2006 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1600 Nomad™ Motorcycles

I'm 60. I bought my first bike, an 800cc Suzuki C50, three months ago. It is a great commuter bike with marginal comfort and brakes. I upgraded to a '08 Kawasaki 1600 Nomad two months ago and rode it from NH to Texas and back.
The negatives are that it takes premium gas and averaged 37 mpg. For a stock seat it could have been worse, but a new seat is going on it soon along with more lights in the back. The clutch has a small friction area. Being hydraulic it's unadjustable. It makes parking lot maneuverability touchy at 3 mph.
That said, it's an easy machine to ride. Reliable, comfortable and it has plenty of power for merging onto a highway or changing lanes. It has great brakes that stop you in a straight line, suspension, etc. I've cut the windshield an inch and a half for the trip but will cut it 3/4 of an inch more to see better in the rain. Added extra lights in the front as well - a must.

I saw some beautiful Harleys and BMWs on the trip. Being a new rider, I was envious of them, thinking that I'd 'upgrade' some day. With a hard 5000 mile trip under my belt, 1000 miles of it in drenching rains and high winds, I realize that this Nomad is a great machine in its own right.

Upgrades/Accessories

- Kuryakyn grips with a Throttle Boss mounted at 10 o’clock on the right grip for comfortable cruising and one mounted on the left grip at 3 o'clock to rest my palm. Absolute must haves!
- Breakaway throttle control, $175. Either push a button to lock it or to release it. Also releases instantly when applying the front brake. Although the installation is difficult, it performed well, allowing me to rest my hand. I'd prefer cruise control but this worked well.

Forum Topics

Post a Topic


Can you help answer any of these questions about this vehicle?

	Installing the Kuryakyn Grips

	Why is so important for a Jap bike rider to get a ok from a ...

	I have to pump up my clutch for it to disengage when the bik...

DisclaimerReviews are provided on an "as is" basis with no warranty and should be considered entertainment only. Reviews should not be used for any purpose whatsoever, including but not limited to, making decisions about any referenced vehicles, products, modifications or other information.

Additional Disclaimer Information


	ADVERTISER INFORMATION PRIVACY STATEMENT COPYRIGHT TERMS DEALER INFORMATION