The best buy in a bagger is the Kawasaki Vaquero!

If you're not into spending well over 20K on a new bagger, you must check out Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero. This bike lists for 16,799.00 with ABS, cornering ABS and traction control. Thanks to Action Honda in Hudson Fl for letting me take this bike for a road test/review. www.actionhonda.com 727-868-6308 www.ridelikeap...
/ ridelikeapro
Here's a good youtube channel started by my son Tony, he's stationed in Northern Italy. He's just starting out with filming his rides on his new motorcycle, please give him a thumbs up and subscribe to his channel, thanks. • Video

[@joem7572]

A few words from someone that owned this bike to anyone looking to purchase one. I bought a brand new 2017 Vaquero in 2018, I got a great discount because I had purchased several dirt bikes, quads, and my dual sport from this dealer on top of the discount that Kawasaki was offering to get these moved out. I was able to take it on a short test drive but only a few miles so I really didn't get the feel for it. I really like the way this bike looks and at speed, it is a very pleasant ride. The engine produces good power and can be woken up with a tune, an aftermarket intake, and exhaust system. The brakes are fantastic, I really can't say I've been on a big cruiser that has better brakes than this. The short wind screen looks great and is good for local trips but I purchased a Clearview Shield for longer trips due to wind noise and buffeting, that shield was great and I purchased another for my new bike. The fit and finish on the bike is great, nothing on the surface looks cheap or like an afterthought. Now for some things I wish I had known, realized, or researched better prior to purchase. First, these run very lean from the factory to meet emissions. They heat up so fast in any kind of stop-and-go traffic and become very uncomfortable quick, especially when the fan kicks on and blows that hot air into your legs on a hot day. Only the heads are liquid cooled, much like the Harleys with twin-cooling, so the rest of the engine relies on oil for cooling, just like a Harley. Second, there is a dead spot in the throttle that makes it difficult to navigate at speeds below 10mph. It feels like the throttle just cuts out and if you're not on the clutch, the engine can stall. I did this a few times when first riding in very slow traffic while in a turn and I thought it was going to go down. There are all kinds of blogs and forums where this is discussed and the only thing to take care of it is to either purchase an aftermarket fuel/air controller or get the ECM flashed. Ivan's Performance supposedly has the best thing going for this bike and if I had kept mine, it would have gone in. In this same line, the acceleration doesn't seem linear with throttle application. It feels like as you accelerate you have to twist the throttle more for the same percentage of gain. This is also corrected by the aftermarket tune shops. Third, the factory offers a sissy bar but you have to purchase a mounting kit separately that only mounts the sissy bar, why? To get a luggage rack, you have to purchase the mounting bracket and the sissy bar because it bolts to the sissy bar. All together this cost about $832 before tax. I opted to purchase an aftermarket seat with a sissy bar but that wouldn't allow us to install a factory luggage rack. Aftermarket support for this bike is lacking greatly and I didn't like the two luggage rack options I was able to find. It seems a lot of people on the forums had something custom made. Forth, the hard bags opening sideways became a real pain in the butt. Granted, it forces you to lock these so you don't ever have to worry about someone getting in easily but if you want to open both sides, you have to relock the thing while open to get the key back out. Loading the bags for a long trip always required some careful planning so everything wouldn't spill out as soon as you opened them. Even though the size is comparable to other baggers, they really don't compare to a top loader. Fifth, there is not a lot of good aftermarket support for handlebars or bar risers. If you want to get the bars back a little further for a more relaxed riding position, you won't get any support from Kawasaki. If you get bar risers or aftermarket bars, most things I read say they will contact the fairing and you need to adjust the stops or really sweep the bars back to an unnatural position. Stay far away from the flea-bay bar risers, the only good ones I found were from Chuckster's Customs. Sixth, I don't know if the 2020 and later model year have theses issues. I bought my bike in June of 2018. I checked out both the 2018 and 2019 models, they were unchanged from my 2017. A) The audio interface in the left fairing cubby is a proprietary cable to get it to operate your iPod or phone. I was going to buy the iPod docking station cable and holder only for Kawasaki to discontinue it while they were still selling bikes with a now useless cable in the cubby. Nothing else will plug into that cable and you have to splice or solder your own stuff into to make it useful. B) Those cubby doors are cheap and the hinge will give way after repeated use. The hinge is just a thin piece of plastic that has a seem where it bends back and forth, think taking a thin piece of tin and folding it over to create a crease and then using that as a hinge. C) The radio is severely underpowered. Even with the Clearview Shield and half helmets, it was difficult to hear the radio at speed. Because I couldn't connect my phone or iPod and there isn't a CD player, I had to rely on what was on the radio for music. We just opted to not listen and I was checking into aftermarket options before I traded it. These were my experiences but it seems many others have had a similar one. For the price, the bike is a great machine to get into the bagger market. Just be aware of its shortcomings before hand and you won't be disappointed in the long run like I was. Ride safe and keep the shiny side up. (Edited for grammar)

[@BuddhaRice]

you deserve a award for this great review!

