7 Things I HATE About the Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero
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- Опубліковано 12 чер 2024
- The Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero is an alternative to Harley and Indian and comes in at a decent price, at least in the realm of baggers. But is it a real competitor to the big name Baggers?
![2019 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero First Ride Review [Japanese Harley?!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/11DcMoYJfA8/mqdefault.jpg)
I actually love this Kawasaki and hate all the Harley baggers.
The Harley baggers look like Down syndrome bikes.
Although you are certainly entitled to your opinion, I find it mind boggling that you continually compare a $20k Vaquero to a $30k Harley-Davidson. Styling differences aside, (which are totally subjective) it’s unrealistic to expect a machine that costs 66% of an H-D to have the same level fit and finish, etc.
The kaw is superior in every aspect
I have been driving a 2009 vulcan 900 classic for 3 years. My first bike I have owned while I have had a license. I have been driving off and on for years without a license.
I wanted a bit more power. So I checked out a HD. Omfg, first thing I thought was I need a new gym membership, so I can operate the clutch. The way it felt while riding, the rattling. I was fairly sure that I was leaving parts behind me. It reminded me of a video I saw about how the Honda CT 125 vibrates it accessories off. That's even if you use lock tight
I'm finding with a HD, it's the name you are buying. Paying at least $8k - $10k for a name. An you can't forget how obnoxiously loud they are. I find it hilarious that a guy is sitting on his bike blasting music that you can only hear while stopped.
HD is a cult
Also look at the used market, the kawis are actually affordable for anyone not collecting dentist or lawyer money.
I love my Vaquero!
The clutch is fine, and the lever is span adjustable - I love the dash and the simplicity is a selling point for me. My electronics are on my phone and in my helmet.
It’s not underpowered after a tune - faster than a 107 and beauty is in the eye of the beholder - it’s more of a stone axe than a cutting edge but gets the job done with heft and balance.
The faux carbon isn’t stock.
yeah that Ivan tune fixes the power issue
People are delusional thinking Harleys that cost so much more are better than this motorcycle. An extra $10k can go a long way to making this bike way better than an entry level Harley that you get for the same dough.
I love it when Harley guys try to do an objective review for another brand!
You should see his two videos about all the problems with his new 2024 Road Glide. On his 2nd day of ownership he had to have the Road Glide towed to a dealer to get an "electronic" update. The more features your motorcycle has means more chances of a breakdown. My 97 Honda Shadow ACE VT1100 is as simple as you can get: two wheels, spark, air and fuel.
@@jaepatron6266 Bro, I have heard that from both the new Road and Street Glides. Not sure if it's new gen pains, but it's not reassuring to hear for the brand.
Hardly riders are losers anyhow. They tend to be tRUMP lovers!
I agree with you on some stuff. I also agree with the bags. I prefer the lids to open from the top. Also the carbon fiber isn't a factory feature on the bike it was added on. Yes MSRP is $20,000 but most dealers will sell them to you for around $17,500 brand new. You can also pick up a nice used one for under $12,000. You can't pick up a new HD Road Glide for under $28,000otd anymore. You don't like the dash but I personally love the old school dash, but I am also one of those who don't care for all the electronics that new bikes have. Fit and finish def could be better, but where that 1700cc bike is better than every other Vtwin is how bulletproof it is. The bike just keeps going with very little $$$$$ compared to other brands. I love my Harley but I am tired to paying out the ass to keep it on the road and my next bike will be a metric bike.
Yes, well known to go 100k or more with oil, air and spark plug changes. Youll run in to fork maintenaince closer to 100k. Very simple, cost effectibe bikes to maintain. They dont look or feel like a Harley at all and def not as powerful or as efficient
Yes, well lnown to go 100k miles with the utmost basic maintenaince schedules. It wont look or feel like a Harley tho. Definitely not as powerful or as efficient either. Own a 23 Voyager alomg with a 24 Heritage 114
Excellent comment. Couldn’t agree more.
My 1st bike was a Kawasaki 440 LTD and the thing was bullet proof. I rode that thing like I stolen it! My last bike was a 2005 Honda VTX 1800n and it too was bullet proof, it just ran. I have ridden many bikes over the years and have at least test ridden every Harley Davidson they have built. The only two I every liked was the softail deluxe and the crossbones but initial cost and constant and expensive maintenance is not for me.
'Rice Burners' just work and they work well. Well built, powerful and won't let you down on the road or in your bank account. In the end bikes are like art, to each his own but unlike art they are toys for big boys and I never look at them as investments!
Vulcan Voyager doesnt have those problems I have almost 90k on mine
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally love the Vaquero. Didn’t like the colour options (or lack thereof). If you want HD quality, buy a HD, but as to bang for the buck you won’t find a more reliable bike. Dare I say it, likely more reliable than HD.
