Ride and Review of the Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero

[@jamestkirkcameron9189]

That is the coolest looking motorcycle dash I've ever seen.

[@easyglider1307]

Got 40,000 miles on my 2014 Vaquero. She still runs like a champ

[@douglashawkins4402]

Finally got my Voyager and it already had the Ivan flash done. Man, what a difference! Loving this bike!

[@ibzstratcat]

I have an '11, and I really enjoy it. Also alot cheaper than a Harley. It's been Ivaned, with V&H. Also put in bluetooth stereo w/6.5 speakers. Took it to South Dakota and Wyoming, and it performed fantastic.

[@1smokan]

Absolutely crazy how nice of a bike this is and how reliable and just dam good of a bike it is for the money VS the competition.

[@rudyrude7975]

This is the 1rst review i have checked out on this ride, i like it, very real world bike,cool ride😎

[@buddywilson104]

Hey great review!....I bought the 2018 version...love the bike although I have upgraded it slightly.....namely- Ivan's Flash and K&N filter......I rode to Sturgis this past August ...almost 3000 miles total for the ride....I love this bike!......also I did install a backrest......a necessary evil for a long ride.......anyway, great bike.....I got mine for 13,999......3 year warranty.......never misses a beat......I look forward to many long rides.....thanks for the review!

[@RabidHedgehog]

Enjoy and ride safe!

[@thomasadkins1668]

Awesome review. I have a 2012 and love it. Ive got 32000 miles on it and NEVER had a problem. Its a great bike. Highly recommend

[@RabidHedgehog]

Ride it safe!

[@RevJay_Rides]

That’s a pretty bike. They ride great. If somebody is looking for a bagger on a budget, this bike will do everything you need with style and comfort for much less than you’ll pay for the competition.

[@ricardok5593]

@rabidhedgehog I bought a Kawasaki Voyager. It runs like the Vaquero. Your video influenced me a lot. Thanks for the review.

[@RabidHedgehog]

You're welcome! Man they're great

[@Regal1999]

What yeah voyager , I’m interested in one as well

[@theeaselrider4032]

A good, honest review. You're right about the hydraulic clutch, must are either on or off, with very little "friction zone", it's more of a friction point. I was lucky enough to ride one of these when they first came out, on a racetrack, no less. It was part of an International Motorcycle Instructor's conference. I flogged that thing way harder than most people on the street likely would, and it handled that just fine. It was quite stable in big, fast sweeping corners. What surprised me though was it's low-speed abilities. There was a very low speed course set up with pylons at the end of each lap, and the bike just dodged through it with no effort at all & very little clutch slippage required. I've been looking at many things for next spring. The Electra Glide Standard & the Road King are right up there. But for the money, the Vaquero is pretty tough to beat.

[@WDStock_man]

I just got my new Vaquero Thursday. Love the ride. This is my first major cruiser. I had a Mean Streak. Harley 1200 Sportster. This takes the cake.

[@CactusJack252]

If I come across one for a good price, I’ll probably trade my sportster in for it

[@MoxieMike66]

I bought a 21' this year (brand new, 1mi on it when delivered). I like it, and I rode a 79' KZ1000 ST for the most part over the past 16yrs. I've added a couple things to it, maybe adding a couple more things, nothing major. That windshield didn't come w/my bike, one of the things I'm tempted to change.

[@hitoshiusami]

I have 2014. I love this bike. Great motorcycle except heat issue. Never over heat though.

[@johnmac8791]

Yeah I have a 2013 temperature great on the highway but goes over three quarters in the city slow traffic but doesn’t go in the red zone

[@douglashawkins4402]

I love the low rumble sound. A loud bike is ok for some, but I'd rather have a good sound that's not obnoxious after several miles of riding. Beautiful painted fairing and the gages are super nice! I'm thinking of purchasing the Voyager which has bags that open from the top and a tour pack.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

The more i drive or ride vehicles the more i appriciate i silent stock exhaust

[@WDStock_man]

I like the sound of the pipes in 5 the gear. It rumbles as well.

