04 vs 05 your opinion

[lacey]

I've rode for years and looking to buy a nomad. I've only had the chance to sit on them. 04 seemed very comfortable and I know its a little lighter, smaller motor etc. 05 introduced a new frame, etc. For those of you who have ridden both, I'm curious as to pros and cons. I would only be putting on a few thousand miles a year. Not sure if it really matters. Some of the time I would have a passenger.

[ells]

Don' want to start any trouble here, but - I shopped a long time for a Nomad after having put quite a few miles on a Vulcan 800 Classic. I test rode a lot of the pre 05's, 1500 without FI, and was not that impressed, powerwise or ridewise. Understand that the 800 is fairly fast and very smooth. But when I got on and test rode an '05 I (and my wife) were sold. Won't go into more detail but shopped around more and noticed that the '05+s didn't really command any extra price used compared to pre05 so found a great deal on an '05 with low miles and did it. Zero regrets. However, I know a lot of folks really love the 1500s

[01nomad]

I have an earlier model Nomad. I have rode both. The 1600 is better at parking lot speeds, BUT, I like the looks of the 1500 better. Two different bikes with the same bags. If I was to buy another, I'd be looking for an '04.

[audiogooroo]

I can't speak to the 05 and newer since I've never ridden one. But with an opened up intake I have all the power I need on my 1500, even for 2 up riding. Drivers backrest and highway pegs and I'm totally comfortable. But I'm not that tall.
Either way, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

[rlfaubion]

I agree with you saying that riding a few thousand miles a year may not matter. I say it won't. So get either bike you like, but just be good to her.

I'm sure no matter what you get you will love it.

[misunderstood]

Going from 2up on a 805cc Boulevard to the 1500 seems like it has all the power I need. It's a cruiser.

[oldbiker]

Had an 06 and loved it . Rode an 04 and liked it better, I thought. Just traded the 04 for an 07. They are both great bikes, but they sit different. They each have their own "feel". Usually all you have to do is sit on them and let someone hold the front wheel straight so you can put both feet up. You'll have an idea which one you like best. When Kawasaki added power it also added weight so it's pretty much of a wash. Neither one is a rocket, just a great riding bike.

[dantama]

Having put a lot of miles on both, I'd go for an 05 and up. But if I found an 04 and down for a good price, I wouldn't dissuade you from taking it.

Either bike is a great bike, and with nothing to compare it too (having not owned either at this point) you will fall in love with what ever one you get.

It's always hard to know what is perception, and what is reality. I own Lexus's, and it always seems like when I get a newer one (certified used, not brand new, so still an older model) it always seems better. But usually the only thing different was the front headlight area.

Still the perception of having a newer one may make you think that there is more to it, than there is.

That said, I'm pretty sure that the difference that I feel in my 05 and 06 has some validity, but I'll bet some of it is also just the perception of having a newer model.

OK, that was a lengthy way of saying, get what ever one you can find and you should be happy :)

[audiogooroo]

"get what ever one you can find and you should be happy "

Right said!

[oledawg]

I had an 02fi and loved it. Better Seat,easier to work on,and pulling the battery very easy.
Now have an 07. Handles much better, not quite as snappy as the 02,and something I havn't heard anyone else mention, the 07 has a few more vibes than the 02.(not that there is much to begin with) I have also found that for me the 02 windshield was much better, I've since cut down the windshield on the 07, but still would have preferred the 02 shield. ( the kawi emblem was also nicer on the 02 my op) Also more acc. available for the 1500. But all things considered I'm not sorry, as the handling of the 07 is so much better, and for me well worth the trade off. Just my2cw

[nomadman]

Owned a '00 1500 Fi, a beautifull ride with very nice accessoires.
(see the pic)

Trade in for a '05 1600, this is for me the better bike, more ridgidy in the frame and better brakes! Equipped with dual baggers and a PCIII. The performance and sound of this engine makes me happy!

Greetz Jan

[rflnomad]

I have a 05. Never rode a 04 and would like to so I can compare the frame 'change'.
Wife & I love our 05 and we do some 100 - 400 mile days on it and very happy.
Good luck.