Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: On The Shakey Side Posts: 2,501	Post some photo's of your new ride... Login or Register to Remove Ads
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10-02-2014, 12:48 PM	#6
JPB Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Alvin, TX Posts: 125	I have an '09 1700 Nomad. I really like it. The ECU was replaced by Kawasaki free of charge in 2010. The transmission is noisy, mostly shifting from 1st to 2nd. I found that making that shift at 3-5 MPH eliminates the clunking and it shifts smoothly. You'll be happy with the purchase. Look forward to some pics. __________________ John 2009 Nomad 1700
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10-02-2014, 02:09 PM	#7
buckey1313 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Westlock, Alberta Posts: 442	JPB have same bike as you and I really really can I state it any more clearly love this bike even though it is not perfect machine. Bangs and pops with the cobra's on it and dam top heavy but great machine with it own distinct sound which I really adore. Would I complain about anything on this bike not me I love having something that is not perfect as gives me something to talk about. Great bike for sure. I laugh about it faults not get upset with them. I had a nearly perfect bike once a 1100 Goldwing as far as I was concerned best balanced bike and not once in for repair in 267 thousand miles. It really had nothing to talk about was so near perfect rode like a sport bike when you wanted it to as low centre of gravity and did have allot of power for its size in those days. Now on to something even more fun my 2009 Burgandy John Deere D 1700 Vulcan Nomad. Bang Pop Poof Backfire so much fun waiting for the next pop. __________________ Dave Leyh Edmonton, Alberta 2009 Kawasaki 1700 Vulcan Nomad Last edited by buckey1313; 10-02-2014 at 02:13 PM.
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09-29-2014, 07:20 PM	#3
Kat1 Jr. Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Grovetown, GA Posts: 15	I agree with HwyRider; the shifting on my '09 is somewhat annoying, but you get used to the sound and keep on rollin'.
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09-30-2014, 09:25 AM	#4
vampyre Jr. Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 13	Thank you! Should have it Thursday night!
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10-02-2014, 03:47 PM	#8
vampyre Jr. Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 13	Thanks guys, picked it up last night... LOVE it, rode it at lunchtime too. Pics forthcoming! Trans is fine, belt whine, no biggie. Now on to order some Vance and Hines, among other things.....
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10-02-2014, 03:57 PM	#9
HwyRider Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Shore, MA Posts: 4,629	Did the previous owner get the ECU taken care of? If not, go to the Kawasaki site and punch in the VIN. They will give you a certificate to take to the dealership with you to have it replaced free of charge. __________________ VBA # 02424 VROC # 35971 2010 Nomad 1700 Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Titanium
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10-03-2014, 09:40 PM	#10
wayfarer Jr. Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 38	Check the wires under the tank for chaffing. The only problem I had with mine was a teenager in a truck who totalled it. I replaced it with an 11. I wouldn't hesitate to get another 09. Just found a good deal.
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10-03-2014, 09:44 PM	#11
blatherbeard Jr. Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Bastrop, Tx Posts: 5	I have a 12 and the clunk is definitely there but the ride is far better than any of the other vulcans ive owned(albeit apples to oranges since they were a 750 and 2 1500 classics) although my brothers intruder clunks much more annoyingly and handles dreadfullly.
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10-04-2014, 12:42 PM	#12
recumbentbob Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newburgh IN Posts: 3,404	Why did you sell the fjr? __________________ VBA #01084 "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
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10-04-2014, 01:43 PM	#13
vampyre Jr. Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 13	Thanks all. I sold the FJR because I already have a GSXR 750 and really felt that the FJR lacked a soul, if that makes sense. I started missing my Nomad or a cruiser probably the last 2 years, so it was time. It was not easy but I love the Nomad already
	0

10-25-2014, 08:59 AM	#15
roadhawg Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Starke Florida Posts: 856	Mine is 2008 1600 Nomad The last year of the shaft drive No "clunky shifting" here! when I finally wear it out, I will once again look for a low mileage Nomad 2008 or older. Not impressed by the cheaper belt drive and I really dont need a 6 speed tranny! __________________ "Ride it like you stole it"! 2008 1600 Nomad 56K miles "BlueBelle" 2004 1500 Nomad 102 K miles "Black Beauty" ABATE Black Creek Chapter Amvet Rider Post 86 http://www.facebook.com/AmvetPost86 Weston A. Price Foundation member. Vegetarian...... An old Indian word meaning "Bad Hunter" Legalize Freedom! Question Authority! "Im in love with the waitress, and I dont even know her name" "Boys" Gone Wild" ! Mainstreet Station 2012 Daytona Bikeweek
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