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Hello and welcome.
My name is John (VROC
#11717). I ride a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Nomad. Below
you will find a description of my bike. I have always
enjoyed motorcycles, but only since about 1990 or so has it
become a passion in my life. I ride whenever I can with
whomever I can. Not many people understand the passion
that comes with riding, but those who do "get it" know what I
mean. It infects you to your very soul. It becomes
part of who you are. You know what I mean.
Everything revolves around "can I take the bike?". Life is
too short to be confined to a four wheel box. If you are
afraid of the risk, all the more reason for doing it. Life
is risk. Without any risk what would be the point?
It's easy, just keep the rubber side down and
RIDE!
Combining both comfort and good looks,
the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Nomad Fi V-twin touring cruiser
represents the continuing evolution of the company's Vulcan
line. The Nomad's elegant styling, comfortable touring package
and performance-oriented features such as digital fuel injection
demonstrate that this motorcycle is more than just another
cruiser.
Since earning "Cruiser of the Year" status from Cruising Rider
magazine in 2000, the Nomad Fi has been updated with a larger
five-gallon fuel tank for greater touring range, an electronic
speedometer and a repositioned steering lock. The result is an
upscale yet traditional custom-style cruiser that comes in rich,
two-tone paint schemes with copious amounts of chrome.
Helping the Nomad Fi retain its traditional cruiser edge are
elements like twin chrome exhaust pipes, chrome engine guards,
rider and passenger floorboards, and polished alloy wheels.
Equally important, however, are the unit's touring accessories,
such as an adjustable windshield, a sculpted seat for one- or
two-up long-distance riding, ergonomic controls and adjustable
levers. Distinctively streamlined hard saddlebags provide
generous storage capacity for those hard-to-resist overnight
rides.
The big 90 cubic-inch V-twin engine in the Nomad Fi pumps out
plenty of torque and power with its high-compression pistons and
cam timing taken from the original Vulcan 1500. There are four
valves per cylinder actuated by single overhead cams. Two valve
springs are used on all valves to help ensure tight valve
closure, while hydraulic valve lash adjusters automatically
maintain valve clearance for smooth engine performance, reduced
noise and minimal maintenance. Automatic cam chain tensioners
keep cam timing accurate and provide greater reliability with
virtually no upkeep. The right-side crankcase and clutch cover
are designed to make it easy to check the engine's oil level and
to perform regularly scheduled maintenance.
A Mitsubishi digital fuel-injection system feeds each cylinder a
high-octane fuel mixture through dual 36mm throttle bodies. A
separate intake tract for each throttle body provides smooth
engine operation, and the tip of each injector contains four
nozzles, with two of those aimed at each intake valve.
Two different systems automatically and accurately control the
amount of fuel injected into the cylinders. A 16-bit electronic
control unit (ECU) features injection mapping and programming
tailored for the Nomad Fi touring model and its particular
requirements. Using readings from sensors, it monitors engine
coolant temperature, intake air temperature, atmospheric
pressure, intake air pressure and throttle position to adjust
the amount of fuel injected. The result is excellent engine
response and power coupled with increased fuel efficiency. The
ECU is also equipped with a special pin that allows technicians
to check the fuel injection system as needed.
A gear-driven engine counter-balancer and rubber engine mounts
reduce handlebar and floorboard vibration without interfering
with the engine's distinctive V-twin rumble. The engine produces
almost 85 foot-pounds of torque at 2,500 rpm so that a crack of
the throttle punches out smooth acceleration.
A long, low-slung chassis provides this Kawasaki with the
classic cruiser look. The Nomad Fi's floorboards are positioned
to put the rider and passenger in upright and comfortable
positions. The rear brake pedal is designed to make it easier to
apply the dual-piston-caliper-equipped brake. Among the unit's
other convenient features are an ample five-gallon fuel tank for
those high-mileage journeys and self-canceling turn signals for
easier use.
The Nomad Fi's elegant-looking fuel tank is topped by the
electronic speedometer, eliminating both the speedo cable and
drive unit for a cleaner look. The speedometer face atop the gas
tank features an LCD display for the odometer and trip-meter, as
well as a clock.
Part of the attraction to the cruiser lifestyle is customizing
the motorcycle to fit individual design and performance needs,
so Kawasaki offers its own line of FIRE and STEEL accessories.
Customers can choose from backrests, driving lights and other
chrome parts to customize their Nomad motorcycles and to create
their own unique vehicle statement. Or they can simply
appreciate their stock Vulcan 1500 Nomad Fi for its comfort,
performance abilities and styling enhancements.
MSRP: $12,999
Engine: 4-stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 8-valve
Displacement: 1,470cc
Bore x Stroke: 102.0 x 90.0mm
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Digital fuel injection
Ignition: Digital
Transmission: 5-speed
Horsepower: 55.0 HP @ 5000rpm with 73.3 Lb Ft of torque
1/4 mile test: 14.07 sec.@ 92.6mph
Frame: High tensile steel, double cradle
Rake/trail: 32 degrees/7.4 in.
Suspension type, front: 41mm hydraulic fork
Suspension type, rear: Dual hydraulic shocks
Suspension adjustments, rear: Air adjustable, 4-way rebound
damping
Wheel travel, front: 5.9 in.
Wheel travel, rear: 3.9 in.
Tire, front: 150/80x16
Tire, rear: 150/80x16
Brakes, front/rear: Dual hydraulic discs/Disc
Overall length: 98.8 in.
Overall width: 38.6 in.
Overall height: 56.3 in.
Ground clearance: 5.3 in.
Seat height: 28.3 in.
Dry weight: 743 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal.
Wheelbase: 65.6 in.
Color: Pearl Black
AD On's:
Passenger Backrest
Rear Luggage Rack
Light Bar
Tank Bib
Oversize Lowers
Oversize Windshield
Windshield Bag
Highway Pegs
Saddle Bag luggage Racks
Saddle Bag fender Rails
Bikers Friend Bag with Drivers Backrest
Removable
Engine Guard Chaps (for bad weather riding)
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