2019 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero First Ride Review [Japanese Harley?!] 

Thanks for the GREAT review. It is an excellent motorcycle from Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Kawasaki motorcycles came from their ship and warplane divisions. Some of them, just like the Honda Goldwing were made (assembled) here. Their plant in Nebraska made more cruiser motorcycles than Harley Davidson each year. Kawasaki made motorcycles in the USA for 30 years. I have ridden the Vulcan series from the 1999 Kawasaki Drifter (1500cc) 78,000 miles - on up. A 2004 Kawasaki 1600 Standard (22,000 miles) traded in on a rare 2006 Kawasaki Nomad 1600 (rare here in Hawaii). I loved the 1600 standard but, the Nomad was the epitome of the Vulcan line. IMHO, the 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1600 (44,000 miles) is probably a "perfect" cruiser motorcycle. Easy to ride, easy to maintain, shaft drive, self adjusting valves, easy and cheap to modify to get another 15 hp out of it, fantastically reliable, could log over 100,000 miles without an engine overhaul, or even valve job. Clutches were amazingly easy to beef up. The biggest downside to the 1600 bikes was the 5 speed trans that was a 4 speed + 25%. The Vaquero's 6 speed is the real deal, however the gearing is really, really tall and takes the old timers a little bit of getting used to it. It is a cruiser not a bar hopper. Plus the Vaquero, like the Nomads - simply looked as good as they rode. Please let me qualify my opinion a bit, I am a motorcyclist (7 days a week) not just a motorcycle rider. Still a racer, mechanic and innovator for motorcycles, airplanes and firearms. Have written for the periodics for 35 years. I am a master Locksmith, and Pistolsmith. I specialize in rebuilding antique motorcycles (Indians) and airplanes (the Strega P51 racer in Reno, Nevada). Have been riding motorcycles full time since 1964. Have owned, ridden, fixed, maintained, modified over 44 different motorcycles, 11 brands and models, including 4 different Harley Davidsons (1951 61 cubic inch, 1,000 cc panhead - my birth year, 1969 ElectraGlide (the year I started serving in Vietnam), 1977 AMF Sportster - worst motorcycle ever made, and a 2006 HD Roadking - the hottest most uncomfortable, worst new motorcycle i have owned). I have raced Triumph and Kawasaki Mach III motorcycles in 1/8 mile drag strips in Eugene, Oregon for 3 years and track racing with a Yamaha RD 350 in Nevada and California for 2 years. I still think Keith Code needs more practice trail braking, especially when he is in front of me. ....the new 1700 Vaquero, and other similar Kawasaki models. A remarkable motorcycle no one has ever heard of. Download the free manual for the bike at manualslib.com . No I don't work for them. .............The maintenance on these motorcycles is nearly non-existant. It doesn't really need any. Don't let a dealership screw you out of $500 to bring it in a few times a year and have them basically do NOTHING to it. If you are a motorcyclist...tighten your own bolts, change your own oil. Jesus an 11 year old girl can maintain a Vaquero. Noted below.... In my opinion....The Vulcan engine needs to be re-cammed to bring out the beast in it. And it does! Don't let the horsepower fantasy formula fool you. Horsepower is a theory, torque is king. This engine has gobs of torque and the potential of more. It needs to be tuned for higher octane gas. This is not hard to do (see Ivans below). 1. A good cam (ok there are two of them) will make it come alive. More than any other mod. Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go. (the engine has to come out - ka ching....) 2. You can waste money (for no real gain) with different mufflers or just knock out the baffles in these. The catalytic converter is in the front part of the pipe and is fairly easy to just push out with a big ball bearing and a 1/2 ton vertical press at any machine shop. 15 minutes. No need for drilling or welding. The O2 sensor is in the front of the right hand side pipe. Just leave it there, but tell IVANS what you did, when you flash the ECU. 3. You can waste $500 on fancy air intake, or just rip all that crap out of the insides of the intake and put a good K&N filter in it. It will do the same thing. The K&N filter is cleanable and is the same price as the throw away filter from the Dealership. Plus it breathes better. 4. A Power Commander will suck up more gas and give some good results and cost $300'ish, or..... ** 5. An Ivans Performance Flash of the ECU will make the single biggest difference in throttle response and rideability, plus let you run higher octane gas with his new timing scheme. $350'ish. No I don't work for them. Do it with the money you saved on exhaust pipes and intake breathers. 