When was the first test of a Kawasaki Nomad?
For over five years, Kawasaki’s 1500 Nomad has been one of our favorite baggers. For our first test in the June 1998 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser magazine, we rode Interstate 10 from end to end to see if the Nomad’s got legs.
Is the Kawasaki Nomad based on the Vulcan 1500?
We’ve known for a year that Kawasaki was building a tourer based on the Vulcan 1500 Classic. We just didn’t know how different the new bike would be from its sibling, a bike we’ve consistently rated as our favorite big twin cruiser.
What should air pressure be on Kawasaki Nomad?
Although Kawasaki recommends that the air pressure in the shocks be set at zero, it can be increased to a maximum of 43 psi. Think of the air chamber as a combination of a spring preload adjustment and a variable spring rate adjuster.
How big is the steering head on a Kawasaki Nomad?
Using the Classic frame as a starting point, the Nomad chassis incorporates 0.4-inch-diameter tubing (up to 1.7 inches) throughout much of the frame. The diameter of the steering head is larger, and gussets strengthen this highly stressed point even further. The goal was to reduce frame flex, giving a more stable ride.
For over five years, Kawasaki’s 1500 Nomad has been one of our favorite baggers. For our first test in the June 1998 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser magazine, we rode Interstate 10 from end to end to see if the Nomad’s got legs.
We’ve known for a year that Kawasaki was building a tourer based on the Vulcan 1500 Classic. We just didn’t know how different the new bike would be from its sibling, a bike we’ve consistently rated as our favorite big twin cruiser.
How big are the wheels on a Kawasaki Nomad?
Both the 3.0 x 16-inch front and the 3.5 x 16-inch rear wheels wear identically sized Bridgestone 150/80-16 radials, adding to the bike’s beefcake look. The H-rated tires are more than capable of supporting the weight the Nomad will end up carrying for long distances.
What do you need to know about Kawasaki Nomad shocks?
Think of the air chamber as a combination of a spring preload adjustment and a variable spring rate adjuster. The higher the air pressure in the shock, the stiffer the initial rate and the more resistance there is to compression. The Nomad’s shocks also offer four-position rebound damping adjustability.