Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero Test - MotorcycleTV Review

MotorcycleTV.us brings you this 24 hour torture test of the Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero 1700. In addition to loads of daily testing, we ran the Vaquero for 24 hours only stopping for fuel and food. The Kawasaki never wavered from this abuse. Just watch this video to learn everything you'd ever want to know about this casual cruiser touring bike.

[@mybudinesd4545]

Your video contributed to me purchasing this motorcycle I did not have any experience prior to purchasing this bike. Everyone told me to buy a smaller bike for my first motorcycle. I spent 20 years as an infantry solider in the US Army and I do not remember them issuing me a small beginner anything. I took the MSF Course and paid for some additional one-on-one training. I spent a lot of time in a large parking lot and back roads before every venturing out on major surface streets or highways. I currently ride my bike everyday through some of the worst traffic in Atlanta Georgia with no issues. Did I mention I love this bike? I purchased my 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero 1700 late Oct 2015 and I have put about 7600 miles on it within the 4 months of ownership. I love this bike however, I must admit my experience is very limited I just started riding and this was my first bike. I love the breaking, balance, and especially the ride of this bike. It comes with everything I needed however, I may add a Mustang seat, install an amplifier, and improve the stereo speakers. But it would not break my heart if I stayed with a completely stocked bike. In the video you talked about the change in performance after 2000 miles and you are 100% on point I felt like it gained more power and performance. It is truly an awesome bike the only complaint I have is Kawasaki truly dropped the ball with providing accessories for their cruisers. You would think they would have the pillow top seat and trunk option that comes on the Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700. I have hit the twisties like Blood Mountain and scenic back roads of Georgia and Tennessee with no issues. It is a heavy bike 845 LBS dry weight which requires you to pay more attention when riding slow in parking lots or making slow U-turns. I am happy to have lost my cherry on such a beautiful bike. Thanks for your video and I look forward to watching new videos in the future they are the best I have seen thus far. DRILLSGT69 HOOOAH!

[@motorcycletesting]

First, Thank You for Your Service!!! I agree with everything you've said. WELCOME

[@mybudinesd4545]

I look forward to reading new postings and reviews keep up the good work.

[@cesarr5006]

MyBudinesd; nice comment; I’m a motorcycle enthusiast, first bike always go big or what you really like (unless Sportsterbike). Always ride to your ability and stay humble never thinking you got this bike thing mastered. Take advance classes, along with training safety videos and the occasional (bike accidents) to keep you alert. I own a Honda CTX1300 smooth 4 cylinder with maneuverability tour. Then K have the muscle cruiser Yamaha Roadliner S 1900cc torque beast. This Kawasaki would be a great bike to add to the collection or swap for the Yamaha. Enjoy and ride safe with respect to the road and other drivers. God bless!!

[@OneTreeHill0930]

MyBudinesd Is this a really top heavy bike? Is it difficult keeping it up when stopping at lights or making abrupt stops? I want to buy this bike. It’s gorgeous. I have a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 custom and I started riding 4 months ago. I feel like I want a bigger bike with all the awesome features this bike provides. I’m 5’11 140 lb female. What’s ur advice? I do however live in a gated community where I can drive and practice riding this bike and getting use to it before taking it on major roads.

[@ashleylewis3544]

Get it Ivan tuned. I had my Voyager done and was amazed at the difference. You won't be disappointed.

[@mattcook544]

Iv been on the edge of buying a vaquero. Not anymore. This is the best in depth video iv seen on this bike!

[@MrA8figureman]

No one else should be allowed to give reviews but you, thAt was awesome.

[@mcrummett]

I've owned this exact orange Vaquero for around 5 months. I've been riding motorcycles for over 24 years and have owned many motorcycles; Hands down, this is the best bike I've ever owned. Took it on a CA-AZ-NM 1,800 mile ride, and couldn't have been more pleased. I've test-rode several Victories and Harley's, and this bike absolutely blew them out of the water in breaking and comfortability. I highly recommend it.

[@russellbolte5362]

+mcrummett Do you have any issues with it scraping in the twisties? That's my only concern about changing from my Versys 1000 to a bagger like this.

[@mcrummett]

Well, I'll say this, it's not going to corner like Gsxr or R1, but it wasn't as bad as I thought. I went from a ZZR1200 to this bike so every once in a while I'll bring her down low and get a quick scrape, but not often. The bike can definitely handle nice twisties (just got back from Death Valley and she did fine in the twisties) But if you try to hair pin turn on a twisty like you're on a sport bike or adventure bike, that's not really what she was designed for. But that goes for any big Bagger, including Road Glides and Vic Croas Countries. Hope that helped.

