Time to part with the Nomad

[Navigator]

I reached the conclusion on July 4th that my 2007 Nomad has to go. I never thought I'd be one of those older guys who can no longer manage a big bike but I am there.

A Canadian friend from Castlegar BC rode down to visit us on July 3rd with the plan being for me to ride back with him, tour some awesome western BC roads, stay over in Cache Creek, and then head east into the Kootenays.

I hadn't take the Nomad out much since a March 3rd hospitalization so decided that I needed to take a bit of a test ride before making the decision to ride north with Gord. We took the beautiful ride around our Hood Canal, about 130 miles, that took us into the Olympic National Forrest. I realized I was in a bit of trouble after about 100 miles. I almost dumped it in the parking lot of a little hamburger joint just trying to put the kickstand down.

It's a beautiful bike and after owning three Harley's, two BMWs and a host of other bikes over the last 50+ years, this was one of my favorites.

One of my most memorable rides was to Salmon Arm, BC to meet the wild and crazy Canucks back in 2015. What a great group of guys and with some stunning Nomads. Back then the weight of the bike didn't bother me but in two years the old body warranty has run out and I can no longer manage it.

I put a Russian side car on the DL650 on which I rode to the Artic in 2015 and will be looking for another suitable "tug", as they call a bike in the hack world, on which to build a touring rig.

I'll put the Nomad up for sale locally and will stay on the forum for awhile because I find it most enjoyable. I think the Nomad is a great machine and one which I'd planned to tour the US. Such is the pity. As they say, aging is definitely not for the faint of heart.

[JD Hog]

Sad day when we all have to face that time in our life. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide for in the future.

[redjay]

Take a close look at a Yamaha 1300 V Star Tourer at a dealership. 120 lbs less weight than a Nomad but has all the Nomad amenities and does 50 mpg.
Pull it up off the sidestand, not a lot of effort required. Easier in parking lots, or 2 up.

It feels and rides a lot lighter than a Nomad. I sold my Voyager because of the weight and bought the V Star.

And Ivan does a reflash for the V Star !

[Top Cat]

Yeah the Nomad got to be to much for me to ride everyday also.
I bought a Victory Kingpin. Only around 140 pounds lighter than the Nomad but it handles sooooo much better. The Nomad always felt top heavy to me.
I still ride the Nomad to bike nights to see if anyone wants to buy it but no takers yet.

[BudMan]

Best of luck to you Mike. I hope you find something that suits you soon.

[CRocker]

More of us understand...as time goes along...good luck finding something else!

[schoeney]

Good luck Mike.

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[scooter1600]

turn it into a outfit
what better TUG than the one you already know

[Rasta]

Good luck on your next ride Mike!

[Jeezfreek]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

Yeah the Nomad got to be to much for me to ride everyday also.
I bought a Victory Kingpin. Only around 140 pounds lighter than the Nomad but it handles sooooo much better. The Nomad always felt top heavy to me.
I still ride the Nomad to bike nights to see if anyone wants to buy it but no takers yet.

TC, interesting that u made the comment about the Nomad having always feeling top heavy to u!! That's exactly what I felt as well!! I've even mentioned that to a few people that I rode with!! Good to know that it wasn't my imagination!!


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[duffy]

I reached that point last fall........dropped the 1500 and couldn't get it back upright. Had to go find some one to help me. As soon as I got back home (I was in northern CO.) I found a 15' 650 Kawasaki Versys LT and traded it in. The Versys is a much more manageable bike at 500 lbs and still has hard bags and a trunk (called a top case on sport type bikes). I'm getting ready to do a 3000+ mile ride starting Sunday.

Yeah, old age isn't for wussies.

[DragonLady58]

Yep, Thats the reason why I'm building a trike! No need to hold it up, etc, etc.....
The 1700's and the 2000's have rear belt drives, easily converted to trikes. Have that extra room to carry stuff with the rear trunk, etc....
Good bit narrower than a car, its still a bike.... DNA makes belt driven rears that can be adapter over.
On my trike, I went from a driveshaft to a chain that drives the rear....
Another thing that makes it easier for me to ride my 1500 right now, is I lowered it. Just a couple of inches makes all the difference in the world. Trike should be complete in a couple of years....then I'll slowly switch over....

[Kawalski Rider]

Mike, sorry to hear this news.. I too understand about muscling these machines around. At 64 I'm starting to feel it, especially early in the season. But hey, I figure I've still got several good years of riding my current Nomad. I'm going to hate to give up the power and the feel of that big machine under me though.. Good luck on whatever your next a venture may be..

[rolfe]

I think what keeps me going is "Burt Munro".
Meeting many riders over the years whom love to ride - But have switched to 3 wheels.

[Huddleston]

Navigator,
I have an alternative suggestion. I'm close to that age and am a little uncomfortable riding two up. I will be sending my Nomad 1700 to Norm at Endeavor IDO to add two front wheels. I owned a Spyder a few years ago and liked the way it handled. If you are not familiar with Endeavor, google it. There are lots of pictures and the cost is reasonable. I love my Nomad, and this is a good way to keep it and keep riding.