2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad Motorcycle reviews

I am the second owner of a clean 2005 Vulcan nomad 1600. I have absolutely no complaints about this bike, it is a very smooth ride, and even at high speeds it feels like it's going a lot slower. Power to spare and highly stable, but don't lay it down it's hard to pick up. Show less

After two years, I'm still very happy with my Nomad. No problems and have made several up grades. Some of the mods I wish I would have done sooner are the mustang seat, vance & hines pipes, and edmonds lowers just to name a few things that made a big differance in comfort and performance. I think it's the perfect bike for two up weekend riding. It has plenty of power and can't find a bike that handles any better and I've had several. Hope to see ya on the road. Show less

I purchased this bike in 2006 and have made some 300 mi rides on it and am well pleased with the overall handling and performance. I now plan to ride the Natchez Trace from Southwest La. to Nashville Tn. This is my 6th bike and by far the best one ever!!! Show less

I bought my VN1600 new on 1st August 2005. At first, I found it heavy and cumbersome due to the fact I'd been riding 600cc sports bikes for the previous 10 years and the fact that I'm not that tall. My first spin was the trip home from the dealership, about 60 miles and the fact my wife was on behind made it an interesting maiden voyage. It is without a doubt the most comfortable motorcycle I've had the pleasure to ride. The adjustable standard screen is perfect for riders of all heights, panniers are excellent for weekends away and I found the seat very comfortable for the 5000 miles I've done so far. In my eyes the VN1600 Classic Tourer is the complete package. Show less

Have owned my Nomad for approx 16 mos. In that time, I have not had 1 single problem with this bike. Owned many Harleys but this is the best I have owned. Harley makes good bikes but for my money, I will gladly buy another Nomad when it comes time for a new bike. Show less

I went two years back and forth between the Nomad and the Road King. After endless reports, reviews and road tests on performance, price, looks, and reliability I decided on the Nomad. Got some flack from my Harley riding partners, but 3000 miles later, I'm fully satisfied that I made the right choice. At sixty mph top gear roll on, my partners on their stock Harleys look just right in my rear view lookers. Required a little time getting used to low speed maneuvers, now it's a dream ride. (never owned a bike this large). I will admit that on the issue of exhaust note, the Harley dudes have me beat but everything else, advantage Nomad. Show less

I'm primarily a sportbike rider and still have mine but wanted the thumpin comfy big v-twin for cruising. I rented Harleys several times (2 Road Glides, 2 EG classics, 1 Street Glide ('07 model). All the Harleys were nice bikes but close to or over $20K new and used were still not cheap. Found my '05 Nomad w/low miles with tons of extras installed already (pipes, backrest, PCIII, grips...and more) for over $10K less than a new stock Harley...and I like having a liquid cooled bike over an air cooled one especially in the summer. I've been riding the Nomad for a few weeks and I honestly can say that it rides, sounds (VH pipes are sweet), performs and even looks as good or better than any of the Harleys I rented. With the pipes and PCIII, the engine really rides smooth and power is very good. It was just a no brainer for me. And I was set on getting a Harley but riding is believing and the Nomad delivers. Highly recommend it. I'm thrilled with the Nomad. Show less

I bought this bike in May,2005. From the beginning it suffered from surging at low speed. During break in, the engine ran pretty warm. After 6,000 km I switched to Kawi synthetic oil. Hey - I know I will start a war here, but I stick to the Mfrs filters and oils - they are competitive, plus I keep all the receipts. (I am a mechanic, so I do all the service / maintenace myself) I realize these bikes with FI and the emissions, catalytic converter really hold this engine back - so I installed the Cobra 'True Duals' and the Techlusion module. This bike is now TOTALLY different. It has a lot more response, great idle. The exhaust is not too loud at idle and cruising speed, and if you lean on the throttle, it has a real nice 'Holliwood Glass pack' exhaust note....plus they look beefy vs the tapered ends on the stock bike. I would definitely recommend this combination !! Show less

My wife and I needed this bike. We like to ride 200+ mile cruises and the previous bikes didn't do this the same way. With the quality, cost, styling, comfort and rider/passenger room, nothing is as good. The cost of a H-D Electra Glide Standard or Road King is 3500.00 more at least. And that is for a plain Jane H-D. This bike has 2 tone black & silver paint and lots of chrome! We did look at a Yamaha Road Star Silverado but after comparing ALL the specs, the Kawasaki was better for us. If anything happens to it, we'll get another one. Oh, the exhaust is a little too quiet. Aside from that...no real complaints. Show less

Driven over 5000 so far. Excellent bike. Great ride, acceleration. I cannot seriously imagine a better bike, especially at this price. Only problem is engine ping when hot. I am going to a colder spark plug to remedy this problem. Otherwise a great bike. Show less