[@postell25]

I just picked up the exact same bike yesterday, and I’m in love with it. Awesome bike for the price

[@billz410]

This guy has always done an excellent job on motorcycle reviews

[@kbrett2004]

This is by far the best review video I have seen since I started riding 4 years ago. Kudos to you sir. If I ever move on from my Yamaha Stryker this will be the bike I would like to have. Thanks for video

[@buddywilson104]

Great job on the video. I just purchased a 2018 Vaquero, and love the bike. Couldn't agree more with your assessment. Thanks.

[@Tibor0131]

I enjoyed very much this review. I got a beautiful Green 2015 model. It is well broken in. I did everything by the book. It is the most loved motorcycle I have ever owned. This year (2017) I am definitely make a trip to the west coast, and make a nice trip from Calgary to L.A.

[@williamhoule4494]

This is the most comprehensive review I have ever seen....kudos

[@motorcycletesting]

Thank you!

[@MBS22]

The removal key while on also should come in handy when trying to get into your bags without turning your bike off

[@59vaughn]

Super good vid style....commentary, stills, action!, and riding.....nice bike ....

[@versyschris]

Love your very compressive review. I currently ride a Honda St1300, but I'm thinking of switching back to a cruiser your bike.

[@steelwheels327]

I have a Harley and after a ride i am sore as hell . I been looking at this particular bike for a while after your great review & all the positive comments about it i think it's time to go shopping.

[@theeaselrider4032]

Your comments about the sound of the exhaust were spot-on. I've narrowed my list of new bikes down, but this one keeps showing up on that list. I actually test rode one on a race track when they first came out. And while it probably wasn't the best choice for a track bike, it did better than I expected in the real high-speed stuff and the slower, tighter stuff - the whole time with the stereo going full blast. I was actually giggling the whole time. I love the gauges, and realistically that is the part of the bike you look at the most, so it should be pleasing. And the burnt orange is spectacular, but the black stick-on flames look like a complete after thought. It would so much better just orange. This year was the year you couldn't really go anywhere, so I figured the VStrom could keep soldering on. But next year, we'll see. Excellent real world review.

[@dixienormous3262]

Great, subtle review. I recently purchased a 2015 Vaquero...unbelievable machine. Leaves a smile on my face every time I ride.

[@motorcycletesting]

Thank You! If you gave me a sportbike to ride just before I recorded I'd be more exciting to listen to. Sometimes it's nearly 24 hours on the bike. It's my fail when I'm too tired to be up. Hmmmm - they do make RedBull and Monster.

[@dixienormous3262]

24 hours straight is quite a feat! Safe riding.

[@motorcycletesting]

Ha, you have no idea.

[@buddywilson104]

Great review on a great bike. I love my 2018!!

[@pugster6837]

Fantastic and in depth review. I plan to test one in the spring and if its right for me will buy one. Thanks and great job.

[@motorcycletesting]

Thank You!

[@brianmishler9274]

Excellent review. Thanks for sharing

[@steverandalls604]

Thanks for a great review. As the owner of two previous Kawasaki Vulcans, one in the past and a current one with 100,000 trouble free miles, this is my next bike, at least a 2015 model. For as attractive and nicely designed as this bike is, you have to wonder who came up with those terrible add-on looking flames. So awful. That's why I'll get the black one. He's right about the electrical system. Kawasaki uses a dual-stator setup and it puts out massive amounts of power. I added a lightbar to my 2008 Vulcan Classic, switched out those two 35 watt bulbs to 55 watts halogens, and the main headlight from 55/60 watt bulb to an 80/100 and the electrical system has never wavered. On high beam, that's 210 watts of light and we are talking a well lit roadway on the back roads. These motors and transmissions are overbuilt and hold up to a lot of abuse.

[@motorcycletesting]

Wow! 100,000 miles - cool! I can't talk about changing out bulbs, but I've often done it for bike that were owned. Perfect decision.

[@pieceworkstudios]

Great review. I've been looking at these. Just not sure I want to go to a 900lb bike but it is gorgeous 👍

[@1dlb]

outstanding review .... thanks

[@stereopolice]

Damn, you do one hell of a review - best of the internet, thanks.

[@motorcycletesting]

Thank! Darn, I am a pro. Started with off-road bikes at 15 years old with Cycle World Magazine.

[@stereopolice]

I'm about to unload on a Vulcan 1700 Voyager, 2016, this Saturday. Mostly, due to your review. Regards ....

[@motorcycletesting]

Awesome - enjoy the ride.

[@JoeGP]

impressive audio setup you have there, best helmet audio i've heard

[@motorcycletesting]

Thank You!

