Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum and to Kawasaki but not to motorcycles. Over the past 30 some-odd years I've ridden quite a few. Some, like the Royal Enfield, were quite a trip. My last bike was a Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic. Sold it two years ago and swore off bikes. Until now. Last Wednesday I took possession of a brand new 07 Vulcan Nomad 1600. I've racked up a few hundred miles since then and have some impressions that I'd like to share. I'd like for anyone to chime in with their own thoughts.

It's kind of a bear on a parking lot. Evaluate the lay of the lot before parking because you DON'T want to try to push it backwards while sitting in the saddle. On the flip side, it is a dream on the road. Comfortable and stable. Even the passenger seat is superior. Just ask my wife. She loves it.

The speedometer registers 5 mph slow. Is this common and is there a fix?

I was told, before signing on the dotted line, that I'd get about 45-50 mpg. I haven't done a gallons vs trip meter calculation yet but I'm betting it is more in the mid-30's. I'm disappointed in that. Anyone?

Take care on the road,
John

 

welcome to KF

 

Welcome to the forums

 

Congrats on the ride and welcome to KF!
The engine is prolly pretty tight still for good mileage yet. She may be running a little warmer temp wise because of it also (although you did not mention this happening).

 

JHansen,

Hi, I'm new to Kawi's also and have done research that I can pass on that I hope answers your questions.

1. MPG will increase as the bike breaks in. Common mpg is ~ 40-45 (+/-, with the usual disclaimer: your mileage will vary depending on.... yadda yadda yadda).

2. A "Speedo-healer" will fix the factory "fudge" in the speedometer. They run ~ $100. http://www.speedohealer.com/eng/intro.htm

Now here's a question for you: Is there any difference (besides color!) between the '06 and '07 Nomads?

Best,
Daryl

 

I've got 3500 on my new 2007 Nomad and love it. Gas milage is bad. About 36 but wind or hills makes it worse. It is loosening up and running stronger. Love the ride.

 

Last weekends ride gave me 43.6 mpg so things are looking up. Igave the details insomeone elsespost about gas mileage. Thanks for the info about a fix for the inaccurate speedo. I think I'll just live with it for now. As for the differences, if any, between the 2006 and 2007 models, I don't have a clue. This is my first Kaw. I only went to the Kaw dealership because a couple of years ago, while riding a Yamaha V-Star 1100, I stopped at a Kaw dealership and fell in love with the Drifter. It seemed like the best of both worlds, the reliability of a modern bike and the looks of an Indian. The V-Star is gone to another owner and I was hoping for a Drifter. Of course, they stopped making it. Story of my life.

The Nomad filled the bill of things I must have on a bike. The windshield was there. So were the crash bars.Both seats were comfortable enough for trips of reasonable length. The bags will hold a surprising amount of stuff. I really appreciate footboards instead of pegs. The shaft drive was a plus although I can live with a belt. All in all, it's a big comfortable bike. Almost too big. It's borderline on needing a reverse gear in some situations. I wasn't kidding about needing to evaluate the lay of a parking spot before pulling into a slot. Being seenattempting to push it backwards uphill while sitting in the saddle does absolutely nothing for my grizzled grey-bearded old biker image.

John