Frame redesign

**Booya** · 10-28-2015, 06:45 AM

Hello all,
I'm curious what changes and/or improvements that were made to the frame in the 2005 & 2009 redesigns for the nomads. Thanks in advance.

trosco · 10-28-2015, 09:32 AM

The 05 to 06 change was to accommodate a re-designed and stiffened swing arm. A side benefit is it allowed use of a wider rear wheel (3 3/4 vs 4 1/2) and is what allowed the switch to a wider-lower profile rear tire (150/80/16 vs 170/70/16). The marketing spin was this improved handling but I liked a taller and narrower than OEM (160/80/16)rear tire best on the 07 Nomad I had.
The 09 change was a complete evolution on the bike. From shaft to belt drive, more compact frame geometry, different steering head angles. Best way I can describe it is the 08's and older were big, long and very predictable but sedate in their handling. Low speed some would even describe them as lumbering. The 09's n up are a smaller bike frame dimension wise. They were quicker to respond and easier to deal with at lower speeds. Their set up is much closer to Harley's than the 1500/1600 bikes. There are probably 50,000 more factors but.... this will get you started.

**Booya** · 10-28-2015, 08:31 PM

Thanks trosco for that well explained answer, looks like I need to research the '09 and up, you gave me what I needed, thanks again.

redjay · 10-28-2015, 09:05 PM

The 09 and up handles better than the 05-08 but the seating position is more cramped for the rider and has less room for the passenger.

10-28-2015, 06:45 AM	#1
Booya Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Roswell, NM Posts: 47	Frame redesign Hello all, I'm curious what changes and/or improvements that were made to the frame in the 2005 & 2009 redesigns for the nomads. Thanks in advance. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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10-28-2015, 09:32 AM	#2
trosco Sr. Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 1,464	The 05 to 06 change was to accommodate a re-designed and stiffened swing arm. A side benefit is it allowed use of a wider rear wheel (3 3/4 vs 4 1/2) and is what allowed the switch to a wider-lower profile rear tire (150/80/16 vs 170/70/16). The marketing spin was this improved handling but I liked a taller and narrower than OEM (160/80/16)rear tire best on the 07 Nomad I had. The 09 change was a complete evolution on the bike. From shaft to belt drive, more compact frame geometry, different steering head angles. Best way I can describe it is the 08's and older were big, long and very predictable but sedate in their handling. Low speed some would even describe them as lumbering. The 09's n up are a smaller bike frame dimension wise. They were quicker to respond and easier to deal with at lower speeds. Their set up is much closer to Harley's than the 1500/1600 bikes. There are probably 50,000 more factors but.... this will get you started. __________________ trosco: just call me Ross 2007 Black & Titanium Nomad (Nomad made 65K but got replaced 2014) 2010 Titanium Goldwing 2014 KLR 650 New Edition
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10-28-2015, 08:31 PM	#3
Booya Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Roswell, NM Posts: 47	Thanks trosco for that well explained answer, looks like I need to research the '09 and up, you gave me what I needed, thanks again.
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10-28-2015, 09:05 PM	#4
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,928	The 09 and up handles better than the 05-08 but the seating position is more cramped for the rider and has less room for the passenger.
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