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Nomad or RST

1K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  BearBait 
#1 ·
Hi,
This is my first time posting in this forum.
I have been riding a vulcan 800 for the past year (my first bike)
and I have planning to upgrade namely cause I"m looking to do some road trips and 2up riding.
I am considering 2 bikes at the moment

2001 Vulcan Nomad with 29k kms for $4900

or

2006 Royal Star Tour Deluxe with 29k kms for $6000

This will be my only vehicle since I go to college and can only afford one. Which bike would be the best overall for handling and comfort etc?
Thanks for your time?:smile2:
 
#2 ·
I can't comment on the Star bike, never had one. But I DID have a Nomad (a 2008 1600cc model) and I can tell you that Nomads are dam near bulletproof, with plenty of power for two-up, and fit for road trips halfway across the continent.
 
#4 ·
I moved up from my C50 to a 2001 Nomad 1500 FI. I had always wanted a Nomad, and I really loved mine, but I found the gas tank was small and I constantly wished for a bigger tank for more range. The Power Commander and V&H pipes might have had something to do with that though. Later model year Nomad's have bigger tanks but I ended up getting a really good deal on a Goldwing so I just moved all the way up from my Nomad. I think if I was going to get a Nomad again, I'd get a 1600 'cause I can't stand the looks (or the name ) of the Vaquero.

Also, check the rubber boot at the engine end of the driveshaft...if it's leaking fluid you're going to need to get your pinion seal fixed and it's a $300 job to rebuild it IF you take the part off yourself. In spite of those two gripes, I'd get another Nomad in a heartbeat!



I have no experience with the RST though, hopefully someone else will chime in.


(FWIW - I sold my '01 Nomad for $5k cash, and it had a full bagger kit including Premeux fairing and Tourpac trunk, but also had 59,000 km on it so I think you're probably near the right price range)
 
#5 ·
I have owned a RSTD for 3 years. It is a great 2 up ride as well as a daily ride. Gas mileage may be a little less than some fuel injected bikes. I changed the stock seat first to a Corbin and then an Ultimate. the Corbin more of a saddle the ultimate has more padding and I sit in it not on it. I have not had any mech issues only oil changes and clutch change at 26k miles.
 
#6 ·
Ride the Royal Star tour deluxe first before you make a choice. The V4 may have a high pitched clutch whine that you may not like. Low speed handling can also be a challenge on this bike.
The frame and suspension were made for stability not for quick handling. Tight parking lots are not fun.

Try the cruise control on the highway it is .... concerning to me the way it functions.

If you are short on money or on a budget then I would also shy away from the Star. The valves are shim and bucket type and require service every 15K miles. This service is North of $800 dollars and is very difficult to do on your own. It has 4 heated carburetors that are a witch to get to and service when something goes wrong. The carbs will eventually require service.
$125 per carb for parts only X's 4 plus labor = lots O money if you are college.

Except for those "problems" I have listed its a great bike. The v4 engine and trans are super smooth and responsive. I've seen several with well over 150k miles still going strong.
 
#8 ·
I've ridden a Nomad and didn't like it. To me it felt like a lumbering ox when riding slow especially in slow corners. The RSTD is actually heavier than the Nomad - but I haven't ridden it so I can't compare then.
 
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