2008 and Older vs. 2009/2010

[rue]

I haven't ridden for more than 30 years, so I bought a Honda Shadow (750) a few months ago. Now, I am ready for a bigger bike and have settled on the Nomad. But which one to buy.... shaft driven (1600) or belt driven (1700); cruise control or not; new or used....

Your opinions are most welcome.

rue7@aol.com

[topdogjim]

Buy the one you love and can afford. Used Nomad 1600's are priced to move at the moment. Me personally I looked for a low milage used 1600 that had lot's of add on's already. Either way we will welcome you to the club.

[Jared]

Two completely different bikes. I know they are both Kawis, but they are very very different. I wouldn't get caught up with the Nomad name. What made you originally want a Nomad? Was it a 1600 or 1700? Sit on both bikes and see what fits you best.

The 1600 can be had for much less money and is much more modifiable (is that a word?). When I bought my first Nomad, I wanted the most bike for the money. I felt that a lightly used 1600 fit the bill perfectly. I since sold that bike and could have purchased something else, but after almost 20k miles with the first Nomad, I still felt that the 1600 Nomad was the best bike for the money.

[ringadingh]

You should be able to find a good used one with a few extras already on it. The 1700's don't have to much available in accessories yet. Other than that its a personal choice.

[jmilucky]

I hope someone who has ridden both bikes will post up for you.

Most of us can tell you alot about the 1600 or 1500's [Nomad's] we've ridden but not much about the new Nomad.

IMO the cruise would be great to have and in time the aftermarket accessories will catch up with the bike.

At this point all I could say is that you'll save a ton of $'s over a new one! I sold an 08 with 1.5 years of warranty left and a pile of add on's for 2/3 's of a new one.

happy hunting,

Jim

[redjay]

There was an 08 Nomad for $7000 posted on here recently. That is one heck of a deal.

[trosco]

Hey rue, welcome to the forum and noticed you from FL. Visit the South East Region section further down in all the Garage sections. Theres a bunch of us here and that's a easy way to get to know us and join in the fun. Even if you don't have a nomad yet come meet us and learn about the bikes from us!

There are several generations of Nomads. Assuming that you are looking at the last two 2005 - 2008 1600's vs the 2009 -2010 1700's, there are some very significant differences to consider. Some have already been mentioned but to me the biggest difference is although the motor got bigger and got a 6 speed trans and other stuff that should make it a better Cruiser - Tourer the new frame made the 1700 a smaller motorcycle from the drivers perspective.
So if you compare the riding experience of the two generations you will probably like one style much better than the other. For me at 6 Ft and 260 lbs I like the stretched out feel of my 07. Two of my friends are both about 5Ft 9in and 170 lbs (one has a 03 Venture and the other a 09 Nomad) and both dislike my Nad as "too big" but love their bikes more compact feel. Both bikes are too "cramped" for me though. All the bikes are great motorcycles though so find the one that makes you most comforatable.... then ride the snott out of it!

[brendan]

Welcome to the best board, IMHO, out here Don r.. I too, had returned to riding after a 24 year hiatus,having had a 1962 H.D. and !979 Kaw 1000LTD as the last 2 bikes. I researched for 2 years did alot of reading ,listening and tire kicking. I had a list of required options,Liquid cooled,enough oomph to move when I wanted too, saddlebags that did not flap in wind,fuel injected, not wanting to take out a mortgage fror10 years, shaft drive and dual pipes. The other thing I required is that out of the box it had all I wanted as I am not one to want to make the dealer rich by "customizing" The Nomad fit all of these and I ordered a early 08 in sep.07.Got it in in Oct.and have now 7,500 miles I know that is not alot but due to work,and family and weather constraints I guess I will ride when I can, but when I do I have a large size smile the whole time! Almost made it to the rally in Custer S.D. but the better half had surgery that was scheduled for Feb. and slowly got moved back to june,maybe next one. Not one problem,and very reliable,averages 42 mpg and will putt when I want to and catch up to my youngest sons 600rr without much effort {when he lets me} Like was posted check around,private and dealers and see what you need and what you want. Happy riding! and Happy New Year to All!