6. Oil and Filter. My 11 year old girl neighbor can and has changed the oil on my Vulcan. Why would you take it into the shop? and buy an $80 oil/filter kit plus $20-$40 labor? It will cost $20 if you do it at home. *** OIL. Rotella T4 Triple 15w/40w (the white bottle) is made for Taxi's and Big truck engines. Hawaii is warmer, we dont' need the 10w/40w. Many race bikes use it. It is half dinosaur/half synthetic. It's perfect and does not affect the clutch. $12 for gallon of it on sale. That is the price of ONE quart at the dealers. Get two gallons. Use the rest in your car. Takes 5 quarts in the Vaquero if you use a long oil filter - read below. Fill the oil filter half full before you put it on - only "hand tight". Don't forget a new washer for the oil drain bolt. It too is just a bit more than hand tight. I change oil every 5,000 miles. ( I run Rotella in my 1946 Chief too, and on the door hinges of my house, etc.). *** FILTER. We use 6 dollar "long length" (3 1/2 inch long) oil filters made for Mazda Miata's, the exact same filter used on Goldwings, Harley, Indian and Yamaha cruisers. I use Bosch 3323, or Mobil 1 M1-110 most of the time. ****Never ever use a Fram POS in anything****. 7. Spark Plug. Iridium Spark plugs change at 50,000 miles whether they need it or not. The Vaquero went to a single spark plug design, unlike the Vulcans 1600 that used dual plugs. Personally the dual plug set up was better. That piston is 4 inches flat across !!! and has a tiny 4 inch stroke. My 1946 Indian has a 3 1/2 inch piston and a 5 1/2" stroke AND it is a friggen kickstart. You try pushing two 7-1 compression ratio pistons through 11 inches of travel - each - until it starts...... 8. Belt Drive. It is good. Not as good as a shaft, but reliable. Don't let them kid you about how hard it is to adjust one. There is nothing to it, and you do not need a "laser kit". Jesus. Get a $12 belt tensioner tool from Amazon. Remember some bikes want the tension measure pushing UP, some want it PULLING DOWN. Get it right. Watch a couple youtube video's, done in 15 minutes. Don't skimp on the price of a new belt, get the best you can. 9. Headlight. We replace the headlight light bulb from the 35 watt to a 100 watt Sylvania H3 halogen off road model. It is cheap, but you have to get the high temp rubber housing for the back of it, or it will melt some wires back there. These light bulbs are not tested for perfect hiway pattern, and can vary from bulb to bulb a little bit where the light pattern goes. Get a few of them and pick your favorite, keep the other as an emergency spare. The difference in light tossed out there is significant. 10....We all got mirror extenders. Might try one of those new helmets with a rear view ;-) 11. The linked braking Works. Moto Guzzi has used it for years. My Yamaha Venture Royale used it. It is totally cool, add ABS and it rocks. When applied, it will use the opposite side brake in the front with more bias than the same side front brake as the rear brake side. .......We use SUMO brake pads ($12 a set on Ebay). It is ridiculously easy to swap out brake pads. The neighbor kid can do the rear in 15 minutes. Change your master cyl juice at 50K. Change your clutch master cyl juice at 50 K too. dot 4 is fine. Pretty sure that is what they come with. ***12. Tires. ***Warning, I have ridden on the Darkside for 24 years, on EVERY cruiser bike I have owned. FRONT TIRE. Quite a few of us replace the factory front tire of the bike with the "exact same size" REAR Motorcycle Tire, usually a Dunlop (130/90 16"). Why? It has more rubber on it and lasts longer. Plus the patterns shed water better. (don't worry about reversing the arrow thing, doesn't matter). Steers the same as the new "rubber deficient" motorcycle front tires. Mine last 18-20,000 miles - on a good year. "can" make a little more highway noise on some surfaces. Not much. REAR TIRE...for you faint of heart, weekend warriors - Please avert your eyes for your own peace of mind. - ...For the motorcyclists out there, about 20 of us Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 and 1700 (and new Indian Chief) owners use car tires. Most of what you heard about using them on motorcycles is BS. There are about 3 brands/models suitable, but the Bridgestone Steel Belted High Performance Turanza Radial tire has the "roundest" shape. 190/65 r16 - (about 7 1/2 inches wide) mount on the standard Kawasaki mag type rim easily. I put mine on at home with some long tire irons. I have 38,744 miles on mine now and there is a ton of tread left.

Okay good review. Here's my take: Bought the 2018 last year (2018) for 13,999. Bought mirror extenders for a few dollars. Solved that issue. Bought a taller tinted windshield. (About 60 bucks) Looks great and no buffetting. Had to have a backrest after 4 back operations. (About 100 bucks). Had Ivan's do the flash. (400 with shipping but well worth it). Rode to Sturgis with my buddy this year and absolutely no issues. (Total about 3000 miles). As far as mileage; I have never gotten less than 39 MPG. As high as 42 MPG. I LOVE this bike. Everything you said about it is true. But it can be "fixed" for a few hundred and no more than a couple grand if you want to do Ivan's and put pipes on it. You are still thousands less than any HD. While in Sturgis , I test road Harley's top of the line road glide (the Harley Vaquero) and yes it was awesome in regards to power and electronics. With that said, it MSRP'ed at over $40,000. I will stick with my beloved Vaquero. I'm thinking about pipes for it just for the hell of it. Anyway, thanks for the review.

If anyone plans on buying a Vaquero or Voyager plan on getting the ECU flashed from Ivan's performance. My recommendation would be to that day one or after break in. The "gummy" throttle he talked about will be gone plus a lot of other benefits aside from the obvious power increase.

Had a Harley Electra Glide twin cam that I traded for a 2016 Vaquero two years ago still in the crate. Absolutely without question a much better engine in the Vaquero. Put Cobra slip-on mufflers and had Ivan remap the computer.. Absolutely awesome bike just a steal for the money. Usually get at least 45 miles to the gallon. No engine leaks, quiet smooth running engine no valve noises Etc, nice Rumble with a slip on mufflers, no issues, just a great riding bike.

I didn't shop around, bought it on impulse so to speak, got a 21' this year (22') for about $18k, brand new leftover w/1mi on the odometer when they delivered it. Got great financing through Service Credit Union at only 3.72%, possibly being a Vet and having an 821 credit rating helped. Had everything paid off, I'd priced Indians, Harleys and Goldwing's, this was by far the best deal for what you get vs. price. It's my first "Bagger", I've mostly ridden 2 different 79' KZ 1000 ST's and a 79' GL1000 naked wing in the 16yrs I've had my MC Lic. I live in SE NH, many of the roads here are winding, curves, blind spots, and it handles pretty well. Just trying to get used to the different handling characteristics vs. my previous bikes. I've already dragged the floorboards a couple of times, but then again, I dragged the pegs on my KZ a few times. I added the luggage rack/passenger seat back and the charging port to mine so far. The windshield is on the potential list though. Been having a ton of roadwork on Rte 101 here in NH, and it handles great on the cheese grater surface as well as changing surfaces/handling bumps/going onto newly paved areas w/a 1-2" height difference. I've been commuting to work, 3rd shift, Rte 101 to I-95, Toll booths, exits, side streets. Next step, a passenger, my wife.🙂

Excellent review, Duke. Nive to see someone well informed. An outstanding channel. I wish you much success.

I have a 2012 and its actually a very fun motorcycle. Did a long distance ride with it and no problem. Only thing I find that Kawasaki should work on is the ECU. It doesn't run as smooth as it should be. There is someone i think in New York that made it good. Ivan Ecu...BTW this bike is fast. I took it over 3 digit easily.

If you're buying a big v-twin, you're buying torque. Horsepower is at best an afterthought :)

Intake exhaust and Ivan tune 95 hp 120 tq. I have the 2018 and absolutely love it. The only bike that is better in my eyes is the new Indian challenger. I shouldn’t have test ridden the challenger 🤦‍♂️

Found this video right on time. Was at a dealership yesterday looking for a Yammy Eluder and saw this. Now I'm conflicted on which bike because I love the Eluder front fairing more, but the rear section of the Vaquero better. Heck for the price I could actually by both and still be cheaper than a Harley.