Is it perfect? No, but the things that you hate are things that I love. The simplicity and unencumbered nature of the machine is what I love about it. It does need pipes and an Ivan’s flash, but that’s more about throttle response than being underpowered.
As to the saddlebags? Your assumptions about insecurity of contents is dead wrong. I use liners and I actually prefer the side opening bag. Thousands of miles (many with overstuffed bags) and never had a problem.
I love HD, but for the money, you won’t buy a better bike than the Vaquero.
I agree with you, bang for the buck I love the Vaquero. I call it the poor mans Hardly Davidson. I really love the gauges and looks of the bike and have always really loved the sound of that bike with upgraded exhaust! Yes, it is not as refined, but I am not paying for the refinement with this. I love HD's, but I have always loved this bike too! I appreciate that is has hydraulic valve lash adjusters and is liquid cooled too. Not alot of aftermarket stuff for it, but there is stuff if you know where to look!
@@AnthonysWestTexasRides Exactly!
That’s a fair response.
I have the Voyager. The only thing I would even remotely consider as an "issue" is the 70% throttle, which an Ivan flash takes care of. Everything else is preference. Clutch is adjustable. Plus, my warranty is until December 15th of 2029 (may as well say 2030) for 17K. Full fairing. All the sammich space. Likely won't need that warranty, but I did hear of a Voyager breaking down once. Guy ran out of gas. Crazy.
The cockpit is what I love about it. It's simple and old school looking. I don't care about the digital stuff though. Give me a Speedo, gas gauage, RPM Gauge, and I'm good. I'll never use the Radio with the headsets today. Plus the price is cheap with a liquid cooled engine.
The one thing about Kawasaki and most japanese cruisers, is the trim doesn't have the fit and finish that you get from Harley. As far as power, get an Ivan's tune on it, and it will wake it up and make it a beast.
One thing to consider, the bread and butter for the japanese companies, are their sport bike lines. So they use the Vulcan line and the others that require little R&D and use that profit to put towards the R&D of their other money makers. For guys lik me, simple is better. I love The Road King Special over the Road Glide and Street Glide. But the Vaquero, for the price, I get more for the money and a Very reliable engine. No, I'm not saying Harley engines are junk. Not saying that at all. I know personally, the kawasaki engines last a very long time.
Id take this all with a grain of salt. i have had vulcan vaquero since 2018 and the Clutch is fine, ive been stuck in traffic and it's fine never had any issues. And power is never an issue, merge on freeway with me and wife (neither of us are small) with no issues. When i pass someone on the freeway you blink and you're doing 90mph and the rest is subjective. Pretty biased review from someone looking for stuff to hate.
Literally going to look at a 23 for 17,500 at a dealer lol
How did it work out for you? Genuinely curious.
😂 I’m gonna make a review on a metric motorcycle, but talk more about Harley.
I had a Nomad 1700 for years. Same engine and frame. Underpowered for sure (until i put the Ivan tune on it) but it was super reliable. I beat the living crap out of it and it never complained. the best thing you can say about these bikes is that they will never die.
I own a 2009 Vulcan Voyager and I understand that it doesn’t stand up to the Harley Davison standards. I would never buy a new Vaquero or Voyager @ $20k, I would save up a little more and buy a Harley or Indian, but I bought mine used at a very good price and it has been a great bike for me. I have put 15k miles on it in the last 18 months I have owned it. It might not be a Harley, but it’s mine and I am thankful to have it.
Yeah and it will not leave you stranded on the side of the road like a Harley😂
It may lack in ascetics and power but you get super reliability!
And cost!
I can see your points and they’re valid. Vaqueros are different colors every year. Overall I have found mine to be super reliable and despite the looseness of the end of the fairing and chin spoiler, they have not cracked or even loosened up over time. Performance is ok, Kawasaki has not refined or updated the bike since its inception. But if you are in the market for a comfortable, competent motorcycle it excels there. Not the fastest, doesn’t hug curves like a sport bike, just runs reliably and requires minimal maintenance.
Clutch, Fit and finish and lack of colour choices I agree with. Ivan’s tune, BAK and exhaust really wake the engine up. I love the looks personally and have since they came out. have a 2017 with those upgrades and I haven’t had any of the Harley or Indians I rid with get away from me lol.
Just picked up a new 2023 voyager 17.5k OTD. It's literally a Vaquero with the rear trunk. Already have a Goldwing and a sport bike for when i need some acceleration thrills. Anyway I love the Voyager, nice cruiser, very nimble and steady on the road. Love the rumble, yeah it has some plastic, but so what!! It's NOT underpowered. It redlines at 6k, it accelerates well especially when u shift near the redline. Anyway,, guys this like this make me want to buy metric bikes forever. He is not doing the Harley brand any favors by bashing non Harley bikes.
I put 20K miles on my 2020 Vaquero. I got it new for $16000 all in, which is as cheap as you can get for a new bagger. Gotta expect some trade-offs at that price. Once you get the Ivan’s flash, the bike’s performance is pretty good and very reliable. Except for ABS in 2014, the bike has had no updates since it was introduced in 2011, so yeah it’s a little dated. I traded it in for a Challenger a couple of months ago, and the Challenger beats the Vaquero across the board, but the Vaquero is a pretty good bike for the money.
"didn't resignate with me" lol genius
Lmfao. I read this comment as he said it. LOLLLL
Vaquero is a great looking bike and reliable could use radio upgrade and more color options
I just bought a Vaquero this winter, I'm waiting for our Canadian snow to leave so I can ride it. Everything mentioned in this video, I can live with. The biggest reasons I bought one was the price and reliability. First the price, I paid $22,000 tax in and extended warranty. While I was shopping for bikes of course I looked at Harley and Indian ... a used road glide was $39,000 USED. I know there are lots of Harley riders out there that apparently like to spend twice as much as they have too. Next is the reliability. Any Kawasaki dealer can work on this bike. I don't have to put it on a trailer and haul it 5 hours in any direction to get to a Harley or Indian dealer. I'm hoping that Kawasaki has kept up the same reliability on the Vaquero as they did with with old dirt bikes and 4 wheelers.
Would I rather top loading saddlebags? Yes of course I would.
Would I rather a smoother, easier clutch? Yes of course I would.
But the fact of the matter is that this bike is half the price of a Harley or Indian, shops are available in most towns with more than 500 people. And you still get to ride a decent bike.
That's my 2 cents. I like your video's, keep it up bud!
They've been using this big engine platform for decades and has been proven to be bullet proof with no lack of power like this bozo says in the video. You'll love it man, i have a 2018 and I've done small stuff to make it more comfortable and i wouldn't want any other bike. If you ever want more throttle response (this guys issue with "no power") then send your ECU off to get Ivanized and its a whole different bike.
Also the clutch is fine and i have no clue what he's talking about with that but i guess everybody likes their clutches different
I just hit 500 miles on a vaquero about an hour ago and comparatively to a Harley Price vs performance I'm pleased with the bike. Now I absolutely agree about many of the complaints. I have already added true duals to the bike and while it's not a harley sound, it does sound amazing. That said even before the exhaust I had a lot of throttle stutter and hesitation. The fact that a tune on a new bike is needed blows my mind. The saddle bags make me want to throw a puppy off of a high rise building. My biggest complaint and the one that actually pisses me off about the bike is the sound system, or lack of one that's capable of the same that the lowest level car being bought today can accomplish. Now with all my hate about the bike out I did purchase a 23 with 0 miles for damn near 16k so i consider that a good deal even with the faults.
I'm glad they're not trying to look like a HD .
Just a few years ago these bikes were selling for as little as $13,000 after incentives and dealer discounts. Now they are asking nearly $20,000 without any significant changes to the design or upgrades. Yeah, not even any color options. If you could get one for about $15,000 out the door then ..... maybe.
The fairing on the Kawasaki is way way way better than the road glide. I think the road glide has the ugliest fairing of any bike.
I have to agree 100%. And the new ones look just as stupid
And the Harley is a slow bike too
Agreed
@@EcSsAwSfaster than that kawi!!
My Vaquero with V&H slip ons and a K&N plus a flash has never lost to a 103 or 107 SG or RG with the same mods. 💯@@roycarlson6783
Indian Challenger entering the chat…
I owned a 2012 Vaquero for about 8 years. The plastic and lack of accessories are what made it a giant disappointment. Power was good and did a ton of miles with my boy. I now own a road king. Big difference. I'll keep the road king hands down. Thanks for the video.
Thanks man
OMG don't even rate a bike if you can't appreciate the quality of the bike and an information point that bad clutch you say I've got 115.000 miles and that's the original clutch. Im presuming that be 3 or 4 Harley clutch changes. And at 65 with carpel tunnel AH NO ISSUES lol
Good day, I bought a 2020 new paid $18,300.00 canadian. I think the comparable harley is $5,000.00 plus more. Some of you comments I agree with. The colour is change every year but yes only one color per year. They started these bikes in 2011 and the dash is exactly the same to date. I contacted Kawasaki when I bought it and complained. The enginge is chocked up from the factory due to emissions however Ivan Tune takes care of that and its not expensive. The failing I love however live the Harley bat wing but not that one one yours. I think it looks terrible. Ti be honest every bike has there little things. To make a fair comparison to a harley bike put one beshide it tgatscomparable then compare, price on down. And as far as I know alot of the harley bike is now made outside of America if I'm not mistaken.
Seriously, the faring on that Harley looks like it belongs on a John Deer tractor.
It's the best simple fixed fairing bagger you can buy. I would love a fixed fairing but dont really care for all the extra tech on the Indians and Harleys. A radio, linked brakes, abs and cruise control is all I'm really looking for. And grabbing one of these with low miles for under $14k is just too good to pass up.
Own several bikes. Not limited too but including a 23 Voyager and a 24 Heritage 114. The Voyager is a steal at 18,200 brand new. Full dresser. The only comparable Harley starts at the road glide limited at 33k. The Harley is definitely more powerful, efficient and fit and finish is top notch. Its also 84% more money for the Harley, lol. The Voyager is for some one who wants to pile on 200k miles with minimal money spent. And it WILL do that in all its ugly bastard glory.
There's nothing at all wrong with the fairing, and Iove the retro gauges. I think the dash is unique and cool. I've read tons of very positive reviews.
I think you're being extremely harsh. If you were to compare it's bigger brother, which is mostly the same but more traditional looking with its colors and chrome. It's literally a $10k difference!
The vulcan line was dubbed the greatest cruisers of all time close to 30 years ago. Still are. Let's talk about performance and handling vs. the harleys.
First time on your channel. Helping you grow! I'll listen for a while!
Thanks man
I will agree that Kawasaki needs to upgrade the audio system. This bike is 99% unchanged from the 2011 original model. That carbon fiber was done aftermarket, that is not a stock item. air intake, exhaust and Ivan's flash will make this bike have around 90 HP and 115 ft/lbs of torque not bad for a stage 1 of a 103 cubic inch engine. I can just hear the Kawasaki Vaquero enthusiasts cringing on this video, it reminds me of my video on the goldwing I test rode and was pretty brutal on reviewing, had alot of unkind responses as to be expected. Lol, keep on bring the videos. We all have our preferences and opinions!
I definitely enjoy my 2012 Kawasaki voyager. Which basically is a Vaquero just with the trunk and top opening lids for the side bags. But it definitely could use some updating. But without the updating, that's one of the ways that they can keep the price down. It's more for those who don't want all of The Flash and new technology. And the other downfall is that they really do not have a lot of aftermarket parts directly for them. You have to actually do measurements and order the parts and hope for the best.
I bought a new 2023 Kawasaki "No Glide" last Summer. I live in Hawaii, so the bike is ok for day trips around here. I get quite a few compliments on the way the bike looks (yep, the fairing too). The bike you rode in your demo had been screwed with by its previous owner. The fairing had been removed and wasn't put back right, the windscreen was aftermarket, the headlight was definitely aftermarket, Vaqueros don't come with auxiliary lights, and that crappy carbon fiber vinyl just looked stupid.
The lack of aftermarket accessories is a huge disappointment for this bike. There are a few accessories out there, but you really have to look and you better be prepared to pay way too much for what you find. In South Carolina there's a guy named Ivan who can work some magic with the ECM. It sucks that we should have to go through shipping our ECM him for a reflash just to get the throttle response and a couple extra HP that should come from the factory.
I'm by no means saying I have buyer's remorse. I wanted one of these bikes for years and finally got one. But now that I have it, I can definitely say this is my first and my last.
I think if you go into it knowing it's shortcomings it makes a big difference. This will be my next bike coming from sport bikes and I'm o.k. where it falls short and I already have a list of upgrades I want to fix the few things I don't like. Its a short list of possible upgrades but I can live with it for the price of the bike. $25-$30k for an HD or Indian is insane.
7:00 "That faux carbon fiber" that you didn't like (was flaking and peeling) isn't factory. The guy put something over the console doors and headlight bracket (cheap vinyl wrap?) The teal and white was a '22 Voyager (not a vaquero). As far as the fairing... the headlamp, fake carbon fiber housing, the round lights in the vents, and the windscreen were all aftermarket additions by the owner. Thanks for the "objective" review. Sorry it didn't "resignate" with you. Then to title the video with "hate" in all caps.... wow. UA-cam magic. lol LOL
Most of this stuff is minor, I will agree that they need to come up with an updated version as this model has been unchanged for it seems more than a decade now.
I have a 2010 Voyager which pretty much the full dressr version on the Vaquero. I like the bike. Granted yes does it need some more tech options, indeed. But hands down for the price you pay it is a very reliable bike. Thanx for the video
I personally know two late model Harley’s owned by friends who have broken down since January. Also the dealer charges my buddies an arm and a leg for everything. I want a vaquero because everyone rides Harleys and a cruiser would be best for my back. The new denim blue Vaq is bad ass! This guy is a hater.
