Lurker, Got Questions

[skeet]

I know enough that lowering a bike changes things, but when your vertically challenged, well, its what has to be done so I can ride. What can be done to lower the Nomad besides shoving the front tubes thru the top trees (this is my best Harley talk)? Can tires make a difference in heigth? And I know that there are seats, but would prefer if the stock seat can be shaved down and narrowed.

Anyone accomplished these things to be able to ride the Nomad?

Skeet
Aka Karen in Nashville

I would definately shave the seat first. Be careful about lowering it though. It hits the battery pretty readily if you do, and the seat pan will flex too. I added extra bumpers under mine to control that.

Lowering the suspension is quite possible, and the same methods work as on HD's: slip the trees, cut coils, shorter tires, buy new Progressive Suspension shocks, etc.

But there's not much cornering clearance on the Nomad & when you start lowering the suspension it disappears fast. Also, I wouldn't go smaller than a 140 on the tires. You need the traction IMO.

[Idaho]

I had a Volusia before the Nomad and it had a terrible seat. Needed work to cure butt burn. My local upholstery shop is also an HD rider so he knew what to do. Peeled off the cover and took a nice thick slice of the top and back of the seat. Result was that I sat lower and farther back. Loved it so much that I went back and had more taken out. From looking at the Nomad seat I would say that Kawi put way too much foam in the seat and that you should be able to get a satisfactory amount of height reduction with an electric knife.

[Yellow Jacket]

Check out this site for seat modifications. Spencer has done seats for several folks on the KawaNow forum and I've only heard good things about him.

http://greatdaytoride.com/Home_Page.php

P.S. Welcome to the forum from Georgia!

skeet, welcome to the forum from eastern Nebraska.

[skeet]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. Sometimes having and ex-husband who I finally feel comfortable talking too, its only been 30 years, is a self taught upholster of street rods. He made a beautiful seat for our daughter's ZX12. The seat is a good option.

Do the shock relocation plates work for the rear? I have Progressive shocks on my old HD and they have worked great for 15 years. What length of shock can you go with, that will not cause issues with the real travel.

Its nice to see a forum where people are warm, friendly and very helpful.

Wish me luck in finding a Wine Red and Gold 2003. Thats my goal.

Skeet

[ringadingh]

Welcome to the forum from Canada. The seat mod is an easy and effective way to lower the bike a bit. Somewhere on the net there is a page that shows you how to do it yourself. I seen it a couple months ago when surfing.

[ringadingh]

Take a look on our Wanted/For Sale board, I think there are a couple bikes listed for sale there now.

[misunderstood]

No suggestions other then what's been said, but Welcome from TN. and keep posting of your progress.

I'm afraid shock relocation plates are not an option on the Nomad. There's this big gear case on the left end of the axle that's in the way.

[bobzinger]

I shaved 1/2" off my seat and added memory foam and was able to use the stock cover. That along with slipping the forks and a lower profile tire would probably do it.

[dogdoc]

welcome skeet from TX.

[radco]

SKEET WELCOME to the Group..... I am going to mod a STOCK seat.. not because I'm short I'm 6 3 But its for my BUTT Good to have someone who can HELP you with the seat mod. ALSO you might get a bit of help w/thicker BOOT soles. Rich