No debilitating breakdowns on the road, ever.
Had a cam-tower oil leak - cured by using different weight oil.
Stock headlight on the 1999 Nomads is notoriously weak, cured with a stronger H-4 bulb.
1999 Nomads had a plastic oil-pump gear which are prone to failure - mine did not fail, but I replaced it with a steel gear prophylactically. Later models all have steel gears.
The Kawasaki Nomad is a great road bike... long-legged, able to carry large amounts of cargo, and comfortable. Has probably the best factory saddlebags out there, period. And with a low center of gravity, floorboards, windshield and the usual over-the-road cruising stuff, my Nomad will haul with anything from Marysville or Milwaukee.
The 1999 Nomad is carbureted and very simple to work on, but could use a tad larger gas tank, which was cured in the later models. But that is not a critical area for me, as it will pretty easily run 115-130 miles on regular 87-octane gas before hitting the reserve -- and usually gets about 36-39 miles per gallon, whether on the long-pavement or just puttering around.
Change the oil every three thousand miles, and the rear tire about every 15-18K miles, and she runs right down the road. I ride about 12-16K miles a year, last year 19K, and think nothing of logging 500-1000 miles in a weekend on my 1999 Nomad. Have done several 700-mile days on the Nomad, and one run of slightly over 1000 miles in about 20 hours... no strain, no ordeal, just get on and enjoy the scenery.
I've looked at newer bikes, but find I always come back to my ol' faithful Nomad as it's stayed trustworthy and reliable. Even thought there is no perfect bike, this is by far the best I've had in almost 40 years of riding.
Yes, the bike is great. I have 72,000 miles on it... just the best I ever owned. VROC #3418, check it out!
Dennis Comer.
I bought my Nomad new in 1998, and it still runs like new.
The only trouble I had with it was when the PLASTIC oil drive gear failed. Kawasaki replaced it at no charge. They will replace the plastic gear even if the bike is out of warranty.
Just get on and ride -- tires, oil, and gas are the only things I have paid for since it was new. I get around 35 mpg. A friend of mine put less restrictive pipes on his, and re-jetted to a smaller jet, and now gets around 47 mpg.
I purchased a 2001 Nomad this spring. My last bike was a 650 Nighthawk some 10 years ago. I wanted a bigger bike for some road trips with the Mrs. and have to say the Nomad was the right choice.
With fuel injection, larger fuel capacity and Vance and Hines pipes, this bike is a dream to ride. Comfortable for driver and passenger. The low center of gravity is great with having a passenger.
I would recommend a Nomad to anyone. Great ride.
I have a 2004 Nomad, and am very happy with the performance. However the bike developed a oil leak in the drive shaft off the engine. I wonder what it will cost to repair, and if there are any other riders who have had the same problem?
I have a 1999 Nomad and I love it. The only problem is at 25-30mph, I experience a shimmy in the front end. They tell me it is the nature of the beast. This is the only bike I cannot let go of the handle bars or the bike will throw you. Can anybody tell me why?
I have a 99 Nomad and also have a rear shaft oil leak. The leak is at the rear of the engine, but is is gear grease and must be coming up the shaft to the engine. Any comments on repair?
I ride an 01 Nomad and have also experienced a slight shimmy at low speeds. This went away after I put a new tire on it. With the new tire the dealer also balanced the front wheel. This seemed to take care of the problem.
I ride a red '99 Nomad and love it. If you want more tech info on Nomads visit KawaNOW.org and check out the forum. Loaded with pics and tips exclusively for Nomad Owners Worldwide.
Ride safe.
Nico.
I bought a basket case 1999 Nomad, and am in the process of rebuilding it. I am wondering if anyone has replaced the carburetor system with fuel injection?
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