I just got a 2018 Vaquero with 13k miles on it and i absolutely love it. Did the Ivans flash, cobra tri-ovals and got some 12" apes on and its perfect for me. The Ivans flash made it a totally different bike from it being smogged from factory. It is an amazing bike that by far beats Harley for pricing for a similar bagger. Nobody will ever convince me that paying 30k+ for a Harley is better than paying 16k for a brand new Vaquero with infinite the reliability
At 70 I keep mine in 5th gear. Moving up from a 900, there is a big difference. I just got a 2016 1700 and I'm glad I did. After 600 miles it is so much better, and after 200 miles of learning the power band in this engine, you definitely can appreciate the work that Kawasaki put into this bike.
I bought a brand new 21'this year for my first "bagger" after riding mostly a 79' KZ1000ST for 16yrs. I like it. May do a few things to it, we'll see. I did add the power outlet, slightly taller windshield and bought a new horn. Also added the factory backrest/luggage rack for when my wife goes w/me.
@@AnthonysWestTexasRides They have the factory backrest for the driver, I haven't gotten it though. Leaving it stock for now, may get the "Flash" later. Too many years on the KZ I think. lol 😅
As as comparison to the roadglide, a buddy with a roadie rode mine and said it was smooth. Ivan is the way to go with this bike.Makes 6 th gear usable due the torque increase. Normally 5 th is all that is required before the flash, but I rarely use 6th unless over 75 mph.
Thanks for posting appreciate love all bikes myself mostly long distance driver like it all night Harley had the best dealership anywhere should you have issue no problem
I am a lover of all bikes and would have them all if I could. I have always loved the vaquero. I have been without a bike for 2 years while finishing school and just bought my next bike which happens to be a 2013 Victory Cross Country. It was too good of a deal to pass on! Thanks for watching!
I'm considering one of these or the Voyager at the end of the year. Currently, I'm riding a 2007 Yamaha Royal Star tour deluxe which is a great bike. I've got 73k miles on her from years of riding and touring trips.
Not sure if it was the keys rattling but a nice feature on that bike is that you can remove that key after starting it and put in your pocket....then just turn the dial to off when you're done riding.
I have a young man looking for a motorcycle and I remembered you did good reviews so I pulled your channel up, and showed him this. I'm a big fan of the way that looks.
Awesome! Yeah, that setup was nice on the vaquero! If I buy one it will be how I set mine up. Joe Stapleton on the the Vaquero Owner's group FB page makes a backrest that plugs into the stock seat that is on par with ED or Ultimate Seat backrests in quality and construction also.
Ivans ECU Flash is the only way these bikes run good. Only reason I Kept My 2016 Vaquero. Makes it run right, regardless of the temp and back fires. Runs smoother, takes almost all the herky/Jerky ness out of the throttle response. . Better power delivery, it is not a big HP increase (2-3hp), just makes it run smoother and you can use 6th gear without the lugging. It is a must IMHO.
I traded my 14 vstar 1300 deluxe, with 12k on dial, for a 11 vaquero back in april. I do miss the cable clutch. Everything else is worth it. Tommy's Motorsports in Clinton, TN gave me an awesome deal.
Regarding that irritating rattling/vibration noise, another test rider on You Tube figured it out. It is the leading edges of the plastic tank/ignition switch cover. It is too close to the tank on the front. Removes easily and can be filed or ground down for more clearance. Just a problem with modern manufacturing and plastic.
Just FYI, doing the rounds to raise awareness... We're almost ready to go with our bluetooth adapter on the Vulcan. Here's a preview video of what we have: ua-cam.com/video/ld4mN_OGpP4/v-deo.html
No valve adjustments, plus there aren't any cam change options and because of air filter design there really isn't much in the way of intake upgrades either. Stage 1 and an ECU flash is about all you can do on that bike, short of some custom fabrication.
I could still hear it with the taller shield, but it is still not the best speaker setup. There are options though with EngineeredAdapters.com, so don't let that hold you back!
@@AnthonysWestTexasRides That's not what he meant by his comment. He was implying that you should've been going a little faster speed than 70 in sixth gear. IMO...
