With the introduction of the 2001 Vulcan™ 1500 Nomad™ Fi V-twin touring cruiser, Kawasaki continues to strengthen its Vulcan™ cruiser line-up. The heavyweight cruiser's revamped powerplant takes advantage of the same advanced engineering technology that earned the 1999 Vulcan 1500 Drifter™ such great performance reviews, including digital fuel injection for all-around improved performance and better fuel economy.





2001 KAWASAKI VULCAN™ 1500 NOMAD™ FI

The 2001 Kawasaki Vulcan™ 1500 Nomad™ Fi V-twin touring cruiser represents the continuing evolution of Kawasaki’s Vulcan cruiser motorcycles. First introduced two years ago, the Vulcan 1500 Nomad delivered a new level of V-twin touring enjoyment with its perfectly proportioned styling, comfortable touring amenities and enhanced performance capabilities. Last year the heavyweight cruiser’s revamped powerplant took advantage of the same advanced engineering technology that earned the 1999 Vulcan™ 1500 Drifter™ great performance reviews, including digital fuel injection for all-around improved performance and better fuel economy.

The 2000 Nomad Fi also earned its share of accolades, including “Cruiser of the Year” by Cruising Rider magazines. For 2001 the Vulcan 1500 Nomad Fi is updated with a larger five-gallon fuel tank for greater touring range, an electronically driven speedometer and a repositioned steering lock. The upscale, rounded-edge finish on the tank and two new two-tone colors – Pearl Chateau Gray/Galaxy Silver and Luminous Vintage Red/Metallic Canyon Silver – combine with traditional cruiser elements like twin chrome exhaust pipes, chrome engine guards, rider and passenger floorboards, and polished alloy wheels, to give the Nomad Fi a “custom” look right off the showroom floor.

An adjustable windshield, a sculpted seat for one- or two-up long distance riding, ergonomic controls and adjustable levers let riders cruise the streets or cross the country in style and comfort. Distinctively streamlined hard saddlebags provide generous storage capacity.

The big 90 cubic-inch V-twin engine in the Nomad Fi pumps out plenty of torque and power with its high-compression pistons and cam timing that are taken from the original Vulcan 1500. A Mitsubishi digital fuel injection system feeds each cylinder its high-octane fuel mixture through dual 36mm throttle bodies. A separate intake tract for each throttle body provides smooth engine operation. The tip of each injector contains four nozzles, with two of those aimed at each intake valve.

Two different systems automatically and accurately control the amount of fuel injected into the cylinders. A 16-bit electronic control unit (ECU) features injection mapping and programming tailored for the Nomad Fi touring model and its particular requirements. This system uses readings from sensors that monitor engine coolant temperature, intake air temperature, atmospheric pressure, intake air pressure and throttle position to adjust the amount of fuel injected. Under light engine loads, such as at partial throttle while maintaining highway speed, the fuel amount is calculated from intake pressure and engine speed. At mid-to-heavy engine load, fuel injection is determined by the throttle position and engine speed. The overall result is excellent engine response and power with increased fuel efficiency. The ECU also has a special pin that allows technicians to check the fuel injection system if needed.

There are four valves per cylinder actuated by a single overhead cam. Two valve springs are used on all valves to help ensure tight valve closure, while hydraulic valve lash adjusters automatically maintain valve clearance for smooth engine performance, reduced noise and virtually no maintenance. Automatic cam chain tensioners keep cam timing accurate and provide greater reliability with no upkeep. The right-side crankcase and clutch cover are designed to make it easy to check the engine’s oil level and to perform regularly-scheduled maintenance.

A gear-driven engine counterbalancer and rubber engine mounts reduce handlebar and floorboard vibration, yet the engine retains its distinctive V-twin rumble. The engine produces almost 85 foot-pounds of torque at 2,500 rpm so that a crack of the throttle punches out smooth acceleration.

A long, low-slung chassis provides the classic cruiser look. The Nomad Fi’s floorboards are positioned to put the rider in an upright and comfortable position. The rear brake pedal is designed to make it easier to apply the brake that has plenty of power with its dual piston caliper. Other convenience features include wide, five-way adjustable brake and clutch levers for added rider comfort, self-canceling turn signals and a repositioned steering lock for easier use.

