1600 Nomad vs Vaquero

Makkat · 11-04-2016, 02:43 PM

Now that the FJR is sold I have to decide between a 1600 Nomad and Vaquero. I have ridden and like both, but the wife likes the backrest/grab bars on the Nomads and I like the fairing and cruise on the Vaquero (we do not like the 1700 Nomad bags so it is out). The solution for the Nomad is a bat wing or similar but I have never ridden with one. For those that have ridden with the stock shield and a fork mounted fairing on a Nomad is there much difference?

I realize there are other differences between them but those are the things that matter to me/us.

OldSchool · 11-04-2016, 03:58 PM

Here is another option for you to consider.

mbarr10 · 11-04-2016, 04:26 PM

Oldschool is right, the Vaquero. But what no one tells you is Breaking them in really sucks, you may change your mind as the miles go by, but don't. But let me tell you, after it is close to broke in... totally different machine. Just hit 1000 on mine and I am stretching its legs. The first few times hitting 5 grand is rough,but it gets smoother. Mostly riding up to 4 and 4.5 grand just to work it in. Is this the best way? don't know but it is the way I broke in my 1500 Vulcan and it never saw the shop for 10 years, 42,000 miles. Safe riding

**smokier** · 11-05-2016, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makkat

Now that the FJR is sold I have to decide between a 1600 Nomad and Vaquero. I have ridden and like both, but the wife likes the backrest/grab bars on the Nomads and I like the fairing and cruise on the Vaquero (we do not like the 1700 Nomad bags so it is out). The solution for the Nomad is a bat wing or similar but I have never ridden with one. For those that have ridden with the stock shield and a fork mounted fairing on a Nomad is there much difference?

I realize there are other differences between them but those are the things that matter to me/us.

Greetings and Welcome,

My sig pic would probably give you my answer...

Get the Vaquero, add the appropriate aftermarket seat/backrest combo. You could even incorporate some grab bars...
Best wishes and good luck shopping for the new ride.

Ride safe,
Smokier

talon · 11-05-2016, 12:19 PM

Yes there is a difference. I had an '05 Nomad 1600 and loved it. Bought a Vaquero and was able to ride both for a while. I didn't see any sense in trying to maintain 3 bikes, and I spent most of my time on the Vaquero. The Nomad is a great bike still, but the Vaquero was more comfortable and after the Ivanized ECU, runs better too. You can't go wrong with either, but it really is about what you want. Good luck.

T

jayc · 12-29-2016, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makkat

Now that the FJR is sold I have to decide between a 1600 Nomad and Vaquero. I have ridden and like both, but the wife likes the backrest/grab bars on the Nomads and I like the fairing and cruise on the Vaquero (we do not like the 1700 Nomad bags so it is out). The solution for the Nomad is a bat wing or similar but I have never ridden with one. For those that have ridden with the stock shield and a fork mounted fairing on a Nomad is there much difference?

I realize there are other differences between them but those are the things that matter to me/us.

Just putting it out there. I have both :)
I ride the Nomad once a week or so, and it's so different from the Vaquero.

**Jared** · 12-29-2016, 09:05 PM

Both great bike! See if you can test ride both!

I enjoyed the lower seat high and stance of the 1600 Nomad better than the Vaq, but the fairing sure is sweet!

MADTIME · 12-29-2016, 09:32 PM

Highly modified my 06 Nomad and mistakenly rode a Vaquero. Two totally different animals . The Vaquero was a dream come true and blew the Nomad away in some many areas. All it needed was a different exhaust and a taller windscreen.

Monkeyman · 12-30-2016, 12:49 AM

I've never ridden a Vaquero (I'd like to) but I had an '07 Nomad. I didn't really care for the windshield only so I installed a batwing fairing. I thought it looked better, it was nice to have a radio and it handled the wind much better. I don't really care for the look of the Vaquero fairing but it does have 2 things I really like. Cruise control and handlebar mounted controls for the stereo. Those 2 things make a world of difference if you're going farther than around the block.

If it were me (and I fit a Vaquero, which I may or may not), I'd buy the Vaq and add a seat with a better pillion and a good backrest.

gv550 · 12-30-2016, 01:12 PM

You can have both....... the grab bars and back rest from a 1700 Nomad will bolt onto a Vaquero. You will need to remove the stock Vaquero fender filler panels and put the Nomad chrome ones on and you may need to fab up a few brackets for that.
I've never liked the heavy steering feel of any bike with a handlebar mounted fairing, and I certainly would not add a fairing to a bike that isn't designed to have one, but that's just me. :)

recumbentbob · 12-30-2016, 05:26 PM

Or try a Victory
http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/imag...-gallery_1.jpg

twowheeladdict · 12-31-2016, 10:00 AM

I would only choose a nomad over a Vaquero / Voyager if there were many times I wanted to ride without a windshield.

When I had my Nomads, the first thing I added was a quick release for the windshield.

The ride quality and handling is far superior on the Vaquero over the truck like handling of the 1600 Nomad.

Makkat · 01-01-2017, 03:19 PM

Did neither and decided to compromise, ended up with a Voyager. Front fairing for me and box/backrest for her.

blowndodge · 01-01-2017, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recumbentbob

Or try a Victory
http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/imag...-gallery_1.jpg

Obviously a man with impeccable taste!