[@joem7572]

@@BuddhaRice Thank you. I always appreciate reading someone's thoughts on a machine so I like to make sure I give an honest opinion. Ride safe!

[@radarlove1497]

Thank you for your review. I’m currently on a 17’ Concours, and my fourth Kawasaki overall.

[@gphilipc2031]

Good advise, thanks @J...7572

[@pumptruckjim]

I have had my Vaquero for 2 years now, about 15000 miles. Have a similar tall windshield but clear. Only complaint was the stock seat. Im a bigger guy and could only do about 2 hours in it. Switched to Mustang touring seat with backrest now can do 10 to 12 hours with little problem. It seems pretty nimble for a big bike. looked at a Harley, but here in Canada at least, the Kawi was about 40 % less. Dont regret my decision one bit. Love the bike overall and would happily but it again.

[@backlash370]

I met more Harley owners who owned a bike like mine , consistently tell me they regret selling their's. One even had a son who bought his Yamaha back.

[@johngilbert1047]

Vaquero...pronounced vuh-CARE-oh. Spanish for cowboy.

[@johngilbert1047]

I’ll stick with my Ultra Classic. Metric bikes are boring to me.

[@vromogata3807]

@@johngilbert1047 what do you mean metric?? Cause of ccs ???

[@johngilbert1047]

Vromo Gata Thats a term that became popular when the Japanese companies all started making v-twin cruisers to compete with Harley. “Metric Cruisers” was the actual term used.

[@vromogata3807]

@@johngilbert1047 ohh ok makes sense. Nothing bores me when its saving money and for not paying a premium price is one of em things...hahah

[@johngilbert1047]

Vromo Gata Don’t get me wrong...they’re well built bikes, and make lots of bike owners happy. But no matter what you do to their exhaust, they don’t have that Harley Davidson sound. Or history. Diff’rent strokes...

[@thomass789]

Personally, I ride HD, but I appreciate ALL makes of bikes, and I sincerely do want all of the bike manufacturers to do well. The stronger (more sales) each manufacter is, the more competition there is for us as bike buyers. Which results in each company stepping up their game and offering us a better/more bike for our buck. That said, it really disappoints me to see what seems to be so many fundamental mistakes being made by all of the different bike makers/sellers. No test rides by some dealers? Really? Just on principle, I would NEVER give a dealer a five digit check for a bike I couldn't ride first. No STANDARD ABS and no STANDARD LED by HD on new bikes? Come on. It's 2020 and bike buyers are aging, so all of the manufacturers/dealers need to stop making basic mistakes like this.

[@bradleypearson1087]

Yh that's why I bought the Indian roadmaster darkhorse. I'm in love with it. Sadly harley just aren't up to scratch for me for the money and if the other brands sold stuff like this over here in the UK, it'd be awesome. I see where your coming from.

[@darvaish4552]

Thomas very sensible what you said

[@thomass789]

It's just so disappointing because the first thing we fall in love with is the idea of riding. Not riding an HD, per se. Not riding an Indian, necessarily. Not the idea of only riding a Vulcan or Kawasaki or any other specific brand. But we fall in love with riding two wheels. The freedom. The feeling. The camaraderie. We fall in love with riding first and foremost. And then the various manufacturers and dealers are able to profit off of that, as well they should. They SHOULD profit off of that, they are a business after all. But it needs to be give and take. They give us bikes we want, they take our money for those bikes. Lol But when they make such fundamentally bad business decisions like not letting someone try out a $17k product BEFORE paying for it? Come on! That's just bad business. I would feel so insulted when the sales person told me "no, you can't ride it first, you have to pay $17k plus taxes and title, etc" THEN we'll give you the bike and you can see what you think of the thing you just paid all that money for". I would politely tell them to tell their boss (or whoever made that decision) that I thought it was a ridiculous arrangement and that at least one person (me) thought it was a ridiculous policy.

[@addicted2baseballrgd21]

Most Japanese manufacturers, have demo days. Yamaha and Kawasaki are really good about it. Honda a little tougher, you just have to go to motorcycle shows. Suzuki very little options on what bikes they bring to the demo day.

[@eddcain]

@@thomass789 well said!!!

[@rmccain99]

Water cooled and half the price of a Harley.

[@raofsonshine5975]

Not half but point taken.

