2002 Carbed 1500 Nomad HELP!

glen73540 · 04-01-2011, 05:04 PM

I just bought a 2002 1500 Nomad in Alabama and drove it home to Phoenix. Gas mileage stunk! I am only getting 30mpg and the top speed I can achieve is 100mph according to the speedometer. I opened it up on a flat space of empty I-40 freeway on the way home. Performance feels sluggish.

I do NOT know if carbs were rejetted after adding Vance & Hines pipes.

Failed emissions - Carbon monoxide.

Any advice would be appreciated....

**BudMan** · 04-01-2011, 05:32 PM

First, Welcome To The Forum!

I suggest that you post your question in the Garage Board.
Some of those who would be able to offer you good advice
might not see your post here.
30 mpg is definitely low. And for me, 100 mph is definitely too high.

nightmare · 04-01-2011, 05:39 PM

Welcome to the forum, well it sounds like you are running exceptionally rich, and also 100-110 is all you will get out of a stock Nomad built for cruising not speed

zoom45 · 04-01-2011, 05:57 PM

My 1500 carbed Nomad only gets about 33 mpg going back and forth to work. I have only had mine to about 85mph so yours sounds normal. Speed equals decreased mpgs.
Zoom45

glen73540 · 04-01-2011, 08:00 PM

Sorry for Posting in the wrong section and thanks for the advice! I just sold a 900 Vulcan Custom and am used to the fuel injection, belt drive, etc... Kind of like night and day! Zoom - your bike is beautiful!

ve3hzz · 04-01-2011, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glen73540

I just bought a 2002 1500 Nomad in Alabama and drove it home to Phoenix. Gas mileage stunk! I am only getting 30mpg and the top speed I can achieve is 100mph according to the speedometer. I opened it up on a flat space of empty I-40 freeway on the way home. Performance feels sluggish.

I do NOT know if carbs were rejetted after adding Vance & Hines pipes.

Failed emissions - Carbon monoxide.

Any advice would be appreciated....

Are you sure it's a 2002? What colour is it? if it has Carbs it can't be an 02 as all Nomads that I've ever known in 02 (which is what I have) are Fuel Injected. If someone put V&H pipes did they also put on an intake? if so then is there a fuel management computer on it? and if so check what the settings are? as that may well be where some of your problem lies. Maybe a pic of your bike??

Need more info.

Oh and welcome to the forum.

Scott

AlabamaNomadRider · 04-01-2011, 08:28 PM

Welcome from Alabama. Sorry to hear about the problem with the fuel mileage. You can post in the garage section or the Nomad/motorcycle topic board.

**ringadingh** · 04-01-2011, 08:57 PM

I think a few 2002's came with carbs, it sounds like its running rich if its spewing out enough carbon monoxide to fail a emission test. You will have to look in the carb and see what main jet it has in it, and compare it to a stock one.

ve3hzz · 04-01-2011, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

I think a few 2002's came with carbs, it sounds like its running rich if its spewing out enough carbon monoxide to fail a emission test. You will have to look in the carb and see what main jet it has in it, and compare it to a stock one.

In Canada in 02 all were fuel injected. Never heard of an 02 sold with a carb. Can't confirm none in US? but I don't think so either.?
Guess if it's original colour that would tell us what year it is, and the frame tag build date on the steering stem and the VIN number on the engine and frame. Just want to be sure it's a CARB bike for sure as t/s for it will be different then an Fi bike.

A classic maybe? with Nomad bags? more info and a picture may solve the mystery.

Scott

BandC · 04-01-2011, 10:19 PM

Can't help with mechanical question, but welcome from Northern Minnesota! Some one will have some ideas for you soon, very helpful group here.

**ray2** · 04-01-2011, 10:35 PM

Welcome from Minnesota

Loafer · 04-02-2011, 09:15 AM

Welcome to the forum from Vermont. I believe '01 was last year the carbed Nomad was offered.

landman · 04-02-2011, 10:14 AM

welcome from wyoming.

cactusjack · 04-02-2011, 11:24 AM

Just because the speedo goes to 140 doesn't mean the bike will. You were probably only doing about 95, since the speedometers are about 5% optimistic.

**glwilson** · 04-02-2011, 11:44 AM

2002's had Carbs guys. This information in on KawaNOW for each year Nomads are made. Just look at the yellow links at the top of all pages and you'll see: "KawaNOW Nomad Specifications"

2002 Kawasaki Nomad
Model: VN1500-L3
Engine Type: 4-stroke V-Twin
Displacement: 1470cc
Bore x Stroke: 102 x 90 mm.
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Valve System: SOHC, 8 valves
Carburetion: Mitsubishi 36mm x 2 (Digital Fuel Injection was introduced later this year)
Ignition: Digital
Starting: Electric
Transmission: 5-speed
Rake: 32 degrees
Wheelbase: 65.6"
Suspension, Front-41 mm. hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension, Rear-air-assisted shocks with 4-way rebound damping
Tire Front: 150/80-16
Tire Rear: 150/80-16
Brakes, Front-Dual discs
Brakes, Rear-singe disc
Seat Height: 28.3"
Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gallons
Dry Weight: 743 pounds

04-01-2011, 05:04 PM	#1
glen73540 Jr. Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Surprise Arizona USA Posts: 24	2002 Carbed 1500 Nomad HELP! I just bought a 2002 1500 Nomad in Alabama and drove it home to Phoenix. Gas mileage stunk! I am only getting 30mpg and the top speed I can achieve is 100mph according to the speedometer. I opened it up on a flat space of empty I-40 freeway on the way home. Performance feels sluggish. I do NOT know if carbs were rejetted after adding Vance & Hines pipes. Failed emissions - Carbon monoxide. Any advice would be appreciated.... Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

