Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad

QuickRide: KAWASAKI VULCAN NOMAD

ROUNDUP

IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH detective work to see that baggers and the utility that said bags add—and we’re not speaking of your significant other—have made these models extremely popular among cruiser buyers. But looking back, Kawasaki knew this more than a decade ago when it introduced the original 1998 Vulcan 1500 Nomad.

There’s a lot to like about the latest Nomad, especially taking into account that it’s $3500 less expensive than its $17,899 brethren, the ABS-equipped 1700 Voyager. If you don’t plan on spending marathon miles in the saddle and can live without some of the bells and whistles of a dresser, the Nomad is a great alternative.

Over the years, the Nomad’s engine has grown. In 2005, the bike was revamped and displacement increased from 1470 to 1552cc. Four years later, the significantly updated model now displaces 1700cc. The new powerplant has a wider, 52-degree Vee angle (was 50), a longer, 104mm stroke, single overhead cams and a single-pin crank. A host of sophisticated electronics makes this V-Twin sing, including Kawi’s Electronic Throttle Valve (fly-by-wire) and fuel-injection system.

At 833 pounds (with its 5.3-gallon gas tank topped off), the Nomad is 62 pounds lighter than the 895-pound Voyager. So, with identical transmission and final-drive gearing for the carbon-fiber-reinforced belt, the Nomad is noticeably perkier off the line and during roll-ons. But like the Voyager, fifth and sixth gears are true overdrive ratios, meaning that a swift pass will require a downshift to fourth if you need it to happen quickly. Throttle response from the ETV system is spot-on.

On board, the first thing you notice is the simple tank-mounted speedometer and integrated twin LCD information screens. And once you’re moving, you find that the large adjustable touring windscreen gives excellent protection with very little buffeting. Lower, fork-mounted deflectors offer wind protection for your legs. The seating position is neutral, with hands falling naturally to the bars, feet comfortably perched on the floorboards and butt planted in the cushy touring seat.

With its lighter and stiffer frame, the Nomad has a wheelbase (65.6 inches) that’s almost an inch shorter than its predecessor’s. Handling is quite good and cornering is limited only by floorboards that drag when the bike is ridden at a brisk pace. Air-adjustable twin rear shocks have good damping and offer enough adjustment range to accommodate a passenger and fully loaded saddlebags. If you need more storage space, a 50-liter top case (with integrated backrest) is available from Kawasaki’s accessory division.

A strong engine, nice accouterments, all-day comfort and the added utility of bags that offer enough storage for light touring; all that adds up to make the 1700 Nomad an excellent classically styled V-Twin bagger.

"Roam if you want to, because the Nomad is willing and able to take you anywhere."-Blake Conner