Church Of MO – 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1600
Ten years ago, Kawasaki had a touring cruiser priced at $13,000. It had a 1552cc V-Twin with plenty of accouterments and power to take its rider to voyages unknown. It was called the Vulcan Nomad 1600, and even ten years later we still think it’s a good bike. However, let’s go back to its introduction in 2005 and Sean Alexander’s first impressions of a cruiser that is more than simply an old model with a bigger engine. As Kawasaki proved, a simple refresh can have a big impact. Now, don’t forget to check out the photo gallery for even more images of the Nomad 1600.
2005 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1600
Photos by Kawasaki
Loyal MO readers might remember our Classic Tourer Comparo, where we proclaimed the 1500 Nomad to be a decent, though not terribly exciting motorcycle. So when I was invited to the press intro for the new 1600 Nomad, I was interested to see how Kawasaki might have improved their product in this important market segment.
However, after riding the new bike, it is patently obvious that there is more at work here than a few minor changes, as the 1600 feels like a vastly superior motorcycle.
Kawasaki downplays the updates for 2005, but if you examine the 1600 next to last year’s 1500, you’ll quickly notice that almost every detail is slightly different. From the front axle through the passenger seating, everything is similar, but slightly revised and I have a sneaking suspicion that there might be as little as 50% parts commonality between the two bikes. Further snooping reveals the addition of an engine counter-balancer, revised “crash bar” mounting, revised cylinder heads, revised fuel injection & ECU and innumerable esoteric differences. Fortunately, these updates don’t affect the bikes $12,999 MSRP.
The Nomad 1600 features additional chrome and comfort features, including new engine guards, polished fork tubes, a thicker passenger seat, new backrest, grab bars and new passenger floorboards. It also includes adjustable levers, self-canceling turn signals, and a five-gallon fuel tank. In addition to the updated features on the new Nomad, Kawasaki also offers a range of accessories through their dealer network and directly through the internet. At normal cruising speeds, the lighter steering and more direct response allows for nice transitional maneuvers without requiring large steering inputs or straining your arms. In a parking lot, the Nomad is reasonably light on its feet, although the wide bars do require a long reach, while executing tight U-turns.
The bigger jugs breathe through a revised Mitsubishi digital fuel injection system, using dual 36mm throttle bodies mounted on separate intake tracts with four nozzle injectors sending two streams of fuel to each intake valve. The 16-bit ECU features specific programming for the new fuel injection system and does an excellent job of interpreting the rider’s throttle inputs. In other words, there were no hiccups, lurches or flat-spots as I modulated the throttle through our snotty test conditions.
Great, everybody appreciates a well-behaved engine, but who cares… right? You really want to know if the bigger engine is faster? Yes, it is faster and more flexible everywhere in the rev range. I wouldn’t mistake this powerplant for a Vulcan 2000, but its now in the thick of the classic tourer hunt, where last year’s bike hung around at the back of the pack. Even with that barn door windscreen, the new Nomad is more than happy to accelerate itself into triple digits on level ground.
The engine’s powerband is relatively flat, which means that it offers a smooth, even delivery of torque and requires a minimum of shifting. Even on very tight mountain roads, shifting is purely optional once 4th or 5th is engaged. Like most big twins there isn’t really a top-end rush per se. Instead, the motor simply pulls strongly through the midrange, and then tapers off like a lamb.
Speaking of the windscreen, the Nomad’s large old-fashioned screen seems to have been copied from a 75-year-old police bike. The problem is that 1930s cruising speeds were in the 35mph range, so it’s not surprising that the Nomad’s screen is nice and calm, offering great protection and smooth airflow up to 50mph.
Unfortunately, you can’t really stay below 50 on most of today’s highways and byways, and once speeds creep close to 60, the Nomad is in full-helmet-buffeting mode. I tried the adjustable screen in every position from full-up to full-down and was unable to find relief. After a half day of this, I was ready to get a hole saw and start cutting pressure relief vents in the pretty Plexiglas.
I know the Nomads emphasis is on classic style, but a few modern aerodynamic tricks would do wonders for its long haul comfort. Much like last year’s bike, the Nomad 1600 offers excellent rider and passenger accommodations, plus some of the prettiest and most functional saddlebags on the road. Those locking art deco hard bags are a distinct advantage for the Nomad, but the seat might be its best asset. If you can deal with the buffeting (or fit a shorter windscreen) long enough to notice, you will find that the Nomad has what might be the single most comfortable riders seat in all of motorcycling.