[@white_devil73]

@alex stewart And what do you ride? Most people who like to rag Harleys are salty because they just can't afford one. I actually own a Harley but I appreciate all motorcycles. I don't rag someone for what they ride, even if it isn't a Harley. How about you post a video of you on your superior bike?

[@abandonedminehunters]

@Rory The Red I buy it for reliability not recognition

[@baltsosser]

Much lower price point. Cross country tour capable. The money saved means MILES ridden that sounds great to me.

[@brianminkc]

but unfortunately not a Harley.

[@jamessloanofficial]

Those are very good looking bikes. The white is especially clean looking

[@adavidson116116]

I’m about to purchase one of these. It’s a 13’ with only 7k miles. Garage kept and I looked it over at the dealer it’s in perfect shape. And at only $7k. Think it’s a great deal.

[@brentmitchell9116]

This will outlast any Harley 10 to 1 guaranteed.

[@bodega01]

I have a 2017 (Red). I love it, except the previous owner added the V&H exhaust and removed the baffles. I'm installing the stock pipes and send my ECU to IVAN's. Other than that, I enjoy riding it as much as I can. Ride Safe & God Bless!! (RS&GB!!)

[@joem7572]

@Momo Borelli I owned a 2017 as well and I was disappointed with it. My brother and one of my brother-in-laws both have a Harley, my other brother-in-law has a Yamaha Night Star, and our dad now has a Harley. I got mine at a very good price but it couldn't keep up with any of the other bikes in stock form and the bars were at an uncomfortable position for me on long road trips. We do several 400-500 mile trips each year and I was always sore until I was finally able to get some bar risers that worked. I finally had enough when we were getting ready to go to Sturgis last year and we couldn't get all of our gear in or on the bike and couldn't find a decent luggage rack that worked with our aftermarket seat. I traded it on a Road Glide and couldn't be happier.

[@dilligaf76]

By the way motorman, it's pronounced Va-care-oh ....and anyone in ga, I got mine at freedom power sports in McDonough and they absolutely let you test ride motorcycles!!!

[@byront243]

Coincidence! I’ll be buying mine in a couple of days. I love the blue of the 2020. I used to ride a 2007 Electraglide FLHT. Now I can’t wait to ride “my” Vaquero. 👍🏽

[@budfans]

check out ivans tune it will eliminate any complaints if you have any about slow speed throttle and more power for highway

[@byront243]

shawn benfield Thanx much for the info. I’ll check it out 👍🏽

[@1YouTube_you]

Byron T it’s got to be more reliable then a Harley

[@byront243]

You Tube I know one thing, the Vaquero will not be the “wobble” king that the Electraglide was. And, I love riding too much to be price gouged by hd.

[@byront243]

Alan Whiteside Nice! I test rode the 2017 Roadglide when it first came out with the 107ci in October of 2016. It felt great and stable and kept its line when I pushed it hard on a curve. A whole different animal from my ‘07 FLHT. I would love to buy the 2020 Roadglide special, but I’m priced out. Even the Roadglide Standard is too expensive for what it is. That’s why I’m going with the vaquero. It’s everything the Roadglide (Standard) is at $5k less. At this point in my life, I’m no longer brand loyal. I want to get the most for my hard earned money. Ride safe, Brother!

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

I Have the 2019 voyager. Same bike. What a value !!!! Nailed it Jerry !!!!

[@motorman857]

Thanks.

[@gwynnromano5881]

I have a buddy who bought one about four years ago. He put 100K miles on it then switched to a HD Ultra Limited last year. He said the Kawi was a great bike but he always wanted a Harley.

[@white_devil73]

@Brandon Macon a-fucking-men.

[@watch4motorcycles343]

I’m sorry, but if I can’t test ride the bike, I’m not buying it. I’ll go somewhere else.

[@rkr894able]

I want this Vaquero so bad!! Ill be buying it this summer!

[@candymintz]

me too....seen several reviews, very impressed

[@joem7572]

@@candymintz I recommend taking a long test drive and really investigating the lack of aftermarket support for this bike before pulling the trigger, I wish I had.

[@sanj5026]

@@joem7572 yeah I agree... Stock the bike is ugly. It NEEDS aftermarket parts. Bars, 21-26" wheel, headlight upgrade, audio, exhaust, mirrors. I've seen some really really nice Vaqeuros online upgraded

[@davidjoaquin141]

Nice Job!! I own a 2014 vaq. and love it. Almost bought a Road Glide and then I test rode mine. No brainer but, I've always been partial to Japanese bikes. THe RG was nice but the $9k less sold me.....and the wife.

[@ArtStamos]

They probably don't let you test drive it because there is not enough profit to cover insurance cost, I would still provide used options for people to kick around the block or even rent.

