1500 vs 1600

[josh]

I am sure some of you have ridden both the 1500 and 1600 nomads and I was wondering the pros and cons of each. I am thinking of possibly upgrading from my 1994 1500a and don't like the way the 1700's fit me anyhow. just figured this would be the place to get some opinions.

Thanks

[dogdoc]

if you really like the 1500 then you will LOVE the 1600(IMO) but will HATE the 1700. they all are 3 different bikes.

[NRiderUSA]

I went from a 1998 Vulcan Classic 1500 to 2008 Nomad 1600..... Although I loved the Vulcan I have never looked back with any regrets. Also still love the pull into a parking lot and find I'm a 1% against the 99% HD.....

[macmac]

I had a 01 for 361 days before it was stolen, and crossed the country with it. When it was stolen in May 06, I bit the bullet and bought a used 06 in June 06, with 1,314 miles on it.

So the 1500 is better at highway speed stability, while the 1600 handles better at slower speeds.

The 1600 has more options for rear tires, like car tires.
The 1600 is a bit wider, and a bit longer.

The exhaust and saddle bags are the same stock.

The 1500 has easier to reach air fittings on the rear shocks.

IF there is any power difference I can't tell.

The 1500 has more trim options for fender tips.

The same lower and or upper saddle bag trim rails are for either bike.

The caddman kit will fit either bike as will cobra and TFI moduals.

The 1500 IMO has a better tail light set up with 2 bulbs instead of just one.

The 1500 has a tail light mount gasket between the fender and the lamp mount and the 1600 has nothing.

The 1600 has grab rails and the 1500 has a strap.

The 1500 has a great battery box set up and the 1600 SUCKS!

The speedo lense on a 1600 is easy to get off. The same part on a 1500 is a pry and pray deal at best.

The 1500 has a side mounted ignition, which can be moved. The 1600 has the key located central, and the key can be removed when in use.

These 2 bikes can not share a trailer hitch (for when the bike is going to pull a trailer.)

The 1500 use 2 bolts to hold the drivers seat.
The 1600 uses one bolt for each seat.

The 1500 has a classic look to the fenders, and gas tank, where the 1600 has a more modern look.

Stock the 1500 has the same size tire on each end of the bike.

Probably there is other things different from 1500 to 1600, but I can't think of more.

[schoeney]

Jeez Mac....that is quite the detailed comparison.

I always wanted to know as well. I guess as long as my 1500 is running fine there isn't a reason to move to a 1600.

Thanks.....once again.

[macmac]

A few other things all appearance are the so called valve covers on the 1500 are straight on the bottoms, and the 1600 have some fancy curve.

The side covers are different, and will not exchange.

The wheels seem nicer on the 1500 looks wise too, sort of like a cooling fan for the brakes.

The only thing i would like that the 1500 doesn't have is the car tire options..

Oh yeah I like the looks of the 1500 sissy bar better too, and that luggage rack seems nicer and bigger too.

Being thin myself I didn't like the wider Nomad in 1600 as much, because I think it makes me look FAT!