Learning curve

[seagullplayer]

Hello all, thanks up front for any help.

The long and short of it is, in a couple weeks I will start my search for a used Nomad for my wife and I to enjoy.

I am not a new rider, I have been riding 30 years.

We ride mostly day trips of under 200 miles around our neck of the woods. But we plan a much longer trip perhaps next year of over 2K miles. My current bikes are just not up to that kind of trip, one is too old and the other too small for both of us.

I see that the Nomad has had several engine changes over the years?
I have seen some pretty good deals on the older 1500 models, is there a reason to stay away from them? What is considered the most "bullet-proof" of the engines?

There is FI and carb models? Any big issues with either?

I see a lot of bikes with under 30K on them, is there any cost maint. that needs done about that point?

Looks like a great forum BTW
I expect lots of great input from you all.

[cactusjack]

Why would you consider a 1500 when there are 1600's and 1700's available? If the reason is cost, a 1600 shouldn't cost much more than a 1500 in similar condition. 1700's are newer and would be another level up in price.

The one year to stay away from is the 1999 Nomad. Kawasaki used a plastic oil pump gear that will fail. They repaired them at their expense for 10 years, but now the repair is on your dime. To me, it's not worth the hassle.

These are good bikes, with fairly solid engines. Some of the common maintenance items are clutch springs, cam chain adjuster extenders, and servicing the rear drive splines.

[seagullplayer]

Funny you say that about the 1999's. There was one near me with a great price I was considering! Now maybe I know why the price was so good.

Price is always a consideration...

[cactusjack]

You might find out if the POG (Plastic Oil Gear) has already been replaced or not. If it's been done, then there may not be an issue with that bike. If it hasn't, it's a ticking time bomb.

[Pitchinguy]

I've had an 05 1600 Classic & now an 011 1700 Nomad. The 1600 is a rock solid engine you won't go wrong with. They started the 1700's in 09. If you can find a good 05-08 1600 I'd jump all over it! Good scoots! I've had no problems with my 1700 other than the 1700's run hotter &the heat can be an issue in hotter climates. 1600's are shaft drive & 1700's are belt. I prefer the shaft drive but it's really not a big deal. The 1700 is a little more sluggish but has a 6th gear & cruise control the 1600's don't have either one. My biggest complaint about the 1600 was the lack of a 6th gear. The 6th gear & the cruise are really sweet if you do much highway riding. All in all, I'd still opt for my 1700 1st but wouldn't hesitate on a good deal on a 1600 either! You'll win either way!

[MAS Tequila]

I've had both the 1500 and the 1600.

The difference really is negligible.

Find a good deal on any of the three sizes and pick the one that appeals to you.

MT

[paul]

Originally Posted by MAS Tequila

I've had both the 1500 and the 1600.

The difference really is negligible.

Find a good deal on any of the three sizes and pick the one that appeals to you.

MT

Also had both, still do. I agree 100% here, but I would add a couple of things. The 1600 is a wee bit longer, but there is quite a bit more room for both rider and passenger. Also, the 1600 has better geometry and corners better and has a lighter feel at parking lot speeds and when dropping into a turn. Craigslist a reasonable source, take your time, you will find the right price.

[dabull]

Had a Nomad 1600 and loved it... Sold it and bought a 2012 Voyager for long hauls and love it....now have on board cruise control, frame mounted fairing, stereo, trunk, and I like the stock seat so far....

[minst7877]

I have a 99 that had the infamous POG and they will fail. It's just a question of when. I wouldn't totally avoid the 1500's though. I would however try to find one that is fuel injected.

DC

[seagullplayer]

This is exactly the information I am looking for!

We will want all the room we can get, sounds like a 1600 is on my short list.

I may go ahead and call about the 99, 1500 that is near me and ask about the oil pump. It is low mileage, garage kept and good price. Do they replace the pump or just the gears in it?

If we where planning on a lot of travel I would consider more of a long haul motorcycle. But though we may have a big trip in our near future, 99.9% of the time we are going to be under 100 miles from home. I think the Nomad may be the perfect compromise.

Please feel free to continue to add your thoughts.

I leave on vacation tomorrow, I will/may be off line a few days.

Thanks again, everyone.

[skullbagger]

if I'm not mistaken the pog went to metal in 2001 from factory I had one bought it new just traded it in this past may awsome bike never a problem never had to do anything to it. 40,000 on the clock and needed nothing, traded it in on a 14 vaquero
dealer gave me 3,000 and he sold it in 4 days for 6,000 but I couldnt find a buyer nothing but scams,and I wanted the new one to bad.

[Silent Sam]

..My 2002 1500fi Nomad has been very reliable...I do not envision EVER going to a different bike ! (repairs on mine have been pretty easy to do myself.."up-graded-clutch spring" at about 44,000 miles..."Chucksters,Cam Chain Ajusters', at about 48,000 miles)

EDIT/ADDENDUM: ..if you and your wife are going to ride.. Be Advised that an "After Market Seat" will be the first thing you both may want to consider..the OEM seating is just not going to be suitable for long rides !

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by seagullplayer

Funny you say that about the 1999's. There was one near me with a great price I was considering! Now maybe I know why the price was so good.

Price is always a consideration...

The 99's also have a smaller gas tank, your lucky to get a 120 miles on a tank many times. Absolutely check the oil gear if its a 99 model, its a big job to change or repair if you have to install the steel gear.

[minst7877]

The 99 was the last one to have the Plastic oil gear (POG). If you replace it with a SOG (Steel Oil Gear) you have to split the engine case. The JOG (Judges oil Gear) does not require the cases to be split but some of these have also failed. This gear is actually separate from the oil pump and just drives the pump.

DC

[MAS Tequila]

Most of the JOG problems stem from improper installation.

When installed properly there is nothing to worry about.

MT

Originally Posted by minst7877

The 99 was the last one to have the Plastic oil gear (POG). If you replace it with a SOG (Steel Oil Gear) you have to split the engine case. The JOG (Judges oil Gear) does not require the cases to be split but some of these have also failed. This gear is actually separate from the oil pump and just drives the pump.

DC