[@highmilagerider1154]

Best bikes for the money. I bought a 2014 Kawasaki Nomad 1700 new for $13,000 out the door (Canada). I was able to take it out for a 1 hour test ride first. I put 106,000km on it in 3 years and never had a problem with it. You can easily put 300,000-500,000 km on that motor and transmission without ever doing anything to it. I’m going to buy a new Voyager in a few years as a retirement bike. Keep up the great videos!

[@armyguyz00]

Love mine! Got a 2016 for 10k with 8,000 miles

[@willkearney5002]

Hey Jerry, I follow all of ur vids & as being a fellow Vaquero owner I would like to thank you for test ridn the Kawasaki brand!! The vaquero is an awesome bike. There are a few upgrades tht u can do to increase power! You wouldn't b disappointed. But thank you for not being bias, as to testing other brands!!!

[@motorman857]

You're welcome...I'd test ride them all if I could..

[@albertkoeniges2173]

Picked up my 2024 Vaquero in July, what a motorcycle. Has just enough tech without going overboard. Your review of this motorcycle sealed the deal for me thanks!

[@donaldsoncole3095]

The 2020 model is blue and it is Pretty Pretty!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@madejori]

It's a beautiful bike

[@baddriver3580]

Lots of idiot dealerships not letting anyone test ride any bike ! Guess they don’t want to sell any of em!! Keep em , guys, I’ll go Indian or HD !!

[@mikedanaher3413]

All the dealers allow test rides near me. You are right. It’s the test ride that usually sells the bike. I absolutely love the Vaquero.

[@gregreeves7696]

Where are you around here the dealers don't stock street bikes ounleds it's a ninja

[@gonrdn]

The 1700 engine was all new in 2009. 5th and 6th gear are both overdrive.

[@richardalvis4695]

Love the bike. I have 4 hogs from 1957 to 2005. Looking for a bagger myself. I want a Harley but its becoming like buying tools off of a tool truck. Buying the brand name is all. There are quality tools out there that are 80% cheaper. Same with baggers. Gotta go look at one of these.

[@nokoolaid]

I know a guy in Canada that got over 400K miles out of his 2009 Voyager which has the same engine. You can also send the ECM to Ivan's performance for a flash that really perks up the engine. With the flash, slip-ons and air kit it does 90hp and 115 torque at the rear wheel without loss of reliability.

[@joekamer7779]

Well I disagree personally. I think the Honda F6b. Is allot better

[@bill1374]

Not fast and not slow = half fast

[@Kwhopperfan]

Thanks for taking time to review this machine. It really is the most underrated bike on the market. I bought a 19 Voyager for $13,750. Many dealers in Pennsylvania won’t let you ride either, but some do, the Harley dealers are 50/50 on test rides. Ivan’s performance Ecm reflash makes these bikes really come alive. Had mine done @ 150 miles. The emissions regulations really messes with the performance. The reprogram Gives you over 100 ft lbs at 1500 rpms instead of 2750. And about 86 hp at the top end.

[@Kwhopperfan]

Not to be picky but no Bluetooth on these bikes. It has intercom built in but hook ups need added, it has aux in and I phone capabilities but the appropriate harnesses have to be added.

[@NoShadowOfDoubt1]

That is a very good price ....

[@ace1usmc]

It is utterly moronic how Yamaha dealers won't let you ride their bikes. Just like you said, I walked into a HD dealership a few years ago, and took a brand-new CVO Road Glide Ultra out for a ride, fell in love with it, and bought it on the spot. (I have since gotten rid of that bike - it was plagued with electronic issues.) I went to a Yamaha dealership to test ride a Star Venture Transcontinental - but they wouldn't let me try it out. Walked out, went down the street to the Honda dealership, and they immediately let me take out a Goldwing - which I bought. Dealerships that don't let people try a bike are pretty stupid. I'm not saying they should just let everyone take out a new V-Max - but if you ride up on a CVO Road Glide Ultra and are interested in a luxury tourer - why would they say "No"???

[@danjones5869]

Two questions: Do the metric bike dealers allow you to test drive the bikes before you buy them? And if not, how do you feel about that? You didn’t make it very clear in the video.

[@MjCustomCycles]

Nice job on your assessment of this particular bike I just bought a 2023 and I'm enjoying it very much so. Thank you for the KZbin video

[@maxwellschmidt235]

The best deals are always in the no-frills brands. It's like how in the supermarket, the Kellogg's cereals cost twice as much as Wegman's generic. When you buy a Harley, one of the frills you're paying for is the test drive. Personally, I prefer brands that have their money in the bike, rather than the sales floor. Not saying Harley is making a cheap product, but that sticker price has more non-bike product baked into it than other brands have. That said, I think it would be a worthy investment for the Japanese brands to get some limited test rides to social media influencers of a certain size. From where I sit, motorcycle KZbin seems heavily biased toward talking about HD, which I think is in large measure because anyone can get an HD test ride. Which is one thing that makes it ridiculous when I see social media influencers whining about how HD marketing isn't respecting them- why would they put any effort into that when they are getting it for free?