Great vlog mate, always quality, I've had 2 Vulcan classics, this one looks great as step up, luv these bikes

The bike is 844.5 lbs with all operating fluids and the seat height is 28.7 yes I do own one a 2017 and love it

I agree with everything you’ve said except for the mirrors and cruise control. I know you said you’re nitpicking. I just picked one up on Monday and absolutely love it! The balance is way above what my expectations were, especially for the weight. The mirrors….with the bars swept back, for someone your height, they are a little in the way. I had them moved forward (I’m 6ft) and it isn’t an issue. Cruise control….I thought it was pretty straight forward and intuitive. But this is my first bike with CC. Great review on this bike! Just wanted to comment on the 2 things you pointed out, as far as someone who is taller and has the bars more upright.

Please do not insult japanese bikes by saying they compare or can compete with HD's. All bikes are superior to harleys. In price, quality and value for money. You should be saying that harleys are trying to compare to all other brands. There is nothing that a hd bike can claim to be a leader at.The only place harleys excel is volume of mufflers.

I’ve been looking at these and the Yamaha stratoliner deluxes great contenders for Harley way less money and comes with all the bells and whistles

My tastes are sport touring bikes but that has to be the best looking cruiser style bike I've ever seen. I love the color scheme too.

"You probably just wanna see me have a good time." You're not wrong. Also I'm looking at *maybe* getting one of these.

I've had a 2005 Nomad (totaled it) and I currently own a 2010 V2K I bought new in 2012. I would probably still have the Nomad had I not totaled it. I've bobbed the V2K from the touring trim we had it set up in before we got our Goldwing. I must say, the Vulcans are some of the best bikes anyone could buy -comfortable, reliable, smooth, quick. My V2K is a beast and I've done an iron butt on it, no problem. Awesome bikes. My hard-core Sporty dude brother has even converted to the Vulcan.

Sharp presentation with a unique perspective, Thanks !!!!!

You can remove the key and put it in your pocket while riding and when done, turn the switch off. Lovely bike for the money

Mirrors were installed forward they come at the levers side they can be adjusted if necessary, power band is pretty good, cruise control who needs it, it’s a motorcycle enjoy the ride!!!

The mirrors and controls are turned more forward on mine so I know that needs adjusted. 23,000 miles on mine with only tires, gas and oil changes. Smiles per miles.

I have the 2014, great bike for what it was designed for. Ivan performance made it more enjoyable. I have a windvest 8" windshield and it keeps me wind free, I'm about the same height as you, just over 5'8.5". Don't over ride it and it is great.

I love those New Braunfels roads. Made a day of it from there to Boerne, then out to Driftwood and back to San Marcos. I've actually been looking at this bike a bit more every day. Want a Harley, just because of the feel of it. Yet, haven't had a chance to ride one of these. As the dealerships here won't allow test rides. Depsite the fact that all the Harley dealerships let me take out bikes worth so much more. By myself. So, thanks for the review.

I woulda let it slide but I just can’t get on board with that statement, it’s the opposite of impressive, it’s surely adequate yes but I’m disappointed in that its a Japanese bike, I want Japanese precision, they should beat Harley numbers performance wise while delivering generic harley styling. I just feel as though they should have been able to produce a torque rich bottom end with a slight surge available up top, would be nice if these guys made 110hp or more :)

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

Would love to know your video/audio setup - quality is top shelf!

I have this bike. I just took all the silly decals off it and painted the tank. IMO improved the looks 100%.... Also, Ivan's flash, Cobra Tri Flos, Roaring Toys air cleaner kit. All for under $19,000.00

I got a Suzuki intruder 1500lc a couple months ago and was really impressed with that bike also. The weight is way down low for a big bike and has a lot of power to take you anywhere. Also really comfy. Love your videos man stoked for more!

The peak torque is at 2750 which gives 56 HP at that point, but, on a heavy bike, it is torque that is important. Torque does the heavy lifting, moving the bike and HP pretty much tells where the ability to do work falls off. Torque and RPM define Hp, so to change HP, you have to modify the TQ curve in some way, either by increasing TQ at the existing RPM or making the same TQ at a higher RPM. Example: change peak TQ to 115 lb/ft makes 60HP at 2750 or 107.6 lb/ft @3200RPM makes 62.5 HP. The same goes for the entire RPM range, so a flatter TQ curve will give better HP results.

Beautiful roads man.. Perfect for cruising. Nice review. Would love to own a vaquero in the future.. Greeting from the Philippines...

I could never get drawn into cruisers outside of HD, plus they killed it with their Milwaukee 8 motor. But hey, if you ride regardless of the make you have my respect

I’m a busa guy and I came across a new leftover for a good deal. And I must say it’s hard for me not to like it. If I had to complain i would complain how hot it runs. And losing bolts out of the air cleaner. Otherwise I really like the bike.

Can you review the kawasaki 900 classic as well !!! Awesome review i own the 2017 Vulcan it's green ,man is it green ,,love it to bits Keep up the good work as I am new your site love your work

The problem you described with the mirror placement looks to be the fault of the Installation either from the factory or the dealership. All of the controls are rolled back toward the driver. They should be rolled forward into a more upright position. They were just not installed correctly

I bought a 2016 Vaquero new from dealership... I found that it wasn't too quick.. When it hit 2200 miles, it really started pulling.. I guess it took time to break in..

I thought it was weird that they didn’t list the horsepower on the 636. It makes 115 to the wheel! They should be proud of that

If possible, can you do a detailed review of the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom? I really enjoy your reviews. Keep up the good work!

Great review I can't wait to pick up mine 2022 Saturday

In case you didn't know it a brand new motor and your running the RPM 4000 plus constantly. This is way out of its designed range for a new motor. Read the owners manual next time under the heading "new engine break in" . And BTW..the "side cases" are called saddle bags.

River Road is one of my favorite short weekend rides. Nice bike, been thinking about picking one up.

top speed of 149mph id like to see someone do a top speed run on this i highly doubt 149 mph top speed...

Man, your stuff is looking slick these days

Im looking around for a big boy bike once i get the appropriate licence in a few months. I like the look of this so this could be a potential option

Duke I would suggest when riding big V Twins like this to shift to higher gears that you would on a inline 4 sport bike. You don't have to rev the V Twins like you do the 4s.

Really needs a radio update. Touchscreen, Bluetooth, maps, etc. Who want to listen to fm radio and CB in 2020?

I see what you mean by those mirrors. That would drive me crazy. Aside from that, awesome bike and great review!

Jeez that looks SMOOTH

Really dig these bikes. One common theme seems to be with overall performance and throttle response needing work. Ivan's Performance Products offers an ECU reflash that I've heard drastically wakes up the bike. Wish I would have done it on my Stryker.

This is my dream bike ❤️

Great review. You just got a new subscriber from Brazil.

I saw this bike few days ago, thought it is Harley, but in reality it is even more beautifull, more sporty...

Man! It sound smooth af..

I want to see a review of the 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 classic, please.

Love the review but would like to know how would it be like riding this through traffic like lane splitting

i run right around 40 mpg on my 2012 Vaquero with ivan flash and cobra tir-flo slip ons

My Damn I hope to live somewhere beautiful like that one day. And on a different note, I'm strongly considering switching from a HD to a Vaquero. Just trying to get over the stigma

If I was a few inches taller I would have bought a vaquero. I ended up with a 900 classic lt because I’m too short. I love the bike but the features of the vaquero are awesome.

Great review... one thing i always get a kick out of though... how people make a big deal out of the AM/FM radio..... seriously.... does it have Bluetooth ? For those of us that haven't drank the Apple flavoured cool aid it's about being able to stream music from my phone regardless of the branding on it...

I couldn't get mine to come in the cruise. I have to find out what I'm doing wrong.

If those numbers are right, it seems a bit low. My vulcan 900 custom is putting nearly that power out with 800 bucks in upgrades.

Great video you remind me of the younger version of SRK cycles another great video of a dealership of bikes videos.

I saw a 2021 16k i need to sit on one and see how it feels

I’m sure Kawasaki could keep their rounded smooth design,and make that rear hard luggage open from the top.The Japanese are brilliant,no argument there,but wouldn’t you think that most riders out there load small bits and pieces that would be agitating to get in and out as they would constantly topple and try to fall out,as you open and shut those things from the side.

They still have that bike in the showroom.....I've been looking at getting it the past couple of days

This was great, good job :)

Great review! I used to live in Northport and that looks like right up the road; no?

