Cruisers

2009Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad

34 fields on record

The 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad is a cruiser-touring motorcycle designed for riders seeking long-distance comfort without sacrificing classic styling. Its 1552cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine delivers reliable touring power with modern fuel injection, while the shaft drive and five-speed transmission provide smooth, low-maintenance operation. Best known for its spacious seating, extensive chrome detailing, and touring-focused features, it suits experienced cruiser enthusiasts prioritizing comfort on extended rides.

Capacity: 1552.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 350.2 kg
Seat height: 719 mm
Power: 93.4 HP (68.7 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

Other years 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding40%

Daily riding60%

Touring92%

Two-up90%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed long-distance touring with a passenger and luggage rather than spirited sport riding.
Built for: A big-hearted V-twin-style cruiser (note: spec sheet lists a single-cylinder engine, which is unusual for this model and likely a data error since the Vulcan 1600 Nomad is factory-equipped with a 1552cc V-twin) that prioritizes smooth shaft-driven torque
Not ideal for: Not a good match for riders wanting agile cornering, off-road capability, or a light, flickable city commuter.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 719mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1552.0 ccm
Power: 93.4 HP (68.7 kW)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2667 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 102.0 x 95.0 mm
Compression: 9.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI dual plug with digital advance
Valves per cylinder: 4
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1689 mm
Overall length: 2515 mm
Overall width: 1039 mm
Overall height: 1506 mm
Seat height: 719 mm
Dry weight: 350.2 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.10 litres
Ground clearance: 135 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: High-tensile steel, double cradle
Front suspension: 41mm hydraulic fork / 5.9 in.
Rear suspension: Dual air-assisted shocks with four-way rebound damping / 3.9 in.
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 300 mm
Front tyre: 150/80-16
Rear tyre: 170/70-16

Other

Color options: Metallic Diablo Black, Two-Tone: Metallic Ocean Blue / Neutron Silver, Two-Tone: Candy Fire Red / Metallic Diablo Black

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
Capacity	1550 cc	1552 cc	1552 cc	1552 cc	1552 cc
Dry weight	350 kg	350 kg	350 kg	350 kg	350 kg
Seat height	706 mm	719 mm	719 mm	719 mm	719 mm
Fuel capacity	20.1 L	20.1 L	20.1 L	20.1 L	20.1 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGESOct 2010 · 10V507000

KAWASAKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 VULCAN MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE MAY STALL IF THE RIDER IS COASTING WITH THE CLUTCH PULLED IN DUE TO AN IMPROPER SETTING OF THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU).

Risk: ENGINE STALLING COULD CREATE A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECU WITH ONE CONTAINING REVISED SETTINGS TO ADDRESS THE ENGINE STALLING. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI CONSUMER SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT 1-866-802-9381.

These recalls cover some 2009 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →