Kawasaki VN 1500 Vulcan Nomad FI

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Nomad is a tour-ready V-twin featuring the unmistakable sound, feel and look of the classic motorcycle cruiser. Based on the Vulcan 1500 Classic, which took the cruiser market by storm with its big 1470cc V-twin engine, classic good looks and reasonable price, the Nomad motorcycle adds touring amenities to make it ready for cruising down the boulevard, out of town and into the adventures of the open highway.

Besides the highly stylized hard saddlebags, the Nomad is ready to go the distance with a comfortable upright seating position and ergonomic floorboard location, an adjustable windshield, rear passenger floorboards, wide control levers, reinforced chassis, wide tubeless tires mounted on alloy wheels and dual front disc brakes.

The Vulcan 1500 Nomad retains a classic look centered on its big 1470cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine. The carburetor features the Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) system that adjusts ignition timing for all throttle settings for excellent engine response. The combination of large airbox connecting ducts and K-TRIC system helps enhance mid-range power and provides better fuel efficiency.

There is also a carburetor heating system for improved cold-weather throttle response. Heated engine coolant is routed through the carburetor when the temperature sensor opens the coolant passage.

Overall engine performance is enhanced by a five speed transmission with gears precisely spaced to intensify acceleration and power is delivered to the rear wheel through reliable, quiet shaft drive.

The engine is rubber mounted in the frame and has a gear-driven balancer to smooth out handlebar and floorboard vibration while retaining that distinctive V-twin rumble. There are also hydraulic valve lash adjusters and automatic cam chain tensioners that increase reliability and greatly reduce engine maintenance. The exhaust system uses a muffler on each side of the rear wheel for added style and performance.

To increase touring load capacity, the Vulcan 1500 Nomad has large-diameter frame tubing. A large-diameter steering head tube and gusseting in the steering head area offer exceptional rigidity and stability. A wide front tire gives the front end a secure, planted feel, and both tires are tubeless and mounted on five-spoke, cast alloy wheels.

At the rear, the shock absorbers are air and rebound damping adjustable for plush action even with the extra loads of touring. Large dual front disc brakes and a single rear disc brake provide excellent stopping power and feel.

The Vulcan 1500 Nomad provides plenty of comfort for both the rider and passenger with wide, well-placed floorboards and wide seats with thick, soft foam. A clear windshield helps deflect the wind and its two-inch range of adjustment allows it to be raised or lowered. Wide clutch and brake levers give riders a good feeling of the controls, while the self-canceling turn signals add convenience.

The removable hard luggage flows with the classic lines of the Vulcan Nomad. Available removable inner saddlebag liners make packing and unpacking quick and convenient.

From the city streets to the open highway, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Nomad was made to wander in style.