[@rcafmaintainer3723]

Great video thanks. Definitely love mine the more I ride it. Putting on a better intake and fuel programmer with ignition advance, wakes it up!! The gentleman asking whether it scrapes in turns, yes it does. It is not a sportbikes by any stretch, I have two sportbikes one of which I ride on the track, this bike is for relaxing and taking in the sights. Don't get me wrong, it is loads of fun. The one thing is to have the shocks properly set up and even on both sides, that improves handling. I got me a single machines fill port that combines the left and right shocks so they are always balanced. I will be switching out the tires to Michelin commander II.

[@motorcycletesting]

Thank You! The bike really grows on you.

[@martinmorris6271]

Nice detailed review

[@turtle19dad]

Man that color looks hot!!!! Looks orange in some shots and red in others. And I’m NOT normally a fan of orange. And all the night footage is awesome. As well as the scenery.

[@darthvaderwilliamson9501]

Impressive video....Well detailed and helped me make my decision....

[@motorcycletesting]

Thank You!

[@MrSuperpat]

Nice break check. Getting this bike.

[@AnthonysWestTexasRides]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@motorcycletesting]

Thank You!

[@mytriton54]

I've seen this video so many times and I'm STILL amazed that you actually did a 24hr test/review. Thank you!!!!!

[@jeffreyperez4236]

I'm a couple years behind but great, informative vid !

[@motorcycletesting]

Thank You

[@md123420]

great review i want this bike so bad. i got a klr and f800gsa i need another kawasaki. side note the klr does "ok" in under 0 degrees F weather. it salled a couple of times on me for the 2 hours i drove it.

[@nickheinz3737]

I never considered one of these bikes. Now I will take a look at it!

[@motorcycletesting]

Life is far more casual aboard a cruiser. One of the best ways to slow down and enjoy.

[@PabloH]

great review!!!! what roads/routes did you do this?

[@whataname01]

Sold!!! except for those side opening bags... hate to have stuffs falling out all over the place.

[@thornbuckle41]

love the why you brake down the vaquero great job can not wate to get mine

[@GARamblinMan]

I am considering this motorcycle along with a few other cruisers/bangers and this is hands down the best review f the Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero I can find anywhere on the Internet and You Tube. Great job and I would love to see a review of the Harley Davidson Street Glide, Honda Interstate and the Indian Chieftain. Thanks!

[@motorcycletesting]

Well, there's a H-D video I'm supposed to be finishing rather than typing this right now.

[@GARamblinMan]

Your comments on the Vaquero's excellent ABS and linked brakes were especially important to me. The quality of the brakes is probably the most important thing I am looking for in a new larger cruiser/touring type bike. I have an older mid size cruiser now whose brakes are not ABS and have only a drum brake on the back and despite all my practice at proper braking techniques have caused me very scary moments lately with locking up and not being able to stop quickly enough. Your demonstration of the excellent controlled stopping ability of the Vaquero really impressed me. Thanks a lot and I look forward to your future reviews

[@motorcycletesting]

That won't happen with ABS. With the Kawasaki, you'll get exactly what you see in the video. We just loaded the Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra. May you find your dream bike with your next purchase.

[@GARamblinMan]

Quick question for you not regarding the Vaquero - What model of Replay XD camera do you use and which helmet mount and microphone are you using. I am looking to buy this and would like your advice. Thanks. Also, the on-line store for the manufacturer says they are out of stock on most of the cameras - do you know of another on-line source to order this? Thanks a lot and I really appreciate your videos. If you don't want to post this info on-line - you can email me at [e-mail]. Thanks again.

[@motorcycletesting]

Yes, I know more. We us a mixture of Replay cameras. Since they are out of stock we don't have their name plastered all over the current videos. We don't want to send viewers off to find a product that is out of stock. As a dealer, we have been told the company is moving their manufacturing to the US - but there is no known date of when this will be complete and when product will be available. The camera to get is the PrimeX, all of our latest videos use this camera for the main view from the rider. We hope the company has products soon, but I would guess it will be a while and that they will come out with a new camera at that time. The companies billet mounts are simply the best. The people who design the cameras work their butts off - I know this for a fact.

[@1jasonover]

I wonder if that key could blow out. Nevertheless, great video. No crazy editing, no bs. Great job. Now I want one

[@Grandmasterjord]

No, the key can’t blow out. Haha

[@user-tb3pp3of9z]

Great review. And I think my blood pressure went down.

[@peterraymon4551]

I simply put a strip of dark tint on the bottom cut to size fit perfect great

[@ivancardenas2860]

Do you know if there’s available wind deflectors for the legs ? (Lower fairings)

[@jag1963]

Those bright cruise control lights at night. How about a little strip of screen black out cut and laid along that black strip at the bottom where the lights are. you wouldnt see it as its over the black strip but it would tone down those lights a little. Great bike I want the Vaquero but the wife wants me to get the Voyager.

