Heat fix on 1700 Nomad

[muddler]

This is my first post so let me apologize in advance if I'm repeating something already covered.

I work part time for a local Kawasaki dealer and at work today I was informed that Ma Kaw will offer the same "heat fix" used on the 2010 Nomads to anyone requesting it for their 2009. There will be no charge and installation should be included (at least at this dealership).

This offer is supposed to be available in early 2010.

[drno]

Thanks for the tip muddler. Really appreciate it.

[sakirider]

I found this writeup on another forum. I hope it is true ...

PARTS KIT TO REDUCE 2009
VULCAN® 1700 ENGINE HEAT
AVAILABLE MID-JANUARY
In surveys conducted with owners of 2009
Vulcan® VN1700 models, it came to our
attention that some customers may experience
uncomfortable levels of engine heat on the right
side of the motorcycle.
Well, we have great news! A parts kit will be
made available in mid-January for 2009 models
you have in your inventory (2010 models already
have the new shielding installed). Additionally,
Kawasaki will contact current owners to let them
know that they can have this kit installed by their
Kawasaki dealer.
Part kits will be supplied at no cost and
Dealers will be reimbursed for installation of
the kits at their standard labor rate.
Watch your mail for a bulletin in early January
with complete instructions for parts kit ordering
and claiming labor rate reimbursement.
KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.

[glwilson]

Looks like they are offering an air-flow shield that tucks up and under the front seat and wraps forward some toward the rear cylinder -- if I understand this correctly.

This is the same shield concept that HD put on their tourers starting in '09. They provided them to '07 & '08 owners if they complained about heat -- but not until they complained first.

You can see this shield in the picture of my Ultra on the left. It is just below and to the front of the seat.

It works to some degree (no pun intended); but isn't a "cure-all". The shield help to keep the air-flow from blowing directly back to the rider's legs and groin area. It also causes more air to remain circulating around the rear cylinder -- with the intention of adding additional cooling.

Again... it should help... but is in no way a cure-all as mentioned.

[peterdarby]

A cure would be nice but even helping is better than nothing. It does get warm. I will probably try it.

[Sin City Stan]

Planning on making that call to the dealer next week to get on the waiting list.

[glwilson]

You know, for you guys with the 1700's... you might consider changing the fuel mix on them. For my Ultra... I needed some relief from some of the heat, so I did three things:

Changed to a hi-flow air-breather
Richened the fuel mix by having it re-mapped
Switched to synthetics instead of dyno oil

These adjustments; while not free; did a good job at reducing the heat enough for me to be satisfied.

Just a suggestion if it is possible to do.

[oledawg]

Originally Posted by glwilson

You know, for you guys with the 1700's... you might consider changing the fuel mix on them. For my Ultra... I needed some relief from some of the heat, so I did three things:

Changed to a hi-flow air-breather
Richened the fuel mix by having it re-mapped
Switched to synthetics instead of dyno oil

These adjustments; while not free; did a good job at reducing the heat enough for me to be satisfied.

Just a suggestion if it is possible to do.

What Air Sucker did you use ???
WHAT NO PIPES! ::)

[Sin City Stan]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Changed to a hi-flow air-breather
Richened the fuel mix by having it re-mapped
Switched to synthetics instead of dyno oil

Changed to synthetic 2100 miles ago. Have not found an after-market Hi-Flow or re-map module for the 1700 yet. Has anybody???

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by Ole Dawg

What Air Sucker did you use ???
WHAT NO PIPES! ::)

Screaming Eagle Stage 1; remapped to adjust for the air-flow for that with stock pipes. Did not want any pipes changed because I don't like loud pipes on my bikes. If I didn't like the results without the pipe-change, I was going to go ahead and change them to help increase the air-flow -- but I was fine with the results I got with the stock pipes.

Synthetics helped a lot also in the engine running cooler and the tranny shifting smoother.

So... overall... I decided to stop at that.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by Sin City Stan

Changed to synthetic 2100 miles ago. Have not found an after-market Hi-Flow or re-map module for the 1700 yet. Has anybody???

I hoped it helped you some. Regarding breathers and re-mapping... I haven't seen a thing for them yet. I assume they are just simply too new and too few yet for anyone to address the need yet.

[oledawg]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Screaming Eagle Stage 1; remapped to adjust for the air-flow for that with stock pipes. Did not want any pipes changed because I don't like loud pipes on my bikes. If I didn't like the results without the pipe-change, I was going to go ahead and change them to help increase the air-flow -- but I was fine with the results I got with the stock pipes.

Synthetics helped a lot also in the engine running cooler and the tranny shifting smoother.

So... overall... I decided to stop at that.

I was wondering about mufflers as the stock ones have an ugly seam on underside that doesn't close at rear. I switched to ATF in primary. Stops clutch sticking. Also Mobil 1 gear oil in trans stops the clunk.I also like the quiet, but the SE muffs with changeable tips are real nice. I'll prolly add a TFI + air filter in spring as I have no place to work in winter.(no garage)

[glwilson]

OD... to avoid hijacking this thread from its intention... I will be leaving my HD as stock as possible rather than messing around with all the options one can put on these things.

I figure if I just abstain from doing that early-on; that I will be able to resist doing so later!!

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by glwilson

OD... to avoid hijacking this thread from its intention... I will be leaving my HD as stock as possible rather than messing around with all the options one can put on these things.

I figure if I just abstain from doing that early-on; that I will be able to resist doing so later!!

Good luck with that, Greg! ::)

[glwilson]

Ha!! I hear ya.... ::)

I already have my eyes on a set of chrome rims for my bike... $500 a piece!!!

...but boy do they look nice and shiny in person -- especially compared to my stock rims. They would look good against my chromed front forks. ;)