[@mindspinn311]

I can’t ignore how much more affordable these are than Indian or HD, with far less maintenance than the latter. The Voyager version is virtually the same price with a lot more cargo space and passenger comfort. I need to ride one.

[@hialeahsbest6479]

This will probably be my next bike. I liked the fact that it is water-cooled. And it's considerably more cheaper for a bagger than anything else out there.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Indeed it is, and it will last.

[@JUFFAIR101]

Why people like the bagger it has no storage

[@CactusJack252]

@@JUFFAIR101it has more storage than bikes with no saddlebags

[@rosarioroberto5823]

Greetings, As always another fantastic detailed video 🇺🇸🍾🎉🇺🇸 Very honest about the details; vibrations, clutch friction, ... Keep producing more videos.

[@baltsosser]

Just having cruise control is a real nice feature.

[@Kerfufflekitten]

Just now is the 1st time seeing this vid, as said to myself “that’s okc!” you said Oklahoma lol!…from Tulsa, nice ride bro!

[@RabidHedgehog]

Okie vloggers are few and far between for sure.

[@garageoutlaw2089]

I rode harleys for years. The last one really treated me badly. After going through many bikes I had a choice to make, this or a road glide. The vaquero was 13k brand new. 0 miles, the road glide was 31k out the door. 0 miles. I bought the vaquero, Initially I was super not happy, the bike ran so hot, stalled, and felt neutered, no power. After reading up on Ivan tune, I did that with intake and exhaust. Holy shit, this bike is better than anything I’ve ever owned. It’s so good, that I even test road the new indian challenger with permission to buy, I’m still on the vaquero, and for many more years.

[@RanGer-498]

Yes but now you cant wear your Harley gear🤣

[@garageoutlaw2089]

RanGer498 only thing I have from Harley is a leather vest. It’s super nice and I still wear it. No shame here.

[@RanGer-498]

@@garageoutlaw2089 yeah I was joking.

[@garageoutlaw2089]

RanGer498 I have friends that wear nothing but Harley shirts and sparkly jeans. 😂

[@RabidHedgehog]

Ride it safe! Sometimes a machine just sings the right song to you and you know it is something special.

[@CraigSmith568]

These bikes are a lot better than what the reviews show. That red is absolutely beautiful. Only complaint I have is that it is really heavy picking it up off of the side stand.

[@RabidHedgehog]

I believed it was very solid machine. I hope that more people do see this and realize it does not always have to be orange and black.

[@turtle19dad]

@@RabidHedgehogwe have a new one sitting in the dealership in my area and I too feel like it is super heavy. Still wanna rode one though. It may change my mind and make me want one.

[@richperdue9344]

I put a piece of 2x6 under the kick stand when parked in the garage. Easier to pick up & takes up a little less space. The voyager trunk weighs 30 lbs (just guessing) then put a passenger on & it's a real handful to pick up off the side stand, about all I can handle at 70 1/2.

[@Sig721Tau]

RH, You need to show this bike's dash cluster lit up at night for your viewers. It looks amazing at night.

[@RabidHedgehog]

If I get a chance to do long term rides where I can have it for an overnight stay I'd love to do it.

[@theeaselrider4032]

This guy does a pretty good review as well, with some night riding. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqGQnaSIgbhmj6s

[@ricardok5593]

Great review. One question: I'm 6' 2". Do you think I'll be comfortable on this Kawasaki Vaquero?

[@RabidHedgehog]

I believe so. There's plenty of space on the roomy seat to find a place to plant

[@ricardok5593]

@@RabidHedgehog thanks for your time.

[@WDStock_man]

I installed some 6.5" speakers myself. It is louder than the 5.5". Without an amp etc.

[@kennykong_50]

Awesome review, planning to test ride one this spring.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Thanks! You'll love it!