I currently have a deposit down on a 2024 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager. (the full dress version) I agree to some extent with some of the things you do not like about the bike...especially when it comes to the fit and finish. I have been trying hard to beat the "bang for your buck" factor these bikes have though. The base version of the Road Glide is $26,000. Vs. $19699 By the time you have added on all the items that are on the Voyager onto the Road Glide or move to the Ultra Limited you are well north of $32,000. Yes! you get all kinds of electronic tech abilities, but is it worth the extra money??? I would love to do a Harley, but I am turned off by the cost and reports of issues with many of their models. The BMW I am replacing has been a high cost, high maintenance bike. I am determined to stay away from that kind of situation again. When you research reliability, the metric bikes have been more reliable hands down. Although the numbers are dated, Consumer Report rated Harley @ 26% failure rate after 4 years vs. Kawasaki @ 15% after 4 years of operation. My Beamer used every bit of its 40% failure rate. I would love a Harley. I would love to buy an American made machine, but the only way I can afford one is to buy used. I refuse to buy used bike with no warranty that is know to have expensive issues. Bottom line...money.
This completely... reliability and low cost of ownership is much more important. While I have plenty of money I could burn on a Harley or two, I don't just want to throw money away for some type of style or what people think of my bikes. I've ridden a lot of miles with a few long trips on my dad's Voyager, and its a very comfortable large bike made to crunch miles and be very reliable. Its a great machine I'd trust to go do thousands of miles on without issues.
I have the 2023 Vulcan Voyager and I absolutely love it, put over 4k miles on it in two months. Do yourself a favor, make sure you pick that bike up. Purchase the extended warranty as well , it's only about $700 for 6 years if I remember correctly. I have not flashed mine, has enough power and runs smooth enough for me, it seems the more the engine breaks in the better the bike runs.
I would definitely choose the Voyager over any type of Harley, and like to ride my bike more than having it sit at the shop because of mechanical failure. Put buy Harley because of the name, but the reliability sucks. If I were to win a HD , I still wouldn't ride it, I would sell it. To me they are overrated and over priced.
The Voyager does tend to run hot if you are stuck in traffic and the plastic piece on the gas tank rattles(vibration) when acceleration are my only complaints. Not sure if an Ivans Flash would fix the running hot issue or not.
But definitely purchase that 2024 Voyager, love the color. Bike is also extremely comfortable to ride all day long.
@@Notacalvinist_24 Definitely glad to hear what you have to say about your bike. ETA on mine is end of March. I was on the fence about the extended warranty, but it is reasonably priced. I have read a lot about the heat issue. Curious if they run hot at speed, or if it is at low speed city driving. On my Beamer there is a large temp difference between highway and city riding. It seems to me all the Ivan’s flash does is kick on the fans sooner, so it just means it never has a chance to get into the upper range of temperature not that it actually makes the bike run cooler.
@@johnensink1514 No it doesn't run hot while riding the fwy or regular city roads. It does however tend to run hot while stuck in traffic. I have not done the Ivans Flash as of yet because I'm not sure if it would void my warranty.
I will say that even without the Ivan Flash my bike runs perfectly smooth and No back -firing, I guess it's all in how you break your engine in.
The more miles I put on the better my bike runs. I'm thinking the only reason I would do the Ivan Flash is to make the fan come on sooner.
Also, I would get the extended warranty, it's only about $700 and that's worth the peace of mind.
@@Notacalvinist_24 the backfiring issue is due to modifications to the exhaust and or air cleaner. Doing an Ivan‘s flash will definitely void your warranty. If your dealer plugs into your bike, they’ll have the whole history of what’s going on with the bike. It is my intention to keep the bike stock, except for rider, comfort type modifications.
As a kawasaki vulcan voyager owner, I agree with you 100%. Kawasaki owners have been waiting for an upgrades for 15 years.
In the world of hi-tech motorcycles, yes, these motorcycles are waaaay overpriced. Almost 20k and they don't even have bluetooth, keyless start, or heated seats, and the accessories are almost non-existent.
But, for those out there who don't want a t.v. screen as a dashboard, or just want basic simplicity and reliability of a retro 80s motorcycle, then you can't beat this motorcycle.
Kawasaki is trying to keep the price down. If it's not broke don't fix it.
@RousosrGL I'm tired of hearing that excuse. How much more money would Bluetooth cost? Kawasaki charges $600 dollars for the basic radio that comes with the motorcycle. I can buy a digital Bluetooth marine stereo with XM radio, weather band, with programmable channels for less than $400.
You guys keep using that "keep the price down" bulls!t excuse for 13 years. Meanwhile, Harley-Davidson just LOWERED their prices on their ROAD Glide and Street Glide, and their basic options run circles around the Voyager!
@@MrNew122 Yeah but the Harleys are sure to break down and leave you stranded.
@@MrNew122 My 2022 has Bluetooth. Buy the adapter.
My NUMBER 1 deal-breaker for any type bagger motorcycle is side opening saddlebags, specifically for the reasons you mentioned.
I feel suffocated just looking at the dashboard. The radio takes the cake. 🙂
I am looking at 2012 for pretty cheap , so I like the looks, but it is good to know it's slow.