The new upscale, rounded-edge fuel tank now carries nearly a gallon more gas to extend the Nomad Fi’s cruising range. Eliminating the flat edge contributed some of the extra capacity, but the new electronic speedometer mounted atop the tank is what really boosts the volume. The electronic speedo drive eliminates the larger, more cumbersome mechanical unit in the tank, plus it eliminates the speedometer cable and drive unit for a cleaner look. The speedometer face atop the gas tank features an LED display for the odometer and tripmeter, as well as a clock.

Part of the attraction to the cruiser lifestyle is customizing the motorcycle to fit individual design and performance needs, so Kawasaki offers its own line of genuine Fire and Steel™ accessories. Customers can choose from backrests, driving lights and other bright chrome parts to customize their Nomad motorcycles and to create their own unique vehicle statement. Customers can find Fire & Steel accessories at their local Kawasaki dealer or shop online at buykawasaki.com.

2001 VULCAN™ 1500 NOMAD™ FI FEATURES

New Five-Gallon Fuel Tank

Rounded-edge finish for cleaner, upscale look

Larger capacity for extended touring range

1,470cc OHC V-Twin with Digital Fuel Injection

Evolutionary Vulcan engine design

Dual mufflers allow more clearance for saddlebags

Liquid Cooling

Consistent running temperatures mean no "power fade" on hot days and longer engine life

Auxiliary fan keeps things cool during all operating conditions

Four Valves per Cylinder

Boosts low end torque; provides maximum valve area for optimum flow

Hydraulic Valve Lash Adjusters

Keep valves quiet with no maintenance, no adjustment

Gear-Driven Engine Balancer

Counter-rotates at engine speed to cancel vibration

Allows use of single-pin crankshaft without the heavy vibration

Rubber-Mounted Engine

All but eliminates engine vibration at all speeds

Five-Speed Transmission

Great around-town acceleration with relaxed highway cruising

Positive Neutral Finder

A Kawasaki exclusive, just lift the shift pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily

Large, Adjustable Windshield

Large windshield gives excellent rider and passenger weather protection

Windshield is adjustable up and down 2 inches

Heavy-duty chromed support hardware holds the windshield rock steady

Hard Saddlebags

Designed for easy packing, these saddlebags carry an amazing amount of gear

Lockable, side-open design for smooth looks and quick access

Soft, removable inner bags available as an optional accessory

Passenger Footboards

For maximum comfort on long rides

Triple Disc Brakes

Dual discs up front for maximum stopping power

A large, single rear disc because touring bikes carry so much of the load on the rear wheel

Shaft Drive

A reliable, clean and quiet, low-maintenance drive system

Hydraulic Clutch Release

Easy to operate, requires virtually no adjustment

Adjustable Control Levers

Fits variety of rider sizes and styles

Tubeless Tires

Lower operating temperature extends tire life



Engine type 4-stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 8-valve
Displacement 1,470cc
Bore x Stroke 102.0 x 90.0mm
Cooling Liquid
Carburetion Digital fuel injection
Ignition Digital
Transmission 5-speed
Frame High tensile steel, double cradle
Rake/trail 32 degrees/7.4 in.
Suspension, front 41mm hydraulic fork
Suspension, rear Dual hydraulic shocks
Suspension adjustments, rear Air adjustable, 4-way rebound damping
Wheel travel, front 5.9 in.
Wheel travel, rear 3.9 in.
Tire, front 150/80x16
Tire, rear 150/80x16
Brakes, front/rear Dual hydraulic discs/Disc
Overall length 98.8 in.
Overall width 38.6 in.
Overall height 56.3 in.
Ground clearance 5.3 in.
Seat height 28.3 in.
Dry weight 739 lbs.
Fuel capacity 5 gal.
Wheelbase 65.6 in.
Color Pearl Chateau Gray/Galaxy Silver,
Luminous Vintage Red/Metallic Canyon Silver