On the road
My initial briefing on the bike included a recommendation to let it warm up for a minute or so before taking off. Doing this yielded a flawless performance from the engine-gearbox complex, with low vibration levels and never-ending torque. In fact, the rotating inertia of the engine and clutch assembly did feel like it held back the engine a little at high RPM, where I ventured at least three times during a week of riding. On the other hand, the engine never stalled, even in first gear just above idle, where I inevitably found myself every time I ventured forth.

Nice big and easy-to-read displays, especially at night. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

The five bottom ratios in the six speed gearbox made riding easy, to the point that I forgot to go to 6th a few times, where the engine revs died down and green things happened as the engine lost much of its enjoyable nervousness.

Lack of turbulence and low wind noise are top level priorities in my book, and the Nomad certainly went to the front of the class on this level, on a par with the BMW R1200RT as far as absence of turbulence for the head. Fork mounted deflectors and a windshield that remains wide as it gets to the top are key to the excellent airflow. I would add some form of leg protection and maybe some shielding for the hands in colder weather, but this was certainly the best windshield-mounted protection I have ridden in a while.

The suspension provided some real damping and reasonable ground clearance, especially at the rear, relative rarities in the cruiser world, and infinitely welcomed by this party. This made for virtually zero bottoming and a pain free ride for my back, a large bonus on our roads.

The standard equipment cruise control provided another touch of comfort and ease of use, reducing rider fatigue over longer distances.

Braking was more than adequate, but ABS has saved my buns often enough that I am now a firm believer – ya gotta have it!

The large sized mirrors allowed for a full view of what was going on in the back, despite some shake at high speed that made roof lights a little harder to detect. I kept it below the tolerated margin and never had a problem.

Note the display mode button below the starter, and the Cruise Control button just below - making for five easy to use controls for your right thumb. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)