2011 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero
For 2011, Team Green has stepped into the bagger fray with its Vulcan Vaquero, a dark bagger that joins Kawasaki's Vulcan 1700 line of cruisers. Kawasaki took a couple of pages from the Harley playbook in giving the Vaquero a sleek custom stance (a la the Street Glide) while also imbuing it with a blacked-out color scheme and an array of dark components (Dark Custom, anyone?)
Other similarities abound: the Vaquero's 28.7-inch seat height mimics that of the Voyager's and Nomad's, and the 5.3-gallon fuel capacity is found on the entire Vulcan 1700 lineup. And if the trimmed fairing looks familiar, that's because it's been borrowed from the Vulcan Voyager tourer and tweaked a bit.
Out back, the new Vaquero's rear end is distinguished by newly-designed, lockable, side-loading bags--For 2011 Kawasaki continues the bagger segment growth trend with its Vulcan 1700-based Vaquero.
As part of the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero’s name implies, the same 52-degree, SOHC, 1700cc V-Twin that motivates the entire "2011 Vulcan "line (including the Voyager, Classic and Nomad) powers the Vaquero.
A “chopped” frame-mounted fairing – repurposed from the Vulcan Voyager tourer – lends to the Vaquero’s bagger look that’s highly evocative of Harley’s Road Glide.
A few of these Kawi-approved goodies include: grip heaters, dual gel saddle, solo seat, heated solo seat, rider backrest, quick-release backrest, passenger floorboard kit, saddlebag liners, luggage rack, quick-release solo luggage rack, rear engine guards, auxiliary riding lights, DC power sockets, headset kit, GPS mount, billet handlebar clamp, engine cover, saddlebag top and side rails, front fender trim and more
The miles are rolling by effortlessly, thanks to my steed’s comfortable saddle and remarkably smooth ride.
Team Green found a hole in its cruiser lineup. Until now, the cruiser rider who enjoyed big displacement muscle and styling had the Vulcan 1700 Classic to ride, while the more touring oriented set were served by the Vulcan 1700 Voyager. Despite the flowing look, the Vaquero still manages to retain a bold, cruiser look, made more dramatic with the “Volcanic magma matte black” engine finish. A redesigned intake manifold increases volume and is claimed to provide more linear throttle response, though improvements in this department are hard to detect thanks to Kawasaki’s already buttery-smooth Electronic Throttle Valve
This too is claimed to reduce shifting sound and provide smoother torque transfer. In the handling department, the Vaquero gets 45mm forks, larger than the other models in the Vulcan family, with spring rates slightly different to account for the variation in weight. Rear shocks are air adjustable, a process that’s easily done with an accessory pump sold separately. Kawasaki claims the rider triangle is also more expanded than other Vulcan models, to provide “more room for bigger American riders.
Hearing those words had me a little worried since, at 5-foot 8-inches, with a 30-inch inseam, I have a hard enough time reaching the controls on some big-displacement cruisers anyway. Thankfully this wasn’t the case with the Vaquero. It’s a theme mentioned before, but once moving I couldn’t help but notice just how smooth the Vaquero is to ride. Speaking of which, the layout of the Vaquero’s dash is simple and elegant; large, bright analog gauges monitor fuel level, speedometer, tachometer, and engine temperature. Out on the open road, the Vaquero is in its element. Heavier riders will want to opt for the pump to increase rear shock air pressure.
Being a long-distance cruiser, the last thing the Vaquero needs is to refuel in every town. Overall, I think the Vaquero hit its mark. Beginner
New riders should stay far away from the Vaquero, if for no other reason than it’s sheer weight. Intermediate
Intermediate riders may be able to handle the Vaquero if they’re quick learners. Expert
Experienced riders will fully appreciate what the Vaquero has to offer.