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Nomad vs 900LT

8K views 22 replies 16 participants last post by  tstorey823 
#1 ·
I've got a 2007 Vulcan 900 Classic LT. I'm looking at a 2010 Nomad 1700. I guess I'm looking for reasons to go with the larger bike. Can anyone say if there is much difference in the ride?
 
#2 ·
I moved from the 900LT to the 1700 Voyager. It isn't the Nomad; but they built from the same platform.

Obviously the power is better with more CCs. The 900 could get up and go, the 1700 does it without trying.:)

Locking storage is a big plus.

The 900 has a mono-shock rear suspension, with a pain in the @ss adjustable rebound. The 1700s have two rear shocks with four easy rebound settings and they are air adjustable. The rear suspension is a HUGE improvement in the 1700s.

I really like how my Voyager feels in the turns compared to my 900, I am not sure how much is a result of weight, rake, or trail. But, I feel like I get more feedback and I am planted better.

Slow speed maneuvers are supposed to be harder on a heavier bike. But, I prefer my VV in everything except a quick decision stop. My short legs, have to get down in a hurry!:)
The 900 classics have pretty wide bars and that means a lot of movement to get from left stop to right stop. I don't know about the Nomads bars.

I liked my 900; but I would trade up to a 1700 again anyday!

Scott
 
#3 ·
I have both a 900LT and a 1700LT.

The 900 is a great fun, quick bike, but I found it lacking in the top end power department as well as a little undersized for 2-up riding, partially due to how the rear suspension is in the 900. I also found only 5 gears a bit annoying for freeway (70+) riding.

The 1700 take care of all of that, plenty of top end power, great for 2-up riding (kitting it out for tourning) and I love the 6th gear on the freeway.

I still have the 900 and I am stripping it down to make it a solo/bobber style cruiser. The 900 is smooth...but that is partly due to the suspension settings over the 1700.
 
#4 ·
I had a 950 Tourer and loved the bike because I am only 5'6" and at stop signs I am flat footed. I traded it in for a 2011 Nomad and do not regret it at all. I have to stretch my feet when at a stop sign, but the power and smooth ride makes it all worth while. I am thinking about possibly lowerig the rear suspension next summer as I hear it can be lowered 1.5" without screwing anything up. I was always looking for another gear when I was on the highway with the 950 and the Nomad with 6 gears just floats down the road. I also really love the cruse control feature. One thing I will say is even though it is liquid cooled, it does throw out alot of heat, but it's a 1700 cc motor and even the Harley guys say big motors, big heat. It's not unbearable, but is does get warm when it's 90 outside. I have only had mine since mid September, and only have about 400 miles on it because I am always at work. I inted to ride the heck out of it next year.
If you go with a Nomad, you won't be dissappointed at all.
 
#5 ·
+1 on the Nomad. I had a '10 model and really liked it, save for its inability to safely tow my Bunkhouse camper trailer. Just not the right platform. Other than that, compared to the 900 (which I have now and really like) it is smoother, cushier, more powerful and more relaxed at elevated highway speeds. It's not a bad 2-up bike, either. It doesn't get the great gas mileage that the 900 gets, but the trade offs are worth it, like automotive-style cruise control and the on-board computer and self-cancelling turn signals. The first thing that impressed me about the Nomad was it's handling. Not only does it handle well in the twisties, it is very well balanced and easy to handle at slow, parking lot speeds. If you're contemplating moving up to the Nomad, don't give it a second thought.

Oh yeah, some have said that the saddlebags are cheesy and flimsy, but I didn't find that to be true. I think they're plenty strong, and I love the fact that they lock. And the seat isn't bad for a factory seat.
 
#6 ·
I just went from an 08 900 Custom to a 2012 1700 Nomad. I'm a very happy owner! If the vibration is a big issue for you the Nad gets rid of that. The electronic cruise control is one of the best features I could ask for. A comfortable OEM seat! Lockable storage is a big plus.

Now, there are a couple things that are not quite as good as they could be. The first one is, shifting is really clunky in the first 3 gears. The 900 shifts much easier. The second is the fuel mileage. It will never be as good as the 900. I always got 45mpg on my 900. Even running at 85 mph. A lot! The Nad gets around 40 if I stay at 70. When I get a little energetic it goes down. Fast!

However I do believe the trade offs are worth it. The engine puts out so much more power you don't need to hurry up and shift!

I suggest you go for the Nad!
 
#7 ·
900 or 1700

I had a 2008, vulcan 900 lt but wrecked it and got a 2011, vulcan 1700 nomad. I rode the 900 for 30k miles and really enjoyed the ride. I have 12k on my nomad and like the way it rides also. If the 900 had cruise control, hydraulic valve lifters, self canceling turn signals, and 2 trip meters, I would choose the 900 over the 1700, otherwise the 1700 is my choice. The 900 is easier to handle.
 
#8 ·
Can't compare with the 1700 Nomad, but just upgraded from my 9'er Custom to a 1600 Nomad (a little bit longer) and I can say the following (my opinions only, YMMV, and I'm responding before I read any of the other threads to keep my thoughts unadulterated) -

Looks - Nomad. I got a LOT of compliment on my 900, but I get WAY MORE on my Nomad. :D

Twisties - 900. The Nomad just doesn't flick around quite as easily, and I don't have as much confidence, at speed, in the corners with the Nomad, as she tends to "dance" a bit more. It's not unsafe, but she just doesn't seem to lean and settle as well as my 9'er did. The 1600 was the longest of the Nomad line, though, so the 1700 may be better. This could also be that I haven't dialed up the right settings on the air shocks/forks too. Swapping out for a heavier fork oil helps, so I've heard, and there are progressive shocks available too.

Highway cruising - Nomad. Not as rev happy, more passing torque/oomph, more solidly planted, smoother riding, less wind blown, better sound... FANTASTIC. Enjoyed my 9'er, but the Nomad just does the highway 200% better.

Mileage - 900. Hands down. 43-48 on the 9'er, average about 36-40 on the Nomad. Can be less with a heavy wrist. Higher displacement does that, and historically, the Nomad doesn't fare as well as some of the cruisers of similar size/power (i.e. Victory Cross Country). Plus, you have to use the higher octane gas to avoid the knock/ping, which costs a bit more, and can still get some knock/ping even with that. A fuel controller solves that issue though. ;)

2-up comfort - Nomad. Duh. The wife didn't mind the 9'er, but LOVES the Nomad's extra comfort. There's more space for the passenger, a better riding position, and in my case, floorboards instead of pegs. Plus, stock grab rails and a much nicer backrest.

Storage - Nomad. Locking color matched hard bags. 'Nuff said.

Maintenance - Nomad. My 1600 has an extra oil check/change with the shaft drive, but the 1700 is belt. NO VALVE ADJUSTMENT. The regular oil change is actually easier too, IMO, but the 900 wasn't hard at all. I haven't had to mess with the brakes yet, though, and checking tire pressures is a bit tougher. Plus, you get Gadget's page (for the 1500/1600 anyway). BONUS

Braking - Nomad. It's bigger and heavier, but braking just seems... more natural. Even emergency braking feels better with those double rotors up front.

Accessories - Nomad. There's more juice available for the electrics (driving lights, extra brake/signal lights, etc.) and more space for the "add-ons", IMO.

City/slow-speed - Push. Both seem to handle just fine, and I don't see where all the hype about Nomads being beasts at slow speed comes from. I haven't had any issues at all. The Nomad runs a LOT warmer than the 9'er though. The 9'er is also quicker off the line, if you're into that, but once you get a bit into the torque range of 1st gear, that advantage disappears quickly.

Overall - Nomad. (but I wish I could have kept them both) If there's anything else ya wanna ask, let me know. I'm always willing to share my opinion, but again, YMMV.
 
#9 ·
It is amazing how quickly we get spoiled with the electronic do dads isn't it? Never mind the greatly improved riding and performance. There are 125cc bikes now that would run circles around those 350-450's we rode 40 years ago... and they were fast then..... or at least we thought they were.

Things not even heard of 40-50 years ago, and things I was not interested in 30 years ago, I can't live without now.... or even look at a scoot without them... I didn't think you could ever do better than a tubeless tire when I got my first scoot with them.... 34 years ago...
 
#14 ·
I think it cancels after about 200 feet. It will not cancel while at a stop. So if you turn it on 100 ft before stoping. It will count agian after you take off and will cancel at the next 100 ft. I notice at 55 mph you turn it on. It will stay on for about 3-4 telephone polls. Then cancel.
 
#16 ·
I think the turn signal cancels after 1/10 of a mile distance travelled after activating.

Like all the ones I have had and have now. At times I need to hit it again before I stop as you heed to give LOTS of warning here especially in Las Vegas or you will get ran over, turned in to, or basically have some nit wit run over you. (you will get run over anyway)....

Las Vegas has the worst, rudest, don't pay attention to anything but their cell phone, don't care what happens to you drivers in the world.
 
#17 ·
My 900 was a blast to commute around town and the twisty back roads in. But as I started doing more highway and 2 up riding I needed something more adapt at touring so I got the Nomad. Honestly he added weight makes it less sporty handling in the twisties and the electronic throttle assist makes it SEEM less punchy at the throttle even though it's faster but comfort wise it's a huge improvement for both me and passenger when on long day trips. I would have kept my 900 too if I could but I don't regret trading it in. My Nomad is my year around primary vehicle and overall it has not let me down the last 25K miles.
 
#18 ·
thanks for the help

Hey guys, thanks for all the great input. I went to the dealer to get the Nomad and started looking at the Voyager again. The Voyager was what I really wanted if I was to trade up but thought it too expensive. Well, at 0, .5 and 1% financing, not much is too expensive. I bought it. I've ridden about 100 miles thus far and it is certainly nice. Very differenct feel than my 900 which was obviously more sporty and nimble. This this 1700cc engine is some kind of smooth, not matter what speed I've gotten to. I'm hoping my wife will ride with me again now that we have something more comfortable. I got the grey/black model. It looked a lot like my 900. I think I'm going to miss it, it was great fun to ride. Now that I'm riding a bit longer however, the comfort of the Voyager should be well worth it. Thanks again for all the good info. I'll post a picture soon.
 
#19 ·
Hey guys, thanks for all the great input. I went to the dealer to get the Nomad and started looking at the Voyager again. The Voyager was what I really wanted if I was to trade up but thought it too expensive. Well, at 0, .5 and 1% financing, not much is too expensive. I bought it. I've ridden about 100 miles thus far and it is certainly nice. Very differenct feel than my 900 which was obviously more sporty and nimble. This this 1700cc engine is some kind of smooth, not matter what speed I've gotten to. I'm hoping my wife will ride with me again now that we have something more comfortable. I got the grey/black model. It looked a lot like my 900. I think I'm going to miss it, it was great fun to ride. Now that I'm riding a bit longer however, the comfort of the Voyager should be well worth it. Thanks again for all the good info. I'll post a picture soon.
Great choice!
The same swap I made.
A few more miles and that 900lb VV will start feeling a lot more nimble.
Is the grey/black a 2012 model? If not you may want to spring for the KAMS when summer comes back around.

Scott
 
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