@@Sig721Tau i agree, I guess my statement wasn't as clear. An ECU flash from Ivan's helps with the 6th gear pull at 70 mph. That being said, both 5th & 6th are overdrives on this bike and 6th works best at 75-80+ mph.
Richard Mccain it wasn't bad at all, clearview windshields makes one where you can add a vent to help with any buffeting. www.clearviewshields.com/motorcycle-windshield/kawasaki/voyager-1700-vaquero/
It was, I have seen this mentioned in lots of cases on facebook and owners would take the fairing apart and install some insulation along the edges to eliminate that sound or on the bezel on the gas tank as well.
No, but a gentleman named Joe Stapleton on the facebook group "Vaquero Owner's Group" has designed one that fits into the stock setup and installs in just a few minutes. I will share a link if he can send me one!
No for playing music period on UA-cam never mentioned the volume. Stupidity is not in your future it is in your present day every time you open your mouth.@@Sig721Tau
@@Sig721Tau I probably will get one, I really like the 2017 color scheme. that would be the model year I would get next year once I make my mind up. I just like too many bikes. It's hard to narrow it down to one.
Is it rude of me to give a thumbs down, solely based on the first comment, “yes this is more my style, it’s even got the grips I’m used to havin.” Thumbs down
I hate that none of the compartments open without the key, what an absolutely fucking stupid design. It literally makes this bike from being awesome to absolutely terrible...lol WTF
@@jimmythompson3248 i don't know about bankrupt. They are having a sales decline and are looking into new avenues to appeal to a new demographic that isn't into the original models that has been sustaining them this far
I wouldn't want HD to go belly up but at least get real with their warrantee issues and prices. And that crappy attitude they've adopted over the years.HD is not the beginning and end all of the two wheel life by any means. And that's where their attitudes begin.
I just got a 2018 Vaquero with 13k miles on it and i absolutely love it. Did the Ivans flash, cobra tri-ovals and got some 12" apes on and its perfect for me. The Ivans flash made it a totally different bike from it being smogged from factory. It is an amazing bike that by far beats Harley for pricing for a similar bagger. Nobody will ever convince me that paying 30k+ for a Harley is better than paying 16k for a brand new Vaquero with infinite the reliability
Congrats, I saw the new 2024 model at my dealership and not sure I like the matt color this time.
@@AnthonysWestTexasRides i love the matte gray they have for them but i get what you're saying
Ivan's flash makes a huge difference!
At 70 I keep mine in 5th gear. Moving up from a 900, there is a big difference. I just got a 2016 1700 and I'm glad I did. After 600 miles it is so much better, and after 200 miles of learning the power band in this engine, you definitely can appreciate the work that Kawasaki put into this bike.
awesome, I am glad you are enjoying your new bike! Ride Safe!
Great review - your honest commentary and thoughts on upgrades/changes is really helpful.
I bought a brand new 21'this year for my first "bagger" after riding mostly a 79' KZ1000ST for 16yrs. I like it. May do a few things to it, we'll see. I did add the power outlet, slightly taller windshield and bought a new horn. Also added the factory backrest/luggage rack for when my wife goes w/me.
Awesome and Congrats! I too just bought another bike. Wasn't a vaquero, but was a great bike at a great price!
@@AnthonysWestTexasRides They have the factory backrest for the driver, I haven't gotten it though. Leaving it stock for now, may get the "Flash" later. Too many years on the KZ I think. lol 😅
As as comparison to the roadglide, a buddy with a roadie rode mine and said it was smooth. Ivan is the way to go with this bike.Makes 6 th gear usable due the torque increase. Normally 5 th is all that is required before the flash, but I rarely use 6th unless over 75 mph.
yeah, I have noticed 6th is pretty much only necessary for hwy/interstate speeds
Thanks for posting appreciate love all bikes myself mostly long distance driver like it all night Harley had the best dealership anywhere should you have issue no problem
I am a lover of all bikes and would have them all if I could. I have always loved the vaquero. I have been without a bike for 2 years while finishing school and just bought my next bike which happens to be a 2013 Victory Cross Country. It was too good of a deal to pass on! Thanks for watching!
I love my 2012 Victory cross country, but my next bike will be frame mounted fairing, nice video.
I understand!
