Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad

KAWASAKI VULCAN 1600 NOMAD

Quick Ride

A bigger, better bagger

CRUISING IS ABOUT a relaxed riding experience. If

you're looking to pile on

even more mellow miles, then a touring cruiser is the logical choice. Since its 1998 introduction, Kawasaki’s Vulcan Nomad has successfully melded long-range comfort with classic-cruiser styling. Previously based on the Vulcan 1500 Classic, the 1600 Nomad applies the touring treatment to the more up-to-date 1600 Classic platform.

The obvious benefit is a healthy boost in lowend torque produced by its longer-stroke, 1552cc V-Twin. While the liquidcooled engine retains the same basic sohc, eightvalve configuration as the 1600 Classic, the Nomad gets new fuel-injection mapping to optimize

power delivery for touring duty.

Also optimized for touring duty is the frame, a reinforced version of the Classic’s steel structure that remains equipped with air-adjustable shocks featuring four-way rebounddamping adjustment.

While the adjustable-height windscreen and locking hard saddlebags are carryovers

from the previous mode!,

chrome crash bars and a larger-capacity 5.3-gallon fuel tank are new additions. Passengers have been

treated to a thicker seat pad, standard backrest, chrome grab handles and longer

floorboards, all aimed at

ensuring a cozy cruise.

We only logged 150 miles aboard the new

bike at its recent press launch, but returned with a

favorable impression of the updated machine. A lowslung, 28-inch seat height means lifting the bike off

its sidestand or supporting its weight at stops presents little difficulty. Rumbling along at freeway speeds proved very pleasant, with good wind protection from the cop-bike windscreen and decent stability, though

there’s a slight tendency for the fat front tire to track parallel rain grooves and seams. The suspension is

plush, yet there is ample feedback from the tires, The wide handlebar

sweeps back to naturally meet your outstretched

■■

hands while you’re seated in a perfectly upright posture. Even though the bar is firmly fixed to the top triple-clamp (delivering good response to steering inputs), only mild vibration is felt through the grips at a freeway pace. If you prefer swingin’ to the big Twin beat, lugging the motor down to 25 mph in top gear sees it easily chugging

along with revs just above idle. Even so loaded, the 1600 is still capable of smooth, stumble-free roll-

on acceleration.

Clutch pull is light and the lever is reach-adjustable, as is that of the front brake. A heel/toe shifter works through the five-speed gearbox with buttery ease and Kawasaki’s Positive Neutral Finder eliminates the need to glance down the tank-mounted instruments and indicator light when selecting neutral stops.

While the new Nomad offers more performance, comfort and chrome to shine, the most amazing thing is its price: At $12,999, it costs no more than before. Don Canet