2007 Nomad Shifting

[cocheese72]

Does anyone know what approximate speed is redline for each gear? I don't have a tach but wound it up well past those numbers and have not hit a rev limiter yet.

[macmac]

I think the rev limiter his at 5,400 rpm if you bounce off it it won't hurt anything, but it is pretty violent so hang on. I have been in 1st gear to somewhere around 45 mph.

If you make it a habit you may tear up the tranny drive shaft and finals, but no one would ever make a habit of that. No one 1/2 sane anyway. Everyone should do it atleast once though on purpose.

[recumbentbob]

Originally Posted by cocheese72

That is interesting, I would not think that would matter or affect only one gear, but worth a try. I am at 20k anyway and don't know whats been done. I assume I can pick up the correct gear oil at autozone? GL-5 80-90w.

Yes you can, I use Mobil 1 synthetic gear lube 75W90. good stuff

[macmac]

Originally Posted by recumbentbob

Yes you can, I use Mobil 1 synthetic gear lube 75W90. good stuff

+1

[nonhog]

I have the same problem with my '08 Nomad, especially when I am accelerating quickly. I am not a fan of the positive neutral finder, which is clearly the culprit...I can find neutral fine on my own.

As far as the synthetic oil goes, that sounds like a good option to try. How often do change the oil with the synthetic? Some high-end cars call for synthetic oil changes up to 12k miles. Would 4k-6k miles be too far between oil changes with synthetic?

[redjay]

I go 6,000 kms between oil changes and use Amsoil 10-40. I average around 12,000 kms per season so thats 2 oil changes for me. One just before I put it away for the winter and one at 6,000 kms in the summer.

[VulcanE]

Originally Posted by cocheese72

Does anyone know what approximate speed is redline for each gear? I don't have a tach but wound it up well past those numbers and have not hit a rev limiter yet.

Once again, Gadget to the rescue. Click on the link below and it'll take you to Gadgets "Kawasaki Vulcan Speed Calculator". It shows speeds in each gear at whatever RPM you want. It's a pretty cool calculator, and don't forget your speedo error ;)

http://gadgetjq.com/vulcan_speed_rpmcheck.htm

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I like the speed and RPM calculation chart. If it is correct you can do 90 in third gear and you will not redline. Nifty chart, thanks for posting it.

[cocheese72]

Originally Posted by nonhog

As far as the synthetic oil goes, that sounds like a good option to try. How often do change the oil with the synthetic? Some high-end cars call for synthetic oil changes up to 12k miles. Would 4k-6k miles be too far between oil changes with synthetic?

My opinion, since Kawasaki calls for 7500 mile intervals, is that you would be fine 4k-6k. I do mine at 5k even with dino oil and have no issues.