[@MBS22]

I have an 02 yamaha v star classic 650....im pretty sure im gonna upgrade to a vaquero almost certainly

[@stinkopants]

Got a 2000 Star Venture for a steal, but the fork mounted fairing makes the bike not so fun in wind or high speed....thinking about these voyagers cause I hear the fixed fairing makes it super stable?

[@AnthonysWestTexasRides]

Ivan's ECU flash will also improve throttle response and fueling, makes the bike even better and the ecu flash is based on stock setup. This bike will be my next upgrade soon! Great Review, I have watched it more times than I can count!

[@Dmichaelholbrook]

how much does Ivan's ECU overhaul cost?

[@MrSuperpat]

$350

[@kevinwood3376]

I'm considering a 2020 Vaquero. I will get Ivan's ECU flash immediately based on having it done on my last bike, a Yamaha V Star 1300. Total transformation from stumbling, lackluster, poor low rpm driveability to smooth and powerful in all conditions. Worth it. Do it.

[@mkbmkb5102]

Love that bike

[@stereopolice]

BTW, forgot to ask, what are those vent-looking openings on the fairing to the left and right of the headlight? The appear to be vents, but I just can't tell. Brian

[@motorcycletesting]

They are vent looking things that are completely closed off on this model. If they functioned as vents it would be awesome.

[@garybaldwin1061]

What is best speed to put in 6th gear and still have a little grunt?

[@greggclifford8662]

Interesting how I experience the same issues with thexswitch gear on my 94 ex250. I wud have the Vagureo in a heart beat

[@douglashawkins4402]

Ivan tune makes the difference more than anything else!

[@loyalhearted6101]

The only thing I don’t like about this motorcycle is that it doesn’t have highway light only one mono light in the middle. Other then that love the machine.

[@markcooper7287]

HEY THERE. ARE YOU STILL MAKING VIDEOS?

[@shotgunscott]

The bike sounds great. Now if we could just ditch the flame job.

[@EBM_Worldwide]

hows the bike for a tall man?

[@ericharrington2673]

Why 29 thumbs down this is a pretty cool bike

[@markcooper7287]

Hi there. Does it have a lot of heat from the v twin. Thanks. Great Video.

[@motorcycletesting]

I'd have to refer back to whatever I say in the video. It was cool when I tested.

[@edbigtruck]

I have an 18 Voyager it puts out heat. When you're riding is ok slow going in traffic not so enjoyable.

[@mr.freightliner7607]

It does. You can always add the KAM system. I have it on my Voyager. It works but doesn't 100% percent take away all the heat. I can say I was able to ride on Lake Shore Drive this past weekend in shorts while it was 93 degrees. Felt good.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

When they get down to about 3000 used I'll buy one lol. That's what I paid for my Vulcan 1600 with 11k miles on it. That's the only bad thing about buying a metric bike new. 14k new and 3k to get rid of it

[@russellbolte5362]

Did you have any issues with it scraping in the twisties?

[@motorcycletesting]

Not like I was expecting. It was never an issue nor did I feel like stuffing it into corners. Some cruisers scrape when you look at them. I could take a tight road and scrape - but not an ever present thing for the people who would buy this bike.

[@jesseparris6507]

Are the flames decals that can be removed or are they under the clear?

[@TreeClimberChris]

Jesse Parris the flames on tank are under clear but the ones on front fairing and bags can be removed, I removed mine

[@jesseparris6507]

Thank you, Mr. Nobody. Ill probably wind up getting an 07' so a complete repaint will be in order.

[@mikeadame8568]

Yes the decals can be removed I removed mine, the ones on the gas tank cannot be removed those ate cleared over

[@furians601]

You did a great in-depth review... although your monotone about put me to sleep

[@edmoore9610]

I have a 2011 Vaquero that just turned 17,000 miles. I love the bike! Great lines and great performance. Can't tell you how many people ogle over it i.e. "what is that?"

[@markcooper7287]

HI WHERE YOU BEEN?

[@themikel129]

Someone tell me if he liked this bike. His voice is so monotone and bored I keep falling asleep.

[@metricOIL]

Cant beat a metric...

[@mytriton54]

Thanks for this wonderful video. Indescribably helpful! Best Vaquero video on YT. WRR29 is a VERY close second!

[@motorcycletesting]

Thank You!

[@davidestela2328]

It is a shame because this could have been a very good video if the audio wasn't so bad can't understand a single thing he says

[@floridaman3585]

Tried to watch the ride but it kept ANNOYINGLY cutting to shots of the bike.

[@carltonbirds]

Intro to long, bet you have been told that to many times.