2009 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Nomad
User Reviews
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09 1700 vulcan nomad Great Bike..
By (I am an Owner) on Mar 28, 2011Bought a used Vulcan Nomad off the internet from a dealer in Grapevine. . Flew down to Dallas to pick it up and drove it back to Amarillo. I took the extra long scenic route through Oklahoma. What a great ride. Fits me perfectly. and drove like a dream. Transmission does shift hard and direct ... but I dont mind. Tells me it is solid. I had a 2001 1500 vulcan nomad carburated. It was a nice bike but nothing as good as this 09 fuel injected. I have ridden for 40 plus years. I would recommend this bike. Harleys are over priced and too loud and viberates too much. Breaks all the time.
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2009 kawasaki Nomad
By (I am an Owner) on Feb 27, 2011My Nomad for the price is very good buy, but scince I got the bike I'm hearing noises from everywhere. I like the looks it handles very well, its very confortable, but those noises are driving me crazy.
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What a great motorcycle
By (I am an Enthusiast) on Jan 19, 2011Hi, I am new to the Kawasaki family, picking up my 2009 model in July 2010. I had just sold my 2005 Fatboy and did not have a ride. My mates told me about a second hand Nomad at my local Kawasaki dealer that would suit me. I took my wife with me to check it out, she slipped in to the showroom and ... saw a brand new Nomad, heavely reduced in price (2009 model). I spoke to her after and she suggested that the "new" one would be a better purchase.
I took the older one for a test drive, and quite liked what I rode. To cut a long story short, my wife purchased the 2009 model for my birthday, and when I finally picked her up and rode her for the first time, all the longings and desires to ride off into the sunset had returned.
This is truly an amazing bike, all the instruments, the air shocks, the seat, and of course the look!
We are firm partners now, my wife, me and the bike.
I will make mention of the dealer, Kelen Kawasaki in Penrith NSW Australia, they coudnt be any friendlier and thourough in thier dealings and presentation. They could not do any more for my wife to facilitate the purchase.
It has been a pleasure to find, purchase and get going, thery have also helped me replace a lot of my other brank gear and switch to Kawasaki t-shirts and jackets.
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good buy for the money
By (I am an Owner) on Jan 10, 2011traded up from a zuki c50 brought mine new, gas mileage kept getting better little more than 9k miles, mpg about 40, trans got quieter at around 8k and performance gettting better, was told not to go with synthetic oil till approx 11k, factory rear tire only lasted 4k went with metzler upgrade front ... and rear better linear tracking in turns overall very happy with my bike, look forward to cross country trip this year
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2009 nomad
By (I am an Owner) on May 15, 2010i owned mine now for a month got 1,300 miles on it love the bike.only thing is seams like it lug's in 6th at highway speed is that normal.thank's if someone could tell me
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Mountain Ride Lots
By (I am an Owner) on May 14, 2010This bike, at time of purchase, was my third bike. I own a Vulcan 900LT, and a C90 (1500) I had long admired the Nomad but was too long for my height (5'9"). The 09 Nomad corrected this concern and is a great bike The bike handles well and places more than adequate power to the road through the 6 ... speed and belt drive. I have found the cruise control to be flawless and well suited for minor adjustments. The self canceling signals are an added bonus for both safety and ease of use. I love the bike which now has 6000 miles on it. Many of the miles have been put on the bike in true touring conditions in the Mountains of the Smokies, Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding areas. The bike handles these twisties with ease and is a superb and comfortable bike when traveling the higher speed highways and interstates in order to reach the mountains. Compare at much greater prices in other brands. Kawasaki has done it right. The bang for the buck is superb. The standard features on the Nomad would cost a fortune as after market purchases. Two tone paint, hard bags, comfie seats, crash bars passenger floor boards, lots of chrome are appreciated. Very few aftermarket parts needed. As to the complaints about the whining of the belt drive, on mine I have never noticed any such noise and having read some reviews I have listened.
