In Your Opinion Nomad vs Harley

Homerwillis · 03-24-2013, 08:56 PM

I have had two Nomads and believe they are some of the best bikes on the road. I went into a Harley Dealer Ship the other day and got the bug. In your opinion what are the pros and cons of Nomad vs Harley. Rather learn from those who have been there than make a pricey mistake.

redjay · 03-24-2013, 09:01 PM

I just dont get the Harley attraction, never did. A Nomad does the job as well if not better, at substantially less cost.

yoda · 03-24-2013, 09:11 PM

You may need to be a bit more specific. HD makes a lot of models....
I am happy with my Nomad, but if I were to be looking at something other than Kawasaki, I would strongly consider a Victory Cross Country, or a Star Stratoliner. Or the Honda FB6(I think that is what it's called). If I were looking at HD, the only one that appeals to me is the Road Glide. Nothing wrong with Harley as a brand or a bike, I just think I would get tired of seeing everyone else riding my bike all the time.
But if for some reason you think you want a Harley, just get it. We aren't the ones who will be riding your bike, get whatever you want!

Loafer · 03-24-2013, 09:23 PM

There are several members here who have owned Nomads and when the time
came bought HD's. Hopefully they will tell you how they see the differences.
Yoda said it....you will be making the payments and you will be riding it. The
Nomad and the HD Road King are very similar, and I feel that is your two for
comparison. If you wish another model of HD, comparing it to the Nomad is
not even ground. IMHO

Homerwillis · 03-24-2013, 09:39 PM

I have had a Heritage and a Streetglide. Guess I just need reminding that Nomad is the way to go. Streetglide was new, lady ran a redlight and totaled it, bought a 99 Heritage and lost the power went back to an 07 Nomad had an 05 before. A buddy of mine just got a Road King and I think my Nomad has a much better sound. Just need reminding.

**jlreeves** · 03-24-2013, 09:46 PM

Go test drive a Road King and see for yourself. I found it to be kind of uncomfortable and cramped. My rider did also. Its a nice bike but not as nice as my paid for 2008 Nomad.

haygrrr · 03-24-2013, 09:58 PM

I rented a road glide while on vacation in Florida and loved it. But I bought the Vaquero cause it was $8,400 less than the Harley. Did the same thing on my previous Yamaha. But you're making the payments so up to you. Good luck with your decision!

**sacarriker** · 03-27-2013, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haygrrr

I rented a road glide while on vacation in Florida and loved it. But I bought the Vaquero cause it was $8,400 less than the Harley. Did the same thing on my previous Yamaha. But you're making the payments so up to you. Good luck with your decision!

Great comment...

Dave · 03-24-2013, 10:11 PM

No comment!

elvis · 03-24-2013, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

No comment!

Dave, what's going on? No comment is a bad comment.

Never mind... I think I found the thread.

ivan · 03-24-2013, 10:24 PM

Newer Harleys are fine bikes but they have less leg room than a Nomad. It could be a problem if you are tall. I'm 6'4" and can't fit on a Harley comfortably but I raised my seat 2" on my Nomad to be able to ride it without hurting.

**plumber63** · 03-24-2013, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivan

Newer Harleys are fine bikes but they have less leg room than a Nomad. It could be a problem if you are tall. I'm 6'4" and can't fit on a Harley comfortably but I raised my seat 2" on my Nomad to be able to ride it without hurting.

How did you Raise your seat? I have the same issue you have at 6'4". Ive changed to a mustang with back rest, added longhorns to crash bars, and scootwork risers and rolled the bars down. still would like more leg room. 36" inseam makes it hard to fit on any bike.

**manban9888** · 03-24-2013, 10:13 PM

Harley makes some nice bikes but it's the road king that would be the equivalent to the Nomad. I ride my Nomad everywhere 2 up in comfort. I'm very happy w it. You have to do what makes you happy.

chainsaw · 03-24-2013, 10:15 PM

I have both a Nomad and a Harley. Like them both equally well.

**glwilson** · 03-24-2013, 10:21 PM

Since Al stepped into this... I will just say the same as he.

I liked my Nomad, but I like my Ultra-Classic.

One thing is the Ultra is much better balanced and much easier to control during critical maneuvers at critical speeds.

Don't know if you are looking at new or used though. If used, buy '09's and newer on the tourers to get the new frame. A big difference...

