Vaquero test ride!

[Gandalf]

Howdy everyone! This is my first post on THIS forum and although I don't yet have a Vaquero, after today it is certainly on my short list and in fact a local powersports dealer is working up a price for me at this time.

I currently ride a 2008 Suzuki C109R cruiser, a 2010 Honda NT700 sport tourer and a Yamaha Zuma 125cc scooter.

I have had a motorcycle license since 1962 and have had over 70 motorcycles from track bikes, desert bikes, trials bikes, 170 mph crotch rockets, BMW's, Goldwings, Harleys and lots of adventure/ dualsport bikes and lots of cruisers from V-max to Vulcans and VTX's from small to large!

Right now though I need cruise control, a nice soft ride and a fine stereo and hard bags on a bike!

My initial feelings about the Vaquero were all positive and I loved the bike. The bright red 2012 was sure pretty and the larger than standard windscreen kept almost all of the air off of my chest area. The ride was as smooth as a Cadillac and it handled the curves well. The cruise and stereo were sure nice at 70 mph and I felt like I could have went on forever. The cruising and touring power (torque) were perfect in the mid-range area but really SOFT on the non-existent 'top-end.'

My only criticism is the lack of power as compared to my current Suzuki 1800cc cruiser or my past VTX1800 that are/ were very impressive in the horsepower and acceleration realm. On the published dyno charts, my Suzuki C109R puts out 117 HP and 110 ft lbs of torque to the rear wheel versus 75 and 105 for the Vaquero. This is not a deal killer and I'm sure the other positive aspects will win out!

This is a nice informative forum and I look forward to participating.

Sam:)

[redjay]

I think the 1700 motor performs well, as well as my 1600 Nomad with aftermarket fuel processor and larger air intake. I dont need the need for speed anymore and while the Voyager/Vaquero is not a speed machine it does what it is designed to do quite well for the price. No bike is perfect in every respect.

[landman]

i just bought my 11 vaquero a few weeks ago and after 1600 miles i couldn't be happier with it.i had a suzuki m109 so i know what you mean
about the power of that motor,having said that the the 1700 has more then adequate power for it's intended purpose.also i think you will find the bright red vaquero you mention is a 2011 model.they should come back with a good deal on that carryover model.

[jestephens]

Just in case it affects the price you want to pay. I too will remind you the Red color Vaquero is 2011. Colors for 2012 are Blue, and a Green/Black.

[cheriann]

My 1700 Vaquero leaves hubby behind at traffic lights on his 1600 Nomad....enough said!!! :tup::P:yep: :tehe: :cheers:

[racinfan101]

Welcome to the forum from Central IL!

[Gandalf]

Thanks for the comments!

The Vaquero I rode was plain black and was their demo. I sort of ASSuMED it was the 2011 model and the bright red gorgeous new one on the floor was the 2012. Come to think of it, the red one has been on the showroom floor for quite some time.:crazy:

What do Ya'll think a GOOD price would be for the red one?

I still can't get over how smooth the ride was as it just sort of floated down the road.:tup:

Sam:)

[GTS1998]

My buddy paid $14K out the door here in California (including 8.25% tax and license) for his black 2011 Vaquero a few months ago.

I paid $14K out the door last September for a new 2010 Voyager.

I hope that helps!

[IndyRay]

I paid 12.4 plus tax last week for a new 2011 black. My only complaint is the lack of a real windshield and the seat has to go. I've had everything from a Boss Hoss, goldwings, valkyries, ST1300, etc and I loved the look of this bike. Very smooth on the rode and handles well for a big bike. My first street bike was a KZ650 I bought in Pensacola, FL in A school in 1981, so I guess it's come full circle.

[landman]

somewhere between 13k and 14k depending on local economy.in many areas
the big bikes are not selling well.

[haygrrr]

East coast is running about 14k. They aren't selling well out here but that was good news for me! 2012 Harley with same options was 8700 bucks more than my 2011 leftover... No brainer...

[Dave]

what do ya'll think a good price would be for the red one?

$5,000

[spil99]

Don't know about the Vaquero. But the voyager has a $1000.00 rebate. If that helps with your decision.