2000 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Nomad Motorcycle reviews

I wrote a review in 11/2000... here it is almost 5 years later. I now have 25,000+ miles on my nomad. I've added many more accessories to it including a Mustang seat. I'm on my third set of tires. Go with the Metzelers--what a difference they make! The only maintenance other than oil and tires has been new water pump seal at 15,000 and clutch plates and springs at 20,000 miles. Many call it my Harley--and I proudly say "it's not a Harley" (it's half the price and twice the reliability). Not to mention that when I ride with Harley riders, I'm way faster at passing the semi trucks on the freeway than they are. I'm keeping this one and hoping to get 100,000 miles. Show less

90% of my riding is two-up running at the speed limit (am a somewhat senior rider). Very comfortable, handles the twisties nicely for such a corpulent machine – but likes tire pressures at the very top of what the owner’s manual calls for (shocks set at about mid-point). Our Nomad has slightly over 17K miles: gets 40-42mpg at 60-65mph, and about 36-38mpg when running consistently near 75mph with a passenger. Very easy starter, rain or shine – even after sitting covered in the snow. Next tires will not be the Bridgestones – they hold the road fine, but sound like snow-tires. Paint and chrome great quality – easy to keep polished, and the saddle bags seem water-tight. Very low maintenance: gas, oil, occasional filter and the polish rag, and go. And the best part, you don’t see eight-two bazillion of `em wherever you go. Show less

Great bike (almost!). I have owned a Goldwing and an Electra Glide and this Nomad is almost as nice EXCEPT -- for the oil leak that happened within the first ten months and it took seven weeks to get it fixed. And then two weeks later it started leaking again so now it is in the shop to have the motor pulled out of the frame for the second time in one year. And the transmission makes a loud humming noise at 65mph (very loud). Anyone want to buy a good used Nomad? JustJohn Show less

Had the bike for a month now, love the ride, comfort. Only getting 34 mi on highway. Dealer states it will get better with time. Hope he's right. Any comments from other owners? Show less

I got mine in July of 2000, in four months I've put almost 7,000 miles on it and always get 39-40 mile per gallon. At first I hated the small gas tank, but now I am thinking it gives me more of a chance of stretching my legs at the gas stops. I love this bike, it is the best bike I've ever owned, I just wished it came with a center stand in case of a flat and some way of checking the oil level if you ride by yourself. Show less

My dream was to have a Harley by 40, but couldn't afford the high price tag of a Road King. This is my 7th bike -- traded in my Vulcan 750 for the Nomad -- and have no regrets. At first it was hard to adjust to the extra weight, but after miles and months of riding, that was no longer an issue. I love the power on the freeways. It's smooth and quiet with no numb hands or numb feet. I love the storage space, the footboards vs pegs. It's roomy and comfortable for my passenger. I've been customizing it with extra chrome, front running lights, passenger bars and handles, etc. It draws lots of looks--and compliments, especially when I take off my helmet and they see I'm a woman on such a big bike. I am going through withdraw now that winter has arrived. I put on 4000 miles in one season just to and from work and leisure riding. I never ventured too far from home, 'cause just didn't have the kind of bike to do so on. can't say enough good things about it--hopefully that remains the same miles and years from now. Show less

I just recently purchased my 1999 Nomad, which was a dealer holdover. I am very impressed with the power and smoothness of the bike. I have spent many a mile on Gold Wings and wondered if I could make the transition form a smooth four to a v-twin. No Problem. I understand the problem with the small gas tank for some, but since I have had both knees replaced (age 65) I need to stop about every 100-125 miles anyway, so the frequent stops are not a frustration for me. I would love to hear from any other Nomad owners who would share their views after numerous miles of riding the Nomad. My version is the carb version, not the FI. This is my first Kawasaki, and for me, thus far it is a real winner. Show less

I've got a 1999 1/2 Nomad (2-tone red) and love it. Aside from the small gas tank class-action complaint, the only other I have is it whines like hell at higher rpm's. It is especially bad between 45-55 mph. It probably doesn't get any less at higher speeds; it's just that I can't hear it as much. My dealer says this is normal for the big Vulcans; I say this is BS. Except for this major irritant, I really love the machine--big, comfortable, and looks great! Has anyone else experienced this problem? If so, what is it and what can be done about it? Also, what's the deal with the nylon oil pump gear going bad (I hear around 30K+)? Is anyone else concerned about this or had a problem? If many Nomad owners have had a problem with this crappy gear, why hasn't Kawasaki recalled this item? By the way, I've e-mailed the Kawa Customer Service folks on this and guess what--No Reply! KJ Show less

The best and most economical way to solve the small tank problem is to carry a small gas can when I ride out in the boonies. I have luggage rack on the back and I bungie cord it to keep from falling off. I know it is dangerous and stupid, lets hope Kawasaki can get this problem fixed. Show less

I've been riding my 1999 Nomad for about 7,500 miles since May of 99. Rider comfort and handling are about as good as it gets. Everybody who owns one will tell you that it needs a bigger gas tank. I just stop every 100 miles and get gas. The only mechanical complaint I have is that it has on occasion slipped into neutral when shifting from 2nd to 1st at low speed. I've gotten use to holding my foot down on the shifter lever when shifting from 2nd to first at low speed. I think it has enough power for the type of bike it is. It can cruise all day at interstate speeds and never complain. The bike is very stable at these speeds. Last month my wife and I drove from Cleveland OH to Waterford MI in the pouring rain. Not much fun, but the bike performed perfectly. I have received many compliments on how the bike looks. Show less