2001 Nomad 1500 Questions

[ricklee4570]

I just purchased a 2001 Nomad 1500 with 29,000 miles. Runs perfect. Has an aftermarket intake, Vance and Hines Exhaust and a Power Commander. One owner, meticulous on oil changes.

1) Since new, he has used Mobile One V-Twin Synthetic 20W50. I live in a climate that averages 60 to mid 80 degrees. Seldom hits 90 plus. The motor is smooth and sounds like a sewing machine. Should I just stick with the 20W50? He lived in the same area, where temps can get low at night in the summer (upper 50's) and I guess it didnt hurt anything (I prefer 10W40)

2) Even though he kept up on the oil changes, he never changed the coolant. I hope this didn't do any long term damage. The overflow coolant is full and a deep dark green. I plan to replace the coolant but Im curious as to the service life of all the hoses?

3) Should I replace the brake fluid? He said he siphoned it out of the reservoir and refilled it one time a few years ago.

3) Is there anything else I need to be aware of with this particular motorcycle? I know he replaced a washer and spring in the clutch (he said it started to slip and it had a wearable plate washer that he replaced and it fixed it). He replaced the front wheel bearing and back brake pads, and the fuel pump.

Thanks for any advice!

[redjay]

Hello and Welcome to the forum.

1) I used 10w40 here in Ontario.

2) I would definitely change the coolant, and the hoses.

3) I would replace the brake fluid and the brake hoses.

[BudMan]

First of all Welcome to the forum.
If the coolant has never been changes it needs to be.
I would just drain the radiator and refill it.
The bike is 17 years old so I would carefully inspect the hoses.
I would also change the brake and clutch fluid. Not just refill the reservoir.
If he recently changed the clutch spring you should be good there.
FYI.The u-joints do not have a grease zerk so they cannot be greased as you might think.
I would double check to see that everything is tight.

There are plenty of guys on here far more knowledgeable than I.
I'm sure they will comment before long.

[Spondulas]

I agree with Budman's assessment. When checking hoses, visually look for cracks and feel of the hose all over to make sure there aren't any soft spots. Soft spots = weak spots. For clutch fluid, be sure to use DOT 4 fluid since it has a higher temperature rating than the more common DOT 3. Your clutch will behave better on a 100 degree day when you are stuck in stop and go traffic.

As for oil, my experience in dealing with gasoline engines the past 50 years is that regular oil changes are more important than conventional vs. synthetic and that viscosity is important to assure you don't have a dry startup due to excessively thick oil and don't have engine wear due to excessively thin oil on really hot days. 10w40, 15w40 or 20w50 should be OK for your locale. Note that 10w oils are often have friction modifiers added. That helps with gas mileage but might cause clutch slippage. Personally, I use 15w40 Diesel engine oil. The 15 is low enough to give good oil flow when cold and the 40 is high enough to provide protection in the 100+ temps we have here in the summer. A side benefit is a higher zinc level which provides extra wear protection.

[ringadingh]

All good info above, change the fluids, the master cylinders will have a buildup of dirt in the bottoms that will need to be cleaned out. I'd change the brake lines for sure at that age. Also take apart the swing arm and grease the bearings and driveshaft, & U joint. You may need some shims in the swing arm to get rid of any side play. These bikes are known for that over time.
Another important service would be to remove the forks, drain the fluid out and clean the pile of crud that will be stuck in the bottom of the fork tube. Refill with 15 or 20 weight fork oil.

[warrbucks222]

Mine is 5 years old. Oil every 3-5k riding daily = 2x per years. Went from royal purple 10w 40 motorcycle to Mobil 1 racing 10w40, got bad results in cold weather 30-50f. Worse mileage, poor performance shifting, etc. Royal purple for me now. Changing radiator fluid 1st time this spring. Hoses & brake/clutch lines still like new -garage kept home and work. If it ain't broke don't fix it. Tighten everything. I lube bearings every tire change. Thinking swing arm with 32000 miles. Half my clutch is left.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Loafer]

I own a 2001 Nomad and you should check everything, replace the fluids and check the
lines and hoses. Mine has run very nicely with 15w40 syn. I expect to die before this bike does. Good luck with yours.

[DragonLady58]

Originally Posted by ricklee4570

I just purchased a 2001 Nomad 1500 with 29,000 miles. Runs perfect. Has an aftermarket intake, Vance and Hines Exhaust and a Power Commander. One owner, meticulous on oil changes.

1) Since new, he has used Mobile One V-Twin Synthetic 20W50. I live in a climate that averages 60 to mid 80 degrees. Seldom hits 90 plus. The motor is smooth and sounds like a sewing machine. Should I just stick with the 20W50? He lived in the same area, where temps can get low at night in the summer (upper 50's) and I guess it didnt hurt anything (I prefer 10W40)

2) Even though he kept up on the oil changes, he never changed the coolant. I hope this didn't do any long term damage. The overflow coolant is full and a deep dark green. I plan to replace the coolant but Im curious as to the service life of all the hoses?

3) Should I replace the brake fluid? He said he siphoned it out of the reservoir and refilled it one time a few years ago.

3) Is there anything else I need to be aware of with this particular motorcycle? I know he replaced a washer and spring in the clutch (he said it started to slip and it had a wearable plate washer that he replaced and it fixed it). He replaced the front wheel bearing and back brake pads, and the fuel pump.

Thanks for any advice!

1.--If your summer temp. only gets to 90 on occassions, and you ride ofter, go to 10w40.
If its frequently getting to 90 as your high, go to 15w40.
Can you run 20w50, yes, just make sure you warm your bike up completely before riding and blipping the throttle while cold.
2.--Best to replace fluids when you buy a new bike. all of them! I'd replace coolant, and the hoses also if the least bit hard and/or stiff, regardless. Change your coolant every 2 to 3 years, every 3rd change, I change hoses. If silicon hoses, every 6 years....
3.--I change brake fluid, myself, personally....every 2 years! Brake fluid is easily contaminated just opening to check fluid. Brake fluid will pull the moisture out of the air when you open the cap. Change every 2 years, 3 max!
4.--Keep her clean, keep your filters clean, Install iridium plugs, keep on good tire then SUCK IT UP & RIDE!

[Rasta]

Welcome from Central Iowa!