I'm considering one of these or the Voyager at the end of the year. Currently, I'm riding a 2007 Yamaha Royal Star tour deluxe which is a great bike. I've got 73k miles on her from years of riding and touring trips.
I own a royal star tour deluxe. Jetted and open exhaust. Fun for speed. Just bought a voyager for long trips.
Not sure if it was the keys rattling but a nice feature on that bike is that you can remove that key after starting it and put in your pocket....then just turn the dial to off when you're done riding.
Yep,that is one of those little details that is really cool!
The best part about that is if the bike is running and you need to access a storage compartment you dont have to turn the bike off to do so
apparently the rattle can be fixed by applying some tape along the bottom of the windshield along the bolt holes per some tips on the facebook forums
The black plastic panel that rides on the tank rattles too, just used some small weather strip around the edges and its all good.
That's where I bought my first bike nice to see a review from my area...
Enjoyed the ride (rip) but had to turn off the sound (terrible). I'm hoping to get the Voyager (soon)? Maybe the radio sounds good to you. 😢
those are pretty badass i gotta admit!
i ride a hd road glide limited
I have a young man looking for a motorcycle and I remembered you did good reviews so I pulled your channel up, and showed him this. I'm a big fan of the way that looks.
Awesome! Yeah, that setup was nice on the vaquero! If I buy one it will be how I set mine up. Joe Stapleton on the the Vaquero Owner's group FB page makes a backrest that plugs into the stock seat that is on par with ED or Ultimate Seat backrests in quality and construction also.
Ivans ECU Flash is the only way these bikes run good. Only reason I Kept My 2016 Vaquero. Makes it run right, regardless of the temp and back fires. Runs smoother, takes almost all the herky/Jerky ness out of the throttle response. . Better power delivery, it is not a big HP increase (2-3hp), just makes it run smoother and you can use 6th gear without the lugging. It is a must IMHO.
Are you saying the Ivan flash makes in back fire and higher temps?
@@garybaldwin1061 NO, runs cooler. Stops backfire. Check out the forums and FB groups for thoughts and more information.
I'd like to test an Ivan flash btwn one thats flashed and one that isn't.
nice test ride. good looking bike
Great vid..I was looking at getting that around the time I bought my vstar 1300 3 years ago.
I love the looks of the vaquero, especially the new 2020 blue one!
Anthony's West Texas Rides they are sharp bikes! 👍🏻
I traded my 14 vstar 1300 deluxe, with 12k on dial, for a 11 vaquero back in april. I do miss the cable clutch. Everything else is worth it. Tommy's Motorsports in Clinton, TN gave me an awesome deal.
Has that one got enough charactor for ya? To be truthful before I bought my goldwing I was shopping for a Vaquero.
Yes, this model lines up more with my taste.
I have heard that background tone that sounds like a 60 cycle hum on other Vulcans. I guess it’s the fuel pump.
Nice review. Did you ever figure out the make/brand of the driver's backrest? I'd definitely like one. Thanks.
Custom world accessories
www.classiccruiser.com/Custom-World-International/Driver-Backrests/1460/112600/
Regarding that irritating rattling/vibration noise, another test rider on You Tube figured it out. It is the leading edges of the plastic tank/ignition switch cover. It is too close to the tank on the front. Removes easily and can be filed or ground down for more clearance. Just a problem with modern manufacturing and plastic.
truthfully kawasaki owns 40% of hd anyway, i luv and ride hd, but its true.
the freedom performance exhaust sounds good on them bikes.
Just FYI, doing the rounds to raise awareness... We're almost ready to go with our bluetooth adapter on the Vulcan. Here's a preview video of what we have: ua-cam.com/video/ld4mN_OGpP4/v-deo.html
That is awesome! Watched the link and it looks good!
Ill bet u don't have change all kinds of things in the motor when u get one like a harly
No valve adjustments, plus there aren't any cam change options and because of air filter design there really isn't much in the way of intake upgrades either. Stage 1 and an ECU flash is about all you can do on that bike, short of some custom fabrication.
How's stereo at high speed. Can you still hear it?
I could still hear it with the taller shield, but it is still not the best speaker setup. There are options though with EngineeredAdapters.com, so don't let that hold you back!