[@WDStock_man]

I just bought mine Thursday and 5 the gear gives me plenty of torque right at 3k RPMs

[@cookielover1018TM]

I'm looking for a 2014 special edition, orange or the green lime color 2015

[@fotiostsiropoulos5669]

What about shorter riders ? About 5.6 ? Is it possible for us to look at the road at all (or we ll look only at the speedometer) ? Amazing mashine ...

[@WDStock_man]

Question? Is there after market mirrors that can be purchased that sets back more for easier viewing

[@1motomanic]

Not really into the clam shell bags and wish it came stock with heated grips, other than those two things I really like this bike as is.

[@RabidHedgehog]

I agree that bags that open up top are much better, things stay in their place that way, what a novel concept, right? But I do like this bike very much.

[@williamdavidson4576]

Great review. Very nice looking bike. I like that deep red & black combination. I’m going to check one out to see if it rides better than my Roadmaster. Looks like the Kawasaki is better built too.

[@bolreig8840]

Did you give one a try? Differences vs. Roadmaster?

[@sen_pen0143]

Thanks for the review, I use to have a vtx1300 good bike but not enough power when crossing the bridge with a crosswind. I end up with Concours 1400, love the bike but I'm eyeing on this Vaquero.

[@baltsosser]

Even with a bad interest rate and nothing down, the monthly payments on that are pretty sweet.

[@rudeawakeningsnarrowway5659]

Who needs a harley when that is in existence! Sweeet

[@RabidHedgehog]

This is a very true statement. For in most cases 10K less. 3K less than the only windshield Road King, it is a well done machine for costs.

[@catsmeow7473]

You do a great review. Looking to put in order this weekend for a 2020 Vaquero in the blue. Posted this and a HD 2016 Road King on my MC club FB page and got more votes for the Vaquero new and 3 year warranty at around the same price. I also like it more. By any chance you happen to know what is the after market windshield on the bike and how high it is. I am 6'2" and I read get a taller windshield for more wind protection.

[@RabidHedgehog]

This was a clearview shield and I believe it was the 17 1/2 inch. Here is a link. Hope that helps. www.clearviewshields.com/motorcycle-windshields/kawasaki/kawasaki-touring/voyager-1700-vaquero/

[@tommeytommey2742]

Excellent video! Just liked and subscribed you. I'm thinking about getting the Vaquero. I've had Harley and Kawasaki before. I'm wanting to buy new and I can't justify the price difference. Are you still satisfied with yours? I ride in below freezing too in Ohio. Did you put heated grips on or are good insulated gloves and the fairing enough?

[@OneTreeHill0930]

Would you say it’s a good bike even for around town just to drive? U mentioned it’s made for long highway rides. I’m thinking of upgrading from my Vulcan 900 custom to this.

[@RabidHedgehog]

It is better for that use than the Voyager version. This bike would be decent for in town use, but it will tempt you to just leave it behind.

[@WDStock_man]

I want to get that shield you have because I've tried to ride with my face to the wind. After 40mph can't do it. Where can I get that shield JP Cycles? Ebay?

[@kalaga2k]

Any bike is ok on the HighWay... we need more test on twisted road, with Europen style

[@WDStock_man]

Question? Is there a mirror that I can.replace the stock that's not too close.

[@TimBWig]

Does it come with heated grips? Does the fairing keep the wind off your hands? Good review, thanks!

[@RabidHedgehog]

Does not come with heated grips, but I have heated gloves as you can see :) But the fairing does indeed help keep direct wind blast off the hands.

[@WDStock_man]

You're right on with your assessment 😉

[@jt.4930]

What brand is the windshield. Like to get the same one. Looks nice.

[@michaelchristopher2549]

I just watched your review on the Springfield. Between this and the Springfield, which would you choose?thanks!

[@RabidHedgehog]

This one is has more value for the buck for sure. I would say the room in the Springfield's bags are greater, but there is so much value and such a great ride that I would actually take this one first.