[@darknessmoto9912]

Can’t really agree. I’ve owned well over a dozen bikes from every brand and model type. I just got my first Harley and yes it is by far the most expensive bike I’ve ever owned. That being said it is also the best built. Small little details that you don’t notice for months, fit and finish, comfort, quality of materials used is all a step above other brands. They are very reliable (200,00-300,000 miles is common) and they hold their value better than any other brand. Test rides are free and if a dealer is charging for a test ride just go find a better dealership. I’ve had a vaquero, v star, shadow and Indian and my Harley feels more solid and is just better built than all of the others. I really wanted to hate HD like most people do and then I got one and I get it now.

[@samoramachel55]

As a new older rider I would have a problem if I wasn't able to test drive a new bike I wanted. Great insight on the Vaquero model.

[@Resistculturaldecline]

They're just protecting their investments, but I understand the test ride issue from a buyer standpoint. Also, in the video you can see the tach going to nearly full rev-range on a dead cold engine. That's quite hard on an engine, and ESPECIALLY on a new engine.

[@Bradbeard-nv1vo]

Vaqueros are plenty fast. Just need to have Ivan flash the ecu. It will run cooler, have better speed, better fuel efficiency, less hesitation, and a hundred other things kawasaki should have done out of the factory

[@abandonedminehunters]

I liked the 2010 matt black paint I’ve got a 2010 -900 Vulcan custom, 64,000 trouble free miles.... So far👍

[@TheOmallez]

Jerry - Awesome review. Appreciate your honesty and open-minded approach you bring to your commentary.

[@JMGeranimo]

Looked great, loved my 2013 Honda f6b as well.

[@karenshoucairmcgray4902]

Nice looking bike! I love your road tests! Thank you Jerry!

[@easyglider1307]

I have the 2014 Special Edition Vaquero candy burnt orange, best bang for your buck for sure. If you ride the Vaquero that has had the ECU flashed by Ivan, like mine, your opinion on power may change. Whole different bike after its been Ivanized. Good Review Jerry.

[@motorman857]

I'm sure your right. But what's with Kawsaki having driveabilty problems in this day and age?

[@easyglider1307]

@@motorman857 I have never had an issue like that, so not sure. I can put on cruise at 80mph and take my hands off the bars, she stays straight line , no wobble or anything. Only issue I have seen in the forums is a wobble due to steering neck bearings going bad over time. Kawasaki uses plastic bearing cages for some reason.

[@motorman857]

@@easyglider1307 Driveabilty problems is why you had the ECU flashed by Ivan. Correct?

[@easyglider1307]

@@motorman857 Correct. I misunderstood drivability to mean handling, my apologies. The bike was a dog before Ivan's flash.

[@EM-vf6pe]

Just bought a Vaquero, love it! Ivan flash with roaring toyz intake, Vance and Hines slip on's, and 21" PM front wheel. 🤘😉

[@heithwatkins]

I wonder if you pre qualified at the dealership to buy it. Would you then get to test ride it?.....Either way, I can find out online enough to make my decision. Thanks for your excellent video and information. God bless you!😎😎😎

[@Ojisan642]

Have you tried out the Triumph Rocket 3 GT? Would love to hear your take on that machine.

[@mjsmith8641]

Yeah he did

[@gnd111]

Had one for 1 year...ran great..rode rough...top heavy...crazy vibs...but a good bike for the price

[@D-Sinful]

Beautiful bike

[@chevylover1973m]

Great bike. Had a 2015 Voyager, BUT can't compare it with my 2018 Roadmaster. The Kawi is top heavy compared to the Indian Roadmaster and even with the steering mount fairing, the Indian feels way better and lighter. Okay, it is also way more expenisive. Never regretted it. Kawi = great value for the money.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I know you have no control over the ads but both ads that played before your video were music videos from HalfPintFilmz and EXTREMELY vulgar. I'm surprised that KZbin would do that; it's the first time I've seen it done. I'm digging the Vaquero!

[@motorman857]

You're correct. I have no say over the ad's youtube puts on my video's.

[@sbhjackson5931]

It would be great if someone made a bagger that can go 300 miles (realistically) on a tank of gas. There have been plenty of road trips when I did not want to start looking for a gas station at 190 miles.