Monkeyman · 01-01-2017, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makkat

...box/backrest for her.

Does she not have one of her own?

11-04-2016, 02:43 PM	#1
Makkat Jr. Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: KC Posts: 26	1600 Nomad vs Vaquero Now that the FJR is sold I have to decide between a 1600 Nomad and Vaquero. I have ridden and like both, but the wife likes the backrest/grab bars on the Nomads and I like the fairing and cruise on the Vaquero (we do not like the 1700 Nomad bags so it is out). The solution for the Nomad is a bat wing or similar but I have never ridden with one. For those that have ridden with the stock shield and a fork mounted fairing on a Nomad is there much difference? I realize there are other differences between them but those are the things that matter to me/us. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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11-04-2016, 04:26 PM	#3
mbarr10 Sr. Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 1,562	Oldschool is right, the Vaquero. But what no one tells you is Breaking them in really sucks, you may change your mind as the miles go by, but don't. But let me tell you, after it is close to broke in... totally different machine. Just hit 1000 on mine and I am stretching its legs. The first few times hitting 5 grand is rough,but it gets smoother. Mostly riding up to 4 and 4.5 grand just to work it in. Is this the best way? don't know but it is the way I broke in my 1500 Vulcan and it never saw the shop for 10 years, 42,000 miles. Safe riding __________________ Please post back after you have solved any issues 2016 1700 Vaquero 10/4/2016 2007 1500 Classic W/ Reckless Fairing, 42,000 miles 2004 600 Honda Shadow 18,000 miles 1989 500 Honda CX Custom 55,000 miles 1973 400 Kawi Triple 5,000 miles
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11-05-2016, 12:19 PM	#5
talon Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Van Buren, AR Posts: 462	Yes there is a difference. I had an '05 Nomad 1600 and loved it. Bought a Vaquero and was able to ride both for a while. I didn't see any sense in trying to maintain 3 bikes, and I spent most of my time on the Vaquero. The Nomad is a great bike still, but the Vaquero was more comfortable and after the Ivanized ECU, runs better too. You can't go wrong with either, but it really is about what you want. Good luck. T __________________ Heath Cady aka "Talon" VBA #01416 2012 Vaquero SE Candy-Lime Green/Black aka "T'Kehla" 2005 Nomad 1600 Black/Silver aka "Mystique" (SOLD) 2006 Vulcan Classic aka "Lil'Wolf" (SOLD) "Life isn't a race; no one gets out alive. May as well slow down and enjoy the ride." Login or Register to Remove Ads
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12-29-2016, 09:05 PM	#7
Jared Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greeley, Colorado Posts: 6,772	Both great bike! See if you can test ride both! I enjoyed the lower seat high and stance of the 1600 Nomad better than the Vaq, but the fairing sure is sweet! __________________ Jared VBA #1051 (Former President)
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12-29-2016, 09:32 PM	#8
MADTIME Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: California Posts: 157	Highly modified my 06 Nomad and mistakenly rode a Vaquero. Two totally different animals . The Vaquero was a dream come true and blew the Nomad away in some many areas. All it needed was a different exhaust and a taller windscreen. __________________ 2016 Vaquero ABS Totaled w/1600 miles
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12-30-2016, 12:49 AM	#9
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	I've never ridden a Vaquero (I'd like to) but I had an '07 Nomad. I didn't really care for the windshield only so I installed a batwing fairing. I thought it looked better, it was nice to have a radio and it handled the wind much better. I don't really care for the look of the Vaquero fairing but it does have 2 things I really like. Cruise control and handlebar mounted controls for the stereo. Those 2 things make a world of difference if you're going farther than around the block. If it were me (and I fit a Vaquero, which I may or may not), I'd buy the Vaq and add a seat with a better pillion and a good backrest. __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860
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12-30-2016, 01:12 PM	#10
gv550 Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Listowel, Ontario Posts: 642	You can have both....... the grab bars and back rest from a 1700 Nomad will bolt onto a Vaquero. You will need to remove the stock Vaquero fender filler panels and put the Nomad chrome ones on and you may need to fab up a few brackets for that. I've never liked the heavy steering feel of any bike with a handlebar mounted fairing, and I certainly would not add a fairing to a bike that isn't designed to have one, but that's just me. :) __________________ Garry 2009 1700 Voyager KACT, sold at 679,465 kms 2011 1700 Nomad Improve handling, suspension and tire life with Garry's Fork Brace. PM for details. Last edited by gv550; 12-30-2016 at 01:14 PM.
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12-30-2016, 05:26 PM	#11
recumbentbob Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newburgh IN Posts: 3,404	Or try a Victory http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/imag...-gallery_1.jpg __________________ VBA #01084 "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
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12-31-2016, 10:00 AM	#12
twowheeladdict Advanced Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 616	I would only choose a nomad over a Vaquero / Voyager if there were many times I wanted to ride without a windshield. When I had my Nomads, the first thing I added was a quick release for the windshield. The ride quality and handling is far superior on the Vaquero over the truck like handling of the 1600 Nomad. __________________ 2010 Vulcan Voyager, 2007 Vulcan Mean Streak, 2009 Vulcan Nomad
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01-01-2017, 03:19 PM	#13
Makkat Jr. Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: KC Posts: 26	Did neither and decided to compromise, ended up with a Voyager. Front fairing for me and box/backrest for her.
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