[@michaelchristopher2549]

Rabid Hedgehog thank you! I really appreciate your opinion on this! I’m looking at these two bikes right now. The Kawasaki is a 2012 with 5700 miles on it for $8,500. The Springfield is a 2016 with 4700 miles for $14k. I definitely am leaning towards the Kawasaki. Thank you again...Cheers!

[@thegoblin2684]

I wonder if there is any after market saddle bags that will fit this bike ?

[@RabidHedgehog]

There is not any aftermarket bags at this time.

[@brianhowie3996]

Sweet bike, thanks for video

[@mattdelarede9673]

Great review.

[@triumph_cv]

good review. I want one of these

[@WDStock_man]

Hey I bought a windshield 13 high and the buffetting was too much. I'm going to take it off

[@AnthonysWestTexasRides]

lol, I saw this bike on cycletrader! nice video! I love the Vaquero's! Just throw in an Ivan's ecu flash, an engineered adapters speaker upgrade and a corbin seat w/ backrest and you are set!

[@rcafmaintainer3723]

Now you can also get the headlight adapter for a day maker light!!

[@AnthonysWestTexasRides]

@@rcafmaintainer3723 I saw that, I have added that to my list of upgrades when I get my vaquero. I subscribe to EngineeredAdapters channel and have talked with Randy Brewster on some of the Vaquero FB pages I am a member of.

[@scarystories190]

Whats an ecu flash?

[@scarystories190]

@@AnthonysWestTexasRides i don't know but thats gotta void the warranty.

[@WDStock_man]

The bottom control on the left side is for what?

[@akula1055]

Hey Rabid,love your reviews. Can you tell me which bike would you pick between the vaquero and the MG Flying Fortress and why. Thanks and ride safely.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Well since I ended up with the Flying Fort.... The reason I like the Fort better is that it rides like no other touring bike out there in its class. It acts more like a sport tourer and almost darn near a sport bike with the lean angles in the upper 30 degrees and such. All other bikes in this class would be dragging hard parts at this point. I will also say that the MGX has more modern features such as the power modes and traction control systems and the best darn brakes on a larger bike. Do not get me wrong the Vulcan is a great bike, better wind protection, more storage. But performance is still where I am at and the Fort just sang a lovely song to me when I took it out.

[@akula1055]

Rabid Hedgehog Thanks for the info. Take care

[@RabidHedgehog]

You're welcome, ride safe

[@maximus11400]

Yes that is an aftermarket windshield and its a lot taller than factory. Factory shield is only 6" and it sucks. You get all the air to the face.

[@erics9754]

I wear size 15 so it should be good for me also although some people say the footboards are to small? How smooth is the suspension compared to a Indian Springfield that you rode?

[@RabidHedgehog]

I would say the Springfield has the edge on the suspension and the footboard should not be an issue if you know where the shifter is. My feet fit it okay with room to spare, but that little bit of extra length might bump the rear shifter. Might.

[@erics9754]

Thanks I ride a Suzuki c50 and at 6ft 5 300 lbs it looks a little small for me but I love American cars trucks bikes and I hate to admit the Suzuki is a great bike with 4.1 inches of suspension travel it is smooth. Never gives me any problems not fast but enough power. Me and my wife well me lol want a touring bike but we are on a budget I mean I am on a budget not a self inflicted one. It seems the Kawasaki gives you a lot of bang for the buck especially the voyager. I like a smooth ride is it night or day difference or just a marginal one . I really want the Springfield but 8 grand is a lot of money to me.@@RabidHedgehog

[@theshaggybiker]

It doesn't have Bluetooth doesn't it ? Or just normal radio

[@rosaivettfica516]

Kawasaki the best

[@RabidHedgehog]

They have many excellent models for sure.

[@laceydevillier3922]

Are they easy to maneuver as far as back and pushing with your legs?