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Another Great Vulcan
By (I am an Owner) on Apr 14, 2010I upgrade my old 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 750cc to the new 1700cc Nomad and I'm glad I did. What a great bike this is. Nothing wrong with the old one but I wanted to step up. I have over 600 miles on the new bike. It has everything you need and then some. I will be adding highway pegs and speakers ... to this bike soon. Yes the belt is a little noisey at 30 mph in 3rd gear but hey it's a new bike and still be broken in. Apparently that is common for this bike as what you read in the other reviews. This bike sure picks up speed very quickly and has a very quick takeoff. The throttle is very responsive. Nice ammenties for this bike compared to other bikes that are similar in style, size, and power. The seats are so comfortable and at the right height. I'm 6'-0" tall and I'm comfortable. My wife rides with me and she is even comfortable. This bike can take windy roads very nicely and is well balanced. I have looked at bikes from Honda to Yamaha to Suzuki and settled in on the Vulcan Nomad. The other bikes in similar style and less weight felt heavier than the Nomad and you don't get the nice ammenties. I put this bike up against any HD. HD are overpriced for the quality you get. You pay for the name and thats it. I pay a little over $12gs for this bike. What a great deal. I'm getting ready for the first maintenance inspection. I look forward in many years and miles with my new Nomad. Good job Kawasaki!
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Australian Owner
By (I am an Owner) on Jan 05, 2010I have had my new 1700 Nomad for 6 weeks and have just had it's first service (1000klm). I asked about the whining noise and was told that it is normal. No explaination of the cause was given though. In reading other reviews I have been educated and found out it is the belt drive. So I hope that ... after a few more 1000 klm is will fade out leaving me with a beutiful bike to ride.
Being 6'2" tall and 58 years of age,I feel really comfortable after coming off of a much smaller Boulevarde. My wife loves the comfy pillion seat and we plan to do a few big rides around Australia in the future spending the kids inheritance.
I am impressed by the power of the motor yet it is not agressive. Power comes in nice and smooth and has plenty of legs when required. Well done Kawasaki.
Its a shame that we in Australia only get to choose any colour we want as long as it's black. "Good On Ya Henry Ford".
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keep it up Kawasaki
By (I am an Owner) on Dec 22, 2009purchased mine June5/09 and put 10000 miles on it and loved every one of them usually drive two up and the missus will not get off for mr to solo much great bike but accessories are far and few so far
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a trully well built bike
By (I am an Owner) on Nov 20, 2009okay, in the past i have had everything from cafe racers to v-twin cruisers. my last bike was a 2008 1100 v-star. i thought the v-star was the best thing since sliced bread but then i traded it in for a 2009 1700 nomad, i fell in love with the looks of the bike so i traded my 1100 for it. i love ... this bike.
it has way more power than the yamaha plus the gearing is way better so as you are running down the road it does not feel like you are redlining the bike. the belt drive is nice a little noise at thirty mph in third gear but hell i only have 1800 miles on her. at freeway speeds this bike really shines. 70 mph in od and she just lugs along smooth as can be. as far as adding on accessories WTF, this bike has everything already. it has more goodies than my 1100 v-star and i added everything under the sun to that one. by the way all of my v-star accessories are for sale in case anyone is interested. the cruise control is a godsend. i love it this bike rides like a caddie. for the most part this bike is perfect. i am 6" 1' 180 lbs and it's the perfect size for me. so to everyone else who does not like it. keep looking you will find the perfect bike someday. but for me this bike is wonderfull. i look forward to a long and happy riding experience with this nomad. my back hurt all the time on the v-star on the nomad my body position is great relaxed but comfortable. i even like the sound of the stock exhaust throaty with out being loud and obnoxious. my v-star stock pipes were so quiet all you could hear was the valves rattle. and the clutch basket rattle. so far i give this one a big thumbs up but thats just me. to each his own. peace.
