I want the straight dope on Nomads

[thedude]

Thinking about buying a Nomad, and I am not familiar with them at all. I do remember reading at one time about a a certain year to stay away from. Can you fine folks give me your brief opinions on what to get, and more importantly what to avoid like the plague. :) I'd like a relatively new, low mile bike probably 1600 or 1700. So, what do I look for? What should I get?


EDIT: TODAY I BOUGHT A '08 NOMAD. PICS ON PAGE 3.

[bugman]

my .02 is that i own a 06 1600 and i am 140lbs and ride with momma,, this bike is so easy to handle and so balanced,, i know the 04or 05's had a shorter front rake so slow turning was a little more difficult,, but 06 up they extended the forks and made it easier,,, the 1700 i dont know to much about except the first year they had some bugs to work out... i love this bike and its very comfortable right out of the chute

[zoom45]

My 2000 model 1500 is great. Highly recommended. Really none are bad bikes to own.
Zoom45

[waterman]

The straight poop. An exceptional bike that those that own one generally love them. I know several that sold theirs for another bike and wish they still had them. They are not the fastest bike out there but they are a solid bike. The 1600's are very stable going down the road. Many of us have added different things over time to make them even better. I added a tourpack for more storage when on the road.

The engines are generally bullet proof. I have heard of some with 250,000 miles on them with never being touched. The major issue with most Kawasaki's, the cam chain. Generally, you will need new cam chain extenders.

The one year that did have a bug was the 99's. The oil gear was plastic and had a tendency to strip. There are corrective parts for that available.

All in all, I love mine and have ridden a Goldwing, a couple of HD's, a Valkrye and wouldn't trade this for them.

[bugman]

some REAL good deals out there right now, check craigslist in your area,, and dont be affraid to ask any questions,,, there are alot more experince people on this site besides me.. and the only Dumb question is the one you dont ask

[phred]

I bought my '99 Nomad back at the first of the year. The '99 and I think some of the early 2000 models had a plastic oil gear (POG). The POG would eventually wear out and fail, and the engine would not get the proper lubrication, and could cause serious damage. Ma Kaw took care of replacing the POG up until very recently.

I don't think there is any Nomad to "avoid like the plague", just make sure the POG has been replaced with a steel gear, and you should be good to go.

[cactusjack]

I have a 2007 Nomad, purchased brand new in September 2007. It has 38,000 miles on it now. The only real caveat is the 1999 model with the POG (plastic oil gear).

The only beef I have about mine, and it isn't so much about the bike as it is about other things, is the lack of accessories available for them.

Still, they are a great bike and you should get a lot of miles out of one. When it comes time to retire my Nomad, I'll probably go to another brand because Kawasaki currently doesn't offer anything that interests me. That could change. however.

You should have no trouble finding a low-mileage, late model Nomad if you prefer to buy used.

Good luck in your search.

[thedude]

Man, you guys are great. I do remember reading about the POG a while ago. I just coldn't remember what exactly it was, but I think that was the one thing I read where I told myself "stay away from that one." Great info guys. Thanks!

[jasperboy]

1500's are excellant bikes with the one (*) being the POG on the 99's as noted. Have a look on the main page under "Nomad Spec's/History/Lineage" for differences all the way from 1999 to the present. I owned a 1999 that I rode for several years with no issues. Traded it for an 06 1600 back in 2008 and it's everything I loved about the 1500, but better. You can read all about the changes and improvements, but overall seat of the pants expereince says it's all the bike I'll ever need. Biggest downside is the lack of aftermarket parts and accessories. Compared to the 1,000,000 HD options, Kaw has almost none. A few Kuryakyn parts, etc... but for the most part it is up to you to modify to get what you want. many have figured out how to put HD style "batwings' on, but it is either alot of effort, or $1000-1500 bucks for aftermarket. Tour Packs are the same way. That said, if you are willing to put in a little sweet equity, you could easliy pick up a 1600 with low miles, spend about $2K for pipes, fuel management, fairing and tour pack and almost have a Ultra clone for $8-$9K. Either that or just enjoy it stock, many of us do. Good Luck!

[thedude]

Thanks for the heads up about no after market accessories. Not a big deal for me since I can hardly hold a wrench anyway. The nomad already has pretty much everthing I think I need, so not having access to the extras is no biggie.

[bugman]

but when you do buy,,, you have to buy the beer for us too,,LOL

[ndbigfish]

I would not let a POG slow me down if I found a good deal. It is a straight forward fix and can be accomplished in few hours. The 1500 has appealing trim at the headset. The angle and set of the speedometer is better (IMHO). The 1500 has an accurate speedometer and fuel gage.

The 1600 offers a key in the right spot, fuel injection, bigger fuel tank and more motor. All in all its a fine big brother or sister.......

The Nomad is a bike you can ride 650 miles in a day with no discomfort. The 1500, 1600 and 1700 all comfortable and dependable bikes. Repairs and maintenance are straight forward and be accomplished by non-mechanics.

[cyclecat]

Love the Nomad!!! It would take forever to explain why my Ruby is the best ride I've ever had. We love the Nomad so much, we have 2. Can't go wrong with any of them really, even the '99 is a gret ride, just make sure the POG has been replaced.

[Cajunrider]

I bought a new leftover '07 1600 in April of '08. It was my first MC so I can't really offer any comparisons to other bikes. I can tell you that I wouldn't trade it for anything now. I have 23,000 miles on it and the only problem it has been in the shop for is a leaking pinion seal at 15,700 miles. No problem since. I've added a few accessories to make it even more comfortable than what is already was. Good luck in your search. I'm sure you will find one soon.

[pirate]

Obviously, you won't find much for nay-sayers about Nomads here. I've had my 08 for almost two years now, and I absolutely love it. I've put on just shy of 15,000 miles without any problems. I do the routine maintenance on it, and it is a friendly bike to work on.
It's a great bike for 2-up riding as well. My wife is very comfortable on it, and says it's the best bike to ride that I've owned.
I don't think you'll have any regrets purchasing a Nomad.
I'll forgive you for your choice of NFL team in your avatar!