[@RabidHedgehog]

Low seat and low center of gravity does help this, but on an incline can be a smidge heavy still.

[@chetlovesamerica6783]

Oklahoma gets some wild wind on a clear day .I use to watch 18wheelers get blown over without a warning!☆

[@RabidHedgehog]

Oh yes we do! And they call Chicago the windy city... That's because it's our whole freaking state so they can keep that name.

[@marksaldibar774]

What kind of back rest is that on the vaquero

[@JUFFAIR101]

I will buy this or star venture Leaning towards the star venture TC

[@user-KrackerJack]

That's a nice bike

[@morrisdennis]

I ride a 20 hd rg limited and believe its superior 2 a hd for the price

[@WDStock_man]

Can the Vaquero run at 85 mph at what RPMs. I had a Kawasaki Mean streak 1600. Top speed 85. 65 hp

[@RabidHedgehog]

Around 3400 RPM and top speed is well into the 100s.

[@WDStock_man]

@@RabidHedgehog I'm thinking about getting one or the Kawasaki Concourse 1400. My concern with the Vaquero is that it's not fast enough on the highway. This was the case with my 65 hp kawy Mean streak. But I'm going to test drive the Vaquero before I commit. I like the looks and the techs on it. I have a Harley Sportster and it's a much better bike than my mean streak 1600. And it raised my awareness of the Harley and what all the races were about. The Sportster is fast but too small for me. So I'm watching your videos and others on the Vaquero for info

[@teerakkiss]

Nice review, my question, I had a roadmaster and loved how it handled, my question is I'm looking to get another bike and was thinking of a chieftain but saw your review and leaning toward the Kawasaki, is the Kawasaki equal to a chieftain or Springfield, would like to save a little cash. Thanks in advance

[@RabidHedgehog]

In more of a since it is like the Chieftain with the radio and fairing and such vs. the Springfield, which is a simple windshield that can be removed. Also it is like the Challenger with a fixed fairing on the front end that does not move. But it is a very nice riding machine with plenty of pep and comfort and offers a ton of bang for buck value. It would not be a bad choice, but ride them all and find the one that fits your ride.

[@teerakkiss]

@@RabidHedgehog thanks, found a great deal on a Vaquero but its in New York, may have to wait to go get it,,

[@shlomobredstein5945]

What exhaust do you have on that?

[@RabidHedgehog]

This was a used motorcycle so I am not sure what was on it.

[@ernielambert1056]

NA Rocks

[@leony3008]

Nice video. I bet you were on 235 near OKC.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Indeed that is where I was for this one, as well as a bit of 44.

[@highmilagerider1154]

Do you know what brand the aftermarket windshield is?

[@RabidHedgehog]

Clearview Shields

[@markcooper7287]

HEY SIR LOVE THAT BIKE. I RIDE A KAW 2014 CONNIE.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Working on doing a ride on one of those too!

[@william629]

What aftermarket pipes did they put on the bike?

[@RabidHedgehog]

Cobra 4 inch slip ons

[@Fathead758]

@@RabidHedgehog those pipes don't amazing on camera

[@jerrystalvey4227]

Get vh remove baffles nice sound.

[@rmccain99]

How does it pull from a stand still.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Great! 0-60 in 6 ish seconds and many people who've had a shot to do it have made it 5.5 seconds. Pretty good for a big gal.

[@nelyat3892]

I want to see this put against the roadglide

[@WDStock_man]

Oh in Oklahoma you get winds alright. There called Tornadoes 👍

[@erics9754]

Is this is a good cheaper option to a Indian? Enjoy your videos did you get a chance to ride the voyager ? I can not decide between that bike and a Springfield which in Canada is eight grand more.

[@RabidHedgehog]

I have not had a chance on the Voyager just yet. I would assume it would be close to the Vaquero as it would only add the top case and a bit of handling dynamic change, no different in riding between the Street Glide and Ultra Classic.

[@jameswolfe1487]

Another great review!