03-24-2013, 08:56 PM	#1
Homerwillis Jr. Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 12	In Your Opinion Nomad vs Harley I have had two Nomads and believe they are some of the best bikes on the road. I went into a Harley Dealer Ship the other day and got the bug. In your opinion what are the pros and cons of Nomad vs Harley. Rather learn from those who have been there than make a pricey mistake. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-24-2013, 09:11 PM	#3
yoda Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lititz, PA Posts: 432	You may need to be a bit more specific. HD makes a lot of models.... I am happy with my Nomad, but if I were to be looking at something other than Kawasaki, I would strongly consider a Victory Cross Country, or a Star Stratoliner. Or the Honda FB6(I think that is what it's called). If I were looking at HD, the only one that appeals to me is the Road Glide. Nothing wrong with Harley as a brand or a bike, I just think I would get tired of seeing everyone else riding my bike all the time. But if for some reason you think you want a Harley, just get it. We aren't the ones who will be riding your bike, get whatever you want! __________________ I used to be indecisive, but now I am not so sure... Yoda VBA #01311 SCRC Chapter 289 07 Nomad
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03-24-2013, 09:23 PM	#4
Loafer Sr. Contributor Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 18,287	There are several members here who have owned Nomads and when the time came bought HD's. Hopefully they will tell you how they see the differences. Yoda said it....you will be making the payments and you will be riding it. The Nomad and the HD Road King are very similar, and I feel that is your two for comparison. If you wish another model of HD, comparing it to the Nomad is not even ground. IMHO __________________ Gerry Martineau / 802 VT / VBA #0892 /[email]glmjgm@gmail.com[email]
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03-24-2013, 09:39 PM	#5
Homerwillis Jr. Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 12	I have had a Heritage and a Streetglide. Guess I just need reminding that Nomad is the way to go. Streetglide was new, lady ran a redlight and totaled it, bought a 99 Heritage and lost the power went back to an 07 Nomad had an 05 before. A buddy of mine just got a Road King and I think my Nomad has a much better sound. Just need reminding. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

03-24-2013, 09:46 PM	#6
jlreeves Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Roswell, GA Posts: 888	Go test drive a Road King and see for yourself. I found it to be kind of uncomfortable and cramped. My rider did also. Its a nice bike but not as nice as my paid for 2008 Nomad. __________________ 2008 Nomad 1600 Black/Red _________________________________________ VulcanBagger #01711, VRA/GA VRA, SCRC, VROC #29671, AMA #1085989, Red Knights MC GA-18 Pres, PGR _________________________________________
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03-24-2013, 09:01 PM	#2
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,927	I just dont get the Harley attraction, never did. A Nomad does the job as well if not better, at substantially less cost.
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03-24-2013, 09:58 PM	#7
haygrrr Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 378	I rented a road glide while on vacation in Florida and loved it. But I bought the Vaquero cause it was $8,400 less than the Harley. Did the same thing on my previous Yamaha. But you're making the payments so up to you. Good luck with your decision! __________________ VBA #2354
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03-24-2013, 10:11 PM	#9
Dave Sr. Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Itchycoo Park Posts: 3,422	No comment!
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03-24-2013, 10:24 PM	#11
ivan Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: SC Posts: 117	Newer Harleys are fine bikes but they have less leg room than a Nomad. It could be a problem if you are tall. I'm 6'4" and can't fit on a Harley comfortably but I raised my seat 2" on my Nomad to be able to ride it without hurting. __________________ 2006 Vulcan Nomad 2012 KLR 650
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03-24-2013, 10:13 PM	#13
manban9888 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sebastian, Florida Posts: 1,016	Harley makes some nice bikes but it's the road king that would be the equivalent to the Nomad. I ride my Nomad everywhere 2 up in comfort. I'm very happy w it. You have to do what makes you happy. __________________ 2008 Nomad Red/Black 1998 1500a VBA #02113 Antlers, Oklahoma '12 Blairsville, Georgia '13 Antlers, Oklahoma '13 Eureka Springs, Arkansas '15
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03-24-2013, 10:15 PM	#14
chainsaw Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,732	I have both a Nomad and a Harley. Like them both equally well.
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03-24-2013, 10:21 PM	#15
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Since Al stepped into this... I will just say the same as he. I liked my Nomad, but I like my Ultra-Classic. One thing is the Ultra is much better balanced and much easier to control during critical maneuvers at critical speeds. Don't know if you are looking at new or used though. If used, buy '09's and newer on the tourers to get the new frame. A big difference... __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
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