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Notes from an Enthusiastic / Vetean Rider
By (I am an Owner) on Oct 02, 2009After 40+ years of riding about everything made in the cruiser style I settled on the Vulcan Nomad 1700. Actually my wife bought it but I like it as well. It has the weight at 833 lbs. and the power is adequate at 1700cc for a heavy bike. I love the color (Burgandy/gold) and there is an abundance ... of chrome, some of it plastic however. I like the saddlebags however they do feel a bit flimsy. The noise when shifting is loud and not smooth however overall, for the price when up against other large cruisers, is exceptional. The pipes could be a bit louder but have a quality sound and the criser control and adjustable shocks are a good addition. All in all I give the machine 4 out of 5 and the dealer gave me more than I wanted for my trade and a good APR on the loan. I also bought and extended warranty for 400 to bring it up to a five year transferable warranty. To sum it up, heavy, good ride, powerful, sleak, good looks, good price . Take it to the bank and get one.
PS. I will be putting on some additions in the spring once they start making after market items.
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My 09 Nomad
By (I am an Owner) on Sep 15, 2009My wife and I took a long cruise through the mountainous terrain of Idaho, about 700 miles. We found the bike to be comfortable, maneuverable and responsive. When we began the bike had about 1100 miles on it and averaged about 36 mpg. It handled well and gave us absolutely no problems. ... However, I was disappointed when I was running hard up a long steep incline and couldn't keep up with 2 of my friends bikes, Harley-Davidson 1580cc models (96 hp I believe). When the trip was over I called the Kawasaki dealer to whine about the "Harley Experience" and was told the bike won't even be broken in until around 4,000 miles. At that time it will loosen up, run faster and have improved fuel efficiency. Is that true????
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Live long and Ride
By (I am an Owner) on Sep 10, 2009This is the classic look, feel and ride that one dreams about as a young lad.
I compared all the brands i.e. Harley, Victory etc. and zeroed in on the Nomad.
Price,insurance cost,style,handling power and road manners this has it all over the competition. I've ridden all my life on many ... different brands.
Detractors complain about trivial things like this and that, accessories and what not, but they may have lost sight of what riding is all about. The bike fits me like a glove and it feels like one rides in it as opposed to riding on it.
I would recommend riding or better yet owning one, and remember what made you want to ride when you were young.
Let the times roll!!
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It has problems.
By (I am an Owner) on Aug 30, 2009First ride from the dealer I took it back and told them to fix then damn whine! Belt, transmission, I don't care. It's an embarassment to ride it so LOUD! Of course I got the crap that it's "normal" and no the transmission will not fall on the ground when you shift; the unbelieveable CLUCk is normal! ... Showed them internet reports that the belt is too tight but no luck. Took it to a HD mechanic friend and had him adjust the belt. No more noise. He also said he has NEVER heard a gear shift noise like this bike makes and he's a HD MECHANIC! If I could had ridden the 1700 before buying, it would still be on the showroom floor. By the way, I've written Kawasaki twice about my concerns and they do not care! Oh, took it in for the 3750 mile service and now I have to take it back to my HD buddy and get the belt adjusted so it doesn't wake the neighbors when I come home at night.
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TEST DRIVE ANOTHER BIKE!!!!
By (I am an Owner) on Aug 17, 2009THIS BIKE IS NOTHING LIKE THE OLD ONE. I AM ONLY 5FT.10 INCHES TALL. THIS BIKE FEELS LIKE YOU ARE CRAMPED THE WHOLE TIME YOU ARE RIDING....DROVE A YAMAHA STRAT. MUCH BETTER BIKE, AND NOT THAT MUCH DIFFERENCE IN PRICE. KAWASAKI SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT THIS ONE OUT A LITTLE MORE BEFORE SHRING IT 4 ... INCHES....BIKE IS JUST BULKY!! TRANS IS NOISY ALSO. GEARS ARE HARD TO CHANGE....BUY A YAMAHA ...YOU WILL NOT REGRET!