I had a 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero. I really liked it but it was so heavy so I traded it. Now I have an 2018 Chieftain Elite which is huge upgrade to the Kawasaki. The thunderstruck 111 is such stronger than the Kawasaki. All in all I would say the Kawasaki is like a Glock every Glock look the same since the 80's. I know that the 2012 through the 2020 they didn't change much. I much happier with the Indian. I like your vids both motorcycle and guns.
Good review of the Kawi ,, it is an outstanding bike but OUTDATED . It needs some updates to bring it up in line with the newer cruisers. Suzuki does the "single color option" on their bikes and they need updates as well. I own one.... good bike but in ways, it sucks. Good video and ride safe!
Even the Electra-glide standard 2010 model came in bleu in 2009 in USA and 2010 in Europe. Then the model disappeared for a while. Still ride the bleu Standard E-glide today !
I have 2001 Vulcan and it looks more modern that the one you reviewed!
Kawasaki is way better than the Harley equivalent. The only thing that Harley does better is paint.
Ivan performance is the company to go to to clean up the power band on these bikes. They're horrible from the factory. Kawasaki cut corners with this bike and it really hasn't changed since it debuted in 09. Getting them used is a affordable way to get into a bagger. But most people do quite a of aftermarket modifications to make them more comfortable and enjoyable
The ecu is horrendous, ivan can lower fan temp to come on sooner, still sucks, loose warranty, another 1k on accessories and its still not right
Damnit lol I was really thinking of getting one but you made some very valid points.
I have worked at a shop that sold metrics. To be blunt there are a lot of cost saving measures done. If you want a cheaper cruiser than a HD or Indian go with a Honda. The old VTX series are still well built and a good value.
Honda gave up on cruisers... you have Rebels which are cruiser-ish looking naked bikes, the Fury which is chopper like and probably get axed soon, or you have a couple Shadows with their tiny little 750CC engines... that's it. If you want super high tech carish-bike then you have the Goldwing, but I prefer cruisers. There really isn't a lot of options in the metric world any more for cruisers, its all dying out.
I have to agree with you about the shortcomings of the Vaqueero. The materials feel cheap and flimsy. The side-opening bags are gonna spill your stuff onto the ground. The fairing looks like the ones on the old KZ1000 Police bikes on the Chips tv show. They lack power, compared to the Indians and Harleys and their exhaust sounds too tame, even with aftermarket slip-ons. If a person doesn't mind these issues, that's fine, but I prefer the Harleys and Indians, and I'm willing to pay more for them. You can find one a few years old at a much more affordable price.
I had a 2023 and sold it after 6 months. The things I hated most about it were the top-heavy weight and the engine that ran hot. For a liquid cooled bike, it was awful in traffic.
Same with me, ecu was Horrendous, backfire and spitting, ivan reflash a must! I sold mine quickly also,
Wonder how this stacks up with the Kawasaki Nomad? It’s discontinued.
I have a vaquero It’s a decent bike. Better than most
Wasn’t the bike I truly wanted. So I’m not in love with it
I want a victory cross country or a vision
I think it's a lot cheaper than your bike.
I ride a Voyager 1700. For the money, it's the best bang for the buck. I cannot afford a $55,000 HD CVO. Perhaps you can but the Voyager gives me a full-on touring bike for under 20k.
9:40 lol at Harley saying that the Kawa is underpowered. No I don't have a Vaquero...or any Kawasaki for that matter.
20 thousand of dollars? In California maybe 😂
Good observations! Usually when people drop big money on a bike. They have to justify it, and only talk about the good. I spent $15k on a brand new 2018 Africa twin. I’ve never hated a bike so much. I gave that bike 3 years, and got rid of it.
I was considering getting a used one of these as a commuter. Just about everything you pointed out would have driven me nuts.
Harleys have a tv screen but not liquid cooling 😂 wtf?
I agree that the front-end fairing looks hideous. But again, I am the guy who hates the Road Glide fairing as well. Ugly in my view. I remember when the Road Glide came out in 1980 under the name Tour Glide. They made it until the mid-1990s and then stopped production. Then, a few years later, they relaunched it (much to my disappointment) and rebranded it Road Glide.
Tbh you wanna know why you get a vaquero or voyager? Look at the used market. Your not gonna touch a full dresser from harley for a anywear near the price you can get a vaq for.
Agree with what others have said, my electronics are in my phone and helmet.
Love your showman I’ve had my Vaccaro for about eight years and I love it but you are right about the bags they do suck Randy from Indiana
Idk, the bike looks exactly like a Harley to me but its actually more reliable. This bike has been tried and true for many years, and you wont see them broke down on the side of the rode like a Harley 😂.
As far as looking dated, i think all Harleys look like they are from the 60's none of them look modern , so both the Kawasaki and the Harley support to old classic look. If you want a modern look get a Goldwing, BMW or Yamaha Star Venture. But remember kawasaki was going after the classic Harley look and in my opinion they nailed it. I myself ride a Vulcan Voyager 1700 and most Harley riders thought i was on a new Harley until they got side by side and see the Kaw emblem.
