Newbie Questions

[throwmaster]

Ok, so I have been lusting over the new Nomads and Voyagers and started reading some posts on the Voyager site to see what new owners are saying. Seems like there are a few issues cropping up regarding vibration, mpg, engine noise and loud exhaust note. So I am wondering if the 1700 Nomads are doing any better on these fronts. I have yet to find much info from new 2009 Nomad owners here. I am currently riding a Bandit 1250S-ABS and a last year (2007) Shadow 1100 Spirit with Mustang seat, LeatherLike locking side bags and top box, and National Cycle wind screen. One thing I really like about the Shadow is it's hydraulic valves. I asked one Kawasaki dealer about the new 1700 engines and he told me they are not hydraulic and the adjustment interval is every 15K miles. Another dealer said they are hydraulic with no adjustment interval. Don't you just love Jap dealers. How much work would it be to learn a little about the products they are selling? Anyway, anyone here know what the heck kind of valve actuation the new 1700 has?

Tim

[ringadingh]

Welcome to the forum, Im not positive but Im quite sure that the motor would have hydraulic valves in this day and age. Im sure there are specs on it on Kawis website. I havn't seen one on the road yet so Im still out on whether I would ever want one.

[throwmaster]

I have checked the web site with no luck.

Tim

[reddog]

Welcome from WNY!
I haven't been able to find anything definitive either- there's an awful lot of electronic adjustments and whatnot going on though- I'd be rather surprised if they weren't hydraulic adjusted. I'll see if I can dig up any information later.

[VulcanE]

From the Kawasaki web-site I got this.......


For the 1700s (all of them)
• Liquid cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, fuel-injected 1700cc 50° V-twin engine
• Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke helps deliver high levels of torque
• approximately 15 percent greater than that of the Vulcan 1600 Nomad, with a distinct V-twin feel
• Valve system is based on the Vulcan 2000, but uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods, for quicker revving and enhanced mid-high rpm power
• Semi-dry sump allows a lower crankshaft placement and a longer piston stroke without increasing engine height
• Single-pin crank accentuates the engine’s V-twin character by providing stronger power-pulses
• Large capacity airbox is located on both sides of the engine
• Small-diameter iridium sparkplugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for high combustion efficiency, especially during low-load operation
• Features dual mufflers, one on each side of the bike, to allow maximum clearance for luggage
• Engine tuning offers superior acceleration in the 50-70mph range
• Even in overdrive, the engine pulls strongly in this speed range, facilitating overtaking at highway speeds


For the VN 2000
• The 125 cu. in. engine produces massive torque across the entire rpm range
• Strong and light forged pistons and alloy connecting rods
• Huge 220mm flywheel smoothes power delivery
• Push-rod valve actuation contributes to lower engine height, low center of gravity and relatively low seat height
• Hydraulic valve adjusters reduce maintenance
• Liquid and air cooling combination maintain consistent operating temperatures
• Engine and transmission feature built-in oil and water pumps, reducing the number of parts and weight
• Single-pin crank provides the desirable power-pulse feel and classic Vtwin sound

So from comparing the 2, I would say the valves ARE hydraulic.

[throwmaster]

Sounds like you nailed it, thanks.

I really like the Voyager, but don't believe I am ready for that much heft yet. Certainly the 2000 it too big for my tastes right now. Seems like the Nomad would be the perfect incremental step up from my Shadow, for me right now.

[VulcanE]

Your welcome, and BTW, welcome to the forum.

[trevwales]

Yes they are hydraulic, they are more noisy exhausts than nomad 1600, vibration no more than a nomad. At least on mine anyway.

The exhausts are very much like the roadhouse dooleys I had on my nomad, deep and smidge loud.

What the adverts dont say, and I dont know why, is that there is a sensor in the exhaust system similar to the new harley system, that should ensure excellent mixture at all times under all conditions (theoretically).

Trev :>)

PS we just got 2" of rain over here from one of your tropical storms, keep em over your side!!!!

[chainsaw]

The ocean needed the extra water. ha Believe me, we sure can use the rain here in Texas.

[skeeter]

Had a 9" rain the other day.... two drops nine inches apart.

[phenrichs]

hey throwmaster, by a hold over 1600. lots of info about those. and you don't have to feel like a guinea pig in trying out the new model.

[throwmaster]

Brilliant idea OP, or even a low mileage used example! Since most cruisers are throw backs in design anyway, I never understood the need for the latest greatest newest throw back design. That is why I bought my Shadow in the first place. Although it is a 2007, it is identical to the first 1100 Shadow sold in 1987, and yet I got shaft drive, water cooling, hydraulic valves, and electronic ignition. The only modern component missing is fuel injection.

With the locking hard luggage, wind screen and Mustang seat it makes a competent tourer. Only problem is that it is a tad light and does not soak up bumps like a heavier cruiser does, something my 60 year old back notices on long trips. I think I'll start scanning eBay and see what low mileage 1600s are going for. Does anyone know what new non current 1600s are going for? Also, can I assume correctly that the 1500 and 1600 Nomads have hydraulic valve clearance adjusters?

Tim

[cnc]

Picked up a new 2008 Nomad in February for $11,999 Can. Dealer also threw in a couple of freebie's as it was at a bike show.
Yes they have hydraulic lifters.

[Sin City Stan]

Check out the NOMAD Garage for the 1700 on this board. It should give you a good cross section of what's going on with the new NOMADS.