Kawasaki Nomad 1600 vs Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Kawasaki Nomad 1600 vs Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500. Kawasaki Nomad 1600: 74 hp @ 4,800 rpm (estimated) hp, 372 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 7.8/10. Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500: 68 hp @ 4,800 rpm hp, 309 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.8/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Kawasaki Nomad 1600
Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500
Horsepower (hp)
74 hp
68 hp
Torque (Nm)
122 Nm
118 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
372 kg
309 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
74 hp @ 4,800 rpm (estimated)
68 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Torque
122 Nm @ 3,000 rpm (estimated)
118 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h (estimated)
175 km/h
Weight
372 kg (wet/curb weight)
309 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L) — estimated real-world average
6.5 L/100km (approximately 15.4 km/L)
Fairing
Yes
No
Individual Reviews
Kawasaki Nomad 1600
7.8/10
"A genuinely capable tourer that punches above its used asking price."
Pros
+Shaft drive, zero maintenance
+Fuel injection runs flawlessly
+Hard bags genuinely waterproof
Cons
−Stock seat punishes long distances
−Heavy at 750lbs wet
−Specialist mechanics hard finding
Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500
7.8/10
"Reliable, characterful cruiser that genuinely embarrasses bikes costing twice as much."
Pros
+Bulletproof Kawasaki engine reliability
+Strong low-end torque delivery
+Parts widely available cheap
Cons
−Carb needs attention if neglected
−Chrome deteriorates and costs
−Heavy for newer riders
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
