The non adjustable fork actually dampens both compression and rebound motions, a refreshing trend in big cruisers that extends effective road holding efficiency to more than billiard table surfaces – as on the bumpy everyday roads we ride on everyday in real life. The equally effective rear shocks add to this efficiency with adjustable rebound (Four settings) and preload (By adjusting the air pressure in small inflatable bladders inside the shock bodies).

The wide windscreen, along with the small winglets on the fork tubes, create the  turbulence-free ride at high speed, so enjoyable for the rider. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

The brakes use 300mm discs all around, two in front and one out back, all squeezed by two piston calipers, and well capable of stopping the heavy machines effectively in all speed and load conditions. The Nomad’s more expensive brother, the Voyage ABS I rode last year, benefits from Kawasaki’s current version of ABS – Brake by wire – Linked Braking – Power Assisted braking. And it works great – as well as the best advanced braking systems from Honda and BMW for example.

Unfortunately, such safety and advanced effectiveness come at a price, one that Kawasaki marketing people in this part of the world struggle with as they have the technology but must decide if the buyer will ante up for it in these tough times. The brakes on the Nomad work fine, it’s just hard to go back after you have tasted the latest that Kawi can offer and it worked so well.

Ergos
The Nomad is a touring bike, aimed at making you feel comfortable for hours on end, solo or fully loaded, with a well thought-out solution for seating, floorboard, and most important of all in my book, low turbulence and air noise around your head. To achieve personal Nirvana, I would raise the rider saddle 2.5cm (1 inch) to unfold my legs a bit, and rotate the handlebar to raise the grips by the same amount. The caved-in saddle did not really trap my bum, offering a solid base to allow limited wiggle room. Tapered at the front, it makes it easy for shorter riders to reach the ground. And finally, your eventual passengers will appreciate the wide pillion and real floorboards provided for them.

The generous floorboards gave me some latitude for feet placement, and allowed me to operate the shift lever easily, as well as modulate the rear pedal accurately with my right heel still on the board.

Classic Touring Cruise ergonomics: straight back, horizontal thighs and vertical lower leg, and easy reach to the bar while looking just over the top of the windshield. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)