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Don't buy it.
By (I am an Owner) on Jul 20, 2009It's almost August of 2009 and still can't buy accessories for mine. I also had to take it back for the back seat that kept poking me in the back. That belt is also not what I want. Needless to say, dealers won't let you drive them. Mine whines all the time due to the belt. Dealer says that's ... normal for a belt. I also need a back rest. You can't buy one for this model. Dealers say it's too new! BS. I wish I had my VTX Back.
In 6th gear it's extremely rough. MPG is terrible. 32 is the average.
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POS 2009 NOMAD
By (I am an Enthusiast) on Jul 19, 2009Im in the market for a new bagger, I test rode the new NOMAD after hearing and reading on how great the bike was. It didn't take long to find out this bike was not for me. The new tranny clunks into every gear on the new 6 speed. I'm 6'2" and feeling how comfortable the 2000 LT was I thought the ... NOMAD, set up for touring would be the same or better, unfortunately it was one of the worst I've felt, I thought it was some torture device making me do pelvic thrusts. The windshield was flimsy and bounced all over at hwy speeds. The new top loading saddele bags are cheap looking and feeling plastic. Not a lot of power for a 1700cc engine, although the salesman told me that it would increase after it was broke in (not sure I believe that). A few of the good points of the bike are the electronic cruise control and the new belt drive, and the new gauge was nice, with the dual trip meters and distance to empty indicator.
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2009 Nomad
By (I am an Owner) on Jul 13, 2009The 1700 Nomad is simply one of the best touring cruisers available. The 6 speed, cruise, belt drive, seating, hard bags and air adjustable shocks to list a few, make it not only one of the most comfortable bikes on the road, but also, one of the best buys in big cruisers. Kawasaki hit a home run ... with this bike!!!!!!!!
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2009 Kawasaki Classic/Nomad Review
By (I am an Owner) on Jul 01, 2009Having come off owning & riding Harleys
for nearly half a century among other brands, I wanted something new, Metric and preferably water-cooled, shaft driven that also "handled" in a bagger format. I found what I wanted in a new 2008 Blue & silver Kawasaki Nomad 1600.
Boy am I glad ... I traded in Ol' Blue my '88 Electraglide 1340 when I did and purchased the last year for the shaft-driven Nomads! The new 1700 has been thoroughly revamped and not all for the good. Apparently the Kawasaki
"bean counters" had a say in "value engineering" the bejesus out of it: Gone are the nicely built and reinforced quality side-loading saddle bags with actual chromed metal latches & hinges in lieu of some cheap, flimsy POS plastic top loaders that are ugly and bulbous to the extreme! But wait: there's more! Along the way they managed to ditch the lovely & reliable shaft drive, a couple of universals, ring & pinion gear set, gear driven counterbalancers in favor of a belt and more (& cheaper) chains from which they are driven. They also
ditched the lovely chromed metal engine & valve covers with some of the cheapest,God awful looking, flimsiest plastic chrome ones imaginable. They also shelved the lovely chromed kawasaki emblem on the back of the Backrest, the chrome covers on the rear brake master cylinder,bright work on
passenger footboards and chromed cover on the rear master brake cylinder. The speededometer bezel and surround is now also cheap chromed plastic affair. What were they thinking? That the extra electronic gagetry, increased displacement and mediocum of performance enhancement would cause the buying public and knowledgeable riders to overlook the obvious fact that they have absolutely cheapend the product and are producing a bike that is no longer unique but is now almost indistinquishable from the rest of the Harley clones? Shame on Kawasaki for
value engineering the Nomad into another
wannabee forgetable ride.
Do yourself a favor and find yourself a last years leftover Kawasaki and buy it!
A few years down the road, it will still be worth more than these new 2009 pieces of crap.
N.L.Dunnavan
Tool Engineering
The Boeing Company
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