04-01-2011, 05:32 PM	#2
BudMan Join Date: May 2009 Location: Greenwood, Ark. Posts: 4,736	2002 Carbed 1500 Nomad HELP! First, Welcome To The Forum! I suggest that you post your question in the Garage Board. Some of those who would be able to offer you good advice might not see your post here. 30 mpg is definitely low. And for me, 100 mph is definitely too high. __________________ Dave Jesse 2012 1700 Gray/Black Voyager 2006 1600 Nomad Green/Silver Sold VBA #1108 2010- Eureka Springs - Antlers - 2011- Maggie Valley - Antlers 2012- Margaritaville Ride - Van Buren - Antlers - 2013- Estes Park - Antlers 2014- Mountain View - Antlers - 2015- Eureka Springs - Antlers 2016- Salem - Antlers - 2017- Eureka Springs - Lake George - Antlers - 2018- Custer - Antlers
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04-01-2011, 05:39 PM	#3
nightmare Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Antlers, OK Posts: 892	2002 Carbed 1500 Nomad HELP! Welcome to the forum, well it sounds like you are running exceptionally rich, and also 100-110 is all you will get out of a stock Nomad built for cruising not speed __________________ Victor "Nightmare" Golubowsky Moyers, Ok Kawanow/VBA # 304 Patriot Guard VROC OKVROC 2001 Kawasaki Nomad Turbo 1998 Harley Sportster Hardtail Bobber Custom 1983 Kawasaki GPZ 550
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04-01-2011, 05:57 PM	#4
zoom45 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Terry, Mississippi Posts: 1,434	2002 Carbed 1500 Nomad HELP! My 1500 carbed Nomad only gets about 33 mpg going back and forth to work. I have only had mine to about 85mph so yours sounds normal. Speed equals decreased mpgs. Zoom45 __________________ Bobby Risher Terry, MS Kawanow member # 124 South Central Group 2000 Nomad 1500 (carbed) 128,000 miles
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04-01-2011, 08:00 PM	#5
glen73540 Jr. Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Surprise Arizona USA Posts: 24	2002 Carbed 1500 Nomad HELP! Sorry for Posting in the wrong section and thanks for the advice! I just sold a 900 Vulcan Custom and am used to the fuel injection, belt drive, etc... Kind of like night and day! Zoom - your bike is beautiful! Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

04-01-2011, 08:28 PM	#7
AlabamaNomadRider Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Boaz, Alabama Posts: 13,742	2002 Carbed 1500 Nomad HELP! Welcome from Alabama. Sorry to hear about the problem with the fuel mileage. You can post in the garage section or the Nomad/motorcycle topic board. __________________ Gene Cross, Jr. Boaz, Alabama KawaNOW/VBA #1181
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04-01-2011, 08:57 PM	#8
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	2002 Carbed 1500 Nomad HELP! I think a few 2002's came with carbs, it sounds like its running rich if its spewing out enough carbon monoxide to fail a emission test. You will have to look in the carb and see what main jet it has in it, and compare it to a stock one. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
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04-01-2011, 10:19 PM	#10
BandC Sr. Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Iron Range, Northern Minnesota Posts: 2,288	2002 Carbed 1500 Nomad HELP! Can't help with mechanical question, but welcome from Northern Minnesota! Some one will have some ideas for you soon, very helpful group here. __________________ 2005 Blk/Silver Nomad (Sold) VBA #00671
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04-01-2011, 10:35 PM	#11
ray2 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 939	2002 Carbed 1500 Nomad HELP! Welcome from Minnesota __________________ Ray Minnesota 2010-1700-Nomad VBA#01525
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04-02-2011, 09:15 AM	#12
Loafer Sr. Contributor Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 18,287	2002 Carbed 1500 Nomad HELP! Welcome to the forum from Vermont. I believe '01 was last year the carbed Nomad was offered. __________________ Gerry Martineau / 802 VT / VBA #0892 /[email]glmjgm@gmail.com[email]
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04-02-2011, 10:14 AM	#13
landman Sr. Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: wheatland,wy. Posts: 3,642	2002 Carbed 1500 Nomad HELP! welcome from wyoming. __________________ bob wittman VBA # 745 COG #11621 wheatland,wy. rallies-custer 09,kalispell 10,crescent city 11,kanab 12,estes park 13,orifino 14.,red lodge 16 2015 ninja 1000 abs 2014 concourse 14 2012 concourse 14-sold 2011 vaquero-sold 2008 nomad-sold 2005 classic-sold
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04-02-2011, 11:24 AM	#14
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	2002 Carbed 1500 Nomad HELP! Just because the speedo goes to 140 doesn't mean the bike will. You were probably only doing about 95, since the speedometers are about 5% optimistic. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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04-02-2011, 11:44 AM	#15
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	2002 Carbed 1500 Nomad HELP! 2002's had Carbs guys. This information in on KawaNOW for each year Nomads are made. Just look at the yellow links at the top of all pages and you'll see: "KawaNOW Nomad Specifications" 2002 Kawasaki Nomad Model: VN1500-L3 Engine Type: 4-stroke V-Twin Displacement: 1470cc Bore x Stroke: 102 x 90 mm. Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 Valve System: SOHC, 8 valves Carburetion: Mitsubishi 36mm x 2 (Digital Fuel Injection was introduced later this year) Ignition: Digital Starting: Electric Transmission: 5-speed Rake: 32 degrees Wheelbase: 65.6" Suspension, Front-41 mm. hydraulic telescopic fork Suspension, Rear-air-assisted shocks with 4-way rebound damping Tire Front: 150/80-16 Tire Rear: 150/80-16 Brakes, Front-Dual discs Brakes, Rear-singe disc Seat Height: 28.3" Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gallons Dry Weight: 743 pounds __________________ "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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