Did you like the vaquero better than yamaha venture?
Yes
I like the vaquero and still want one.But I'd keep my goldwing.I get tired of that top box.or perhaps sell my wing and get me f6b.
Bigwu, you look like a big ol boy, JUST GRAB A HARLEY AND HAVE PEACE OF MIND.😉
70 mph might be too slow for 6th gear.
Definitely stock, wouln't be bad with an ivans flash
@@AnthonysWestTexasRides
That's not what he meant by his comment. He was implying that you should've been going a little faster speed than 70 in sixth gear. IMO...
@@Sig721Tau i agree, I guess my statement wasn't as clear. An ECU flash from Ivan's helps with the 6th gear pull at 70 mph. That being said, both 5th & 6th are overdrives on this bike and 6th works best at 75-80+ mph.
How was the buffetting?
Richard Mccain it wasn't bad at all, clearview windshields makes one where you can add a vent to help with any buffeting.
www.clearviewshields.com/motorcycle-windshield/kawasaki/voyager-1700-vaquero/
This cost much less than a Harley.
Better to ask for forgiveness than permission.
Is it just me, or did that rattling sound suddenly become intolerable. As soon as you mentioned it, I couldn't watch the rest of the video
It was, I have seen this mentioned in lots of cases on facebook and owners would take the fairing apart and install some insulation along the edges to eliminate that sound or on the bezel on the gas tank as well.
So...did you or anyone find that back rest??
No, but a gentleman named Joe Stapleton on the facebook group "Vaquero Owner's Group" has designed one that fits into the stock setup and installs in just a few minutes. I will share a link if he can send me one!
ua-cam.com/video/lB_d_bhVMLM/v-deo.html
Its hardly davidson, but still a great bike, i want one😎
I'll give you a LIKE for GodSmack
Would be a better review with the radio off.
yeah, I left it on a little too long
Disagree he had the balls to leave it on .I have a better idea now of if it sounds good at 70 mph.
@@erics9754
Bigger balls for playing loud music with a loud bike? More like stupidity and immaturityon your part. Hearing loss is in your near future.
No for playing music period on UA-cam never mentioned the volume. Stupidity is not in your future it is in your present day every time you open your mouth.@@Sig721Tau
Learn to spell before you call someone stupid. Lmao.@@Sig721Tau
What is insurance like on this bike?
Depends on your driving experience, license records
I pay 600/yr on my 23 voyager
Well, did you buy it?
lol, no I am still a little over a year out of making my next purchase.
@@AnthonysWestTexasRides
Buy it. You will not regret it. My friend loves his. Traded in his hog for the Vaquero.
@@Sig721Tau I probably will get one, I really like the 2017 color scheme. that would be the model year I would get next year once I make my mind up. I just like too many bikes. It's hard to narrow it down to one.
Sounds like it's time for a front or rear sprocket change.
No sprockets on this bike it's belt drive
"Utopia" backrest.
nice motor how much was it
sold for $7500 a the dealership about 2 weeks later
Seriously parked in handicapped spot lol?!
The delearship parked it there, so....
@Thomas B Why is that exactly?
Sound like George bush
Is it rude of me to give a thumbs down, solely based on the first comment, “yes this is more my style, it’s even got the grips I’m used to havin.” Thumbs down
Your free to thumbs down me for whatever reason you want. Sorry if my opening statement didn't work for you.
Most people are used to simps like you on the net no worries
I hate that none of the compartments open without the key, what an absolutely fucking stupid design. It literally makes this bike from being awesome to absolutely terrible...lol WTF
I'd rather choose the Vaquero over the Hardly American aka Harley Davidson bike. HD is going bankrupt and not soon enough for me.
I like both, but I am curious to what HD will do with the struggles they are having right now. I am not going to write them off just yet.
@@jimmythompson3248 i don't know about bankrupt. They are having a sales decline and are looking into new avenues to appeal to a new demographic that isn't into the original models that has been sustaining them this far
I wouldn't want HD to go belly up but at least get real with their warrantee issues and prices. And that crappy attitude they've adopted over the years.HD is not the beginning and end all of the two wheel life by any means. And that's where their attitudes begin.
@@bigwu100 i agree 100%