The aerodynamics really shine on the Nomad, with a high and wide windscreen and small deflectors on the fork tubes that create an area of calm and relative silence behind the windscreen, one that matched the current leader in calmness, the 2010 BMW R1200RT. You look over the windscreen while riding, with any turbulence passing right over your helmet. I even think that my preferred extra inch of padding on the saddle would still keep me in the quiet zone. Good work here by the developers!

High and wide windshield, generous rear view mirrors, and exposed hands - let me see that catalog! (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

The large analog speedometer remains easy to read in daylight as well as at night, as does the smaller flat panel that can display all of the standard information you need, as per your selection with a button on the right hand grip. In a perfect world, I would have liked to see ambient temperature displayed, as this becomes important in our colder climates. Another nice-to-have would be a tach, even a small one, to help you understand how this engine works itself around the torque and power curves.

The self-cancelling flashers deserve another Attaboy, as I always remember to turn them on and check again before turning, but too often clear my personal RAM after completing the change in direction and leave them on.

The roomy and easy to open side bags on the Nomad provide the extra room that we all need to pack in the PC and other electronic gadgets, in addition to more personal kit. The bags are actually harder to close than average and for good reason, as they are absolutely watertight, something I validated over several hours of riding in driving rain.

The ignition key offers a new-for-me twist on ease of use, as you can take it out of the lock and stick it in your pocket once you have turned it on. After your ride, turning the ignition off again locks it securely – neat!

Given their apparent girth, the bags only exceed the witdth of the mirrors by a small amount, making for an excellent guide when working around tight spots. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)