Kawasaki Nomad 1600 Review

Used Buyer Review

The Nomad 1600 is Kawasaki's answer to the Harley touring crowd, and honestly it makes a compelling case. The fuel-injected 1552cc V-twin pulls hard from low revs, the shaft drive means zero chain maintenance headaches, and those hard bags are genuinely waterproof — something you can't say about every cruiser in this class. Ride quality is plush without being wallowy, and highway miles disappear surprisingly quickly for a bike this heavy. That said, going in with eyes open matters here. These bikes are often bought by aspirational tourers who barely rode them, which means the used market is full of low-mileage examples that sat more than they moved — check for dried-out seals and corrosion around the exhaust. The seat gets punishing after about 150 miles stock, and finding independent mechanics comfortable with the fuel system can be a mission outside major cities. Budget for a new seat immediately.