Motorcycle.com

Notes from an Enthusiastic / Vetean Rider

After 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. Read Full Review

Live long and Ride

This 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 b...rands.

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!! Read Full Review

My 09 Nomad

My 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???? Read Full Review

a trully well built bike

okay, 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 thi...s 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. Read Full Review

Another Great Vulcan

I 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! Read Full Review