Vulcan 1600?
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Big T,
There is some good information on the Vulcan 1600 Nomad (the touring model) in the Feb 07 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine. Also, have a look at the following link: www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/open_road_ramblers/
for a comparison of the H-D Road King, Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad, and Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe motorcycles.
The first thing I noticed is that it has a 1552 cc motor, which almost seems likes false advertising to call it a 1600. That said, the review says it has 82 cc more displacement than it's predecessor, the Nomad 1500. They say it has more power and torque, a larger fuel tank, longer wheelbase, more chrome, and better passenger comfort than the 1500 model. It comes with nice looking hard bags, a passenger back rest, two-up windshield, and air-adjustable rear suspension. That's a fairly impressive package for $12,900 MSRP. On the down side, it didn't make even an honorable mention in the performance comparisons I read in another magazine (wish I could find it now). Both for quarter mile elapsed time and top speed through the mile, it lagged behind the Victory, 1800 VTX, H-D V-Rod, and Yamaha Warrior. Of course those comparisons are a bit unfair. The VTX 1800 has 110 ci, the Victory 100 ci, and the Warrior is 102 ci ... compared to the Nomad's 95 ci displacement. So if you aren't in it to race, it sounds like a great buy for two-up riding. And despite the above comparisons, I'm sure you wouldn't find it lacking in power.
Personally, I'd prefer the VTX 1800T (it actually costs less to add bags, passenger back rest, and a windshield to a Retro, than to buy the T model) so you don't give up any power. But that will certainly cost more (new) than a Vulcan 1600 Nomad.
Hope some of this helps you decide.
Buda_Jim
There is some good information on the Vulcan 1600 Nomad (the touring model) in the Feb 07 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine. Also, have a look at the following link: www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/open_road_ramblers/
for a comparison of the H-D Road King, Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad, and Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe motorcycles.
The first thing I noticed is that it has a 1552 cc motor, which almost seems likes false advertising to call it a 1600. That said, the review says it has 82 cc more displacement than it's predecessor, the Nomad 1500. They say it has more power and torque, a larger fuel tank, longer wheelbase, more chrome, and better passenger comfort than the 1500 model. It comes with nice looking hard bags, a passenger back rest, two-up windshield, and air-adjustable rear suspension. That's a fairly impressive package for $12,900 MSRP. On the down side, it didn't make even an honorable mention in the performance comparisons I read in another magazine (wish I could find it now). Both for quarter mile elapsed time and top speed through the mile, it lagged behind the Victory, 1800 VTX, H-D V-Rod, and Yamaha Warrior. Of course those comparisons are a bit unfair. The VTX 1800 has 110 ci, the Victory 100 ci, and the Warrior is 102 ci ... compared to the Nomad's 95 ci displacement. So if you aren't in it to race, it sounds like a great buy for two-up riding. And despite the above comparisons, I'm sure you wouldn't find it lacking in power.
Personally, I'd prefer the VTX 1800T (it actually costs less to add bags, passenger back rest, and a windshield to a Retro, than to buy the T model) so you don't give up any power. But that will certainly cost more (new) than a Vulcan 1600 Nomad.
Hope some of this helps you decide.
Buda_Jim
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2,053 Posts
Kawi makes a nice bike, but for the $$ I'd spend a little more (if it's an option) and go for the 1800 for two-up if you're leaning toward a bigger bike. You defnitely won't lack in power on two-up with that bike. Like Buda says, cheaper to add on parts on your own/later than getting the T model, plus you can give it the look YOU want vs. somebody else deciding it for you. Just my couple o' pennies.
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2,053 Posts
What are you looking for as to "different?" Might want to consider an F model or a Neo with that "dragger" style fendering. Different look, same great X.
If I had the luxury of two bikes....the second one sure would NOT be a cruiser....what a waste.
IMO - ditch the 13, get an 18 set up for two (or check out the new Kawa Concours 14 due later this year - not a cruiser though), and then a nice FZ1 for tearing it up solo.
IMO - ditch the 13, get an 18 set up for two (or check out the new Kawa Concours 14 due later this year - not a cruiser though), and then a nice FZ1 for tearing it up solo.
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1,924 Posts
I looked at the VN900 and VN1600 before I bought my 1300R VTX. I started a Yahoo group for the VN900. There is one for the VN1600 too if you have questions for that bike. I found a site to do modifications on the vn1600 that many can be applied to the VTX as well as the VN1600 & VN900. It is
http://www.gadgetjq.com/gadgetsfixitpage.htm
http://www.gadgetjq.com/gadgetsfixitpage.htm
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