When you first sit on it, you think “no way is this soft fluffy thing going to be comfortable for an extended stay.” However, after multiple hours in the saddle, the Nomad’s seat remains perfectly comfortable. Why can’t every bike come with a seat of this quality?
After my time on the Nomad, I’m convinced that Kawasaki has significantly improved the bikes functionality and blessed it with a bit more character than last year’s “appliance-like” 1500. If Kawasaki would fix the aerodynamics, the Nomad could easily contend for best-in-class honors. If you’re in the market for a large touring cruiser, you’d be well advised to take a spin on this new Nomad. While you’re out test riding and comparison-shopping, keep in mind that the stylish Nomad remains the least expensive bike in its class at $12,999.
2005 KAWASAKI VULCAN® 1600 NOMAD™ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Features and Benefits V-Twin EngineEngine displacement increased to 1,552cc for more torqueDigital Fuel Injection is revised to suit the larger engine’s needs and enhance performanceDual mufflers allow more clearance for saddlebagsLiquid Cooling Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power during hard useAuxiliary fan keeps things cool during all operating conditionsFour Valves per Cylinder Boosts low-end torqueProvides maximum valve area for optimum flowHydraulic valve lash adjusters require no maintenanceGear-driven Engine Balancer Counter-rotates at engine speed to cancel vibrationAllows use of single-pin crankshaft without the heavy vibrationRubber-mounted Engine All but eliminates engine vibration at all speedsFive-speed Transmission Great around-town acceleration with relaxed highway cruisingPositive Neutral Finder Just lift the shift pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily5.3 Gallon Fuel Tank Rounded-edge finish for clean, upscale lookLarge capacity for extended touring rangeLarge, Adjustable Windshield Large windshield gives excellent rider and passenger weather protectionWindshield is adjustable up and down two inchesHeavy-duty chromed support hardware holds the windshield rock steadyHard Saddlebags Designed for easy packing, these saddlebags carry an amazing amount of gearLockable, side-open design for smooth looks and quick accessSoft, removable inner bags available as an optional accessoryPassenger Comfort New floorboards, standard backrest and thicker seat provide maximum passenger comfort on long ridesMore Chrome for 2005 New chrome engine guards help protect the engineTriple Disc Brakes Dual discs up front for maximum stopping powerLarge, single rear disc because touring bikes carry so much of the load on the rear wheelShaft Drive Reliable, clean and quiet low-maintenance systemHydraulic Clutch Release Easy to operate, requires virtually no adjustmentAdjustable Control Levers Fits variety of rider sizes and stylesElectronic Speedometer Eliminates conventional cable-drive systemTubeless Tires Lower operating temperature extends tire lifeAir-Adjustable Rear Shocks Rebound damping is 4-way adjustable to tailor fit the ride | Specifications
*Specifications are subject to change. Please visit MO: 2005 Kawasaki Line-up |
Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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I owned a 2007 Nomad and while it was a nice reliable bike, I think they could have made it better instead of going to the 1700 in 2009. I still belong to the VBA and I can tell you a lot of folks that had been faithful Vulcan owners went to other brands, especially HD and Victory. I went to BMW, which is a lot different, but it's a better functioning bike on every level. That said, the 1600, at least for me, needed cruise control and ABS for sure. More power would have been nice too. It boggles the mind to think that Kawasaki has the tech to make a Ninja, but doesn't apply that tech to other model lines. Instead, with the 1700, while we did get cruise control and eventually ABS, the bike weighed more, had cheaply made panniers and cost a lot more. The MSRP on the last Nomad is over 17K. One can buy a road king for not much more and so it goes. Kawasaki really screwed up in not keeping the classic lines John Hoover developed and instead went in a different direction that left a lot of loyal customers scratching their heads and spending their money elsewhere. I have to wonder what the hell Kawasaki was thinking. The 1600 is a very reliable bike. I know of a chap that put over 250K miles on one. They just needed some refinement.
Oh yeah, the seat sucked on the 1600 Nomad, at least for me. Even a Mustang seat wasn't up to it. Should have gone with Russell instead.