[@derekhamrac8799]

Did you say it had an aftermarket exhaust? What brand?

[@RabidHedgehog]

I believe it was Freedom exhaust.

[@Ron-bo6tb]

With minimal maintenance this bike will wear out two or three Harley Road glides.

[@justcruisin58]

Get the Ivans flash .....makes this bike run soooo much better

[@RabidHedgehog]

I hope peeps will see this!

[@michaelchristopher2549]

I just bought a used 2012 with 5700 miles on it. I ripped the power commander out and sent the ECU directly to Ivan; I’ll never know how the stock bike performs 👍

[@ItsShane79]

This Kawasaki Vaq touringbike weighs litereally TWICE as much as my Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R, but then again this is a comfy touringbike, mine is a well.. ICBM! lol ;)

[@RabidHedgehog]

Should have both in the garage. There a moments you need a precision strike vs. the slow go.

[@brianrahuba6919]

Your a 14 foot size flipper ! Lol just playing . Good video bro .

[@RabidHedgehog]

That is correct! Great for balancing, swimming, and kicking things, but terrible for finding a spot on a floorboard or peg.

[@brianrahuba6919]

And thank's for this video you got me thinking about tradingy Harley Davidson for this Kawi God Bless Rabid .....

[@TamiossoMotos]

Hello. I have a small KZbin channel where I show motorcycles, my rides, comparisons and news. Here in Brazil, it is speculated that the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero 2021 may be launched, based on Harley Davidson's new policy of increasing prices and reducing the offer of models. I would like to show this bike on the channel, but there is no official video for Kawasaki USA or other officials. In this way, I would like your authorization to show some parts of your video, (just a few minutes) as where you can see the panel and the bike's visual. Of course, the source would be cited in video and in the video description. I wait, thank you very much and congratulations on the channel.

[@nokoolaid]

It needs a ECM flash from Ivan's

[@sandakureva]

That'll definitely quicken the throttle response, but if you're buying a new one, wait for the warranty to expire.

[@davestahl9586]

Does it have heated seat and gtips

[@RabidHedgehog]

It does not but it starts around 17K and adding them would still be thousands less than competitive models

[@captainraspy8239]

I like your cell phone holder!!! Jimmy k

[@RabidHedgehog]

Well this is not my motorcycle it was a used one I took out. It was already there. I do not use cell phone holders or anything on my personal machines. The only thing that might be mounted extra is the controls for the action cams to get them off my arm like in this video.

[@WDStock_man]

Nothing vibrates like the an American made bike. Won't mention no names. To protect the innocent 😊

[@theone2be33]

Looks just like a Voyager.

[@RabidHedgehog]

They are without the tour packs.

[@rcafmaintainer3723]

She likes to rev

[@RabidHedgehog]

Indeed it did :)

[@jag1963]

I wanted to buy one of these next year but they do them in Grey. Really? Grey! 2018 Red, 2019 Blue, 2020 Black, 2021 Grey, Stupid.

[@chrisharriman4989]

@ Jaggy. I just bought a new 2020 in blue at a local dealer here in So California for $3,800 off the sticker price. The bikes (and deals) are out there, you just might have to just expand your search area to find one that fits your price range and color.

[@Nazgull2k1]

How do you do a bike review.. and NOT test the damn stereo system? CMON man... seriously!?

[@RabidHedgehog]

Copyright issues..... Any song can be claimed and a strike against us or video pulled.

[@kingjames7929]

Nive bike weak voice

[@rolandjosef7961]

The Vaq is lagging 20 years when it comes to onboard electronics.

[@rubensahak9178]

who cares about that.All the gadgets are just distractions.

[@rolandjosef7961]

@Keith Cawvey Its not a criticsm to Vaq. I am just stating a fact.

[@pjbmo5930]

You got dainty girly hands

[@vstar650canuck7]

Great review

[@raymondharris4054]

What height size is your wind shield?