Cool-Motorcycles reviews Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad 2008

Kawasaki’s Vulcan 1600 Nomad brings power and style to the touring cruiser universe.
Sleek saddlebags and touring windscreen for the open road
True to its name, Kawasaki’s Vulcan® 1600 Nomad™ is ready to travel and there’s no surprise this ready made touring-cruiser is a popular choice. Highlighted by a strong frame and excellent power from a 95-cubic inch V-Twin, the Nomad also has extensive touring features, a stylish appearance, and excellent riding dynamics.

Propelling this roaming beauty is a 1,552cc V-twin engine generating plenty of low-end torque and highway power to take its rider anywhere the road leads them. A gear-driven engine counter balancer and well-designed engine mounts reduce handlebar and floorboard vibration, yet these features do not interfere with the engine’s distinctive V-twin rumble or power-pulse feeling from its single-pin crankshaft.

Crucial on a laden tourer – as when maneuvering in parking lots – the 1600 Nomad’s steering geometry is designed so that the motorcycle feels more neutral at low speeds, while an air-adjustable rear suspension allows the Nomad to maintain the correct geometry even when loaded with a passenger and luggage.

The 1600 Nomad is highlighted by several standard chrome and creature comforts: Chrome engine guards and a thick passenger seat equipped with a backrest and aluminum grab bars. Floorboards for the rider and passenger combine to make long-distance rides more comfortable and pleasurable. Streamlined and stylish hard saddlebags are standard fare and provide generous storage for those overnight rides.

Self-canceling turn signals, a 5.3-gallon fuel tank, topped by an elegant electronic speedometer and LED odometer/tripmeter display let Nomad owners fully enjoy their ride. Other standard features such as an adjustable windshield, plush air-assisted rear suspension and adjustable levers tailor the Nomad to its rider.

V-Twin Engine

• 1,552cc (95 cu. in.) engine delivers gutsy acceleration and a broad spread of satisfying power
• Oversquare 102 x 95mm bore and stroke helps ensure punchy response
• Digital Fuel Injection with dual 36mm throttle bodies
• Four valves per cylinder provide maximum valve area for optimum flow
• Dual mufflers allow more clearance for saddlebags

Liquid Cooling

• Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power
• Auxiliary fan keeps things cool during all operating conditions

Gear-Driven Engine Balancer

• Counter-rotates at engine speed to cancel vibration
• Allows use of single-pin crankshaft for the desirable power-pulse feeling

Rubber-Mounted Engine

• Virtually eliminates all engine vibration

Five-Speed Transmission

• Great around-town acceleration with relaxed highway cruising
• Positive neutral finder, just lift the shift pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily

Triple Disc Brakes

• Dual discs up front for maximum stopping power
• Large, single rear disc because touring bikes carry so much of the load on the rear wheel

5.3-Gallon Fuel Tank

• Rounded-edge finish for clean, upscale look
• Large capacity allows extended touring range

Shaft Drive

• Reliable, clean and quiet low-maintenance system

Air-Adjustable Rear Shocks

• Rebound damping is four-way adjustable to tailor fit the ride

Large, Adjustable Windshield

• Adjustable up and down two inches, it gives excellent rider and passenger weather protection
• Heavy-duty chromed support hardware holds the windshield rock steady

Hard Saddlebags

• Designed for easy packing, these saddlebags carry an amazing amount of gear
• Lockable, side-open design for smooth looks and quick access
• Soft, removable inner bags available as an optional accessory
• Color-matched for integrated style

Passenger Comfort

• Floorboards, standard backrest and thick seat provide maximum passenger comfort on long rides

SPECIFICATIONS

• Engine: Four-stroke, air/liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valves per cylinder, 50-degree V-twin
• Displacement: 1,552cc / 95ci
• Bore x stroke: 102.0mm x 95.0mm
• Compression ratio: 9.0:1
• Cooling: Liquid
• Induction: Digital fuel injection with dual 36mm throttle bodies
• Ignition: TCBI dual plug with digital advance
• Transmission: Five-speed
• Frame: High-tensile steel, double cradle
• Rake / trail : 32 degrees/ 7.2 in.
• Front Suspension / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic fork / 5.9 in.
• Rear Suspension / wheel travel: Dual air-assisted shocks with four-way rebound damping / 3.9 in.
• Tire, front: 150/80×16
• Tire, rear: 170/70×16
• Brakes, front / rear: Dual 300mm hydraulic discs / 300mm disc
• Overall length: 99.0 in.
• Overall width: 40.9 in.
• Overall height: 59.3 in.
• Seat height: 28.3 in.
• Dry weight: 772 lbs.
• Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
• Wheelbase: 66.5 in.
• Colors: Metallic Diablo Black, Two-Tone: Metallic Ocean Blue / Neutron Silver, Two-Tone: Candy Fire Red / Metallic Diablo Black
• Warranty: 24 months
• Good Times™ Protection Plan: 12, 24, 36 or 48 months

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Cool-Motorcycles reviews Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad 2008