[@Thecanadiangamer25]

I know this is 2 years old but I'm a 20 year old looking to get into motorcycles. I have instantly fell in love with cruisers, touring bikes, and baggers. I love the Kawasaki Vaquero and I have been wondering, would this bike be too much for a beginner? It's 1700cc which I know is a no-no for people who have never ridden before but watching this channel shows me that regardless of your skill level having techniques, patience, and practice would get your far. Second question would be is there really a such thing as a beginner's bike or is it all the same since you're learning something completely new? Thanks in advance Sincerely, NTCG25

[@motorman857]

For 95% of beginners, a small bike like a Honda 300cc bike is a better option.

[@johnburgess2084]

I wonder if the reason some dealers won't let folks do a test ride has to do with the break-in period? Maybe they don't "trust" prospective buyers to treat the motorcycle properly for the first 0-100 miles? I suspect (guessing only) that my local Harley dealer has some of each model already "broken in" that they use for test rides. Or, is the recommended break-in type riding just a myth? I love your videos, all of them! Thanks.

[@baddriver3580]

Nice bike, flash the ecu and it'll run like a uncaged wildcat!

[@richardalvis4695]

I take that back. Still going to look at a Harley bagger.

[@DoubleH1906]

Im a HD rider, but have always been a Kawasaki man, used to riding the ZX-14. That is beautiful and I am sure that torque is massive.

[@MadMexism]

No test ride because they have zero miles. Honda sells there bikes dry to. When I bought my Rebel 500, it was filled up after purchase.

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

Yeah but they could do what car companies do and have a test mule that they can still flip towards the end of the year for a lower value ofc.

[@melkeeler2236]

I own a 2014 Vaquero. Bought it brandnew in the crate for $13,500.00 Canadian dollars in 2015. Plus tax and tag. Best Motorcycle I have owned so far. Year 5 on the battery and still starts right up. Great value for the money.

[@rcafmaintainer3723]

You got a killer deal!! I bought mine in 2015 and it is 2014 SE, I paid $18,000 after taxes. I bought it at E&S in Fort Saskatchewan AB.

[@anthonypaturzo4409]

I have the exact same 2016 Vaquero with 3000 miles on it.. I might want to sell it to get a Goldwing...

[@agnaldooliniski4164]

Goldwing best bike ever

[@kellymc239]

@@agnaldooliniski4164 Yes, Honda makes good lawn mowers. That's about it.

[@steveh7108]

I believe Kawasaki had that 1500 motor a lot earlier than 95. I think I remember looking at them in the showroom in 1990 and I think they were around well before that.

[@428cj3]

the 15 and 1600 are completely different engines from the 1700s

[@robertoataro9492]

Excellent video and a great review of the Vaquero Jerry. I am ready to trade my '08 BMW R1200rt and my '14 Yamaha Roadstar Silverado S for the 2020 Vaquero Blue.....looks gorgeous. I want one.

[@bobanderson6870]

I have the same bike. 2016 pearl white. Only about seven thousand miles but absolutely trouble-free. Traded a 2007 Electra Glide for the Vaquero. Just a very smooth and quiet engine that for very little money can be made nearly 100% Ivan's remap of the computer and a set of Cobra slip-ons is all you need and the bike will have a ton of more power a nice Rumble and still get 45 miles per gallon. Just an incredible bargain for the money compared to what you pay for other baggers.

[@crispernator]

I had one of the early vn1500 wasn't a bad bike at all around 1995 model ,the only thing i wasnt used to was the gearbox seemed very industrial with the changes , as for the test ride policy i find that ridiculous how the hell do you know if the bike suits you if you cannot test ride it ,you might think its the bike for you then find out whooo this is way to much for me i with you its a load of bull.

[@brucesantacory1390]

you need to try the new Honda Goldwing Standard (what used to be the F6B) i own the F6C Valkyrie Cause i wanted back to original Goldwing with No Fairings at all, but the Goldwings are in my Educated (47 years in the motorcycle industry) are Better balanced than the Harley's, and Way Smoother.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

I owned a 2010 Vulcan Voyager for 60,000 miles. Good bike for the money. I now own a Road Glide and I love how it can easily be transformed from a street bagger to full up touring in a few minutes.

[@JeremiahHartmanPhotography]

i have a Voyager too and thats one thing HD has on Kaw is that HD makes everything detachable

[@metricOIL]

Also have the Voyager... the full tour version of this bike....

[@ricks.1318]

NICE bike Sir !!! I grew up on Kawis ..... Both dirt & street bikes .... ALWAYS very dependable machines for me .... "Thanks for the review" !!

[@TeensierPython]

When I was buying my first bike I wanted to test ride some bikes and the only people who let me ride was Harley. Go figure I bought a Harley.

[@georgecook5120]

The BMW dealer in Jacksonville will let you demo their bikes; the caveat being they have demo bikes set aside for that purpose. It is a very bizarre policy to not allow customers to demo the bikes.