[schoeney]

Don,

You asked for opinions....here is mine. When I buy a vehicle I tend to buy time tested and not the the newest model. They can work the bugs out on someone else.

As a result I never have the fastest or the one with all the latest gadgets but I usually have one that is very reliable, info and parts are easy to find on all of them. They also have a low cost of ownership.

As examples I own a 2006 Camry, 2000 4Runner, 2005 4Runner, and of course my 03 Nomad 1500. None are flashy or on the cutting edge but all are bulletproof (knock on wood). I have a total of 300k on the cars and only 15k on the Nad (bought used w/3k last year).

The 1700 is a totally new model and has significant improvements over the 1500/1600 design ....power, 6 speed, cruise, etc. But 2009 was the first year made of this design. So there may be a few issues to address.

If I were to buy a new Nomad I would buy a 2008 1600 if you can find one or I would wait a couple years for the bugs to get worked out on the 1700.

That is my humble opinion.

[phenrichs]

Let me directly address some of your questions.
Shaft vs Belt. I have not ridden a 1700 but have ridden belt driven bikes. In my opinion there does seem to be a bit more of a smooth feeling to the belt systems I have ridden. Not to say that the shaft is rough, I love shaft driven bikes, but the belt felt smoother to me. That could have been all in the tranny. Also with a belt driven bike you do not have the rear final drive and its lubrication needs to worry about.(fewer moving parts is good).

You do get a bit of a HP loss to the rear wheel with shaft and that is why you don't really see shaft driven sport bikes. Shaft drive systems don't stretch and need replacing like belts do and are generally more durable if properly lubed.
the cruise is very nice to have but many have found a good inexpensive addon true cruise control system that works great on the older Nomads.
As many have said if you look you will find some very nicely accessorized used nomads that may be what you want. For me when I buy a bike I only look at the general setup, the engine, and the drivetrain. After that I look at how well it fits me and how easily I can modify it to become EXACTLY what I want. For this the older ones are the way to go because they have been out longer and there are more accessories available now.

It truly comes down to what you like and what fits you. The guys that have the 1600s love them. The guys that have the 1700s love them. You won't find too many that have had both because the guys with the 1600s are not quick to let them go. There are a few. You might post in the 1700 garage section for more reviews.

[jasperboy]

I agree with all the above points, and would simply go by seat of the pants if nothing else. I have owned and riden a 1500 and my current 1600 and loved both. I got a chance to throw a leg over the new 1700 and immediatley flet it was "smaller". That is to say I felt a bit cramped versus the 1500/1600's. That alone would cause me to pass on a 1700. If however you flet steretced on the 1500/1600 and the 1700 felt "comfortable, then perhaps that is the answer. Of course with risers etc... the 1500/1600 can be modified to be "smaller", I'm not sure how you'd "stretch" a 1700.

[Netnorske]

For all of the technical differences between the 1600's vs 1700's (I have an '08 1600 btw)....you could buy a real lightly used 1600 ('05-'08) for half of what you would pay for a new 1700. That alone would make my mind up for me... !

The 1600's have a lot more room on them as they have a longer wheel base. This is a real plus for the taller types. There are a lot of mods available to make it fit you just right and lets face it, the sideloading saddlebags on the 1600's are far more aesthetically pleasing than the toploaders of the new 1700's. Obviously they are both functional, but it has to be said.... ;)!

[glwilson]

Buy a new 2010 Harley Ultra-Classic.

OOPS!!! Wrong forum!!

Just joking guys... just joking...

My opinion... look for an '08 1600 and enjoy it.

[billz410]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Buy a new 2010 Harley Ultra-Classic.

OOPS!!! Wrong forum!!

Just joking guys... just joking...

My opinion... look for an '08 1600 and enjoy it.

I knew it'd just be a matter of time 'til you put your two cents worth in here.

[Bdog]

Like many have said..look for what you want. I think the 1600 is a far more attractive bike. As far as h.p. goes..easily increased. A 1600/1500 can be personally dressed up or dressed down to make it very unique. I prefer the solo look without the trunks and gadgets myself. The 16/15 has very smooth lines that are not clutered...Bdog