Great video subscribed to your channel thinking of an upgrade from the Vulcan 900 custom.

Great review! Thanks for sharing

I sat on one of these a few years ago and didn't notice the mirrors being a problem. I did notice the bike seemed really heavy picking it up off of the side stand. Looked like a nice bike with good fit and finish and beautiful paint. What kind of fuel mileage on this?

How is this bike for inner city riding? I test drove the road glide was pretty shifty and didn’t feel to heavy. But the price is crazy smh

Also known as the VN1700 VOYAGER it has 72HP @ 5000rpm and 108 lb-ft Torque at 2750rpm

😆 I love Van Nuys pipes. Great review man.,

Very cool

I have never ridden a bike w a fairing....how is the viewing window?

If the vaquero is a Japanese harley then the liquid cooled bike harley is making are harley Japanese bikes. If you can't beat them joine them. And by the way that is a VAQUERO, a reliable vehicle.

I'm not going to touch this bike for a year because Kawasaki did a great job with this bike

I love Vulcan bikes! Any member of Vulcan Riders Owners Club over here?

How are the mirrors, crisp? the wind management? Still air? Top heavy? Revs at cruising speed, fuel mileage over a tank full? Power lacking, gear box clunky or smooth? Shaft drive jacking?

Compared to the Vulcan VN900 how close is the handling?

27 to 30 mpg? My 2011 got 38 to 42 mpg. Want to check that again?

Dear duke, your coverage of this motorbike is very impressive, but I have a question. Does this bike have the feature of going back by pressing a button like the gold wenge .. Greetings to you and good luck for your future fun covers. Mr. TALAL A. ALMOWALLED (K. S. A)

Drive by wire not cable is the response difference

Duke id love to know your opinion on the Indian chieftain and/or the Indian challenger

I like the high length gloves. Where can I get those?

Barrowed my brother's cause my bike was down great handling no vibration could hold throttle with my pinkie at 120mph, just bars sucked even pushed forward and damn clam shell bags

just bought a 2011 vaquero and would like to kn who makes the best after marker parts , thanks for the help

I just bought a Vulcan S but now I want this lol

Love this bike...I have a 2012 model and it has been awesome. My wife has told me if i want a new one to go find what i want. I have sat on several HD's and Indians both are nice but not going to pay 30,000 for a bike that is not near as nice as the one i have in the Garage. Awesome bike...

Kudos for saying "LOW speeds"!

The only downsides are the cost of aftermarket parts... You'll save money on motorcycle insurance... Save money on bike cost.... But you will spend double for most aftermarket parts...

I never get why people want to compare certain cruisers and baggers to Harley’s that’s just nuts, you never hear or see anyone comparing Harley’s to any other motorcycle manufacturers the fanboying of Harley is just a bit much.

Good review,but when one with Nomad?

Fixed Fairing versus Fork mounted..? Because the Headlight movement.? And vaquero in Spanish means ( cowboy )...

Duke i love your videos

Duke I just bought mine today. I put the first 75 miles on it to get home and the engine was heating up, so I let it cool off . Does this bike have battery tender terminal???? All the bikes I ve had has this

Wind Cowl? It’s a Fairing and in America we call it a Passenger Seat not a pillion. God damn! Next you’ll be saying “zed” instead of Z. Oh and BTW there called Saddlebags not “side cases” damn. It’s a Bagger man take it up onto I-35 and run it at 70-75 for a few miles and give people a review of its traveling capabilities!😎

Best bike out there.

Yea it’s cheaper then a harley but the bike has remained unchanged sense 2012, the new Harley’s have LED lights all the way around, the vulcan only has LED tail lights, the harleys have gps Apple car play, and Bluetooth, the vulcan has none of that just a standard radio, the harley is even lighter, and the harley is supported in the aftermarket there are thousands of aftermarket parks to customize a harley not to mention more color choices, the vulcan has limited aftermarket support and only has one color per model year I would rather pay more for the harley and have more of a bike not to mention I like being able to test ride a bike before I buy which you can do with harley most metric bike dealers will not let you test right in fact the bikes set on the show room floor with no fluids, so you don’t get to ride the bike tile you’ve bought it

They don't publish their horsepower ratings for insurance purposes on their higher-end bikes