Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero - Rode Test
Maverick - Jul 12, 2011

 Intro and First Impressions:

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero rides and handles like a bike weighing much less than the stated 883 lbs. It is very agile and easy to maneuver onto the roadway. The biggest challenge to getting used to this motorcycle may be to understand how a Spanish word comes to be the name for a motorcycle manufactured by a Japanese company. 

I am still working on that one, but that may take a while. In the mean time I’ve ridden the motorcycle, taken photos (some of which you see here), and experienced the motorcycle at different angles, speeds, and on different roadway environments. This is an easy bike to ride! In fact, everything about it is easy, and it looks great too! 

The powerful looking and sleek Vaquero is loaded and features a powerful V-Twin motor, fairing, short windshield, hard, lockable and sealed side-opening side cases that provide nearly 10 gallons of durable storage space on each side for overnight touring. Their flowing, rounded shape is attractive.  Up front, lockable glove boxes provide a handy place for storing smaller items such as handheld devices, cell phones, gloves, etc.   The Vaquero comes with convenient dual under-set helmet holders.  

The Vulcan 1700 Vaquero is new for 2011. Vaquero means cowboy or cattle driver. Perhaps this is Kawasaki’s way of inviting independent, adventurous, and cool motorcyclists to own and ride this motorcycle.   Works for me!

Most will agree this is a very nice looking motorcycle. The profile exudes symmetry and motion. Every design feature of the Vaquero flows from the power plant. With attention drawn to the center of the bike, there is no confusion about what is important to the make up of this bike. It looks like it is ready for the next adventure. 

The Vaquero comes in two highly polished colors Ebony and Candy Fire Red. Each is highlighted with strategically placed chrome: roll bars, handle bars, mirrors, engine heads, headers, tailpipes, headlight and turn signals. The engine is dark charcoal gray and matte finish with aluminum accents very tastefully designed and applied. In either case the primary colors dominate the look of the bike except for the engine.

Appearance Features

• Basic engine architecture supports the Vaquero’s factory-custom look, while its blacked-out color with machined and bare-aluminum accents sets off the bike’s color scheme
• Many of the parts are original designs, which adds to the factory-custom look and feel of the Vaquero. These include the engine shrouds, rear fender, one-piece side covers, saddlebags, fairing, seat and cut-down fairing looks like a true custom piece, right down to the abbreviated smoked windscreen and headlight cover.
• Louvre-style fog lamp covers can be replaced with accessory lamps
• Sculpted strut covers seamlessly fill the space between the rear fender and saddlebags
• Sculpted, custom-look seat
• LED taillight is attractive and highly conspicuous when lit for added safety
  

Instrumentation and controls:

Instrument layout is very easy to read and features large round dials with a multi-function LCD display in the center of the instrument console, which is controlled by switches on the right handlebar. LCD features include a gear position indicator, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range and average fuel consumption. Analog displays include speedometer, tachometer and coolant temperature gauge.

All controls are at the rider’s fingertips and easily managed without taking your hands from the grips. 

• Cruise control, engaged and adjusted entirely from the right handlebar, can be activated in 3^rd gear or above at any speed between 30 and 85 mph
• When engaged, cruise control maintains a desired speed even on uphill climbs
• Cruise control is disengaged by one or the other of the following: pressure on the brake lever, clutch lever, rear brake pedal, or manually rolling off the throttle
• Stereo/Intercom/System: Audio system with twin speakers features radio (FM/AM/WX) and compatibility with optional iPod®, XM tuner or CB radio units. The audio system (and your iPod, which plugs easily into the left fairing pocket) can be operated by switches on the left handlebar
• Diagnostic system allows self-testing of the electronic systems on the Vulcan 1700. The system displays codes on the instrumentation, which can be read by owner
• Audio system with twin speakers features radio (FM/AM/WX) and compatibility with optional iPod®, XM tuner or CB radio units
• The audio system (and your iPod, which plugs easily into the left fairing pocket) can be operated by switches on the left handlebar
• Ignition switch allows key removal in the on position, which prevents keys from damaging the black finish tank cover during operation
• Turning the ignition switch collar to the ACC position allows accessories to be used while the engine is off; turning it to the “OFF” position turns the engine off and necessitates re-insertion of the key to restart
  

Performance and Handling:

The Vulcan 1700 Vaquero has sufficient power to move down any highway effortlessly. The 1700cc 52 V-twin really begins to hum when accelerating into the neighborhood of 2,750 rpms: providing 108 ft. lbs of torque. The Vaquero’s 6-speed transmission responds flawlessly and rider experiences effortless and precise gear selection as speed increases. The same is true when downshifting. 

