2003 Nomad FI - Right Bike at Right Price
Written: Feb 18 '04 (Updated Feb 18 '04)
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Pros: Looks, comfort, handling, price, reliability, low-vibration
Cons: Low power, rear shocks
The Bottom Line: It has the look and performance of a Harley FL for thousands $$$ less, plus it is liquid-cooled, better suited for two passengers, and generally more comfortable for larger riders.
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| jackloganbill's Full Review: 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Nomad FI |
We purchased the 2003 Nomad FI new last year after careful consideration. We considered the Gold Wing, the Harley FLs, and the Yamaha Venture. With a good (okay, great) discount from Downers Grove Yamaha, we decided on the Nomad and am very glad we did.
The bike handles and rides very well. 80% of the time I ride with my wife as a passenger, and she loves it. The Nomad is several inches longer than the Harley FLs, providing more room for the wife and I. The Gold Wing had plenty of room between us, but the foot peg placement for the driver was restrictive and did not give my 6'2" - 6'3" frame enough room. Plus, even though I love sport bikes, we both have come to appreciate the floorboards, front and back.
The Windshield does a great job of blocking/breaking the wind, though I did make replacement lowers as the stock lowers caused significant wind turbulence. I can comfortably ride the bike anytime the temp is above 40 degrees, thanks to the large windshield and lowers.
The handlebars, controls, mirrors, fit me perfectly--it is by far the most comfortable bike I have ridden. Controls are easily accessed, even with thick winter gloves.
The wide / large tires, brakes, and front forks inspire confidence and easily support and stop our combined weight of close to 400 pounds.
The bike looks great and gets lots of positive comments. The saddlebags have a nice rounded shape, unlike the squared-off bags of the Harley FL. The bags open on the side, not the top. At first I was a bit anxious about the side opening bags, but after using the bike for a year, we love them. We added a Harley FL tourpak that holds our two helmets, jackets, and so forth. It was an expensive, but great addition.
On the downside...the power and rear shocks. I cannot understand how a 4 valve per cylinder, 1500CC engine puts out such little horsepower. I've been around and know about low RPM tuning for HP/Torque power bands, but this bike should put out at least 60-65 HP. The torque is fine, and once up to speed you can cruise all day, with passenger, at 90MPH--we've done it. But roll ons and initial acceleration is sub standard. There is no initial surge or rush. Several owners I know have added the Vance and Hines Dual Bagger exhausts and K&N air cleaners and claim the power is much improved. But by the time you buy the pipes, air cleaner, and FI power commander, you've spent the better part of $1,000.
The rear shocks are air adjustable but they're a pain to adjust and get dialed in. Riding solo, they are fine. But adjusting them for the wife and I is a pain. I purchased a special air pump for the shocks, but still I would prefer a good set of Progressives--at $450 we'll do it this year.
Summary:
If I had the choice, I would buy the Nomad again. No question. We love it. The price is right. It looks great. Is the best bike we've tried on for two-up riding. I would prefer a more powerful engine, but the bike lulls along very well once up to speed. It is stable, comfortable, reliable, just a very good two-wheel deal!
Looks wise, it is a great-looking bike. It does not quite have the chrome and class of a Harley FL, but then again, what does? But again, it is very hard to justify the price difference.
You can check out our Nomad at http://pages.prodigy.net/jack.loganbill/moto_nomad.htm
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 11,000.00
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
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Epinions.com ID:
jackloganbill
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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