[@ericsalinas1839]

I like the easy neutral feature. But I'll keep my Harley.

[@stefanjoseph2605]

Ummmm......ok.

[@waynewebb3207]

I bought new 2019 Vaquero last June and the dealership had no problem letting me test ride 1st. I would not buy if I couldn't test that's just bad business.

[@jamesleslie9352]

Hey Jerry, I'm the original owner of the bike you were riding, so I can fill in the full history on it. I traded it for a 2018 Goldwing ECT tour.

[@FundedFuturesTrader]

James Leslie so which bike you like better between the two?

[@jamesleslie9352]

For me, it isn't even a close run thing. For my style of riding, the Goldwing has it by a long way. The Vaquero is one of the most comfortable rides I've been on, and the torque when you get on it is exhilerating. But as an overall, everyday bike, the Wing is far more luxurious, better handling, faster, more economical, longer range ( same size tank), and just as comfortable. Let me put it this way.......I traded two Suzuki Burgman 650 Exec's for my first 18 Goldwing Tour DCT. This left me with an 01 ST1100, the Vaquero, and the Wing. I found myself never riding the other two. So within 8 months I' d sold the ST on Craiglist, and traded the Vaquero for a second Wing. I was very wary of spending so much on a bike. Buying the first was a very difficult decision. Getting the second was easy. I've found my "forever" bikes.

[@FundedFuturesTrader]

James Leslie I own a ‘14 Ultra Limited which I’m selling and my plan since Christmas is to buy my first Wing which I will be doing very soon is why I asked. Thank you for the reply.

[@willmann30]

@@jamesleslie9352 WHAT A SMALL FREAKING WORLD. Your very bike is not only seen being reviewed but reviewed by Motorman Jerry himself! Hotdamn 👍🏾👍🏾

[@jamesleslie9352]

Well, we do live in the same regional area, and I have seen Jerry out on the road a couple of times, but definitely unusual that he chose to test this exact bike.

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

The 1700cc didn't come out until 2nd half of 2000s cuz I bought a 2004 kawi custom was first year the 1600cc came out. 1-3 years later they upgraded the nomad to 1600cc and after that 1700cc arrived. My 1600cc was 5 spd and it could go to 132km/hr in first gear before the Rev limiter cut in. It was faster than sport bikes off the start. Loved that beast.

[@Slking507]

Luckily here in OH there are a few dealers that will let you test ride their Kawasaki bikes. They have bikes set aside just for that purpose. And after they hit a few hundred miles they have no problem selling their demo bikes.

[@jeffpalmer5502]

No test riding ? Wow. The reason I bought my Vic was a testride on advice of a freind, when i was actually on my way to buy an Ultra. We have a lot of twisty mountain roads around here and i like to attack the corners and at 80 k and counting, the Vic does it very well . Think Ill go find a used Vaquero to try. Looks like a great bike ! I also like that new HD Electra glide of yours ! Ride on !

[@gregorytracy3512]

I owned a '16 Kawasaki Voyager. Great bike, sluggish throttle response compared with my '17 Indian Roadmaster or the Milwaukee 8 HD's

[@da72ma]

Never buy a motorcycle without a test ride... I know plenty of dealerships which let you do it... ea. Harley, Indian, BMW, and Triumph... nice bike though...

[@200hit]

Wish Harley had that feature to find Easy Neutral... Its Hard sometimes to find neutral on Harley's Gotta love em

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Looks interesting but my Harley Davidson 2018 Road Glide Special has been rocking my world for 2+ years. Thanks MotorMan for the variety of quality content. 👍🏼 😎 🇺🇸 🌎

[@chrisstiff4734]

Now why would anyone buy a vehicle without a test drive? I sure as hell wouldn't! I don't care if it's 3 million or 3 hundred$$$. How can you judge the handling or if it's a fit to your body style?

[@kcav5374]

I'm a subscriber & I love your test rides and your input. two things; I definitely would not want that shaded windshield. And what is the weight of that bike?

[@Kwhopperfan]

Not Here 844.5 pounds fully fueled.

[@mtroy0620]

I've always liked that bike and it looks great in white. Never leave you stranded, that's for sure.

[@retrogames487]

you are right: on harley dealers you can ride the new expensive models and on the other japanese dealers not. but i think this is the harley strategy that their v-twin is hooking people. they wan´t them get hooked. but bmw dealers also allow test drives on their expensive models, at least in germany but i guess it is kind of the same in usa.

[@bretlagasse3560]

Do you think there is a noticeable difference in power from the Class to the Vaquero?

[@traceysmith311]

My 2019 Heritage had 37 miles on it when we rode it home...I didn't mind a bit as the dealer told me they come off the truck from Harley with 5 miles on them...so all it means is that someone test rode the bike. Not allowing someone to test ride a bike is just flat out short-sighted. I CAN understand requiring them to have a motorcycle license but if my hubby and I can BOTH test ride it we are NOT buying.