As far as power goes, sure these bikes the Vulcan Voyager and Vaquero feel a bit underpowered from the factory because Kawasaki restricts them so much. But once you flash the ECU these bikes run like a dog on a horse!
Again, these bikes the Voyager and the Vaquero have proven themselves to be bulletproof over time. You can go on long trips without worring about mechanical failures unlike Harleys. Every time we go on long group trips, its always the Harley that breaks down causing us delays awaiting a toe. So if you want to spend another 15k on a vehicle just because it says Harley on it, knock yourself out. But for me the reliability of a vehicle is more important, the only failure i want to worry about on the road is a flat. The kawasaki builds confidence on long hauls, the Harley not so much. They both are great bikes but i choose reliability over a name.
Also, even without the ESU flash the bike gains more power and speed as the engine breaks in.
Just my opinion, God bless
He doesn't like it because it's not American maid
Comparing an HD BAGGER to the Vaquero is like comparing a Chevy Corvette to a Chevy Camaro? I just don’t see how considering the huge overpriced HD bikes that the new owner must spend an additional 10k to sort the bike out ??? 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I like you saying harly everything dussnt move its tight. Yep ride it a vew miles than the stuff becomes lose on a harley also 😅😂😅😂
I ment the Kawa. The Haley go's no were without a hole lot of locktide
I love these bikes and he's not wrong about anything
It’s great to own different brands of bikes but heck not many have the funds for that, I have 07 Vulcan nomad that I have did mods on and I love the bike, one I can after many years I’ve never been on the side of the road knock on wood. Harley is a standard almost when you talk motorcycles, old or new your going dump some cash into that brand, seems as if Harley builds these bikes to accommodate the aftermarket parts companies lol. I think the bikes now are getting so high tech kinda makes it hard to wrench on your own bike now without really screwing something up bad if you don’t have really good mechanical skills.
Well thats your opinion.
Vaquero came out in 2011, it was great bike in that time, amd still in this time. 1700cc liquid cooled high rev engine. Bore and stroke is not same as on Harley bikes. Its a shorter stroke so power comes in little bit higher RPMs. You have rev it, and bike - engine sounds so powerful, loud, like a sports car. Bike maybe doesn't have all of gadgets, as other brands, but has enough for the money. Design still looks great with that spoiler,which Harley took that for his Road Glide. This guy is typical nationalist, and of course he loves Harley, and nothing else. Well mr. nationalist, other brands are way a head of your outdated Harley, what Indian - polaris did for last ten years your Harley didn't for 50 years.
owned 6 road kings, 1 ultra classic, 1 softail and 1 street glide, from evo to 88,96, 103, 107, 114, bought the 23 vaquero, for 15 k and love it, ivan reflash a must, windshield is a joke, far from perfect but the most comfortable and nice low center of gravity, 67 yrs old ,53yrs of riding, its a good bike, harleys hold value much better , better sou n d system's, but last time i looked , a street glide will run about 30 k, mid 40's for a cvo, i think that is just foolish to spend that kind of money, just my opinion tho
First time I sat on this was after sitting on a Road Glide on the same sales floor. I was incredibly disappointed with the Vaquero. It looked and felt very cheaply-made
I really think your being harsh....if this was 2011. This most likely will be my next bike because gently used they are $10-$12k (even new they can be had for $15k) and at that price its hard to beat. But the bike launched in 2011 and hasn't changed one bit and that's it's achilleas heel for sure, I don't think they sell enough to justify it.. Most of the small things are easily fixed (Ivan's ecu flash will supposedly completely change the bike) and there is a small but focused aftermarket for these to soften some of the flaws. To be fair HD is one of the most stagnant brands out there, a better bike for sure, but just as stale for a whole lot more money (the 2024's are looking pretty good though).
Harley Davidson better in name only not quality. Harleys are notorious for breaking down and ruining road trips when riding in groups. It's always the Harley having mechanical issues.
@@Notacalvinist_24 Reliability is getting a lot better and to me they do feel more premium than metric cruisers, but, not $10-$15k more premium.
@@ninji5226 Agreed.
I have no clue what youre talking about with the clutch, you must have got a shit one cause mine is instant, the bag also have liners to hold things in them and organizers. And for the power, they have more then enough power than what youre letting on just by reading spec sheets. If you still have a issue with the power then get the IVAN flaah and its a night and day difference. The amount of Harley copium is wild. Youre comparing a 30-40k bike to a 18k one and have your expectations way too high for a perfectly capable cruiser and a more reliable one at that
Wow does HD sponcer this dude. He left out price as a factor. hd is a yuppie bike has been for the last thirty years. When you need an infotainment system on your bike, your not a real rider. Hd gets away with air cooling by saying well it's tradition but any other manufacturers who keep it simple get criticized. Hd is a fashion not a serious bike anymore. But people like to spend money thinking it will make them cool.