The Vaquero glides into and out of corners and turns manifesting an apparent low center of gravity. Ground clearance is ample.

When braking aggressively with the front brakes, the front of the Vaquero dives a little more than expected. This is not a problem but rider must be prepared for a bit of rebound when coming to a complete stop. The 45mm forks with 5.5 inches of travel are adjustable, and rear shocks are adjustable to match varying riding style and passenger loads.

Handling is influenced by the Vaquero’s compact and strong steel frame allowing a relatively short wheelbase for easy maneuverability especially at low speeds. The Vaquero frame minimizes the number of forged parts and trims any unnecessary metal. The only forged parts are areas that require additional strength: i.e., the down-tube joint, engine brackets, side-stand bracket and rear fender/shock absorber bracket.

The Vaquero travels on 9 spoke cast aluminum wheels and tires,130/90 front and 170/70 rear, that provide solid footing and handling stability.

Performance Features

• Liquid-cooled, four valves per cylinder, fuel-injected 1,700cc 52-degree V-twin engine
• Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke dimensions deliver high torque levels with a distinct V-twin feel
• Valve-actuation system is based on the Vulcan 2000’s, but uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods for quicker revving and enhanced mid-high rpm power
• Small-diameter iridium sparkplugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for high combustion efficiency, especially during low-load operation
• Engine tuning, combined with long-stroke design, offers superior acceleration in the 50-70 mph range
• Fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of intake air (via throttle valve angle) and fuel (via fuel injector timing) delivered to the engine
• Control of both injection and airflow provides easy starting and precise cold-engine idle speed control
• Carbon fiber-reinforced final drive belt offers a 40 percent increase in tensile strength compared to current Kevlar belts

The Vaquero provides a smooth and easy to manage ride. The operator sits upright, with foot controls directly below the knees, providing excellent view of the road ahead. The bike is outfitted with a large wide fairing with abbreviated windscreen and integrated lowers, which provides substantial wind and weather protection by deflecting wind from the rider’s torso. With the fairing mounted to the frame, any wind buffeting is transferred to the bike rather than the handlebar, helping to enhance highway stability and reduce rider fatigue. 

Vaquero owners can settle into the sculpted seat, which is stylish and allows easy reach to the ground (28.7 inches) for all day comfort and many miles.

Comfort Features

• Telescopic fork with 5.5 inches of travel absorbs bumps and road surface imperfections
• Dual adjustable rear air-shocks (swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1 in.) accommodate variations in weight and load  
• Low center of gravity creates less upper body body fatigue
  

Final Comment:

The Vaquero is an easy motorcycle to ride! While it looks aggressive and can be ridden that way, it also handles effortlessly at slow speeds and in heavy traffic. The base price for the motorcycle is $16,499 MSRP. Bikes that some may identify as similar in size, style, and function include Harley-Davidson’s Street Glide, Victory Cross Country, and Yamaha Star Stratoliner Delux. Have fun comparing these models. While they are in the same class, each has its own unique identity. The Vaquero has an independent, adventurous, and cool style all its own.

The Vaquero we rode was provided by Rocky Mountain Kawasaki and Kawasaki Motorcycle Company. Custom features include removable luggage rack and Cobra Tri-Oval slip-on mufflers. 

Click here to learn more about Rocky Mountain Kawasaki and the adventure opportunities available.

Optonal accessories available from Kawasaki for the Vulcan 1700 Vaquero

Kawasaki offers a large number (over 35) of optional accessories, including an iPod connector, XM radio, standard gel seat, dual gel saddle, solo seat, heated solo seat, rider backrest, passenger floorboard kit, saddlebag liners, auxiliary lamps, DC power sockets, GPS mount, billet handlebar clamps, engine cover trim, saddlebag top rails, custom cover and more. See your Kawasaki dealer for more information.

The Vaquero comes with a 36-month, unlimited mileage, limited factory warranty, with an optional 4-year additional coverage plan available.

Click here for a full and complete list of Vaquero specifications, details, and features.