[@buddywilson104]

Got the 2018 model of this bike. Great bike at a great price. Mine was 13,999.....I added the Ivan's Flash and the Freedom Performance pipe. Better bike and much better sound, even though it's a great bike stock too.

[@servicarrider]

Probably the best V-Twin tourer for the money and a bike that anyone could be proud to own. Very dependable motorcycles.

[@RanGer-498]

Kawasaki ,honda and Yamaha dealers by me do allow you to do test rides on the new bikes...they just wanted a valid driver's license from me.

[@p917pilot]

Interesting! A couple of years ago, I was looking to replace my 2K Dyna. Local Harley shop had an '07 Road King that I fell in love with. "Test ride?" "Nope, you can watch the salesman ride it, though!" Damn! So I watched. Didn't look bad. Bought the bike anyways. Came to a stop at the first light and it felt like the rotor was warped! Double Damn! Caviat Emptor! (Let the buyer beware!) Either I've gotten used to it or the problem is gone now. That sale put a bad taste in my mouth, but I love the bike!

[@p917pilot]

@Brandon Macon It was love at first sight. Still is! Not at all sorry I got it, just having a hard time trusting that dealership anymore.

[@MrSuperpat]

Get Ivans flash for the ECU and it runs great. I love mine.

[@motorman857]

I noticed the abrupt on off throttle response and thought it was just because I wasn't used to the bike. Then I went to Ivans web site and read why this occurs. If other bikes don't have that problem, neither should Kawasaki. Especially since they've been making this bike since 2011.

[@flyinggyros9745]

They won’t let you test ride them? That’s why some of us go to Bike Week. And I’ve always purchased my bike of choice after that. Even the Harleys I’ve owned. I can ride them all at Bike Week one after another which leaves to better decisions. I like that bike.

[@chrisking6707]

I have a 2009 Vulcan 2000 and have really been considering a Vaquero or a Voyager for more serious long distance touring. This video is really pushing me closer to getting one. 😁

[@JS-lw2lu]

Had a Vulcan 1700 Classic LT for awhile. Stupid to have sold it. Best big bike I ever had. And the best looking. Kawa has been making great cruisers for years.

[@robertbooher2086]

I do want one of those. Just started riding last October. First bike was a boulevard c50 not to bad, not big enough for me. So I found a 13 victory cross country, bought it and I really like my victory. Maybe sometime down the road I will get one of those or even a road glide.

[@SeanMurphy00]

The Vaquero is a great bike and the price makes it affordable for someone just getting into the bagger market The only things I don’t like about them is 1) dashboard needs an update/upgradable to a gps system 2) the color choices are very limited. For the current year If you don’t like electric blue or the racing stripes then you’re screwed lol

[@robclasen8158]

I’ve owned 2 Kawasaki’s, a 2001 Vulcan Nomad 4 years 45k on it traded it 05 for a 2004 Vulcan 2000, I had it 8 years and put 100k on it. They were solid bikes, great handling and very reliable.

[@LynxStarAuto]

Still are. These new ones are very solid bikes.

[@HayabusaOrlando]

I had an old Vulcan Nomad 1500. It was a bagger and had everything on it. Great bike. Sold it because it was older with no 6th gear. But other than that, it was a Great bike.

[@1dlb]

Thanks Jerry - the king of safe riding !!!

[@Madcatdave]

I know this a year old but that's weird that the kawasaki dealer didn't allow you to test ride. My kawasaki dealer allows test rides. As you said test rides can make or break a sale.

[@srhintz]

They are nice. You can pick up a used one very reasonably. So long as you don't want to customize too much they are decent but don't sound quite right.

[@gphilipc2031]

Based on reports from various channels on YT. They like these bikes but they go and have the computer "flashed" in the aftermarket for, some say, vastly improved performance.

[@equaliser2265]

Same with Triumph they allow test rides. They have confidence in their products and know that once you have ridden it you will probably buy it. Honda Kawasaki get your act together.

[@motorman857]

The local Triumph dealer said no test rides.

[@brad_wilson]

I test rode several Kawasaki bikes before settling on a Versys. I expect it varies by locale.

[@westcoast3595]

Nice lines. Die hard HD guy here. But the last couple decades have potential catastrophic possibilities. So I built my own. Love it. Not a bagger tho. Do miss my roadking. Dont miss the ultra. Softails my favorite. But damn need big cash for moco stuff anymore. This looks good Jerry.

[@joevillareal191]

Think I'll stick with My ROAD KING... Looks like a comfortable ride though. 👍👊✌