Love it great bike. You can cruise 5000 miles and nothing to repair. It wil get you everywhere whitout anny problems
I like Japanese bikes, but they all lack something in the looks department. I absolutely do not like any bike with the matte paint, no matter what brand. I do like having an actual key. My Harley has the key fob and I just don't like having that.
Tell me you think the Vulcan 900 classic is ugly, I dare you.
@@snufflehound I actually like the Vulcan 900 Classic. It has one of the best riding positions of any bike out there. I don't like the matte finish that some of them come with.
@@CraigSmith568 2009LT here. I agree. I could do without the studded seat/bags though :)
Hello from Indiana
The Vaquero could be so much of a better bike but Kawasaki refuses to develop it. The only aspect that changes is the color and the color they offer is horrible
heg shot seemed to have gottin Bitched slap,haha,Kawasaki baby,its all good1!
After owning my 2018 vaquero for 5 years now all I can say is this. Every year this bike has become a bigger disappointment. I knew about the outdated tech and it never concerned me. But what does concern me is the quality of the bike. First year my brake light switch failed and the bike died on me for an hour on the side of a road for some odd reason. Took it to the shop and they couldn’t find anything wrong with it. Second year my speakers decided they didn’t want to work anymore so had to replace them, and the brake light switch went out again. Third year THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WENT OUT AGAIN TWICE!! Last year the engine has started making terrible whining noises that I can’t pinpoint to this day. Replaced my clutch only to find one of my spring bolts was crack and went to take it off and it broke. Took months to get a replacement. This year so far I’m still dealing with that terrible noise and also my brake light switch just went bad probably for the last time. I’m done with Kawasaki after this.
Sound like a Harley disguised as a Kawasaki. I have a Voyager 1700 and so far it's been great. I did purchase the 6 year extended warranty. So far I have not heard of mechanical issues with the Voyager or the Vaquero, I was told they were bulletproof. I hope they are right.
@@Notacalvinist_24 I’ve put 52k miles on mine since I’ve owned it. Was trying my best to get it to 100k before I did anything as far as selling or trading. I have a 2016 heritage softail also with 40k miles. I’ve never had any issues besides the speedometer going out on it but it turns out my sensor connection behind the rear wheel was loose. Took me a little while to find it but that’s all. The clutch needs to be replaced soon so I’ll find out if the bolts are the same quality or not. I’m sure my vaquero might just be a lemon and most others are great with no issues but I’m just more familiar with Harley’s since I’ve been around them all my life basically. Anyways hopefully yours will have no issues and enjoy it.
@@twowheelimmortal8466 Hopefully.
I think the harley Fairing looks totally stupid compared to the vaquero's. That double headlight looks gay as hell. Harley riders think that their bike comes with a set of balls...
I never understood why it's easier to have to pull the clutch further in than mostly out. I can shift gears way easier and quicker. The cockpit is what I liked about the bike. Beautiful! The suspension has been better than HD since 2009. The engine runs cooler with the ECU flash done. The power is fine not great, but sufficient. The bags look good, but I agree about the side opening. The bike is cheaper for sure, but absolutely more reliable. New I wouldn't buy it but used it's a screaming deal. It's a great riding machine that needs an update. You're ugly LOL!! just kidding but HD and Indian are overpriced and would NEVER buy them new either. I'd buy what I can find at the best price period!
That windshield sucks. As you are talking about gages rolling down the road, the distortion I see would drive me crazy.
My bags on my 1984 FXRT open sideways. I haven't lost anything, but I understand what you're saying!
What do you have flapping in the breeze on the right side from hand grip to behind you down somewhere?
Does the headlight suck? Maybe that's why it has the other two lights! That will make the fairing ugly!
This guy is promoting Harley by picking apart another brand
When I have a disposable income as much as a regular car, I'll try a Harley. Until then, I'll keep riding my 21' Vaquero which cost about half where I live here in SE NH. Indians aren't any better.
Come on brother this is like comparin a honda ridgeline to a chevy duramax LBZ
An average American, can't afford a new Harley as a new Ford,chevy,dodge etc And not reliable enough
Kawi all the way
I’m coming up on my list of six things I hate about this reviewer 😮
I am an Harley rider who owned Kawa before! 1 thing that Kawa has that Harley don’t is Reliability!
Lame review..sorry...best budget bagger out there
Is a retro look. Next you'll want a 42 inch tv screen and a bike that rides it self. Stop the madness please, stop killing the fun. Less is best and poor boy's can afford it, kawasaki has it right!!! Toyota with the 4Runner etc
7:42 bruhhhh grab plastic and said it moves to much then went over to a bike HD that doesnt have plastic at all its all junk metal and said it doesnt move XD
Fu..k electronic gauges. Analogic is the best